HK40016601B

HK40016601B - Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

Info

Publication number: HK40016601B
Application number: HK62020006344.9A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 杰里米·L·康奈尔; 卡伦·S·迪莫夫; 艾米丽·法里纳; 乔尔·里普·格林斯潘; 斯特凡·E·格斯特; 德里克·海特; 奥利维尔·亨里绍; 海伦妮·哈钦森; 罗庚; 克里西·耶特曼
Original assignee: 耐克创新有限合伙公司
Priority date: 2017-02-01
Filing date: 2018-02-01
Publication date: 2022-02-04

Description

Stacking cushioning device for a sole structure

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application 62/453,406 filed on 2017, month 2 and 1, 2017, priority from U.S. provisional application 62/517,129 filed on 2017, month 6 and 8, priority from U.S. provisional application 62/543,780 filed on 2017, month 8 and 10, and priority from U.S. non-provisional application No.15/886,571 filed on 2018, month 2 and 1, 35u.s.c. § 119 (e). The disclosures of these prior applications are considered to be part of the disclosure of the present application and the entire disclosures of these prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear, and more particularly, to sole structures for articles of footwear.

Background

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed of any suitable material that receives, secures, and supports the foot on the sole structure. The upper may be fitted with laces, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper proximate a bottom surface of the foot is attached to the sole structure.

The sole structure generally includes a layered arrangement extending between the ground and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides both wear resistance and traction with the ground. The outsole may be formed of rubber or other material that imparts durability and wear-resistance and enhances traction with the ground. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is typically at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that resiliently compresses under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground reaction forces. The midsole may define a bottom surface on a side opposite the outsole and a footbed on an opposite side, which may be contoured to conform to the contour of the bottom surface of the foot. The sole structure may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or sockliner located within the void adjacent the bottom portion of the upper.

Midsoles using polymer foam materials are typically constructed as individual plates that compress resiliently under an applied load, such as during walking or running activities. In general, the design of single panel polymer foams focuses on balanced cushioning properties related to the flexibility and responsiveness of the panel when compressed under gradient loads. A polymer foam that provides too soft cushioning will decrease the compressibility of the midsole and the ability of the midsole to attenuate ground reaction forces after repeated compressions. Conversely, polymer foams that are too stiff and therefore respond very quickly sacrifice softness, resulting in a loss of comfort. While the density, hardness, energy recovery, and material selection of different regions of a panel made from polymer foam may vary to balance the flexibility and responsiveness of the panel as a whole, it is difficult to form a single panel made from polymer foam that is loaded in a gradient fashion from flexibility to responsiveness.

Drawings

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 illustrating an alternative cushioning structure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 illustrating an alternative cushioning structure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 illustrating an alternative cushioning structure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 illustrating an alternative cushioning structure;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 illustrating an alternative cushioning structure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 illustrating an alternative cushioning structure;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8;

FIG. 15 is a side view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 15, taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 15 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 22 illustrating an alternative cushioning structure;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 15 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 22 illustrating an alternative cushioning structure;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 15 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 22 illustrating an alternative cushioning structure;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 15 incorporating an alternative sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 15;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a partial bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 26, taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 30, taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 34, taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 38, taken along line 40-40 of FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 42, taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 42;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 47 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 46, taken along line 48-48 of FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 46;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 51 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 50;

FIG. 53A is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 50, taken along line 53A-53A of FIG. 52;

FIG. 53B is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 50, taken along line 53B-53B of FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 55 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 54;

FIG. 57A is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 54, taken along line 57A-57A of FIG. 56;

FIG. 57B is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 54, taken along line 57B-57B of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 59 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 58;

FIG. 61A is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 58, taken along line 61A-61A of FIG. 60; and

fig. 61B is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of fig. 58, taken along line 61B-61B of fig. 60.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements (e.g., "between … …" and "directly between … …", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.) should be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms are used herein without implying a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "lower," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein to facilitate description of the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Referring to the figures, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A midsole is provided and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is attached to the outsole and includes a first segment extending from the forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward the heel region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion, the second segment being spaced apart from the first segment by a gap along a longitudinal axis of the midsole. At least one plate extends from the midsole into the gap, and a cushioning element is disposed in the gap of the midsole and is joined to the plate.

Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, a first end of the plate is joined to the first section of the midsole, a second end of the plate is joined to the second section of the midsole, and a middle portion of the plate extends from the first end to the second end through the gap and is joined to the buffer.

The first end of the plate may be embedded within the first section of the midsole and the second end of the plate may be embedded within the second section of the midsole. In some examples, the first end of the plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first section of the midsole, and the second end of the first plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the second section of the midsole.

In some implementations, the middle portion of the plate is disposed between the cushion and the upper portion of the midsole. Here, the cushioning members may include a first cushioning member disposed proximate an inner side of the sole structure, the first cushioning member having a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole, and a second cushioning member disposed proximate an outer side of the sole structure, the second cushioning member having a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole. The second dampener may be fluidly isolated from the first dampener.

In other implementations, the cushioning member may be disposed between the middle portion of the plate and the upper portion of the midsole. Here, the cushion includes a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between an upper portion of the midsole and a medial portion of the plate, and a second cushion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the medial portion of the plate, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

The plates may include a first plate disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the buffer, and a second plate extending from the lower portion of the midsole and disposed between the buffer and the outsole. Optionally, at least one of the first and second plates is formed of carbon fiber.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The sole structure also includes a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is attached to the outsole and includes a first segment extending from the forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward the heel region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion, the second segment being spaced apart from the first segment by a gap along a longitudinal axis of the midsole. The cushion member is disposed in the gap of the midsole and includes a first cushion member disposed proximate an inner side of the sole structure and a second cushion member disposed proximate an outer side of the sole structure. The second buffer is isolated from the first buffer. The first plate is joined to each of the first section of the midsole, the second section of the midsole, and the cushion.

Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the cushion includes a first cushion having a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate the lateral side of the sole structure includes a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the outsole. The second buffer is fluidly isolated from the first buffer. In some examples, at least one of the first and second fluid-filled chambers includes a tensile member disposed therein.

In some implementations, at least one of the first and second fluid-filled chambers includes a tensile member disposed therein. The first fluid-filled chamber may be aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber in a direction extending from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure.

In some configurations, the sole structure includes a second plate spaced from the first plate and having a first end joined to the first section of the midsole, a second end joined to the second section of the midsole, and a middle portion joined to a cushioning member such that the cushioning member is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Optionally, the second plate is formed of carbon fibre. Here, the buffer member includes: a first cushion comprising a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole; and a second cushion comprising a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, such that the second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Optionally, the sole structure further includes a third plate disposed between the cushion and the outsole. A third plate is engaged to each of the first section of the midsole and the cushioning element. At least one of the second plate and the third plate may include a cutout formed between the first section and the buffer.

In some examples, the first end of the second plate includes a first notch defining a first pair of tabs, the second end of the second plate includes a second notch defining a second pair of tabs, the first pair of tabs being embedded in the first section of the lower portion of the midsole, and the second pair of tabs being embedded in the second section of the lower portion of the midsole.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The first cushion is disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to an upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is disposed proximate the lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second buffer is fluidly isolated from the first buffer.

Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the first section is formed along the first side surface, the second section is formed in the first region of the ground engaging surface, and the third section is formed along the second side surface.

In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber may be fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber, and the third fluid-filled chamber may be fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber. Further, the first dampener may be spaced apart and separated from the second dampener.

The first cushion can be disposed closer to a front end of the sole structure than the second cushion. The third cushion can be disposed between the second cushion and the rear end of the sole structure. The third cushion may include a fifth fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a sixth fluid-filled chamber attached to the fifth fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the fifth fluid-filled chamber and the upper.

The outsole may include an outer sole member forming an upper surface and a series of traction elements extending from the outer sole member at the ground-engaging surface. In one configuration, the traction elements are formed from an elastic material. In another configuration, the traction elements are formed from a compressible material. In yet another configuration, the traction elements are formed of a rigid material. Regardless of the traction element configuration, the outer sole plate member may be formed of a rigid material.

The plate member may extend from a front end toward a rear end of the sole structure. The first and second bumpers may be disposed between the plate member and the upper surface of the outsole.

In one configuration, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth fluid-filled chambers includes a tensile member disposed therein.

The first bumper may form a first protrusion in the ground-engaging surface, and the second bumper may form a second protrusion in the ground-engaging surface. The first projection may be offset from the second projection in a direction extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber may be aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber. Further, the third fluid-filled chamber may be aligned with the fourth fluid-filled chamber.

The outsole may extend from the second cushion to a front end of the sole structure. The cushioning element may be disposed between the upper surface of the outsole and the upper. The cushioning element may be disposed between the front end of the sole structure and the first cushion. In one configuration, the cushioning element is formed from foam. Additionally, the cushioning element may taper in a direction toward the front end of the sole structure.

In another configuration, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The first cushion is disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to an upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is disposed proximate the lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second bumper is offset from the first bumper in a direction extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

The first bumper may form a first protrusion in the ground-engaging surface, and the second bumper may form a second protrusion in the ground-engaging surface.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A midsole of the sole structure is attached to the outsole and includes an upper portion and a lower portion that define a gap. The lower portion includes a first section extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion and a second section extending from a heel region of the upper portion. The buffer member is disposed in the gap of the midsole, the first plate is disposed between the buffer member and an upper portion of the midsole, and the second plate is joined to the first section of the midsole and the buffer member.

In some examples, the cushion includes a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

The first end of the second plate may be joined to the first section of the midsole and the second end of the second plate may be joined to the second section of the midsole. In some examples, the first end of the second plate is embedded within the first section of the midsole. In some examples, the second end of the second plate is embedded within the second section of the midsole. In some examples, the second end of the second plate is joined to a forefoot-facing sidewall of the second segment.

The first end of the first plate may be disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first section of the midsole, and the second end of the first plate may be disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first section of the midsole.

In some examples, the second plate includes a concave middle portion having a constant radius of curvature from a forward-most point to a metatarsophalangeal point of the sole structure.

Alternatively, the cushion may include a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the first plate and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the second plate. The cushion may further include a second cushion disposed proximate the lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the first plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the second plate, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

The second plate may extend from the first section of the midsole to the second section of the midsole. The first end of the second plate may be joined to the forward end of the first section, and the second end of the second plate may be embedded within the second section of the midsole.

The middle portion of the second plate is curved upward and may include a damper disposed intermediate the cushion and the second section of the midsole. The damper is configured to minimize transmission of torsional forces from the intermediate portion to the second section.

The midsole may also include a rib extending between the first segment and the second segment and transversely bisecting the cushioning member.

Referring to fig. 1-7, an article of footwear 10 is provided, and the article of footwear 10 includes an upper 12 and a sole structure 14 attached to the upper 12. The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more zones. These regions may include forefoot region 16, midfoot region 18, and heel region 20. Forefoot region 16 may correspond with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges of the foot. The midfoot region 18 may correspond with the arch region of the foot and the heel region 20 may correspond with the rear portion of the foot including the calcaneus bone. Article of footwear 10 may additionally include medial side 22 and lateral side 24, medial side 22 and lateral side 24 corresponding with opposite sides of article of footwear 10 and extending through regions 16, 18, 20.

The upper 12 includes an interior surface that defines an interior space 26, and the interior space 26 receives and secures the foot for supporting the foot on the sole structure 14. An ankle opening 28 in heel region 20 may provide access to interior space 26. For example, ankle opening 28 may receive a foot to secure the foot within void 26 and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from void 26. In some examples, one or more fasteners 30 extend along the upper 12 to adjust the fit of the interior space 26 around the foot while accommodating entry and removal of the foot from the interior space 26. The upper 12 may include apertures 32, such as eyelets, to receive the fasteners 30 and/or other engagement features, such as fabric loops or mesh loops. The fasteners 30 may include laces, cords, hooks and loops, and any other suitable type of fastener.

The upper 12 may additionally include a tongue 34 extending between the interior space 26 and the fastener 30. The upper 12 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched together or adhesively bonded together to form the interior space 26. Suitable materials for upper 12 may include textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. These materials may be selected and positioned such that: the properties of durability, air permeability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and comfort are imparted to the foot while the foot is within the interior space 26.

The sole structure 14 is attached to the upper 12 and provides support and cushioning to the article of footwear 10 during use. That is, sole structure 14 attenuates ground reaction forces that result from article of footwear 10 striking the ground during use. Accordingly, as set forth below, sole structure 14 may incorporate one or more materials having energy-absorbing properties to allow sole structure 14 to minimize the impact a user experiences while wearing article of footwear 10.

The sole structure 14 may include a midsole 36, an outsole 38, and one or more cushioning or cushioning devices 40 generally disposed between the midsole 36 and the outsole 38. In addition, sole structure 14 may include a plate 42, with plate 42 extending from a forward end 44 to a rearward end 46 of article of footwear 10. In one configuration, the plate 42 is directly attached to the upper 12. In another configuration, plate 42 is attached to upper 12 via a gasket (strobel)48, as shown in fig. 2-6. While plate 42 may be attached directly to upper 12 or may be attached to upper 12 via padding 48, plate 42 will hereinafter be described and illustrated as being attached to upper 12 via padding 48.

With continued reference to fig. 2-7, the midsole 36 is shown extending from a front end 44 to a rear end 46 of the article of footwear 10. The midsole 36 may be formed from an energy-absorbing material such as, for example, a polymer foam. In one configuration, the midsole 36 is opposite the liner 48 of the upper 12 such that the plate 42 extends between the midsole 36 and the liner 48. The midsole 36 may extend at least partially onto an upper surface 50 (fig. 3) of the upper 12 such that the midsole 36 covers the junction of the upper 12 and the liner 48.

Forming midsole 36 from an energy-absorbing material, such as polymer foam, allows midsole 36 to attenuate ground reaction forces that may be caused by movement of article of footwear 10 over a ground surface during use. In addition to absorbing forces associated with use of the article of footwear 10, the midsole 36 may also serve to attach the plate 42 to the upper 12 via the padding 48. A suitable adhesive (not shown) may be used to attach plate 42 to one or both of midsole 36 and cushion 48. Alternatively, plate 42 may be attached to midsole 36 by molding the material of midsole 36 directly to plate 42. For example, the plate 42 may be disposed within a cavity of a mold (not shown) used to shape the midsole 36. Thus, when the midsole 36 is shaped (i.e., by foaming the polymer material), the material of the midsole 36 is bonded to the material of the plate 42, thereby forming a unitary structure having both the midsole 36 and the plate 42.

Although the plate 42 is described and illustrated as being disposed between the upper 12 and the midsole 36, the plate 42 may alternatively be embedded within the material of the midsole 36. For example, the plate 42 may be enclosed by the midsole 36 such that a portion of the midsole 36 extends between the plate 42 and the upper 12 and another portion of the midsole 36 extends between the plate 42 and the outsole 38. Additionally, the plate 42 may be disposed within the midsole 36 but not completely encapsulated. For example, the plate 42 may be visible around the periphery of the midsole 36, with a portion of the midsole 36 extending between the plate 42 and the upper 12 and another portion of the midsole 36 extending between the plate 42 and the outsole 38.

Regardless of the particular position of plate 42 relative to midsole 36, plate 42 may be formed from a relatively rigid material. For example, the plate 42 may be formed from a non-foamed polymeric material, or alternatively from a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers. Forming the plate 42 from a relatively rigid material allows the plate 42 to distribute forces associated with use of the article of footwear 10 when the article of footwear 10 impacts the ground, as will be described in greater detail below.

Regardless of the material used to form the plate 42, the plate 42 may be a so-called "full length plate" that extends from a front end 44 to a rear end 46. Allowing plate 42 to extend from front end 44 to rear end 46 allows plate 42 to extend from forefoot region 16, through midfoot region 18, and to heel region 20. Although plate 42 may be a full length plate extending from forefoot region 16 to heel region 20, plate 42 may alternatively extend through only a portion of sole structure 14. For example, the plate 42 may extend from the front end 44 of the article of footwear 10 to the midfoot region 18 without extending completely through the midfoot region 18 and into the heel region 20.

As shown in fig. 1, the outsole 38 is spaced from the midsole 36 to define a cavity 52 between the outsole 38 and the midsole 36. Outsole 38 may include a ground engaging surface 54 and a top surface 56 formed on an opposite side of outsole 38 from ground engaging surface 54. Outsole 38 may be formed from a resilient material, such as, for example, rubber, which provides ground engaging surface 54 for article of footwear 10 to provide traction and durability. Ground engaging surface 54 may include one or more traction elements 55 (fig. 7) extending from ground engaging surface 54 to provide increased traction for article of footwear 10 during use.

The outsole 38 may additionally include an outer bottom plate 58 attached to the top surface 56. Like the plate 42, the outer bottom plate 58 may be formed of a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a non-foamed polymer or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. Outer sole plate 58 may include a surface 60 opposite midsole 36 and defining at least a portion of cavity 52. The outsole 38 may be attached to the upper 12 at tabs 62, the tabs 62 being attached or otherwise joined to the upper 12 at the forward end 44, as shown in fig. 1.

Referring particularly to fig. 1-3, the damping device 40 is shown to include an inner cushion or inner damping device 64 and an outer cushion or outer damping device 66. Medial cushioning device 64 is disposed adjacent medial portion 22 of sole structure 14, and lateral cushioning device 66 is disposed adjacent lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the inboard damping device 64 includes a first fluid-filled chamber 68 and a second fluid-filled chamber 70. With continued reference to fig. 3, the outboard shock absorber 66 likewise includes a third fluid-filled chamber 72 and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 74.

The first fluid-filled chamber 68 is generally disposed between the upper 12 and the second fluid-filled chamber 70, and the second fluid-filled chamber 70 is disposed between the outsole plate 58 and the first fluid-filled chamber 68. Specifically, the first fluid-filled chamber 68 is attached to the midsole 36 at a first side and to the second fluid-filled chamber 70 at a second side. Second fluid-filled chamber 70 is attached to surface 60 of outer bottom plate 58 at a first side and to first fluid-filled chamber 68 at a second side. The fluid-filled chambers 68, 70 may be attached to each other and to the midsole 36 and the outer sole plate 58, respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber 68 may be attached to the second fluid-filled chamber 70 by fusing the material of the first fluid-filled chamber 68 and the material of the second fluid-filled chamber 70 at the junction of the first fluid-filled chamber 68 and the second fluid-filled chamber 70.

The first and second fluid-filled chambers 68, 70 may include first and second blocking elements 76, 78. The first and second blocking elements 76, 78 may be formed from sheets of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). In particular, first blocking element 76 may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may have a generally planar shape. The second blocking element 78 may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in fig. 3 to define an interior space 80. The first barrier element 76 may be joined to the second barrier element 78 by applying heat and pressure at a peripheral edge of the first barrier element 76 and a peripheral edge of the second barrier element 78 to define a peripheral seam 82. Peripheral seam 82 seals interior space 80 to define the volume of first fluid-filled chamber 68 and the volume of second fluid-filled chamber 70.

The interior spaces 80 of the first and second blocking elements 76, 78 may receive a tensile element 84 therein. Each tensile element 84 may include a series of tensile strands 86 extending between an upper tensile sheet 88 and a lower tensile sheet 90. The upper stretch panel 88 may be attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 may be attached to the second barrier element 78. In this manner, the tensile strands 86 of the tensile element 84 are placed in tension when the first and second fluid-filled chambers 68, 70 receive pressurized fluid. Because the upper stretch panel 88 is attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 is attached to the second barrier element 78, the tensile strands 86 maintain the desired shape of the first fluid-filled chamber 68 and the desired shape of the second fluid-filled chamber 70 when pressurized fluid is injected into the interior space 80.

With continued reference to fig. 3, the outboard shock absorber 66 likewise includes a third fluid-filled chamber 72 and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 74. Like medial cushioning device 64, third fluid-filled chamber 72 is disposed between upper 12 and fourth fluid-filled chamber 74, and fourth fluid-filled chamber 74 is disposed between exterior baseplate 58 and third fluid-filled chamber 72. The third fluid-filled chamber 72 is attached to the midsole 36 at a first side and to a fourth fluid-filled chamber 74 at a second side on the opposite side of the third fluid-filled chamber 72 from the first side. A fourth fluid-filled chamber 74 is attached to surface 60 of outer bottom plate 58 at a first side and to third fluid-filled chamber 72 at a second side of fourth fluid-filled chamber 74 on a side opposite the first side. The third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 72, 74 may be identical to the first and second fluid-filled chambers 68, 70. Accordingly, the third fluid-filled chamber 72 and the fourth fluid-filled chamber 74 may each include a first blocking element 76, a second blocking element 78, an interior space 80, a peripheral seam 82, and a tensile element 84 disposed within the interior space 80.

As depicted, the medial cushioning device 64 and the lateral cushioning device 66 each include a pair of fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 received between the upper 12 and the outsole 38. In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber 68 is fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber 70, and the third fluid-filled chamber 72 is fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber 74. In addition, the inboard damping device 64 (i.e., the first and second fluid-filled chambers 68, 70) is fluidly isolated from the outboard damping device 66 (i.e., the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 72, 74).

Although the inboard and outboard bumpers 64, 66 are depicted and shown as including stacked pairs of fluid-filled chambers, the inboard and outboard bumpers 64, 66 may alternatively include other cushioning elements. For example, referring to fig. 4, inboard cushioning device 64 and outboard cushioning device 66 may each include a foam block 92, foam block 92 replacing second fluid-filled chamber 70 and fourth fluid-filled chamber 74, respectively. The foam block 92 may be received within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78. Positioning the foam block 92 within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78 allows the blocking elements 76, 78 to limit expansion of the foam block 92 beyond a predetermined amount when the foam block 92 is subjected to a predetermined load. Thus, the overall shape of the foam block 92, and thus the performance of the foam block 92, may be controlled by allowing the foam block 92 to interact with the blocking elements 76, 78 during loading. Although the foam block 92 is described and illustrated as being received within the interior space 80 of the blocking elements 76, 78, the foam block 92 may alternatively be positioned within the cavity 52 without the blocking elements 76, 78. In this configuration, foam block 92 would be directly attached to surface 60 of outer floor 58 and second blocking element 78 of first fluid-filled chamber 68 and second blocking element 78 of third fluid-filled chamber 72, respectively.

Although second fluid-filled chamber 70 and fourth fluid-filled chamber 74 are described and illustrated as being replaced with foam block 92, first fluid-filled chamber 68 and third fluid-filled chamber 72 may alternatively be replaced with a different cushioning element, such as foam block 92 shown in fig. 4. In fig. 5, it is shown that foam block 92 replaces first fluid-filled chamber 68 and foam block 92 replaces third fluid-filled chamber 72.

Finally, each of the first, second, third, and fourth fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 may be replaced with a foam block 92, as shown in fig. 6. The particular configuration of medial cushioning device 64 and lateral cushioning device 66 (i.e., the use of foam blocks, fluid-filled chambers, or a combination thereof) may be determined by the amount of cushioning desired at medial side 22 and lateral side 24.

Regardless of the particular configuration of the medial cushioning device 64 and the lateral cushioning device 66, the medial cushioning device 64 may be positioned forward of the lateral cushioning device 66 in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole structure 14, as shown in fig. 7. That is, the medial cushioning device 64 is disposed closer to the front end 44 of the sole structure 14 than the lateral cushioning device 66. Although medial cushioning device 64 is disposed closer to front end 44 than lateral cushioning device 66, medial cushioning device 64 overlaps lateral cushioning device 66 such that medial cushioning device 64 is at least partially opposite lateral cushioning device 66 in a direction extending between medial portion 22 of sole structure 14 and lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14.

As depicted, medial cushioning device 64 and lateral cushioning device 66 each provide a pair of stacked cushioning elements disposed at discrete locations on sole structure 14. In one configuration, the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66 each provide a pair of stacked fluid-filled chambers (i.e., 68, 70, 72, 74) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial and lateral sides 22, 24, respectively. Each fluid-filled chamber 68, 70, 72, 74 may have the same volume and may also be at the same pressure. For example, each fluid-filled chamber 68, 70, 72, 74 may be at a pressure in the range of 15 pounds per square inch (psi) to 30psi, and preferably in the range of 20psi to 25 psi. Alternatively, the pressure of the respective fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 may vary between the cushioning devices 64, 66 and/or within each cushioning device 64, 66. For example, first fluid-filled chamber 68 may have the same pressure as second fluid-filled chamber 70, or alternatively, first fluid-filled chamber 68 may have a different pressure than second fluid-filled chamber 70. Likewise, third fluid-filled chamber 72 may have the same or different pressure as fourth fluid-filled chamber 74, and may have a different pressure than first fluid-filled chamber 68 and/or second fluid-filled chamber 70.

During operation, when ground engaging surface 54 contacts the ground, forces are transferred to inboard and outboard bumpers 64, 66 via outer sole plate 58. That is, the force is transmitted to first, second, third, and fourth fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74. The applied force causes the respective fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole 38 contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole 36 and the plate 42, but the force is not borne by the user as a point load or a partial load. That is, as described above, the plate 42 is described as being formed of a rigid material. Thus, even if the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66 are located at discrete locations along the sole structure 14, the forces exerted by the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66 on the plate 42 are distributed over the length of the plate 42 such that the applied forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66 are distributed along the length of the plate 42 due to the rigidity of the plate 42 such that the foot of the user does not bear a point load when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26.

With particular reference to fig. 8-14, an article of footwear 10a is provided, the article of footwear 10a including an upper 12 and a sole structure 14a attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10a, like reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals, including letter extensions, will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

With particular reference to fig. 9-13, the sole structure 14a is shown to include a midsole 36a, an outsole 38a, a cushioning device 40 disposed between the midsole 36a and the outsole 38a, and a plate 42. As shown in fig. 10, the plate 42 is disposed between the midsole 36a and a liner 48 associated with the upper 12. As with the article of footwear 10 described above, the plate 42 may be attached directly to the upper 12, thereby eliminating the need for the liner 48. The sole structure 14a will be described and illustrated below as including a liner 48 disposed between the upper 12 and the plate 42, although the liner 48 may be eliminated and the plate 42 attached directly to the upper 12. Further, while the plate 42 will be described and illustrated as being disposed between the midsole 36a and the pad 48, the plate 42 may be at least partially embedded within the material of the midsole 36a such that a portion of the midsole 36a extends between the pad 48 and the plate 42.

The midsole 36a may be formed from a foamed polymer material in a manner similar to the midsole 36 associated with the article of footwear 10 described above. However, the midsole 36a may have a different shape than the midsole 36 of the article of footwear 10 in that the midsole 36a is thicker in the area of the heel region 20 of the sole structure 14a than the midsole 36. In particular, midsole 36a may have a thickness at heel region 20 and midfoot region 18 that provides midsole 36a with a substantially continuous surface 96 extending from forefoot region 16 to heel region 20.

While the midsole 36a includes a substantially continuous surface 96, the continuous surface 96 may be interrupted at the medial recess 98 and at the lateral recess 100. As shown in fig. 9, medial recess 98 may be disposed at medial side 22 of sole structure 14a, and lateral recess 100 may be disposed at lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 a. In one configuration, the medial recess 98 and the lateral recess 100 are formed into the material of the midsole 36a such that at least one of the medial recess 98 and the lateral recess 100 extends through a sidewall 102 of the midsole 36 a. While the medial and lateral recesses 98, 100 will be shown and described hereinafter as extending through the sidewall 102 of the midsole 36a, the medial and/or lateral recesses 98, 100 may alternatively be spaced from the sidewall 102 such that the medial and/or lateral recesses 98, 100 are hidden from view. In this configuration, sidewall 102 will include a substantially constant exterior surface extending from forefoot region 16 to heel region 20.

With particular reference to fig. 10-13, the inboard and outboard recesses 98 and 100 receive respective portions of the cushion 40 therein. That is, the inboard recess 98 receives the inboard cushion 64 and the outboard recess 100 receives the outboard cushion 66. The medial cushioning device 64 and the lateral cushioning device 66 are the same as the medial cushioning device 64 and the lateral cushioning device 66 described above as being incorporated into the sole structure 14 of the article of footwear 10. Accordingly, the medial cushioning device 64 is disposed closer to the front end 44 of the sole structure 14a than the lateral cushioning device 66, as shown in figure 14.

With continued reference to fig. 10-13, the inboard and outboard bumpers 64, 66 are shown disposed within the inboard and outboard recesses 98, 100, respectively, and exposed at the sidewall 102. Further, the inboard bumper 64 and the outboard bumper arrangement 66 are shown protruding from a substantially continuous surface 96 of the midsole 36 a. As such, when the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66 are received within the medial and lateral recesses 98, 100, respectively, of the midsole 36a and the outsole 38a is attached to the substantially continuous surface 96, a pair of protrusions 104 can be seen at the outsole 38a at the location of the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66, as shown in fig. 14. The projections 104 are elevated above a nominal plane defined by the outsole 38a at other areas of the outsole 38a where the medial cushioning device 64 and the lateral cushioning device 66 are not present.

The medial cushioning device 64 and the lateral cushioning device 66 may include fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 as described above with respect to the sole structure 14. Further, the inboard and outboard bumpers 64, 66 may alternatively include a foam block 92 in place of any or all of the fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74. For example, as shown in fig. 11-13, sole structure 14a may include first and third fluid-filled chambers 68, 72 and a pair of foam blocks 92 associated with medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66, respectively. Alternatively, foam block 92 may replace first and third fluid-filled chambers 68, 72 (fig. 12), or alternatively, foam block 92 may replace each of fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 (fig. 13). Regardless of the particular configuration of the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66, the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66 protrude from a nominal plane defined by the outsole 38a such that a bulge 104 is formed in the outsole 38a at the location of the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66.

Having the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66 extend from the substantially continuous surface 96 of the midsole 36a and thus forming a protrusion 104 in the outsole 38a at the location of the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66 allows the sole structure 14a to provide a degree of cushioning and protection during use of the article of footwear 10 a. That is, when the article of footwear 10a contacts the ground during use, forces associated with contacting the ground are absorbed by the medial cushioning device 64 and the lateral cushioning device 66, thereby protecting and supporting the foot of the user.

In addition to medial cushioning device 64 and lateral cushioning device 66, midsole 36 provides a degree of protection and cushioning to the user's foot during use of article of footwear 10a due to the substantially continuous surface 96 of midsole 36a extending from forefoot region 16 to heel region 20. In addition, the material of the midsole 36a extends between the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66, as shown in fig. 10-13. The portion of the midsole 36a disposed between the medial cushioning device 64 and the lateral cushioning device 66 extends to the substantially continuous surface 96 and thus also absorbs impact forces associated with the footwear 10a contacting the ground during use of the footwear 10 a.

The portion of the midsole 36a disposed between the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66 also serves to maintain the shape of the fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 when a force is applied to the fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74. For example, when a force is applied to the fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74, the applied force causes the fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 to expand in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the applied force. By providing the material of the midsole 36a in the area between the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64, 66, such movement of the fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 is restricted, and thus, the desired shape of the fluid-filled chambers 68, 70, 72, 74 is maintained.

With particular reference to fig. 15-22, an article of footwear 10b is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10b, the same reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify the same components, and the same reference numerals will be used, including letter extensions, to identify those components that have been modified.

The article of footwear 10b includes an upper 12 and a sole structure 14b attached to the upper 12. The sole structure 14b includes a plate 42 attached to the upper 12, an outsole 38b, and a cushioning device 40b generally disposed between the plate 42 and the outsole 38 b. Plate 42 extends from a front end 44 to a rear end 46 and spans footwear 10b from forefoot region 16 to heel region 20. The plate 42 is formed of a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a non-foamed polymer or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers.

As shown in fig. 17-20, the plate 42 is directly attached to the upper 12 at the peripheral edge of the plate 42. As such, article of footwear 10b is not shown or described as including a cushion. Although article of footwear 10b is not shown or described as including an insert, article of footwear 10b may include an insert in a manner similar to articles of footwear 10, 10a described above. Such a liner may be disposed between the upper 12 and the plate 42, or alternatively, the plate 42 may be disposed within the interior space 26 such that the liner is disposed between the plate 42 and the outsole 38 b. Although the article of footwear 10b may be provided with padding, the article of footwear 10b will be described hereinafter as including a plate 42 that is directly attached to the upper 12.

Outsole 38b may be generally J-shaped and have a medial leg 106 that extends along medial portion 22 of sole structure 14b and a lateral leg 108 that extends along lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14b (fig. 22). Outsole 38b may additionally include a forefoot portion 110, forefoot portion 110 extending along forward end 44 and connecting medial leg 106 and lateral leg 108.

The outsole 38b may be formed from a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a non-foamed polymer material or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. Regardless of the particular configuration of the outsole 38b, the outsole 38b cooperates with the plate 42 to define a cavity 112 extending between the outsole 38b and the plate 42, with a bumper or cushioning device 40b disposed in the cavity 112.

As best shown in fig. 15-20, the cavity 112 may have varying heights at different locations along the length of the outsole 38 b. For example, the cavity 112 may have a first height (H) at the outer leg 108₁) And may have a second height (H) at the inboard leg 106₂) Thereby a second height (H)₂) Less than the first height (H)₁). In addition, the outboard leg 108 may include a first portion disposed a second height (H) from the plate 42 and may include a second portion₂) An equal distance, which is arranged at a first height (H) from the plate 42₁) Approximately equal distances. Because the lateral leg 108 includes a first portion and a second portion disposed at different distances from the plate 42, the lateral leg 108 includes a second height (H)₂) A first part and a first height (H)₁) And a second portion engaging the generally arcuate portion 114. The height (H) of the inboard leg 106, as will be described in more detail below₂) Height (H) from outer leg 108₁) Is adapted to the varying thickness of the cushioning device 40b disposed within the cavity 112 and between the outsole 38b and the plate 42.

The outsole 38b may be attached to the upper 12 and/or the plate 42 at the forward end 116. The cushioning device 40b may be located rearward of the forward end 116 of the U-shaped outsole 38b and forward of the rearward end 118 of the U-shaped outsole 38 b. As best shown in fig. 15, 16 and 21, the rear end 118 of the outsole 38b is generally defined by a terminal end of the medial leg 106 of the outsole 38b and a terminal end of the lateral leg 108 of the outsole 38 b. As best shown in fig. 22, a rear end 118 of outsole 38b is located at different distances from front end 116 in a direction extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of sole structure 14b at medial leg 106 and lateral leg 108. As shown, the outer leg 108 has a greater length than the inner leg 106 such that the rear end 118 of the outer leg 108 is disposed a greater distance from the front end 116 than the rear end 118 of the inner leg 106. As best shown in fig. 15, 16, and 21, the outsole 38b may include a series of traction elements 120 extending from the outsole 38b in the area between the forward end 116 and the rearward end 118. Traction elements 120 allow sole structure 14b to better grip the ground during use of article of footwear 10 b.

Cushioning device 40b is disposed between outsole 38b and plate 42, and cushioning device 40b includes a first fluid-filled chamber 122, a second fluid-filled chamber 124, a third fluid-filled chamber 126, and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 128. A first fluid-filled chamber 122 is disposed between inboard leg 106 and plate 42. Similarly, a second fluid-filled chamber 124 is disposed between the second portion of the outboard leg 108 and the plate 42. The third fluid-filled chamber 126 and the fourth fluid-filled chamber 128 overlie one another and are disposed between the first portion of the outboard leg 108 and the plate 42. Specifically, the third fluid-filled chamber 126 includes a first side attached to the plate 42 and a second side disposed on an opposite side of the third fluid-filled chamber 126 from the first side and attached to a fourth fluid-filled chamber 128. The fourth fluid-filled chamber 128 includes a first side attached to the third fluid-filled chamber 126 and a second side disposed on an opposite side of the fourth fluid-filled chamber 128 from the first side and attached to the outer leg 108. Thus, third fluid-filled chamber 126 is disposed between fourth fluid-filled chamber 128 and plate 42, and fourth fluid-filled chamber 128 is disposed between third fluid-filled chamber 126 and lateral leg 108 of outsole 38 b.

Although the first and second fluid-filled chambers 122, 124 are described as separate fluid-filled chambers, these chambers 122, 124 may each be replaced with a stacked pair of separate fluid-filled chambers that are fluidly isolated from one another in a similar manner as the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 126, 128. Such a configuration would include fluid-filled chambers that each have the same thickness but equal dimension (H)₂) Such that each stacked arrangement of fluid-filled chambers has a thickness substantially equal to the first and second fluid-filled chambers 122, 124, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 22, first fluid-filled chamber 122 is shown disposed closer to front end 44 of sole structure 14b than second fluid-filled chamber 124. Likewise, the stacked third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 126, 128 are shown disposed closer to the rear end 46 of the sole structure 14b than either the first or second fluid-filled chambers 122, 124. Finally, first fluid-filled chamber 122 is shown overlapping second fluid-filled chamber 124 such that first fluid-filled chamber 122 is opposite second fluid-filled chamber 124 in a direction extending between medial side 22 of sole structure 14b and lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 b.

Each of first fluid-filled chamber 122, second fluid-filled chamber 124, third fluid-filled chamber 126, and fourth fluid-filled chamber 128 may include a tensile element 84 disposed therein as described above with respect to cushioning device 40 of article of footwear 10 and cushioning device 40 of article of footwear 10 a. Each tensile element 84 may include a series of tensile strands 86 extending between a first tensile sheet 88 and a second tensile sheet 90, as shown in fig. 17-20. As with cushioning device 40 of article of footwear 10, 10a, first tensile sheet 88 may be attached to first barrier element 76 and second tensile sheet 90 may be attached to second barrier element 78 such that tensile elements 84 respectively associated with fluid-filled chambers 122, 124, 126, 128 maintain a desired shape of each chamber 122, 124, 126, 128 when fluid-filled chambers 122, 124, 126, 128 are pressurized.

As shown in FIG. 15, the first and second fluid-filled chambers 122, 124 may have substantially the same thickness such that the thickness of each chamber 122, 124 is substantially equal to the dimension (H) extending between the inboard leg 106 and the plate 42 and between the second portion of the outboard leg 108 and the plate 42₂). Likewise, the combined height of the stacked third 126 and fourth 128 fluid-filled chambers may be substantially equal to the dimension (H) extending between the first portion of the outboard leg 108 and the plate 42₁)。

The first and second fluid-filled chambers 122, 124 may have substantially the same pressure. Alternatively, the first and second fluid-filled chambers 122, 124 may have different pressures. The fluid-filled chambers 122, 124 may be at a pressure in the range of 15psi to 30psi, and preferably in the range of 20psi to 25 psi. Regardless of the pressures contained within the first and second fluid-filled chambers 122, 124, the first fluid-filled chamber 122 may be fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber 124. Likewise, the third fluid-filled chamber 126 may have the same or different pressure as the fourth fluid-filled chamber 128, and may likewise be fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber 128. In short, each of the first, second, third, and fourth fluid-filled chambers 122, 124, 126, 128 may have the same or different pressures and may be fluidly isolated from each other.

Although cushioning device 40b is described as including a series of fluid-filled chambers 122, 124, 126, 128, one or more of chambers 122, 124, 126, 128 may include foam blocks 92 in place of tensile elements 84 and the pressurized fluid in a manner similar to that described above with respect to articles of footwear 10, 10 a. For example, first fluid-filled chamber 122 and fourth fluid-filled chamber 128 may be replaced with foam block 92 disposed within interior space 80 formed by first blocking element 76 and second blocking element 78. Alternatively, first and fourth fluid-filled chambers 122, 128 may be replaced by foam block 92 without positioning foam block 92 within interior space 80 defined by first and second blocking elements 76, 78. Although the fluid-filled chambers 122, 128 may be replaced with foam blocks 92 without positioning the foam blocks 92 within the interior space 80 defined by the blocking elements 76, 78, the foam blocks 92 are shown in fig. 18 as being received within the interior space 80 defined by the blocking elements 76, 78.

In addition to the configuration shown in fig. 18, the third fluid-filled chamber 126 may be replaced with a foam block 92 that is a separate foam block 92 or a foam block disposed within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78. This configuration is shown in fig. 19. Finally, each of the first fluid-filled chamber 122, the second fluid-filled chamber 124, the third fluid-filled chamber 126, and the fourth fluid-filled chamber 128 may be replaced with a separate foam block 92 or a foam block 92 of foam blocks 92 disposed within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78, as shown in fig. 20.

With particular reference to figure 21, sole structure 14b is depicted as including an additional cushioning element 130 disposed proximate to front end 44 of sole structure 14 b. Additional cushioning elements 130 may be formed from a foam material and may substantially fill cavity 112 between outsole 38b and plate 42 in the area of forefoot region 16. That is, cushioning element 130 may be positioned between outsole 38b and plate 42 in an area forward of first and second fluid-filled chambers 122, 124. Cushioning elements 130 provide an additional degree of cushioning to the user's foot when sole structure 14 contacts the ground during use.

During operation, when sole structure 14b contacts the ground at outsole 38b, forces are transferred to outsole 38 b. Because outsole 38b is formed of a relatively rigid material that is supported by fluid-filled chambers 122, 124, 126, 128 relative to plate 42 and, in some configurations, cushioning elements 130, the applied force at outsole 38b causes outsole 38b to move in a direction toward plate 42. In this manner, fluid-filled chambers 122, 124, 126, 128 and cushioning element 130 are compressed, thereby attenuating the forces caused by sole structure 14b contacting the ground. As such, the force is absorbed by fluid-filled chambers 122, 124, 126, 128, and, if cushioning element 130 is present, the force is additionally absorbed by cushioning element 130. As such, the cushioning device 40b serves to provide a degree of comfort and protection to the user during use of the article of footwear 10 b.

Referring to fig. 23-25, an article of footwear 10c is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10c, like reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals, including letter extensions, will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

Article of footwear 10c is shown including an upper 12c, upper 12c defining an interior space 26c accessible via an ankle opening 28 c. Additionally, the upper 12c is shown to include a series of fasteners 30c, such as laces, which series of fasteners 30c may be attached to the upper 12c via a series of apertures or eyelets 32 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the articles of footwear 10, 10a, 10 b.

The upper 12c is attached to a sole structure 14c, the sole structure 14c having a midsole 36c, an outsole 38c, and a cushioning or cushioning device 40 c. As shown in fig. 23, the midsole 36c generally extends between a forward end 44c and a rearward end 46c at opposite ends of the sole structure 14 c.

Midsole 36c may include a pair of recesses 132, with the pair of recesses 132 each receiving a portion of cushioning device 40 c. For example, the cushioning device 40c may include a front bumper or front cushioning device 134 and a rear bumper or rear cushioning device 136. The front cushioning device 134 is disposed closer to the front end 44c of the sole structure 14c than the rear cushioning device 136, and the rear cushioning device 136 is disposed closer to the rear end 46c than the front cushioning device 134.

Front cushioning device 134 and rear cushioning device 136 may each include a pair of stacked fluid-filled chambers in a manner similar to articles of footwear 10, 10a, 10 b. That is, front cushion device 134 may include a first fluid-filled chamber 138 and a second fluid-filled chamber 140. Likewise, the rear damping device 136 may include a third fluid-filled chamber 142 and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 144. Each of the fluid-filled chambers 138, 140, 142, 144 may include a tensile element 84 disposed within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78. The first fluid-filled chamber 138 may have the same or different pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber 140. Similarly, the third fluid-filled chamber 142 may have the same or a different pressure than the fourth fluid-filled chamber 144. The fluid-filled chambers 138, 140, 142, 144 may be at a pressure in the range of 15psi to 30psi, and preferably in the range of 20psi to 25 psi. Regardless of the pressure of the fluid-filled chambers 138, 140, 142, 144, the fluid-filled chambers 138, 140, 142, 144 may be fluidly isolated from one another and may have a pressure in the range of 15psi to 30psi and preferably in the range of 20psi to 25 psi.

As shown in fig. 23, the first fluid-filled chamber 138 may be disposed closer to the upper 12c than the second fluid-filled chamber 140, such that the second fluid-filled chamber 140 is disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber 138 and the outsole 38 c. Similarly, the third fluid-filled chamber 142 may be disposed closer to the upper 12c than the fourth fluid-filled chamber 144, such that the fourth fluid-filled chamber 144 is disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber 142 and the outsole 38 c.

With particular reference to fig. 24 and 25, a front cushioning device 134 and a rear cushioning device 136 may impart a pair of lugs 104c at the outsole 38 c. That is, outsole 38c may include projections 104c in the areas of forward cushioning device 134 and rearward cushioning device 136, whereby projections 104c are elevated above a nominal plane defined by outsole 38 c. As such, when the article of footwear 10c is in use, the projections 104c may contact the ground before other portions of the outsole 38c, thereby allowing the forward cushioning device 134 and the rearward cushioning device 136 to absorb forces resulting from contact of the outsole 38c with the ground.

With particular reference to fig. 26-29, an article of footwear 10d is provided, the article of footwear 10d including an upper 12 and a sole structure 14d attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10d, the same reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, and the same reference numerals, including letter extensions, will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

Referring to fig. 26-29, the sole structure 14d is shown as including a midsole 36d, an outsole 38d, a cushion or cushioning device 40d disposed between the midsole 36d and the outsole 38d, and a plate 42 d. The plate 42d is formed of a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a non-foamed polymer or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers.

As shown in fig. 26 and 27, the midsole 36d generally extends between a forward end 44 and a rearward end 46 at opposite ends of the sole structure 14 d. The midsole 36d may be formed from an energy-absorbing material such as, for example, a polymer foam. In one configuration, the midsole 36d opposes the liner 48 of the upper 12. The midsole 36d may extend at least partially onto the upper surface 50 of the upper 12 such that the midsole 36d covers the junction of the upper 12 and the liner 48.

The midsole 36d includes an upper portion 146 and a lower portion 148, with a channel 150 defined between the upper portion 146 and the lower portion 148. As shown in fig. 27 and 29, lower portion 148 includes a first section 152 extending from forefoot region 16 in a direction toward heel region 20 and a second section 154 extending from heel region 20 in a direction toward forefoot region 16. The first segment 52 is spaced apart from the second segment 154 to define a gap 156 between the first segment 52 and the second segment 154. As will be described in greater detail below, the plate 42d may be visible at the gap 156 when assembled into the midsole 36 d.

As shown in fig. 26, the plate 42d is embedded within the material of the midsole 36d such that an upper portion 146 of the midsole 36d extends between the plate 42d and the upper 12 and a lower portion 148 of the midsole 36d extends between the plate 42d and the outsole 38 d. As shown, a ground-facing surface 158 of the plate 42d may be visible at the gap 156 defined between the first and second sections 152, 154. In addition, peripheral edge 160 of plate 42d may be visible at medial side 22 of sole structure 14d and/or lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 d.

The plate 42d may be a so-called "partial length plate" that extends from a medial portion of the forefoot region 16 to a medial portion of the heel region 20. Thus, the plate 42d may extend from the forefoot region 16 to the midfoot region 18 of the article of footwear 10d without extending completely through the midfoot region 18 and into the heel region 20. Although plate 42d may be a partial length plate extending from a medial portion of forefoot region 16 to a medial portion of heel region 20, plate 42d may alternatively be a full length plate as described above with respect to article of footwear 10.

Regardless of the particular size and configuration of the plate 42d, the plate 42d may be formed of a relatively rigid material. For example, the plate 42d may be formed from a non-foamed polymeric material, or alternatively from a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers.

With particular reference to fig. 26-29, the bumper assembly 40d is shown to include an inner bumper or cushion 64d and an outer bumper or cushion 66 d. Medial cushioning device 64d is disposed adjacent medial portion 22 of sole structure 14d, and lateral cushioning device 66d is disposed adjacent lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14 d.

As shown in FIG. 28, the medial cushioning device 64d includes a first fluid-filled chamber 162 generally disposed between the plate 42d and the outsole 38 d. Specifically, first fluid-filled chamber 162 is attached to plate 42d proximate exposed surface 158 of plate 42d at a first side and to outsole 38d at a second side.

First fluid-filled chamber 162 may be attached to plate 42d and outsole 38d, respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, first fluid-filled chamber 162 may be attached to outsole 38d by fusing the material of first fluid-filled chamber 162 and the material of outsole 38d at the juncture of first fluid-filled chamber 162 and outsole 38 d.

First fluid-filled chamber 162 may include first blocking element 76 and second blocking element 78. The first and second blocking elements 76, 78 may be formed from sheets of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). In particular, first blocking element 76 may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may have a generally planar shape. The second blocking element 78 may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in fig. 28 to define an interior space 80. The first barrier element 76 may be joined to the second barrier element 78 by applying heat and pressure at a peripheral edge of the first barrier element 76 and a peripheral edge of the second barrier element 78 to define a peripheral seam 82. Peripheral seam 82 seals interior space 80, thereby defining the volume of first fluid-filled chamber 162.

The interior space 80 of the first fluid-filled chamber 162 may receive the tensile element 84 therein. The tensile element 84 may include a series of tensile strands 86 extending between an upper tensile sheet 88 and a lower tensile sheet 90. The upper stretch panel 88 may be attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 may be attached to the second barrier element 78. In this manner, the tensile strands 86 of tensile element 84 are placed in tension when the first fluid-filled chamber 162 receives pressurized fluid. Because the upper stretch panel 88 is attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 is attached to the second barrier element 78, the stretch strands 86 maintain the desired shape of the first fluid-filled chamber 162 when pressurized fluid is injected into the interior space 80.

With continued reference to FIG. 26, the outboard damping device 66d likewise includes a second fluid-filled chamber 164. As with the medial cushioning device 64d, a second fluid-filled chamber 164 is disposed between the plate 42d and the outsole 38 d. The second fluid-filled chamber 164 may be identical to the first fluid-filled chamber 162. Accordingly, the second fluid-filled chamber 164 may include the first barrier element 76, the second barrier element 78, the interior space 80, the peripheral seam 82, and the tensile element 84 disposed within the interior space 80.

In one configuration, the inboard damping device 64d (i.e., the first fluid-filled chamber 162) is fluidly isolated from the outboard damping device 66d (i.e., the second fluid-filled chamber 164). As such, the inboard cushion 64d is spaced apart and separated from the outboard cushion 66d by a distance 166 (fig. 29). Although the inboard cushion device 64d is depicted and shown as being spaced apart from the outboard cushion device 66d, the cushion devices 64d, 66d may alternatively be in contact with each other while still being fluidly isolated.

Although the inboard and outboard cushioning devices 64d, 66d are described and illustrated as including fluid-filled chambers 162, 164, the inboard and/or outboard cushioning devices 64d, 66d may alternatively include alternative or additional cushioning elements. For example, the inboard cushioning device 64d and/or the outboard cushioning device 66d may each include a foam block (not shown) in place of one or both of the fluid-filled chambers 162, 164. The foam block may be received within an interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78. Positioning the foam block within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78 allows the blocking elements 76, 78 to limit expansion of the foam block beyond a predetermined amount when the foam block is subjected to a predetermined load. Thus, the overall shape of the foam block, and thus the properties of the foam block, may be controlled by allowing the foam block to interact with the blocking elements 76, 78 during loading.

Regardless of the particular configuration of the medial cushioning device 64d and the lateral cushioning device 66, the medial cushioning device 64d may be aligned with the lateral cushioning device 66d in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis (L) of the sole structure 14d, as shown in fig. 29. Additionally or alternatively, the medial cushioning device 64d may be aligned with the lateral cushioning device 66d in a direction extending from the medial side 22 to the lateral side 24 such that both cushioning devices 64d, 66d are approximately equally spaced from the front end 44 of the sole structure 14d and/or the rear end 46 of the sole structure 14d, as shown in fig. 29. Alternatively, the inboard cushion 64d may be offset from the outboard cushion 66d in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis (L). That is, the medial cushioning device 64d may be disposed closer to the front end 44 of the sole structure 14d than the lateral cushioning device 66d or farther from the front end 44 of the sole structure 14d than the lateral cushioning device 66d, similar to the example shown in fig. 14.

As shown in fig. 29, the bumpers 64d, 66d may comprise a generally oval shape. As such, the surrounding sections 152, 154 of the midsole 36d may have complementary shapes such that the material of the midsole 36d is substantially evenly spaced from the outer periphery of each cushioning device 64d, 66 d. As such, the portions 152, 154 of the midsole 36d opposite the cushions 64d, 66d may include arcuate surfaces 168 that mimic the outer circumferential shape of the cushions 64d, 66 d. Although the surfaces 168 are described as mimicking the shape of the bumpers 64d, 66d such that the surfaces 168 are substantially evenly spaced apart from the outer peripheries of the bumpers 64d, 66d along their lengths, the surfaces 168 may have different shapes, thereby varying the distance between one or more of the surfaces 168 and the outer peripheries of the bumpers 64d, 66 d.

Whether or not the surface 168 is evenly spaced from the cushioning devices 64d, 66d, providing a gap between the surface 168 of the midsole 36d and the cushioning devices 64d, 66d allows the cushioning devices 64d, 66d to expand outward when loaded. That is, the bumpers 64d, 66d are allowed to extend into the gaps provided between the bumpers 64d, 66d and the surface 168 when the bumpers 64d, 66d are loaded. The width of the gap may be designed to control the extent to which the cushioning devices 64d, 66d are allowed to expand when loaded. For example, the greater the gap, the more the bumpers 64d, 66d must expand before contacting the surface 168, if occurring. Conversely, if the surface 168 is disposed in close proximity to the cushioning devices 64d, 66d, a minimum expansion of the cushioning devices 64d, 66d will be permitted before the cushioning devices 64d, 66d contact the surface 168 of the midsole 36d, thereby allowing the midsole 36d to limit expansion of the cushioning devices 64d, 66d beyond a predetermined amount.

As depicted, medial cushioning device 64d and lateral cushioning device 66d each provide a cushioning element disposed at discrete locations on sole structure 14 d. In one configuration, the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64d, 66d each provide fluid-filled chambers (i.e., elements 162, 164) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial and lateral sides 22, 24, respectively. Each discrete fluid-filled chamber 162, 164 may have the same volume and may also be at the same pressure. Alternatively, the pressure of each fluid-filled chamber 162, 164 may vary between the damping devices 64d, 66 d. For example, the first fluid-filled chamber 162 may have the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber 164, or alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber 162 may have a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber 164. The fluid-filled chambers 162, 164 may be at a pressure in the range of 15psi to 30psi, and preferably in the range of 20psi to 25 psi.

As shown in fig. 26, the outsole 38d is joined to the midsole 36d and the cushioning device 40 d. More specifically, outsole 38d is segmented, whereby portions of outsole 38d are formed separately from one another and joined to each of midsole 36d, first fluid-filled chamber 162, and second fluid-filled chamber 164.

Outsole 38d may be formed from a resilient material, such as, for example, rubber, that provides ground engaging surface 54 for article of footwear 10d to provide traction and durability. As discussed above, ground engaging surface 54 may include traction elements 55 to enhance engagement of sole structure 14d with the ground.

During operation, as sole structure 14d contacts the ground, forces are transferred to medial cushioning device 64d and lateral cushioning device 66 d. That is, the force is transferred to the first fluid-filled chamber 162 and the second fluid-filled chamber 164. The applied force causes the respective fluid-filled chambers 162, 164 to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole 38d contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole plate 42d and the midsole 36d, but the force is not borne by the user as a point load or a partial load. That is, as described above, the plate 42d is formed of a rigid material. Thus, even if the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64d, 66d are located at discrete locations along the sole structure 14d, the forces exerted by the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64d, 66d on the plate 42d are distributed over the length of the plate 42d such that the applied forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the inboard 64d and outboard 66d cushions are distributed along the length of the plate 42d due to the rigidity of the plate 42d so that the foot of the user does not bear point loads when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26.

With reference to fig. 30-33, an article of footwear 10e is provided, and the article of footwear 10e includes an upper 12 and a sole structure 14e attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10e, like reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, and like reference numerals, including letter extensions, will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

Sole structure 14e is attached to upper 12 and provides support and cushioning for article of footwear 10e during use. That is, sole structure 14e attenuates ground reaction forces that may result from article of footwear 10e striking the ground during use. Accordingly, as set forth below, sole structure 14e may incorporate one or more materials having energy-absorbing properties to allow sole structure 14e to reduce the impact a user experiences while wearing article of footwear 10 e.

The sole structure 14e may include a midsole 36e, an outsole 38e, and a cushion or cushioning device 40e generally disposed between the midsole 36e and the outsole 38 e. In addition, sole structure 14e may include a first plate 170 and a second plate 172, with first plate 170 and second plate 172 extending from forefoot region 16 toward rear end 46 of article of footwear 10 e. As shown in fig. 30, a first plate 170 is disposed intermediate the midsole 36e and the cushioning device 40e, while a second plate 172 is disposed within the midsole 36e and separates the cushioning device 40e into an upper portion and a lower portion.

With continued reference to fig. 31, midsole 36e may include a continuously formed upper portion 146e and a segmented lower portion 148 e. Upper portion 146e is shown extending from front end 44 to rear end 46 of article of footwear 10 e. In one configuration, the upper portion 146e opposes the liner 48 of the upper 12 and the upper portion 146e joins the sole structure 14e to the upper 12. An upper portion 146e of the midsole 36e may extend at least partially onto the upper surface 50 of the upper 12 (fig. 32) such that the midsole 36e covers the junction of the upper 12 and the liner 48.

The lower portion 148e of the midsole 36e may include a first segment 152e extending downward from the forefoot region 16 of the upper portion 146e and a second segment 154e extending downward from the heel region 20 of the upper portion 146 e. The heel-facing sidewall 174 of the first segment 152e is spaced apart from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176 of the second segment 154e to define a gap 156e between the first segment 152e and the second segment 154 e. The forefoot-facing sidewall 176 of the second section 154e may be tapered, as shown in fig. 31. The forefoot-facing sidewall 176 may include a top surface 178 and a bottom surface 180, the top surface 178 and the bottom surface 180 converging with one another in a direction from the heel region 20 to the forefoot region 16. In addition, the top surface 178 of the forefoot-facing sidewall 176 may be detached (flip) from the upper portion 146e, thereby forming a space (not labeled) between the top surface 178 and the upper portion 146 e.

The midsole 36e may be formed from an energy-absorbing material such as, for example, a polymer foam. Forming midsole 36e from an energy-absorbing material, such as polymer foam, allows midsole 36e to attenuate ground reaction forces that may be caused by movement of article of footwear 10e over a ground surface during use.

The first plate 170 may be disposed within the midsole 36e such that the upper portion 146e of the midsole 36e extends between the first plate 170 and the upper 12. As shown, the first plate 170 may be disposed intermediate the upper portion 146e and the lower portion 148 e. More specifically, a first end of the first plate 170 is embedded within the midsole 36e between the upper portion 146e and the first segment 152e, and a second end of the first plate 170 is embedded within the midsole 36e between the upper portion 146e and the second segment 154 e. A middle portion of the first plate 170 is disposed between the upper portion 146e and the cushioning device 40e, whereby the ground-facing surface 158e of the first plate 170 is exposed within a gap 156e formed intermediate the first and second sections 152e, 154 e.

First plate 170 may be visible at medial side 22 of sole structure 14e and/or lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 e. Alternatively, the first plate 170 may be encapsulated within the upper portion 146e of the midsole 36 e. In some examples, the first plate 170 may be disposed between the upper 12 and the midsole 36e, whereby the first plate 170 is directly attached to the liner 48 and/or the upper 12.

As shown, the second plate 172 is spaced apart from the first plate 170 and is generally disposed between the first plate 170 and the outsole 38 e. A first end 182 of the second plate 172 is joined to the first section 152e of the lower portion 148e of the midsole 36e, while an opposite second end 184 is joined to the second section 154e of the lower portion 148e of the midsole 36 e. In the example shown, the first end 182 of the second plate 172 is embedded within the first section 152e and the second end 184 is joined to the top surface 178 of the forefoot-facing sidewall 176 of the second section 154 e. Alternatively, the second end 184 of the second plate 172 may be embedded within the second section 154e or may be engaged to the bottom surface 180 of the forefoot-facing sidewall 176. The middle portion 186 of the second plate 172 spans the gap 156e formed between the first and second sections 152e, 154e and separates the cushioning device 40e into upper and lower portions, as discussed in more detail below.

Either or both of plates 170, 172 may be so-called "partial length" plates that extend only along a portion of sole structure 14 e. Thus, one or both of plates 170, 172 may extend from a medial portion of forefoot region 16 to a medial portion of heel region 20. Although plates 170, 172 may be partial-length plates, first plate 170 and/or second plate 172 may be full-length plates that extend from front end 44 to rear end 46 of sole structure 14e, as described above.

Regardless of the particular size and location of the first and second plates 170, 172, the first and/or second plates 170, 172 may be formed from a relatively rigid material. For example, the first and/or second panels 170, 172 may be formed from a non-foamed polymer material, or alternatively from a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers. Forming first plate 170 and second plate 172 from relatively rigid materials allows first plate 170 and second plate 172 to distribute forces associated with use of article of footwear 10e when article of footwear 10e impacts the ground, as will be described in greater detail below.

Still referring to fig. 30-33, the cushioning device 40e is disposed within the gap 156e of the midsole 36e, and the cushioning device 40e is shown as including an inner cushion or medial cushioning device 64e and an outer cushion or lateral cushioning device 66 e. Medial cushioning device 64e is positioned adjacent to medial portion 22 of sole structure 14e, and lateral cushioning device 66e is positioned adjacent to lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14 e.

As shown in fig. 31 and 32, the inboard cushion device 64e includes a first fluid-filled chamber 188e and a second fluid-filled chamber 190 e. Similarly, the outboard shock absorber 66e includes a third fluid-filled chamber 192e and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 194 e. First and third fluid-filled chambers 188e, 192e are generally disposed between first and second plates 170, 172, while second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190e, 194e are disposed between second plate 172 and outsole 38 e. Specifically, first fluid-filled chamber 188e and third fluid-filled chamber 192e are attached to first plate 170 at respective first sides and to second plate 172 at respective second sides. Likewise, second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190e and 194e are attached to second plate 172 at respective first sides and to outsole 38e at respective second sides.

Referring to fig. 30 and 32, the intermediate portion 186 of the second plate 172 extends through the damping device 40 e. More specifically, the intermediate portion 186 of the second plate 172 is disposed between the first and second fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e of the inboard damping device 64e, and between the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192e, 194e of the outboard damping device 66 e. In other words, first and third fluid-filled chambers 188e, 192e are disposed above second plate 172 (i.e., between second plate 172 and upper 12), while second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190e, 194e are disposed between second plate 172 and outsole 38 e.

The fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e may be attached to the outsole 38e, the first plate 170, and/or the second plate 172, respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e may be joined to any one or more of the outsole 38e, the first plate 170, and the second plate 172 by fusing the material of at least one of the fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e, the outsole 38e, the first plate 170, and the second plate 172.

Fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e may each include first blocking element 76 and second blocking element 78. The first and second blocking elements 76, 78 may be formed from sheets of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). In particular, first blocking element 76 may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may have a generally planar shape. The second blocking element 78 may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in fig. 3 to define an interior space 80. The first barrier element 76 may be joined to the second barrier element 78 by applying heat and pressure at a peripheral edge of the first barrier element 76 and a peripheral edge of the second barrier element 78 to define a peripheral seam 82. Peripheral seam 82 seals interior space 80 therein, thereby defining the volume of first fluid-filled chamber 188e and the volume of second fluid-filled chamber 190 e.

The interior spaces 80 of the first and second blocking elements 76, 78 may receive a tensile element 84 therein. Each tensile element 84 may include a series of tensile strands 86 extending between an upper tensile sheet 88 and a lower tensile sheet 90. The upper stretch panel 88 may be attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 may be attached to the second barrier element 78. In this manner, the tensile strands 86 of the tensile element 84 are placed in tension when the fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e receive pressurized fluid. Because the upper stretch panel 88 is attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 is attached to the second barrier element 78, the stretch strands 86 maintain the desired shape of each of the first fluid-filled chamber 188e, the second fluid-filled chamber 190e, the third fluid-filled chamber 192e, and the fourth fluid-filled chamber 194e, respectively, when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior space 80.

As depicted, the medial cushioning device 64e and the lateral cushioning device 66e each include a pair of fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e generally received between the upper 12 and the outsole 38 e. In one configuration, first and third fluid-filled chambers 188e and 192e are fluidly isolated from second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 194e, respectively, by second plate 172.

In some configurations, the inboard damping device 64e (i.e., the first and second fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e) is fluidly isolated from the outboard damping device 66e (i.e., the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192e, 194 e). Although the inboard cushion 64e is depicted and shown as being spaced apart from the outboard cushion 66e, the cushions 64e, 66e may alternatively be in contact with each other while still being fluidly isolated.

Although the inboard and outboard bumpers 64e, 66e are depicted and shown as including stacked pairs of fluid-filled chambers, the inboard and outboard bumpers 64e, 66e may alternatively include other cushioning elements. For example, the inboard and outboard bumpers 64e, 66e may each include a foam block (see, e.g., 92 in fig. 4-6) in place of any one or more of the fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e, 192e, 194 e. The foam block may be received within an interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78. Positioning the foam block within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78 allows the blocking elements 76, 78 to limit expansion of the foam block beyond a predetermined amount when the foam block is subjected to a predetermined load. Thus, the overall shape of the foam block, and thus the properties of the foam block, may be controlled by allowing the foam block to interact with the blocking elements 76, 78 during loading. Although the foam block is described as being received within the interior space 80 of the blocking elements 76, 78, the foam block may alternatively be positioned within the cushioning device 40e without the blocking elements 76, 78. In such a configuration, the foam blocks would be directly attached to any one or more of the following, respectively: the outsole 38e, the first plate 170, the second plate 172, and/or one of the fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e, 192e, 194 e. The particular configuration of medial cushioning device 64e and lateral cushioning device 66e (i.e., the use of foam blocks, fluid-filled chambers, or a combination thereof) may be determined by the amount of cushioning desired at medial side 22 and lateral side 24.

Regardless of the particular configuration of medial cushioning device 64e and lateral cushioning device 66e, medial cushioning device 64e and lateral cushioning device 66e may be generally aligned with one another along a direction extending between medial portion 22 of sole structure 14e and lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14 e. Alternatively, the inboard 64e and outboard 66e bumpers may be offset from one another.

As depicted, medial cushioning device 64e and lateral cushioning device 66e each provide a pair of stacked cushioning elements disposed at discrete locations on sole structure 14 e. In one configuration, the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64e, 66e each provide a pair of stacked fluid-filled chambers (i.e., elements 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial and lateral sides 22, 24, respectively. Each fluid-filled chamber 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e may have the same volume and may also be at the same pressure. Alternatively, the volume and pressure of each fluid-filled chamber 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e may vary between the cushioning devices 64e, 66e and/or within each cushioning device 64e, 66 e. For example, the first fluidly-filled chamber 188e may have the same pressure as the second fluidly-filled chamber 190e, or alternatively, the first fluidly-filled chamber 188e may have a different pressure than the second fluidly-filled chamber 190 e. Likewise, third fluid-filled chamber 192e may have the same or different pressure as fourth fluid-filled chamber 194e, and may have a different pressure than first fluid-filled chamber 188e and/or second fluid-filled chamber 190 e. The fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e may be at a pressure in the range of 15psi to 30psi, and preferably in the range of 20psi to 25 psi.

As shown in fig. 30, the outsole 38e is joined to the midsole 36e and the cushioning device 40 e. More specifically, the outsole 38e is segmented, whereby a first portion of the outsole 38e is joined to a first section 152e of the midsole 36e and the cushioning device 40e, and a separately formed second portion of the outsole 38e is joined to a second section 154e of the midsole 36 j. Alternatively, the outsole 38e may be continuously formed and extend from the forward end 44 to the rearward end 46.

Outsole 38e may be formed from a resilient material, such as, for example, rubber, that provides ground engaging surface 54 for article of footwear 10e to provide traction and durability. As discussed above, ground engaging surface 54 may include traction elements 120 to enhance engagement of sole structure 14e with the ground.

During operation, as the ground engaging surface 54 contacts the ground, forces are transferred to the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64e, 66e via the outsole 38 e. That is, the force is transmitted to second plate 172 through second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190e and 194e, to first and third fluid-filled chambers 188e and 192e through second plate 172, and to first plate 170 through first and third fluid-filled chambers 188e and 192 e. The applied force compresses each fluid-filled chamber 188e, 190e, 192e, 194e, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole 38e contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole 36e via the first and second plates 170, 172, but the force is not borne by the user as a point or partial load. That is, as described above, the first plate 170 and the second plate 172 are described as being formed of a rigid material. Thus, even if the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64e, 66e are located at discrete locations along the sole structure 14e, the forces exerted by the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64e, 66e on the first and second plates 170, 172 are distributed over the length of the midsole 36e such that the applied forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the inboard and outboard bumpers 64e, 66e are distributed along the length of the first and second panels 170, 172 due to the stiffness of the panels 170, 172 so that the foot of the user does not bear point loads when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26. Further, by extending the second plate 172 between the first and second fluid-filled chambers 188e, 190e of the inboard dampener 64e and between the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192e, 194e of the outboard dampener 66e, additional stability is provided to the dampener 40e by distributing the applied force between the dampeners 64e, 66e, the first and second sections 152e, 154 e.

With particular reference to fig. 34-37, an article of footwear 10f is provided, the article of footwear 10f including an upper 12 and a sole structure 14f attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10f, the same reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify the same components, and the same reference numerals will be used, including letter extensions, to identify those components that have been modified.

With continued reference to fig. 34-37, the sole structure 14f is shown to include a midsole 36f, an outsole 38f, and a cushion or cushioning device 40f disposed between the midsole 36f and the outsole 38 f. In addition, sole structure 14f may include a first plate 196 and a second plate 198, with first plate 196 and second plate 198 extending from forefoot region 16 toward rear end 46 of article of footwear 10 f. As shown in fig. 34, a first plate 196 is disposed intermediate the midsole 36f and the cushioning device 40f, and a second plate 198 is disposed within the midsole 36f and separates the cushioning device 40f into an upper portion and a lower portion.

The midsole 36f may be formed in a similar manner as the midsole 36e associated with the article of footwear 10e described above, i.e., the midsole 36f includes a continuously formed upper portion 146f and a segmented lower portion 148 f. However, the segmented lower portion 148f of the midsole 36f of fig. 34-37 may have a different configuration. As shown in fig. 34, the lower portion 148f of the midsole 36f includes a first segment 152f that extends downward from the forefoot region 16 of the upper portion 146f and a second segment 154f that extends downward from the heel region 20 of the upper portion 146 f. The heel-facing sidewall 174f of the first segment 152f is spaced apart from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176f of the second segment 154f to define a gap 156f between the first segment 152f and the second segment 154f, in which gap 156f the cushioning device 40f may be received. Further, the side walls 174f, 176f may be adjacent to the cushioning device 40f and evenly spaced from the cushioning device 40 f. At least one of the sidewalls 174f, 176f may have a shape complementary to the outer periphery of the bumper 40f (fig. 37).

While the midsole 36f is shown and described as having an upper portion 146f integrally formed with the first and second segments 152f, 154f, one or both of the first and second segments 152f, 154f may be formed separately from the upper portion 146 f. For example, the upper portion 146f may be separate and distinct from both the first and second sections 152f, 154f such that the upper portion 146f is spaced apart and separated from the first and second sections 152f, 154f by the second plate 198. In such a configuration, the upper portion 146f would be disposed on the opposite side of the second plate 198 from both the first and second segments 152f, 154f, and the upper portion 146f would not be in contact with either segment 152f, 154 f.

As with the midsole 36 described above with respect to the article of footwear 10, the midsole 36f may be formed from an energy-absorbing material, such as, for example, a polymer foam.

A first plate 196 is disposed between each of the upper portion 146f and the lower portion 148f and the cushioning device 40 f. More specifically, a first end of the first plate 196 is disposed between the upper portion 146f and the first section 152f, and an opposite second end of the first plate 196 is disposed between the upper portion 146f and the second section 154 f. The intermediate portion is disposed between the upper portion 146f and the cushioning device 40f, whereby the ground-facing surface 158f of the first plate 196 is exposed within a gap 156f formed intermediate the first and second sections 152f, 154 f.

First plate 196 may be visible at medial side 22 of sole structure 14f and/or lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 f. Although the first plate 196 is described and illustrated as being embedded within the material of the midsole 36f, the first plate 196 may be disposed between the upper 12 and the midsole 36f, whereby the first plate 196 is directly attached to the liner 48 and/or the upper 12. First plate 196 may be a partial length plate or a full length plate, as discussed above with respect to article of footwear 10.

As shown, the second plate 198 is spaced apart from the first plate 196 and is disposed between the first plate 196 and the outsole 38 f. A second plate 198 is joined to each of the first and second sections 152f, 154f and extends through the cushioning device 40 f. More specifically, a first end 200 of the second plate 198 is embedded within the first section 152f and an opposite second end 202 is embedded within the second section 154 f. Accordingly, the intermediate portion 204 of the second plate 198 spans the gap 156f formed between the first and second sections 152f, 154f and separates the cushioning device 40f into upper and lower portions, as discussed further below.

A forward-most point of first end 200 of second plate 198 is disposed in forefoot region 16 of sole structure 14f, while a rearward-most point of second end 202 is disposed closer to heel region 20 of sole structure 14f than the forward-most point. The intermediate portion 204 includes a concave portion 205 extending between a forward-most point and a rearward-most point. The concavity 205 has a constant radius of curvature from the most forward point of the sole structure 14f to the Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point, which is opposite the MTP joint of the foot during use. One example of a second plate 198 is provided in U.S. application No.15/248,051 and U.S. application No.15/248,059, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The first and second plates 196, 198 may be formed of a non-foamed polymeric material, or alternatively, a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers. Forming first plate 196 and second plate 198 from relatively rigid materials allows first plate 196 to distribute forces associated with use of article of footwear 10f when article of footwear 10f impacts the ground, as will be described in greater detail below.

With continued reference to fig. 34-37, the cushioning device 40f of the article of footwear 10f is the same as the cushioning device 40f described above with respect to the article of footwear 10 e. Thus, the buffer 40f may include an inboard buffer 64f and an outboard buffer 66f, the inboard buffer 64f including a first fluid-filled chamber 188f and a second fluid-filled chamber 190f arranged in a stacked arrangement, and the outboard buffer 66f including a third fluid-filled chamber 192f and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 192f arranged in a stacked arrangement.

As discussed above, the intermediate portion 204 of the second plate 198 extends through the cushioning device 40f and separates the cushioning device 40f, similar to the intermediate portion 186 of the second plate 172 discussed above with respect to the article of footwear 10 e.

As shown in fig. 34, the outsole 38f is joined to the midsole 36f and the cushioning device 40 f. More specifically, the outsole 38f is segmented, whereby portions of the outsole 38f are formed separately from one another and joined to each of the first segment 152f, the second segment 154f, the medial cushioning device 64f, and the lateral cushioning device 66 f.

During operation, as the ground engaging surface 54 contacts the ground, forces are transferred to the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64f, 66f via the outsole 38 f. That is, the force is transmitted through second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190f and 194f to second plate 198, through second plate 198 to first and third fluid-filled chambers 188f and 192f, and through first and third fluid-filled chambers 188f and 192f to first plate 196. The applied force compresses each fluid-filled chamber 188f, 190f, 192f, 194f, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole 38f contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole 36f via the first and second plates 196, but the force is not experienced by the user as a point or partial load. That is, as described above, the first plate 196 and the second plate 198 are described as being formed of a rigid material. Thus, even if the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64f, 66f are located at discrete locations along the sole structure 14f, the forces exerted by the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64f, 66f on the first and second plates 196, 198 are distributed over the length of the midsole 36f such that the applied forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the inboard 64f and outboard 66f cushioning devices are distributed along the length of the first plate 196 and the length of the second plate 198 due to the rigidity of the plates 196, 198, such that the foot of the user does not experience point loads when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26. Further, by having the second plate 196 extend between the first and second fluid-filled chambers 188f, 190f of the inboard dampener 64f and between the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192f, 194f of the outboard dampener 66f, additional stability is provided to the dampener 40f by distributing the applied force between the dampeners 64f, 66f, the first segment 152f, and the second segment 154 f.

Referring to fig. 38-41, an article of footwear 10g is provided, and the article of footwear 10g includes an upper 12 and a sole structure 14g attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10g, like reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals, including letter extensions, will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

With continued reference to fig. 38-41, the sole structure 14g is shown to include a midsole 36g, an outsole 38g, and a cushion or cushioning device 40g disposed between the midsole 36g and the outsole 38g, a first plate 206 disposed between the midsole 36g and the cushioning device 40g, and a second plate 208 disposed between the cushioning device 40g and the outsole 38 g.

The midsole 36g may be formed in a similar manner as the midsole 36e associated with the article of footwear 10e described above, i.e., the midsole 36g includes a continuously formed upper portion 146g and a segmented lower portion 148 g. Lower portion 148g of midsole 36g may include a first segment 152g extending downward from forefoot region 16 of upper portion 146g and a second segment 154g extending downward from heel region 20 of upper portion 146 g. The heel-facing sidewall 174g of the first segment 152g is spaced apart from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176g of the second segment 154g to define a gap 156g between the first segment 152g and the second segment 154 g. The thickness of second section 154g may be tapered, whereby forefoot-facing sidewall 176g converges with upper portion 146g in a direction from heel region 20 to forefoot region 16.

A first plate 206 is disposed between each of the upper portion 146g and the lower portion 148g and the cushioning device 40 g. More specifically, a first end of the first plate 206 is disposed between the upper portion 146g and the first section 152g, an opposite second end of the first plate 206 is disposed between the upper portion 146g and the second section 154g, and an intermediate portion is disposed between the upper portion 146g and the cushioning device 40g, whereby a ground-facing surface 158g of the first plate 206 is exposed within a gap 156g formed intermediate the first section 152g and the second section 154 g. Alternatively, the first plate 206 may be at least partially encapsulated within the upper portion 146g of the midsole 36 g. Further, first plate 206 may be visible at medial side 22 of sole structure 14g and/or lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 g. Although the first plate 206 is described and illustrated as being partially embedded within the material of the midsole 36g, the first plate 206 may be disposed between the upper 12 and the midsole 36g, whereby the first plate 206 is directly attached to the liner 48 and/or the upper 12. The first plate 206 may be a partial length plate or a full length plate, as discussed above with respect to the article of footwear 10.

The second plate 208 is spaced apart from the first plate 206 and extends from the first section 152g to the second section 154 g. In particular, the second plate 208 includes a first end 210 joined to the forward end 44 of the midsole 36g and an opposite second end 212 joined to the forefoot-facing sidewall 176g of the second segment 154 g. The second end 212 may be embedded within the second section 154 g. The intermediate portion 214 of the second plate 208 spans the gap 156g formed between the first and second segments 152g, 154g and is disposed between the cushioning device 40g and the outsole 38 g. Further, the middle portion 214 of the second plate 208 is curved upward, and more specifically, the ground-facing surface of the middle portion 214 is convex. Thus, when the article of footwear 10g is in use, the intermediate portion 214 of the second plate 208 is between the cushioning device 40g and the ground, as discussed in more detail below.

With continued reference to fig. 38-41, cushioning device 40g of article of footwear 10g is the same as cushioning device 40e described above with respect to article of footwear 10 e. Thus, the buffer device 40g may include an inboard buffer device 64g and an outboard buffer device 66g, the inboard buffer device 64g including a first fluid-filled chamber 188g and a second fluid-filled chamber 190g arranged in a stacked arrangement, the outboard buffer device 66g including a third fluid-filled chamber 192g and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 192g arranged in a stacked arrangement.

Still referring to fig. 38-41, the cushioning device 40g is disposed between the first plate 206 and the second plate 208. First and third fluid-filled chambers 188g, 192g are attached to first plate 206 at respective first sides and to second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190g, 194g, respectively, at respective second sides. Likewise, second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190g and 194g are attached to first and third fluid-filled chambers 188g and 192g, respectively, at respective first sides and to second plate 208 at respective second sides.

As shown in fig. 38, the outsole 38g is joined to the second section 154g and the second plate 208 of the midsole 36 g. More specifically, the outsole 38g is segmented, whereby portions of the outsole 38g are formed separately from one another and joined to each of the second segment 154g and the second plate 208.

During operation, when the ground engaging surface 54 contacts the ground, the first bending force is transferred to the second plate 208 via the outsole 38 g. With the first and second ends 210, 212 of the second plate 208 secured to the first and second segments 152g, 154g, respectively, of the midsole 36g, the first bending force is partially axially transmitted to each of the first and second segments 152g, 154g along the length of the second plate 208. The first bending force is also transmitted to inboard and outboard bumpers 64g, 66g as a compressive force, which in turn causes the compressive force to be transmitted to first plate 196 as a second bending force. The compressive force compresses each fluid-filled chamber 188g, 190g, 192g, 194g, thereby absorbing a first bending force associated with the outsole 38g contacting the ground. The compressive force is then transferred from the cushioning device 40g to the first plate 206. Thus, the first bending force is transmitted through first plate 206, second plate 208, and cushioning device 40g to midsole 36g, but the first bending force is not experienced by the user as a point or partial load. That is, as described above, the first plate 206 and the second plate 208 are described as being formed of a rigid material. Thus, even if the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64g, 66g are located at discrete locations along the sole structure 14g, the forces exerted by the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64g, 66g on the first plate 206 are distributed over the length of the midsole 36g such that compressive forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the inboard 64g and outboard 66g cushioning devices are distributed along the length of the first 206 and second 208 plates due to the stiffness of the plates 206, 208, such that the foot of the user does not bear point loads when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26.

With particular reference to fig. 42-45, an article of footwear 10h is provided, the article of footwear 10h including an upper 12 and a sole structure 14h attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10h, like reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals, including letter extensions, will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

With continued reference to fig. 42-45, the sole structure 14h is shown to include a midsole 36h, an outsole 38h, and a cushion or cushioning device 40h disposed between the midsole 36h and the outsole 38h, a first plate 206 disposed between the midsole 36h and the cushioning device 40h, and a second plate 216 disposed between the cushioning device 40h and the outsole 38 h.

The midsole 36h, outsole 38h, cushioning device 40h, and first plate 206 are constructed and arranged in a manner similar to the corresponding midsole 36g, outsole 38g, cushioning device 40g, and first plate 206 of the article of footwear 10g described above.

The second plate 216 is spaced apart from the first plate 206 and extends from the first section 152h to the second section 154 h. In particular, the second plate 216 includes a first end 218 joined to the forward end 44 of the midsole 36h and an opposite second end 220 joined to the forefoot-facing sidewall 176h of the second segment 154 h. The second end 220 may be embedded within the second section 154 h. The intermediate portion 222 of the second plate 216 spans the gap 156h formed between the first and second segments 152h, 154h and is disposed between the cushioning device 40h and the outsole 38 h. Thus, when the article of footwear 10h is in use, the intermediate portion 222 of the second plate 216 is between the cushioning device 40h and the ground, as discussed in more detail below.

The middle portion 222 of the second plate 216 is curved upward, and more specifically, the ground-facing surface of the middle portion 222 is convex. Further, the intermediate portion 222 includes a damper 224 integrally formed in the intermediate portion 222. As shown, a damper 224 is formed in the intermediate portion 222 between the damping device 40h and the second section 154 h. The damper 224 is configured to minimize the transmission of torsional forces from the intermediate portion 222 to the second section 154h while facilitating the transmission of axial forces from the intermediate portion 222 to the second section 154 h. In some examples, the damper 224 is defined by a plurality of sidewalls arranged in an integrally formed staggered shape, such as, for example, a rectangle. In some examples, the damper 224 may have a honeycomb pattern, a wave shape, or other shape configured to minimize transmission of torsional forces.

During operation, when the ground engaging surface 54 contacts the ground, a first bending force is transmitted to the second plate 216 via the outsole 38 h. With the first and second ends 218, 220 of the second plate 216 secured to the first and second segments 152h, 154h of the midsole 36h, respectively, the first bending force is partially distributed to each of the first and second segments 152h, 154h by the second plate 216 as an axial force. As described above, the damper 224 of the second plate 216 minimizes the transmission of torsional forces to the second section 154h while facilitating the transmission of axial forces. The first bending force is also transmitted to the inner bumper or bumper 64h and the outer bumper or bumper 66h as a compressive force, which in turn causes the compressive force to be transmitted to the first plate 196 as a second bending force. The compressive force compresses each fluid-filled chamber 188h, 190h, 192h, 194h, thereby absorbing a first bending force associated with the outsole 38h contacting the ground. The compressive force is then transferred from the cushioning device 40h to the first plate 206. Thus, the first bending force is transmitted through first plate 206, second plate 216, and cushioning device 40h to midsole 36h, but the first bending force is not experienced by the user as a point or partial load. That is, as described above, the first plate 206 and the second plate 216 are described as being formed of a rigid material. Thus, even if medial cushioning device 64h and lateral cushioning device 66h are located at discrete locations along sole structure 14h, the forces exerted by medial cushioning device 64h and lateral cushioning device 66h on first plate 206 are distributed over the length of midsole 36h such that compressive forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the inboard 64h and outboard 66h cushioning devices are distributed along the length of the first 206 and second 216 plates due to the stiffness of the plates 206, 208, such that the foot of the user does not bear point loads when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26.

With particular reference to fig. 46-49, an article of footwear 10i is provided, the article of footwear 10i including an upper 12 and a sole structure 14i attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10i, the same reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify the same components, and the same reference numerals will be used, including letter extensions, to identify those components that have been modified.

With continued reference to fig. 46-49, the sole structure 14i is shown to include a midsole 36i, an outsole 38i, and a cushion or cushioning device 40i disposed between the midsole 36i and the outsole 38i, a first plate 226 disposed generally between the midsole 36i and the cushioning device 40i, and a second plate 228 disposed generally between the cushioning device 40i and the outsole 38 i.

The midsole 36i includes an upper portion 146i and a lower portion 148 i. As shown, the upper portion 146i is continuously formed and joined to the upper 12. The lower portion 148i of the midsole 36i includes: a first segment 152i extending downward from forefoot region 16 of upper portion 146i, a second segment 154i extending downward from heel region 20 of upper portion 146i, and a rib 230 extending between first segment 152i and second segment 154 i. The heel-facing sidewall 174i of the first segment 152i is spaced apart from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176i of the second segment 154i to define a gap 156i between the first segment 152i and the second segment 154 i. Thus, the rib 230 spans the gap 156i between the first and second segments 152i, 154i and transversely bisects (bisect) the cushioning device 40 i.

A first plate 226 is disposed between the upper portion 146i and each of the lower portion 148i and the cushioning device 40 i. More specifically, a first end of the first plate 226 is disposed between the upper portion 146i and the first section 152i, an opposite second end of the first plate 226 is disposed between the upper portion 146i and the second section 154i, and an intermediate portion is disposed between the upper portion 146i on one side and the cushioning device 40i and the rib 230 on the opposite side. Alternatively, the first plate 226 may be at least partially encapsulated within the upper portion 146i of the midsole 36 i. Further, first plate 226 may be visible at medial side 22 of sole structure 14i and/or lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 i. Although the first plate 226 is described and illustrated as being embedded within the material of the midsole 36i, the first plate 226 may be disposed between the upper 12 and the midsole 36i, whereby the first plate 226 is directly attached to the liner 48 and/or the upper 12. First plate 226 may be a partial length plate or a full length plate, as discussed above with respect to article of footwear 10.

The second plate 228 is spaced apart from the first plate 226 and extends from the first section 152i to the cushioning device 40 i. In particular, the second plate 228 includes a first end 232 joined to the forward end 44 of the midsole 36i and an opposite second end 234 joined to the cushioning device 40 i.

With continued reference to fig. 46-49, cushioning device 40i of article of footwear 10i is the same as cushioning device 40e described above with respect to article of footwear 10 e. Thus, the buffer device 40i can include an inner or inboard buffer device 64i and an outer or outboard buffer device 66i, the inner or inboard buffer device 64i including a first fluid-filled chamber 188i and a second fluid-filled chamber 190i arranged in a stacked arrangement, and the inner or outboard buffer device 66i including a third fluid-filled chamber 192i and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 194i arranged in a stacked arrangement.

Still referring to fig. 46-49, the buffer device 40i is disposed between the first plate 226 and the second plate 228. First and third fluid-filled chambers 188i and 192i are attached to first plate 226 at respective first sides and to second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190i and 194i, respectively, at respective second sides. Likewise, second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190i and 194i are attached to first and third fluid-filled chambers 188i and 192i, respectively, at respective first sides and to second plate 228 at respective second sides.

As shown in fig. 46, the outsole 38i is joined to the second segment 154i and the second plate 228 of the midsole 36 i. More specifically, the outsole 38i is segmented, whereby portions of the outsole 38i are formed separately from one another and joined to each of the second segments 154i and the second plate 228.

During operation, when the ground engaging surface 54 contacts the ground, forces are transferred to the inboard and outboard bumpers 64i, 66i via the second plate 228. That is, the force is transmitted to first fluid-filled chamber 188i, second fluid-filled chamber 190i, third fluid-filled chamber 192i, and fourth fluid-filled chamber 194 i. The applied force compresses each fluid-filled chamber 188i, 190i, 192i, 194i, thereby absorbing the force associated with the outsole 38i contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole 36i and the first plate 226, but the force is not borne by the user as a point load or a partial load. That is, as described above, the first plate 226 is described as being formed of a rigid material. Thus, even if medial cushioning device 64i and lateral cushioning device 66i are located at discrete locations along sole structure 14i, the forces exerted by medial cushioning device 64i and lateral cushioning device 66i on first plate 226 are distributed over the length of first plate 226 such that the applied forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64i, 66i are distributed along the length of the first plate 226 due to the rigidity of the first plate 226 such that the foot of the user does not bear point loads when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26.

With reference to fig. 50-53B, an article of footwear 10j is provided, and the article of footwear 10j includes an upper 12 and a sole structure 14j attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10j, the same reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify similar components while the same reference numerals, including letter extensions, will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

Sole structure 14j is attached to upper 12 and provides support and cushioning for article of footwear 10j during use. That is, sole structure 14j attenuates ground reaction forces that may result from article of footwear 10j striking the ground during use. Accordingly, as set forth below, sole structure 14j may incorporate one or more materials having energy-absorbing properties to allow sole structure 14j to reduce the impact a user experiences while wearing article of footwear 10 j.

The sole structure 14j may include a midsole 36j, an outsole 38j, and a cushion or cushioning device 40j generally disposed between the midsole 36j and the outsole 38 j. In addition, sole structure 14j may include a first plate 236, a second plate 238, and a third plate 240, with first plate 236, second plate 238, and third plate 240 extending from forefoot region 16 toward rear end 46 of article of footwear 10 j. As shown in fig. 50 and 53B, a first plate 236 is disposed intermediate the midsole 36j and the cushioning device 40j, and a second plate 238 is disposed within the midsole 36j and separates the cushioning device 40j into an upper portion and a lower portion. The third plate 240 is disposed intermediate the cushioning device 40j and the outsole 38 j.

Referring to fig. 50, 51, and 53B, the midsole 36j may include a continuously formed upper portion 146j and a segmented lower portion 148 j. Upper portion 146j is shown extending from front end 44 to rear end 46 of article of footwear 10 j. In one configuration, the upper portion 146j opposes the liner 48 of the upper 12 and the upper portion 146j joins the sole structure 14j to the upper 12. An upper portion 146j of midsole 36j may extend at least partially onto upper surface 50 of upper 12 such that midsole 36j covers the junction of upper 12 and liner 48, as shown in fig. 53A.

Lower portion 148j of midsole 36j may include a first segment 152j extending downward from forefoot region 16 of upper portion 146j and a second segment 154j extending downward from heel region 20 of upper portion 146 j. The heel-facing sidewall 174j of the first segment 152j is spaced apart from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176j of the second segment 154j to define a gap 156j between the first segment 152j and the second segment 154 j. The forefoot-facing sidewall 176j of the second segment 154j may be tapered, as shown in fig. 51 and 53B. In general, the gap 156j is defined to provide sufficient clearance for uninhibited expansion and contraction of the cushioning device 40j during use. For example, upon initial impact with the ground, the width of the cushioning device 40j may expand laterally as the cushioning device 40j is compressed vertically. By providing the gap 156j, the impact absorbing capability of the cushion device 40j is maximized.

With reference to fig. 50-52, the second section 154j of the midsole 36j may include a channel 157j that extends continuously from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176j to the rear end 46. As shown, the width of channel 157j may taper (flare) from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176j to a medial portion and taper from the medial portion to a second apex adjacent the rear end 46 of the sole structure 14 j. In some examples, the channel 157j extends through the forefoot-facing sidewall 176j of the second section 154 j.

The midsole 36j may be formed from an energy-absorbing material such as, for example, a polymer foam. Forming midsole 36j from an energy-absorbing material, such as a polymer foam, allows midsole 36j to attenuate ground reaction forces that may be caused by movement of article of footwear 10j over a ground surface during use. In some examples, upper portion 146j may be formed of a first material and lower portion 148j may be formed of a second material. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the sections 152j, 154j may be compositely formed and include an upper portion 152j formed of a first foam material₁、154j₁And a lower portion 152j formed of a second foam material₂、154j₂As shown in fig. 51.

As discussed above, the sole structure 14j includes the plurality of plates 236, 238, 240, which plurality of plates 236, 238, 240 are configured to provide a rigid or semi-rigid interface between the midsole 36j and the cushioning device 40j, thereby providing increased stability to the cushioning device 40j and distributing loads throughout the sole structure 14 j. The first plate 236 may be disposed within the midsole 36j such that the upper portion 146j of the midsole 36j extends between the first plate 236 and the upper 12. As shown, the first plate 236 may be disposed intermediate the upper portion 146j and the lower portion 148 j. More specifically, a first end of the first plate 236 is embedded within the midsole 36j between the upper portion 146j and the first segment 152j of the lower portion 148j, and an opposite second end of the first plate 236 is embedded within the midsole 36j between the upper portion 146j and the second segment 154j of the lower portion 148 j. An intermediate portion of the first plate 236 spans the gap 156j, whereby a ground-facing surface 158j of the first plate 236 is exposed within the gap 156j and is engaged to a proximal end of the cushioning device 40 j.

First plate 236 may be visible at medial side 22 of sole structure 14j and/or lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 j. Alternatively, the first plate 236 may be encapsulated within the upper portion 146j of the midsole 36 j. In some examples, the first plate 236 may be disposed between the upper 12 and the midsole 36j, whereby the first plate 236 is directly attached to the liner 48 and/or the upper 12.

As shown, the second plate 238 is spaced apart from the first plate 236 and is generally disposed between the first plate 236 and the outsole 38 j. A first end 242 of second plate 238 is joined to a first section 152j of lower portion 148j of midsole 36j, and an opposite second end 244 is joined to a second section 154j of lower portion 148j of midsole 36 j. In the example shown, the first end 242 of the second plate 238 is embedded within the first section 152j and the second end 244 is embedded within the second section 154 j. The middle portion 246 of the second plate 238 spans the gap 156j formed between the first and second sections 152j, 154j and separates the cushioning device 40j into upper and lower portions, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 51, the second plate 238 includes a pair of cutouts 252, 254 formed at opposite ends 242, 244. In the example shown, the first cut is a first notch 252 formed in the first end 242 and the second cut is a second notch 254 formed in the second end 244. As shown, each of the notches 252, 254 is formed through the thickness of the second plate 238 and tapers in width to an apex disposed in the middle portion 246 of the second plate 238. Thus, each of the notches 252, 254 effectively defines a pair of tabs 256 at each end 242, 244 of the second plate 238. The tab 256 of the first end 242 extends through the heel-facing sidewall 174j and into the first section 152j of the midsole 36j, and the tab 256 of the second end 244 extends through the forefoot-facing sidewall 176j and into the second section 154j of the midsole 36 j.

The tabs 256 are configured to act as flexures at each of the first and second ends 242, 244 of the second plate 238 during use of the shoe 10 j. For example, the first recess 252 may be sized and positioned to minimize the stiffness of the second plate 238 in the forefoot region. Likewise, by providing the tab 256, the second notch 254 allows the second end 244 of the second plate 238 to twist and/or bend within the midfoot region 18. In some examples, one or more of the cutouts may be an aperture formed in the middle portion 246 of the second plate 238.

The third plate 240 is spaced apart from the second plate 238 and is disposed between the cushioning device 40j and the outsole 38 j. As shown, the third plate 240 extends from a first end 248 attached to the first section 152j of the midsole 36j to a second end 250 attached to the cushioning device 40 j. More specifically, the first end 248 of the third plate 240 is disposed between the distal end of the first section 152j and the outsole 38j, while the second end 250 of the third plate is engaged to the cushioning device 40j and does not extend to the second section 154 j. Thus, the second end 250 of the third plate 240 is free to move with the buffer device 40 j. As described in more detail below, at least a portion of the outsole 38j may be attached to the third plate 238 or integrally formed with the third plate 238.

With reference to fig. 51 and 53B, first plate 236 is a full length plate and extends from forefoot region 16 to heel region 20 along substantially the entire length of sole structure 14 j. Second plate 238 and third plate 240 may be so-called "partial length" plates that extend only along a portion of sole structure 14 j. In the example shown, second panel 238 extends from forefoot region 16 to midfoot region 18, while third panel 240 is disposed substantially within forefoot region 16. In some examples, any one or more of plates 236, 238, 240 may extend from a middle portion of forefoot region 16 to a middle portion of heel region 20. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of plates 236, 238, 240 may be full length plates that extend from front end 44 to rear end 46 of sole structure 14j, as described above.

Additionally, each of the plates 236, 238, 240 may include one or more seats (sockets) 257 configured to receive a cushioning device 40j therein. As shown in fig. 51, the seats 257 may be defined by ribs, protrusions, or recesses formed on one or more surfaces of each of the respective plates 236, 238, 240 and configured to interface with the cushioning device 40 j. Thus, the seats 257 receive respective ends of the cushion 40j to fix the position of the cushion 40j relative to each of the plates 236, 238, 240.

Regardless of the particular size, location, and features, one or more of the plates 236, 238, 240 may be formed of a relatively rigid material. For example, one or more of the plates 236, 238, 240 may be formed from a non-foamed polymeric material, or alternatively from a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers. For example, carbon fiber sheets have been found to provide maximum performance due to the relatively low weight and required force distribution characteristics compared to polymeric materials. However, polymer plates may provide suitable weight and force distribution characteristics in other implementations of the sole structure. Forming plates 236, 238, 240 from a relatively rigid material allows forces associated with use of article of footwear 10j to be distributed throughout sole structure 14j when article of footwear 10j impacts the ground, as will be described in more detail below.

Still referring to fig. 50-53B, the cushioning device 40j is disposed within the gap 156j of the midsole 36j, and the cushioning device 40j is shown as including an inner cushion or medial cushioning device 64j and an outer cushion or lateral cushioning device 66 j. Medial cushioning device 64j is disposed adjacent medial portion 22 of sole structure 14j, and lateral cushioning device 66j is disposed adjacent lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14 j.

As shown in fig. 52 and 53A, the inboard cushion 64j includes a first fluid-filled chamber 188j and a second fluid-filled chamber 190 j. Similarly, the outboard shock absorber 66j includes a third fluid-filled chamber 192j and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 194 j. First and third fluid-filled chambers 188j, 192j are generally disposed between first and second plates 236, 238, while second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190j, 194j are disposed between second and third plates 238, 240. Specifically, first fluid-filled chamber 188j and third fluid-filled chamber 192j are attached to first plate 236 at respective first sides and to second plate 238 at respective second sides. Likewise, second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190j, 194j are attached to second plate 238 at respective first sides and to third plate 240 at respective second sides.

Referring to fig. 50 and 53B, the middle portion 246 of the second plate 238 penetrates (inter) the buffer device 40 j. More specifically, the middle portion 246 of the second plate 238 is disposed between the first and second fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j of the inboard damping device 64j, and between the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192j, 194j of the outboard damping device 66 j. In other words, first and third fluid-filled chambers 188j, 192j are disposed above second plate 238 (i.e., disposed between second plate 238 and upper 12), while second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190j, 194j are disposed below second plate 238 (i.e., disposed between second plate 238 and outsole 38 j).

Fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j may be attached to first plate 236, second plate 238, and/or third plate 240, respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j may be joined to any one or more of the plates 236, 238, 240 by fusing the materials of at least one of the fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j, the first plate 236, the second plate 238, and/or the third plate 240. As described above, the opposite end of each of the fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j may be received in a respective seat 257 formed in or on each of the plates 236, 238, 240, thereby mechanically fixing the position of one or more of the fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194 j.

Referring to fig. 53A, the fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j may each include a first blocking element 76 and a second blocking element 78. The first and second blocking elements 76, 78 may be formed from sheets of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). In particular, first blocking element 76 may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may have a generally planar shape. The second blocking element 78 may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in fig. 53A to define an interior space 80. The first barrier element 76 may be joined to the second barrier element 78 by applying heat and pressure at a peripheral edge of the first barrier element 76 and a peripheral edge of the second barrier element 78 to define a peripheral seam 82. Peripheral seam 82 seals interior space 80, thereby defining the volume of each of fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194 j.

The interior space 80 of the fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j may receive the tensile element 84 therein. Each tensile element 84 may include a series of tensile strands 86 extending between an upper tensile sheet 88 and a lower tensile sheet 90. The upper stretch panel 88 may be attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 may be attached to the second barrier element 78. In this manner, the tensile strands 86 of the tensile element 84 are placed in tension when the fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j receive pressurized fluid. Because the upper stretch panel 88 is attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 is attached to the second barrier element 78, the stretch strands 86 maintain the desired shape of each of the first fluid-filled chamber 188j, the second fluid-filled chamber 190j, the third fluid-filled chamber 192j, and the fourth fluid-filled chamber 194j, respectively, when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior space 80.

As depicted, the medial cushioning device 64j and the lateral cushioning device 66j each include a pair of fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j that are generally received between the upper 12 and the outsole 38 j. In one configuration, first and third fluid-filled chambers 188j, 192j are fluidly isolated from second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192j, 194j, respectively, by second plate 238.

In some configurations, the inboard damping device 64j (i.e., the first and second fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j) is fluidly isolated from the outboard damping device 66j (i.e., the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192j, 194 j). Although the inboard cushion device 64j is depicted and shown as being spaced apart from the outboard cushion device 66j, the cushion devices 64j, 66j may alternatively be in contact with each other while still being fluidly isolated.

Although the inboard and outboard bumpers 64j, 66j are depicted and shown as including stacked pairs of fluid-filled chambers, the inboard and outboard bumpers 64j, 66j may alternatively include other cushioning elements. For example, the inboard and outboard bumpers 64j, 66j may each include a foam block (see, e.g., 92 in fig. 4-6) in place of any one or more of the fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194 j. The foam block may be received within an interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78. Positioning the foam block within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78 allows the blocking elements 76, 78 to limit expansion of the foam block beyond a predetermined amount when the foam block is subjected to a predetermined load. Thus, the overall shape of the foam block, and thus the properties of the foam block, may be controlled by allowing the foam block to interact with the blocking elements 76, 78 during loading. Although the foam block is described as being received within the interior space 80 of the blocking elements 76, 78, the foam block may alternatively be positioned within the cushioning device 40j without the blocking elements 76, 78. In such a configuration, the foam blocks would be directly attached to any one or more of the following, respectively: the first plate 236, the second plate 238, the third plate 240, and/or one of the fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194 j. The particular configuration of medial cushioning device 64j and lateral cushioning device 66j (i.e., the use of foam blocks, fluid-filled chambers, or a combination thereof) may be determined by the amount of cushioning desired at medial side 22 and lateral side 24.

Regardless of the particular configuration of medial cushioning device 64j and lateral cushioning device 66j, medial cushioning device 64j and lateral cushioning device 66j may be generally aligned with each other along a direction extending between medial portion 22 of sole structure 14j and lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14 j. Alternatively, the inboard 64j and outboard 66j bumpers may be offset from one another.

As depicted, medial cushioning device 64j and lateral cushioning device 66j each provide a pair of stacked cushioning elements disposed at discrete locations on sole structure 14 j. In one configuration, the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64j, 66j each provide a pair of stacked fluid-filled chambers (i.e., elements 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial and lateral sides 22, 24, respectively. Each fluid-filled chamber 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j may have the same volume and may also be at the same pressure. Alternatively, the volume and pressure of each fluid-filled chamber 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j may vary between the cushioning devices 64j, 66j and/or within each cushioning device 64j, 66 j. For example, the first fluid-filled chamber 188j may have the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber 190j, or alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber 188j may have a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber 190 j. Likewise, third fluid-filled chamber 192j may have the same or different pressure as fourth fluid-filled chamber 194j, and may have a different pressure than first fluid-filled chamber 188j and/or second fluid-filled chamber 190 j. The fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j may be at a pressure in the range of 15psi to 30psi, and preferably in the range of 20psi to 25 psi.

As shown in fig. 50 and 53B, the outsole 38j is engaged to the midsole 36j and the third plate 240. More specifically, the outsole 38j is segmented, whereby a forefoot section 258 of the outsole 38j is joined to the first and third plates 152j, 240 of the midsole 36j, and one or more heel sections 260 of the outsole 38j are joined to the second section 154j of the midsole 36 j. Alternatively, the outsole 38j may be continuously formed and extend from the forward end 44 to the rearward end 46. Outsole 38j may be formed from a resilient material, such as, for example, rubber, that provides ground engaging surface 54 for article of footwear 10j to provide traction and durability.

As shown, the third plate 240 cooperates with the forefoot section 258 of the outsole 38j to define the cutout 262. A cutout 262 extends through each of the third plate 240 and the forefoot section 258 and tapers in width along the longitudinal axis L to an apex disposed between the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64j, 66 j. Similarly, the outer periphery of the third plate 240 and the outer periphery of the forefoot section 258 of the outsole 38j may correspond to the contour of the cushion 40j and cooperate to define a recess 264 extending between the medial cushion 64j and the lateral cushion 66j opposite the cutout 262.

During operation, when the ground engaging surface 54 contacts the ground, force is distributed through the third plate 240 to the first section 152j and the cushioning device 40 j. The force received by the damping device 40j through the third plate 240 is transmitted through the second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190j, 194j to the second plate 238, through the second plate 238 to the first and third fluid-filled chambers 188j, 192j, and through the first and third fluid-filled chambers 188j, 192j to the first plate 236. The applied force causes the respective fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j, 192j, 194j to compress, thereby absorbing the force associated with the outsole 38j contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole 36e via the first plate 236, the second plate 238, and the third plate 240, but the force is not carried by the user as a point or partial load. As described above, one or more of the first plate 236, the second plate 238, and the third plate 240 are formed of a rigid material. Thus, even if the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64j, 66j are located at discrete locations along the sole structure 14j, the forces exerted by the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64j, 66j on the first and second plates 236, 238 are distributed over the length of the midsole 36j such that the applied forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64j, 66j are distributed along the length of the first and second plates 236, 238 due to the rigidity of the plates 236, 238, such that the foot of the user does not experience point loads when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26. Further, by attaching the third plate 240 to the distal end of each of the inboard and outboard bumpers 64j, 66j and extending the second plate 196 between the first and second fluid-filled chambers 188j, 190j of the inboard bumper 64j and between the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192j, 194j of the outboard bumper 66j, additional stability is provided to the bumper 40j by distributing the applied force between the bumpers 64j, 66j, the first segment 152j, and the second segment 154 j.

Referring to fig. 54-57B, an article of footwear 10k is provided, and the article of footwear 10k includes an upper 12 and a sole structure 14k attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10k, the same reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify similar components while the same reference numerals, including letter extensions, will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

Sole structure 14k is attached to upper 12 and provides support and cushioning for article of footwear 10k during use. That is, sole structure 14k attenuates ground reaction forces that may result from article of footwear 10k striking the ground during use. Accordingly, as set forth below, sole structure 14k may incorporate one or more materials having energy-absorbing properties to allow sole structure 14k to reduce the impact a user experiences while wearing article of footwear 10 k.

The sole structure 14k may include a midsole 36k, an outsole 38k, and a cushioning or cushioning device 40k generally disposed between the midsole 36k and the outsole 38 k. In addition, sole structure 14k may include a first plate 266, a second plate 268, and a third plate 270, where first plate 266, second plate 268, and third plate 270 extend from forefoot region 16 toward rear end 46 of article of footwear 10 k. As shown in fig. 54 and 57B, the first plate 266 is disposed intermediate the midsole 36k and the cushioning device 40k, while the second plate 268 is disposed within the midsole 36k and separates the cushioning device 40k into upper and lower portions. The third plate 270 is disposed intermediate the cushioning device 40k and the outsole 38 k.

Referring to fig. 55 and 57B, the midsole 36k may include a continuously formed upper portion 146k and a segmented lower portion 148 k. Upper portion 146k is shown extending from front end 44 to rear end 46 of article of footwear 10 k. In one configuration, the upper portion 146k opposes the liner 48 of the upper 12 and the upper portion 146k joins the sole structure 14k to the upper 12. An upper portion 146k of the midsole 36k may extend at least partially onto the upper surface 50 of the upper 12 such that the midsole 36k covers the junction of the upper 12 and the liner 48, as shown in fig. 57A.

The lower portion 148k of the midsole 36k may include a first segment 152k extending downward from the forefoot region 16 of the upper portion 146k and a second segment 154k extending downward from the heel region 20 of the upper portion 146 k. The heel-facing sidewall 174k of the first segment 152k is spaced apart from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176k of the second segment 154k to define a gap 156k between the first segment 152k and the second segment 154 k. The forefoot-facing sidewall 176k of the second segment 154k may be tapered, as shown in fig. 55 and 57B. In general, the gap 156k is defined to provide sufficient clearance for uninhibited expansion and contraction of the cushioning device 40k during use. For example, upon initial impact with the ground, the width of the cushioning device 40k may expand as the cushioning device 40k is compressed. By providing the gap 156k, the impact absorbing capability of the cushioning device 40k is maximized.

Referring to fig. 54 and 56, the second section 154k of the midsole 36k may include a channel 157k that extends continuously from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176k to the rear end 46. As shown, the width of channel 157k may taper from forefoot-facing sidewall 176k to a medial portion and from the medial portion to a second apex adjacent to rear end 46 of sole structure 14 k.

The midsole 36k may be formed from an energy-absorbing material such as, for example, a polymer foam. Forming midsole 36k from an energy-absorbing material, such as polymer foam, allows midsole 36k to attenuate ground reaction forces that may be caused by movement of article of footwear 10k over a ground surface during use.

As discussed above, sole structure 14k includes a plurality of plates 266, 268, 270, which plurality of plates 266, 268, 270 are configured to provide a rigid or semi-rigid interface between midsole 36k and cushioning device 40k, thereby providing added stability to cushioning device 40k and distributing loads throughout sole structure 14 k. The first plate 266 may be disposed within the midsole 36k such that the upper portion 146k of the midsole 36k extends between the first plate 266 and the upper 12. As shown, first plate 266 may be disposed intermediate upper portion 146k and lower portion 148 k. More specifically, a first end of the first plate 266 is embedded within the midsole 36k between the upper portion 146k and the first segment 152k, and a second end of the first plate 266 is embedded within the midsole 36k between the upper portion 146k and the second segment 154 k. An intermediate portion of the first plate 266 spans the gap 156k, whereby the ground-facing surface 158k of the first plate 266 is exposed within the gap 156k and engages the proximal end of the cushioning device 40 k.

First plate 266 may be visible at medial side 22 of sole structure 14k and/or at lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 k. Alternatively, the first plate 266 may be encapsulated within the upper portion 146k of the midsole 36 k. In some examples, the first plate 266 may be disposed between the upper 12 and the midsole 36k, whereby the first plate 266 is directly attached to the liner 48 and/or the upper 12.

As shown, second plate 268 is spaced apart from first plate 266 and is generally disposed between first plate 266 and outsole 38 k. A first end 272 of the second plate 268 is joined to the first section 152k of the lower portion 148k of the midsole 36k, while an opposite second end 274 is joined to the second section 154k of the lower portion 148k of the midsole 36 k. In the example shown, first end 272 of second plate 268 is embedded within first section 152k and second end 274 is embedded within second section 154 k. The intermediate portion 276 of the second plate 268 spans the gap 156k formed between the first and second sections 152k, 154k and separates the cushioning device 40k into upper and lower portions, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 55, second panel 268 includes cutouts 282, 284 formed through second panel 268 for controlling flexibility and stability characteristics. As shown, the cutouts 282, 284 include a first notch 282 extending from the first end 272 of the second plate 268 and a second notch 284 extending from the second end 274 of the second plate 268. Each of the first and second notches 282, 284 extends to a respective apex adjacent opposing sides of the cushioning device 40 k. As shown, the notches 282, 284 may extend partially between portions of the cushioning device 40k, as discussed below. Thus, each of the notches 282, 284 effectively defines a pair of tabs 286 at each end 272, 274 of the second plate 268. The tab 286 of the first end 272 extends through the heel-facing sidewall 174k and into the first section 152k of the midsole 36k, and the tab 286 of the second end 274 extends through the forefoot-facing sidewall 176k and into the second section 154k of the midsole 36 k.

Tab 286 is configured to act as a flexure at each of first end 272 and second end 274 of second plate 268 during use of footwear 10 k. For example, the first notch 282 may be sized and positioned to minimize the stiffness of the second plate 268 adjacent to the cushioning device 40k within the forefoot region 16. Likewise, by forming tab 286, second notch 284 allows second end 274 of second plate 268 to twist and bend within midfoot region 18. The size and location of the notches 282, 284 can be modified according to the desired flexibility and stability characteristics.

The third plate 270 is spaced apart from the second plate 268 and is disposed between the cushioning device 40k and the outsole 38 k. As shown, the third plate 270 extends from a first end 278 attached to the first section 152k of the midsole 36k to a second end 280 attached to the cushioning device 40 k. More specifically, the first end 278 of the third plate 270 is disposed between the distal end of the first segment 152k and the outsole 38k, while the second end 280 of the third plate 270 is received between the distal end of the second segment 154k and the outsole 38 k. Accordingly, at least a portion of the outsole 38k may be attached to the third plate 270 or integrally formed with the third plate 270, as described in more detail below.

Similar to the second plate 268, the third plate 270 includes a plurality of cutouts 288, 289, 290 formed through the third plate 270. In the example shown, the first cut is a first notch 288 formed in the first end 278 and the second cut is a second notch 290 formed in the second end 280. As shown, each of the recesses 288, 290 is formed through the thickness of the third plate 270 and tapers in width to an apex disposed in an intermediate portion of the third plate 270. Thus, each of the notches 288, 290 effectively defines a pair of tabs 291 at each end 278, 280 of the third plate 270. The tab 291 of the first end 278 is received between the first segment 152k and the outsole 38k, and the tab 291 of the second end 280 is received between the second segment 154k and the outsole 38 k. The third plate 270 further includes an opening 289, and the opening 289 is formed through the middle portion on an opposite side of the buffer device 40k from the first recess 288. Similar to tabs 286 of second plate 268, tabs 291 of third plate 270 may be configured to provide the desired flexibility and stability.

Referring to fig. 55 and 57B, first plate 266 is a full length plate and extends from forefoot region 16 to heel region 20 along substantially the entire length of sole structure 14 k. Second plate 268 and third plate 270 may be so-called "partial length" plates that extend only along a portion of sole structure 14 k. In the example shown, second panel 268 and the third panel extend from forefoot region 16 to midfoot region 18. In some examples, any one or more of plates 266, 268, 270 may extend from a middle portion of forefoot region 16 to a middle portion of midfoot region 18 or a middle portion of heel region 20. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of plates 266, 268, 270 may be full length plates that extend from front end 44 to rear end 46 of sole structure 14k as described above.

Regardless of the particular size, location, and features, one or more of plates 266, 268, 270 may be formed from a relatively rigid material. For example, the plates 266, 268, 270 may be formed from a non-foamed polymeric material, or alternatively from a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers. It has been found that carbon fiber plates provide maximum performance due to the relatively low weight and the required force distribution characteristics compared to polymeric materials. However, polymer plates may provide suitable weight and force distribution characteristics in other implementations of the sole structure. Forming plates 266, 268, 270 from a relatively rigid material allows forces associated with use of article of footwear 10k to be distributed throughout sole structure 14k when article of footwear 10k impacts the ground, as will be described in greater detail below.

Still referring to fig. 54-57B, the cushioning device 40k is disposed within the gap 156k of the midsole 36k, and the cushioning device 40k is shown as including an inner cushion or cushioning device 64k and an outer cushion or cushioning device 66 k. Medial cushioning device 64k is disposed adjacent medial portion 22 of sole structure 14k, and lateral cushioning device 66k is disposed adjacent lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14 k.

As shown in fig. 55 and 57A, the inboard cushion device 64k includes a first fluid-filled chamber 188k and a second fluid-filled chamber 190 k. Similarly, the outboard damper device 66k includes a third fluid-filled chamber 192k and a fourth fluid-filled chamber 194 k. First and third fluid-filled chambers 188k, 192k are generally disposed between first and second plates 266, 268, while second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190k, 194k are disposed between second and third plates 268, 270. Specifically, first fluid-filled chamber 188k and third fluid-filled chamber 192k are attached to first plate 266 at respective first sides and to second plate 268 at respective second sides. Likewise, second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190k and 194k are attached to second plate 268 at respective first sides and to third plate 270 at respective second sides.

Referring to fig. 54 and 57B, the intermediate portion 276 of the second plate 268 extends through the damping device 40 k. More specifically, the intermediate portion 276 of the second plate 268 is disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber 188k and the second fluid-filled chamber 190k of the inboard damping device 64k, and between the third fluid-filled chamber 192k and the fourth fluid-filled chamber 194k of the outboard damping device 66 k. In other words, first fluid-filled chamber 188k and third fluid-filled chamber 192k are disposed above second plate 268 (i.e., disposed between second plate 268 and upper 12), while second fluid-filled chamber 190k and fourth fluid-filled chamber 194k are disposed between second plate 268 and outsole 38 k.

Fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k may be attached to first plate 266, second plate 268, and/or third plate 270, respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k may be joined to any one or more of plates 266, 268, 270 by fusing the materials of at least one of fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k, first plate 266, second plate 268, and/or third plate 270. As described above, the opposite end of each of the fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k may be received in a corresponding seat 287 formed in or on each of the plates 266, 268, 270, thereby mechanically fixing the position of each end.

Fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k may each include first blocking element 76 and second blocking element 78. The first and second blocking elements 76, 78 may be formed from sheets of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). In particular, first blocking element 76 may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may have a generally planar shape. The second blocking element 78 may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in fig. 57A to define an interior space 80. The first barrier element 76 may be joined to the second barrier element 78 by applying heat and pressure at a peripheral edge of the first barrier element 76 and a peripheral edge of the second barrier element 78 to define a peripheral seam 82. The peripheral seam 82 seals the interior space 80 of the interior, thereby defining the volume of each of the chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194 k.

The interior space 80 of each of the fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k may receive a tensile element 84 therein. Each tensile element 84 may include a series of tensile strands 86 extending between an upper tensile sheet 88 and a lower tensile sheet 90. The upper stretch panel 88 may be attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 may be attached to the second barrier element 78. In this manner, the tensile strands 86 of the tensile element 84 are placed in tension when the fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k receive pressurized fluid. Because the upper stretch panel 88 is attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 is attached to the second barrier element 78, the stretch strands 86 maintain the desired shape of each of the first fluid-filled chamber 188k, the second fluid-filled chamber 190k, the third fluid-filled chamber 192k, and the fourth fluid-filled chamber 194k, respectively, when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior space 80.

As depicted, the medial cushioning device 64k and the lateral cushioning device 66k each include a pair of fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k generally received between the upper 12 and the outsole 38 k. In one configuration, first and third fluid-filled chambers 188k and 192k are fluidly isolated from second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192k and 194k, respectively, by second plate 268.

In some configurations, the inboard damping device 64k (i.e., the first and second fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k) is fluidly isolated from the outboard damping device 66k (i.e., the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192k, 194 k). Although the inboard cushion device 64k is depicted and shown as being spaced apart from the outboard cushion device 66k, the cushion devices 64k, 66k may alternatively be in contact with one another while still being fluidly isolated.

Although the inboard and outboard cushioning devices 64k, 66k are depicted and shown as including stacked pairs of fluid-filled chambers, the inboard and outboard cushioning devices 64k, 66k may alternatively include other cushioning elements. For example, the inboard and outboard cushioning devices 64k, 66k may each include a foam block (see, e.g., 92 in fig. 4-6) in place of any one or more of the fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194 k. The foam block may be received within an interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78. Positioning the foam block within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78 allows the blocking elements 76, 78 to limit expansion of the foam block beyond a predetermined amount when the foam block is subjected to a predetermined load. Thus, the overall shape of the foam block, and thus the properties of the foam block, may be controlled by allowing the foam block to interact with the blocking elements 76, 78 during loading. Although the foam block is described as being received within the interior space 80 of the blocking elements 76, 78, the foam block may alternatively be positioned within the cushioning device 40k without the blocking elements 76, 78. In such a configuration, the foam blocks would be directly attached to any one or more of the following, respectively: first plate 266, second plate 268, third plate 270, and/or one of fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194 k. The particular configuration of medial cushioning device 64k and lateral cushioning device 66k (i.e., the use of foam blocks, fluid-filled chambers, or a combination thereof) may be determined by the amount of cushioning desired at medial side 22 and lateral side 24.

Regardless of the particular configuration of medial cushioning device 64k and lateral cushioning device 66k, medial cushioning device 64k and lateral cushioning device 66k may be generally aligned with one another along a direction extending between medial portion 22 of sole structure 14k and lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14 k. Alternatively, the medial cushion 64k and the lateral cushion 66k may be offset from each other.

As depicted, medial cushioning device 64k and lateral cushioning device 66k each provide a pair of stacked cushioning elements disposed at discrete locations on sole structure 14 k. In one configuration, the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64k, 66k each provide a pair of stacked fluid-filled chambers (i.e., elements 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial and lateral sides 22, 24, respectively. Each fluid-filled chamber 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k may have the same volume and may also be at the same pressure. Alternatively, the volume and pressure of the respective fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k may vary between the cushioning devices 64k, 66k and/or within each cushioning device 64k, 66 k. For example, the first fluid-filled chamber 188k may have the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber 190k, or alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber 188k may have a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber 190 k. Likewise, third fluid-filled chamber 192k may have the same or different pressure as fourth fluid-filled chamber 194k, and may have a different pressure than first fluid-filled chamber 188k and/or second fluid-filled chamber 190 k. For example, first fluid-filled chamber 188k may have a higher or lower pressure than second fluid-filled chamber 190k, and third fluid-filled chamber 192k may have a higher or lower pressure than fourth fluid-filled chamber 194 k. The fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k may be at a pressure in the range of 15psi to 30psi, and preferably in the range of 20psi to 25 psi.

As shown in fig. 54, the outsole 38k is joined to the midsole 36k and the third plate 270 and extends from the forward end 44 to the heel region 20. The outsole 38k may include cutouts 292, 294 formed through the outsole 38k, the cutouts 292, 294 having a profile complementary to the cutouts 288, 290 of the third plate 270 and/or the passage 157k of the midsole 36 k. Outsole 38k may be formed from a resilient material, such as, for example, rubber, which provides ground engaging surface 54 for article of footwear 10k to provide traction and durability.

During operation, when the ground engaging surface 54 contacts the ground, force is distributed to the first section 152k and the cushioning device 40k by the third plate 270. The force received by cushioning device 40k through third plate 270 is transmitted through second and fourth fluid-filled chambers 190k, 194k to second plate 268, through second plate 268 to first and third fluid-filled chambers 188k, 192k, and through first and third fluid-filled chambers 188k, 192k to first plate 266. The applied force causes the respective fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k, 192k, 194k to compress, thereby absorbing the force associated with the outsole 38k contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole 36k via the first plate 266, the second plate 268, and the third plate 270, but the force is not carried by the user as a point or partial load. As described above, one or more of first plate 266, second plate 268, and third plate 270 are formed from a rigid material. Thus, even if the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64k, 66k are located at discrete locations along the sole structure 14k, the forces exerted by the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64k, 66k on the first and second plates 266, 268 are distributed over the length of the midsole 36k such that the applied forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64k, 66k are distributed along the length of the first and second plates 266, 268 due to the rigidity of the plates 266, 268, 270 such that the foot of the user does not experience point loads when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26. Further, by attaching the third plate 270 to the distal end of each of the inboard and outboard bumpers 64k, 66k and extending the second plate 268 between the first and second fluid-filled chambers 188k, 190k of the inboard bumper 64k and between the third and fourth fluid-filled chambers 192k, 194k of the outboard bumper 66k, additional stability is provided to the bumper 40k by distributing the applied force between the bumpers 64k, 66k, the first segment 152k, and the second segment 154 k.

Referring to fig. 58-61A, an article of footwear 10m is provided, and the article of footwear 10m includes an upper 12 and a sole structure 14m attached to the upper 12. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with article of footwear 10m, the same reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify similar components while the same reference numerals, including letter extensions, will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

With continued reference to fig. 58-61B, the sole structure 14m is shown to include a midsole 36m, an outsole 38m, a cushion or cushioning device 40m disposed between the midsole 36m and the outsole 38m, and a plate 296 disposed between the midsole 36m and the cushioning device 40 m. The plate 296 is formed of a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a non-foamed polymer or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers.

With continued reference to fig. 58, 59, and 61B, the midsole 36m may include a continuously formed upper portion 146m and a lower portion 148 m. Upper portion 146m is shown extending from front end 44 to rear end 46 of article of footwear 10 m. In one configuration, the upper portion 146m opposes the liner 48 of the upper 12 and the upper portion 146m joins the sole structure 14m to the upper 12. An upper portion 146m of the midsole 36m may extend at least partially onto the upper surface 50 of the upper 12 such that the midsole 36m covers the junction of the upper 12 and the liner 48, as shown in fig. 61B.

The lower portion 148m of the midsole 36m may include: a first segment 152m extending downward from forefoot region 16 of upper portion 146m, a second segment 154m extending downward from heel region 20 of upper portion 146m, and a rib 230m extending between first segment 152m and second segment 154 m. The heel-facing sidewall 174m of the first segment 152m is spaced apart from the forefoot-facing sidewall 176m of the second segment 154m to define a gap 156m between the first segment 152m and the second segment 154 m. Thus, the rib 230m spans the gap 156m between the first and second segments 152m, 154m and transversely bisects the cushioning device 40 m. As discussed below, each of the sidewalls 174m, 176m may be spaced from the cushioning device 40m, and in some examples, the sidewalls 174m, 176m may have a profile that is substantially complementary in shape to the outer profile of the cushioning device 40 m.

A plate 296 is disposed between the upper portion 146m and each of the lower portion 148m and the cushioning device 40 m. More specifically, a first end of the plate 296 is disposed between the upper portion 146m and the first segment 152m, an opposite second end of the plate 296 is disposed between the upper portion 146m and the second segment 154m, and an intermediate portion is disposed between the upper portion 146m on one side and the cushioning device 40m and the rib 230m on the opposite side, which defines the ground-facing surface 158m of the plate 296. Alternatively, the plate 296 may be at least partially encapsulated within the upper portion 146m of the midsole 36 m. In addition, plate 296 may be visible at medial side 22 of sole structure 14m and/or lateral side 24 of sole structure 14 m. Although the plate 296 is depicted and shown as being embedded within the material of the midsole 36m, the plate 296 may be disposed between the upper 12 and the midsole 36m, whereby the plate 296 is directly attached to the liner 48 and/or the upper 12.

As shown, the plate 296 is a full length plate and extends substantially continuously from the front end 44 to the rear end 46, as discussed above with respect to the article of footwear 10. In some examples, the plate 296 may be a so-called "partial length plate" that extends from a middle portion of the forefoot region 16 to a middle portion of the midfoot region 16 or a middle portion of the heel region 20. Thus, the plate 296 may extend from the forefoot region 16 to the midfoot region 18 of the article of footwear 10m without extending completely through the midfoot region 18 and into the heel region 20.

Additionally, the plate 296 may include one or more seats 307 configured to receive the cushioning device 40m therein. As shown in fig. 59, seat 307 may be defined by a rib, protrusion, or recess formed on ground-facing surface 158m of plate 296 and configured to couple with cushioning device 40 m. Thus, the seat 307 receives a corresponding end of the buffer device 40m to fix the position of the buffer device 40m relative to the plate 296.

The plate 296 may include one or more cutouts 298 formed through the plate 296 for controlling the deflection and stability characteristics. As shown, the plate 296 includes an aperture 298 formed through the heel region 20 of the plate 296. In some examples, the plate 296 may include notches or other cutouts to provide the desired flexibility and stability.

Regardless of the particular size and configuration of the plate 296, the plate 296 may be formed of a relatively rigid material. For example, the plate 296 may be formed of a non-foamed polymeric material, or alternatively a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers. Forming the plate 296 from a relatively rigid material allows the plate 296 to distribute forces associated with use of the article of footwear 10m when the article of footwear 10m impacts the ground, as will be described in greater detail below.

Referring particularly to fig. 58-61A, the cushion apparatus 40m is shown as including an inner cushion or inner cushion apparatus 64m and an outer cushion or outer cushion apparatus 66 m. Medial cushioning device 64m is disposed adjacent medial portion 22 of sole structure 14m, and lateral cushioning device 66m is disposed adjacent lateral portion 24 of sole structure 14 m.

As shown in FIG. 61A, the medial cushioning device 64m includes a first fluid-filled chamber 162m disposed generally between the plate 296 and the outsole 38 m. Similarly, the lateral cushioning device 66m includes a second fluid-filled chamber 164m disposed generally between the plate 296 and the outsole 38m at the lateral portion 24. Specifically, first fluid-filled chamber 162m is attached to exposed surface 158m of plate 296 at a first side and to outsole 38m at a second side. Likewise, the second fluid-filled chamber 164m is attached to the exposed surface 158m of the plate 296 at a first side and to the outsole 38m at a second side.

First fluid-filled chamber 162m may be attached to plate 296 and outsole 38d, respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, first fluid-filled chamber 162m may be attached to outsole 38m by fusing the material of first fluid-filled chamber 162m and the material of outsole 38m at the junction of first fluid-filled chamber 162m and outsole 38 m. As described above, the first end of each of the fluid-filled chambers 162m, 164m may be received in a corresponding seat 307 formed in the plate 296, thereby mechanically fixing the position of the fluid-filled chambers 162m, 164 m. In some examples, outsole 38m may also include a seat 307 for receiving a second end of fluid-filled chambers 162m, 164 m.

The first fluid-filled chamber 162m and the second fluid-filled chamber 164m may each include a first blocking element 76 and a second blocking element 78. The first and second blocking elements 76, 78 may be formed from sheets of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). In particular, first blocking element 76 may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may have a generally planar shape. The second blocking element 78 may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in fig. 28 to define an interior space 80. The first barrier element 76 may be joined to the second barrier element 78 by applying heat and pressure at a peripheral edge of the first barrier element 76 and a peripheral edge of the second barrier element 78 to define a peripheral seam 82. Peripheral seam 82 seals interior space 80, thereby defining the volume of first fluid-filled chamber 162 m.

The interior space 80 of each of the first and second fluid-filled chambers 162m, 164m may receive the tensile element 84 therein. The tensile element 84 may include a series of tensile strands 86 extending between an upper tensile sheet 88 and a lower tensile sheet 90. The upper stretch panel 88 may be attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 may be attached to the second barrier element 78. In this manner, when the first fluid-filled chamber 162m receives pressurized fluid, the tensile strands 86 of the tensile element 84 are placed in tension. Because the upper stretch panel 88 is attached to the first barrier element 76 and the lower stretch panel 90 is attached to the second barrier element 78, the tensile strands 86 maintain the desired shape of the first fluid-filled chamber 162m when pressurized fluid is injected into the interior space 80.

With continued reference to FIG. 61A, the outboard damping device 66m likewise includes a second fluid-filled chamber 164 m. As with the medial cushioning device 64m, a second fluid-filled chamber 164m is disposed between the plate 296 and the outsole 38 m. The second fluid-filled chamber 164m may be the same as the first fluid-filled chamber 162 m. Accordingly, the second fluid-filled chamber 164m may include the first barrier element 76, the second barrier element 78, the interior space 80, the peripheral seam 82, and the tensile element 84 disposed within the interior space 80.

In one configuration, the inboard damping device 64m (i.e., the first fluid-filled chamber 162m) is fluidly isolated from the outboard damping device 66m (i.e., the second fluid-filled chamber 164 m). As such, the inboard cushion 64m is spaced apart and separated from the outboard cushion 66m by a distance 166 (fig. 29). Although the inboard cushion device 64m is depicted and shown as being spaced apart from the outboard cushion device 66m, the cushion devices 64m, 66m may alternatively be in contact with each other while still being fluidly isolated.

Although the inboard and outboard cushioning devices 64m, 66m are described and illustrated as including fluid-filled chambers 162m, 164m, the inboard and/or outboard cushioning devices 64m, 66m may alternatively include alternative or additional cushioning elements. For example, the inboard 64m and/or outboard 66m cushioning devices may each include a foam block (not shown) in place of one or both of the fluid-filled chambers 162m, 164 m. The foam block may be received within an interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78. Positioning the foam block within the interior space 80 defined by the first and second blocking elements 76, 78 allows the blocking elements 76, 78 to limit expansion of the foam block beyond a predetermined amount when the foam block is subjected to a predetermined load. Thus, the overall shape of the foam block, and thus the properties of the foam block, may be controlled by allowing the foam block to interact with the blocking elements 76, 78 during loading.

Regardless of the particular configuration of the medial cushioning device 64m and the lateral cushioning device 66m, the medial cushioning device 64m may be aligned with the lateral cushioning device 66m in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole structure 14m, as shown in fig. 61A. Additionally or alternatively, the medial cushioning device 64m may be aligned with the lateral cushioning device 66m in a direction extending from the medial side 22 to the lateral side 24 such that both cushioning devices 64m, 66m are approximately equally spaced from the front end 44 of the sole structure 14m and/or the rear end 46 of the sole structure 14m, as shown in fig. 61A. Alternatively, the inboard cushion 64m may be offset from the outboard cushion 66m in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis (L). That is, the medial cushioning device 64m may be disposed closer to the front end 44 of the sole structure 14m than the lateral cushioning device 66m or farther from the front end 44 of the sole structure 14m than the lateral cushioning device 66m, similar to the example shown in fig. 14.

As discussed above, the sidewalls 174m, 176m of the midsole 36m are spaced from the cushioning devices 64m, 66 m. The spacing allows the cushioning devices 64m, 66m to expand outward when loaded. That is, when the cushion devices 64m, 66m are loaded, the cushion devices 64m, 66m are allowed to extend into the spaces provided between the cushion devices 64m, 66m and the side walls 174m, 176 m. The width of the gap 156m may be designed to control the extent to which the cushioning devices 64m, 66m are allowed to expand when loaded. For example, the larger the gap 156m, the more the cushioning devices 64m, 66m must expand before contacting the sidewalls 174m, 176m, if occurring. Conversely, if the sidewalls 174m, 176m are disposed in close proximity to the cushioning devices 64m, 66m, a minimum expansion of the cushioning devices 64m, 66m will be allowed before the cushioning devices 64m, 66m contact the surface 168 of the midsole 36m, thereby allowing the midsole 36m to limit expansion of the cushioning devices 64m, 66m beyond a predetermined amount.

As depicted, medial cushioning device 64m and lateral cushioning device 66m each provide a cushioning element disposed at discrete locations on sole structure 14 m. In one configuration, the inboard and outboard bumpers 64m, 66m each provide fluid-filled chambers (i.e., elements 162m, 164m) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the inboard and outboard sides 22, 24, respectively. Each discrete fluid-filled chamber 162m, 164m may have the same volume and may also be at the same pressure (i.e., 20 psi). Alternatively, the pressure of each fluid-filled chamber 162m, 164m may vary between the cushioning devices 64m, 66 m. For example, the first fluid-filled chamber 162m may have the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber 164m, or alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber 162m may have a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber 164 m. The fluid-filled chambers 162m, 164m may be at a pressure in the range of 15psi to 30psi, and preferably in the range of 20psi to 25 psi.

As shown in fig. 58 and 61B, the outsole 38m is joined to the midsole 36m and the cushioning device 40 m. Outsole 38m may be formed from a resilient material such as, for example, rubber, which provides ground engaging surface 54 for article of footwear 10m to provide traction and durability. As discussed above, ground engaging surface 54 may include traction elements 55 to enhance engagement of sole structure 14m with the ground.

During operation, as sole structure 14m contacts the ground, forces are transferred to medial cushioning device 64m and lateral cushioning device 66 m. That is, the force is transferred to the first fluid-filled chamber 162m and the second fluid-filled chamber 164 m. The applied force causes the respective fluid-filled chambers 162m, 164m to compress, thereby absorbing the force associated with the outsole 38m contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole plate 296 and the midsole 36m, but the force is not borne by the user as a point load or a partial load. That is, as described above, the plate 296 is formed of a rigid material. Thus, even if the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64m, 66m are located at discrete locations along the sole structure 14m, the forces exerted by the medial and lateral cushioning devices 64m, 66m on the plate 296 are distributed over the length of the plate 296 such that the applied forces are not applied to the user's foot at the various discrete locations. More specifically, the forces applied at each location of the inboard and outboard bumpers 64m, 66m are distributed along the length of the plate 296 due to the rigidity of the plate 296, such that the foot of the user does not bear a point load when the foot contacts the insole 94 disposed within the interior space 26.

Each of the aforementioned articles of footwear 10-10 m incorporates a sole structure 14-14 i, respectively, that provides a degree of cushioning and protection to the articles of footwear 10-10 m during use of the particular article of footwear 10-10 m. Accordingly, articles of footwear 10-10 i may be used for a variety of athletic activities, such as running in the case of articles of footwear 10, 10a, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, 10j, 10k, 10m, track and field events in the case of article of footwear 10b, or during basketball in the case of article of footwear 10 c.

The following clauses provide configurations for the above-described article of footwear.

Clause 1: a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising: an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface; a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion attached to the outsole and including a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward a heel region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion, the second segment being spaced apart from the first segment by a gap along a longitudinal axis of the midsole; at least one plate extending from the midsole into the gap; and a cushioning member disposed in the gap of the midsole and bonded to the plate.

Clause 2: the sole structure of clause 1, wherein a first end of the plate is joined to the first section of the midsole, a second end of the plate is joined to the second section of the midsole, and a mid portion of the plate extends from the first end through the gap to the second end and is joined to the plate.

Clause 3: the sole structure of clause 2, wherein the first end of the plate is embedded within the second section of the midsole and the second end of the plate is embedded within the first section of the midsole.

Clause 4: the sole structure of clause 2, wherein the middle portion of the plate is disposed between the cushion and the upper portion of the midsole.

Clause 5: the sole structure of clause 4, wherein the cushion includes a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Clause 6: the sole structure of clause 2, wherein the cushion is disposed between the middle portion of the plate and the upper portion of the midsole.

Clause 7: the sole structure of clause 6, wherein the cushion includes a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between an upper portion of the midsole and the middle portion of the plate, and a second cushion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the middle portion of the plate, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Clause 8: the sole structure of clause 2, wherein a first end of the plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first section of the midsole and a second end of the first plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the second section of the midsole.

Clause 9: the sole structure of clause 1, wherein the plate includes a first plate disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the buffer, and a second plate extending from the lower portion of the midsole and disposed between the buffer and the outsole.

Clause 10: the sole structure of clause 1, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is formed of carbon fiber.

Clause 11: a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising: an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface; a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion attached to the outsole and including a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward a heel region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion, the second segment being spaced apart from the first segment by a gap along a longitudinal axis of the midsole; a cushioning member disposed in the gap of the midsole and including a first cushioning member disposed proximate an inner side of the sole structure and a second cushioning member disposed proximate an outer side of the sole structure, the second cushioning member being fluidly isolated from the first cushioning member; and a first plate joined to each of the first section of the midsole, the second section of the midsole, and the cushion.

Clause 12: the sole structure of clause 11, wherein the cushioning member comprises: the first cushion including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole; and a second cushion member disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, the second cushion member being fluidly isolated from the first cushion member.

Clause 13: the sole structure of clause 11, further comprising a second plate spaced apart from the first plate and having a first end joined to the first segment of the midsole, a second end joined to the second segment of the midsole, and a middle portion joined to the buffer disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

Clause 14: the sole structure of clause 13, wherein the cushioning member comprises: the first cushion including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole; and a second dampener including a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, the second dampener fluidly isolated from the first dampener.

Clause 15: the sole structure of clause 14, further comprising a third plate disposed between the cushion and the outsole, the third plate extending from a first end of the first segment joined to the midsole to a terminal end located between the cushion and the second segment.

Clause 16: the sole structure of clause 14, wherein at least one of the second plate and the third plate includes a cut formed between the first section and the bumper.

Clause 17: the sole structure of clause 13, wherein the first end of the second plate includes a first notch defining a first pair of tabs, the second end of the second plate includes a second notch defining a second pair of tabs, the first pair of tabs being embedded in the first section and the second pair of tabs being embedded in the second section.

Clause 18: the sole structure of clause 13, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber includes a tensile member disposed therein.

Clause 19: the sole structure of clause 13, wherein the second plate is formed of carbon fiber.

Clause 20: the sole structure of clause 13, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber in a direction extending from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure.

Clause 21: a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising: an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface; a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper; and a second cushioning member disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper, the second cushioning member being fluidly isolated from the first cushioning member.

Clause 22: the sole structure of clause 21, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber and the third fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 23: the sole structure of clause 22, wherein the first cushioning member is spaced apart and separated from the second cushioning member.

Clause 24: the sole structure of clause 21, wherein the first cushion is disposed closer to a front end of the sole structure than the second cushion.

Clause 25: the sole structure of clause 21, further comprising a third cushion member disposed between the second cushion member and the rear end portion of the sole structure.

Clause 26: the sole structure of clause 25, wherein the third cushion includes a fifth fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a sixth fluid-filled chamber attached to the fifth fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the fifth fluid-filled chamber and the upper.

Clause 27: the sole structure of clause 21, wherein the outsole includes an outer sole member forming the upper surface and a series of traction elements extending from the outer sole member at the ground-engaging surface.

Clause 28: the sole structure of clause 27, wherein the traction elements are formed from an elastic material.

Clause 29: the sole structure of clause 27, wherein the traction elements are formed of a compressible material.

Clause 30: the sole structure of clause 27, wherein the traction elements are formed of a rigid material.

Clause 31: the sole structure of clause 27, wherein the outer sole plate member is formed of a rigid material.

Clause 32: the sole structure of clause 21, further comprising a plate member extending from a front end toward a rear end of the sole structure, the first and second bumpers being disposed between the plate member and the upper surface of the outsole.

Clause 33: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth fluid-filled chambers includes a tensile member disposed therein.

Clause 34: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the first bumper forms a first bulge in the ground-engaging surface and the second bumper forms a second bulge in the ground-engaging surface.

Clause 35: the sole structure of clause 34, wherein the first projection is offset from the second projection in a direction extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

Clause 36: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 37: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the third fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the fourth fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 38: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the outsole extends from the second bumper to a front end of the sole structure.

Clause 39: the sole structure of clause 38, further comprising a cushioning element disposed between the upper surface of the outsole and the upper, the cushioning element being disposed between the front end of the sole structure and the first cushion.

Clause 40: the sole structure of clause 39, wherein the cushioning element is formed of foam.

Clause 41: the sole structure of clause 40, wherein the cushioning element tapers in a direction toward the front end of the sole structure.

Clause 42: a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising: an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface; a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper; and a second cushioning member disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper, the second cushioning member being offset from the first cushioning member in a direction extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

Clause 43: the sole structure of clause 42, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber and the third fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 44: the sole structure of clause 43, wherein the first cushioning member is spaced apart and separated from the second cushioning member.

Clause 45: the sole structure of clause 42, wherein the first cushion is disposed closer to a front end of the sole structure than the second cushion.

Clause 46: the sole structure of clause 42, further comprising a third cushion member disposed between the second cushion member and the rear end portion of the sole structure.

Clause 47: the sole structure of clause 46, wherein the third cushion includes a fifth fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a sixth fluid-filled chamber attached to the fifth fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the fifth fluid-filled chamber and the upper.

Clause 48: the sole structure of clause 42, wherein the outsole includes an outer sole member forming the upper surface and a series of traction elements extending from the outer sole member at the ground-engaging surface.

Clause 49: the sole structure of clause 48, wherein the traction elements are formed from an elastic material.

Clause 530: the sole structure of clause 48, wherein the traction elements are formed of a compressible material.

Clause 51: the sole structure of clause 48, wherein the traction elements are formed from a rigid material.

Clause 52: the sole structure of clause 48, wherein the outer sole plate member is formed from a rigid material.

Clause 53: the sole structure of clause 42, further comprising a plate member extending from a front end toward a rear end of the sole structure, the first and second bumpers being disposed between the plate member and the upper surface of the outsole.

Clause 54: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth fluid-filled chambers includes a tensile member disposed therein.

Clause 55: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the first bumper forms a first bulge in the ground-engaging surface and the second bumper forms a second bulge in the ground-engaging surface.

Clause 56: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 57: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the third fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the fourth fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 58: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the outsole extends from the second bumper to a front end of the sole structure.

Clause 59: the sole structure of clause 58, further comprising a cushioning element disposed between the upper surface of the outsole and the upper, the cushioning element being disposed between the front end of the sole structure and the first cushion.

Clause 60: the sole structure of clause 59, wherein the cushioning element is formed of foam.

Clause 61: the sole structure of clause 60, wherein the cushioning element tapers in a direction toward the front end of the sole structure.

Clause 62: a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising: a plate member attached to the upper; an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface; a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole at a first side and attached to the plate member at a second side opposite the first side; a second cushion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole at a first side and to the plate member at a second side opposite the first side; and a third cushion including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and the plate member.

Clause 63: the sole structure of clause 62, wherein the third dampener extends farther from the plate member than at least one of the first dampener and the second dampener.

Clause 64: the sole structure of clause 62, wherein the third cushion is disposed closer to the lateral side than to the medial side.

Clause 65: the sole structure of clause 62, wherein the plate member includes a front end and a rear end.

Clause 66: the sole structure of clause 65, wherein the third cushion is disposed closer to the rear end portion than the first cushion and the second cushion.

Clause 67: the sole structure of clause 65, wherein the first cushion is disposed closer to the front end portion than the second cushion.

Clause 68: a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising: an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, the outsole extending between a forward end and a rearward end; a first cushion including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper; and a second dampener including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper, the second dampener disposed between the first dampener and the rear end of the outsole.

Clause 69: the sole structure of clause 68, wherein the outsole includes first and second projections that are elevated above a nominal plane defined by the outsole.

Clause 70: the sole structure of clause 69, wherein the first projection is aligned with the first cushion and the second projection is aligned with the second cushion.

Clause 71: the sole structure of clause 68, wherein the first and second bumpers are aligned in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis of the outsole.

Clause 72: a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising: a midsole having an upper portion in contact with the upper, a lower portion extending from the upper portion, and a channel formed between the upper portion and the lower portion; a plate member disposed within the channel of the midsole; and a bumper attached to the plate member at the first side.

Clause 73: the sole of clause 72, wherein the cushioning member includes a first cushioning member disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the plate, and a second cushioning member disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the plate.

Clause 74: the sole structure of clause 73, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 75: the sole structure of clause 73, wherein the first cushioning member is spaced apart and separated from the second cushioning member.

Clause 76: the sole structure of clause 72, further comprising an outsole having a first portion coupled to the midsole and a second portion coupled to the cushion.

Clause 77: the sole structure of clause 76, wherein the first portion of the outsole is separate from the second portion of the outsole.

Clause 78: the sole structure of clause 72, wherein the lower portion of the midsole includes a recess in fluid communication with the channel.

Clause 79: the sole structure of clause 78, wherein the plate is exposed at the recess.

Clause 80: the sole structure of clause 79, wherein the cushion is disposed within the recess.

Clause 81: the sole structure of clause 72, wherein the plate member extends from a middle portion of the forefoot region to a middle portion of the heel region.

Clause 82: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein at least one of the first and second fluid-filled chambers includes a tensile member disposed therein.

Clause 83: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber in a direction extending from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure.

Clause 84: a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising: an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface; a midsole attached to the outsole and having an upper portion and a lower portion defining a gap, the lower portion including a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from a heel region of the upper portion; a cushioning member disposed in the gap of the midsole; a first plate disposed between the cushion and the upper portion of the midsole; and a second plate joined to the first section of the midsole and the cushion.

Clause 85: the sole structure of clause 84, wherein the cushion includes a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Clause 86: the sole structure of clause 84, wherein a first end of the second plate is joined to the first section of the midsole and a second end of the second plate is joined to the second section of the midsole.

Clause 87: the sole structure of clause 86, wherein the first end of the second plate is embedded within the second section of the midsole.

Clause 88: the sole structure of clause 87, wherein the second end of the second plate is embedded within the first section of the midsole.

Clause 89: the sole structure of clause 87, wherein the second end of the second plate is joined to a forefoot-facing sidewall of the second segment.

Clause 90: the sole structure of clause 84, wherein a first end of the first plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first section of the midsole and a second end of the first plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first section of the midsole.

Clause 91: the sole structure of clause 84, wherein the second plate includes a concave central portion having a constant radius of curvature from a forward-most point to a metatarsophalangeal point of the sole structure.

Clause 82: the sole structure of clause 84, wherein the cushion member includes a first cushion member disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the first plate and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the second plate, and a second cushion member disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the first plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the second plate, the second cushion member being fluidly isolated from the first cushion member.

Clause 93: the sole structure of clause 92, wherein the second plate extends from the first segment of the midsole to the second segment of the midsole.

Clause 94: the sole structure of clause 93, wherein the first end of the second plate is joined to the forward end of the first section and the second end of the second plate is embedded within the second section of the midsole.

Clause 95: the sole structure of clause 92, wherein the middle portion of the second plate is curved upward.

Clause 96: the sole structure of clause 95, wherein the intermediate portion of the second plate includes a damper.

Clause 97: the sole structure of clause 96, wherein the damper is disposed intermediate the cushion and the second segment of the midsole.

Clause 98: the sole structure of clause 96, wherein the damper is configured to minimize transmission of torsional forces from the intermediate portion to the second section.

Clause 99: the sole structure of clause 84, wherein the midsole includes a rib extending between the first segment and the second segment and transversely bisecting the cushion.

Clause 100: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the fluid-filled chamber has a pressure in a range of 15psi to 30 psi.

Clause 101: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the fluid-filled chamber has a pressure in a range of 20psi to 25 psi.

Clause 102: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the fluid-filled chamber has a pressure of 20 psi.

Clause 103: the sole structure of any of clauses 1-101, wherein the fluid-filled chamber has a pressure of 25 psi.

Clause 104: a sole structure for an article of footwear including an upper, the sole structure comprising: a first midsole portion attached to the upper; a first plate member attached to the first midsole portion; a first cushion attached to the first plate member on a side of the first plate member opposite the first midsole portion; a second plate member attached to the first bumper on a side of the first bumper opposite the first plate member; a second dampener attached to the second plate member on a side of the second plate member opposite the first dampener; and an outsole attached to the second bumper on a side of the second bumper opposite the second plate member.

Clause 105: a sole structure for an article of footwear including an upper, the sole structure comprising: a first midsole portion attached to the upper; a first plate member attached to the first midsole portion; a first cushion attached to the first plate member on a side of the first plate member opposite the first midsole portion; a second plate member attached to the first bumper on a side of the first bumper opposite the first plate member; a second dampener attached to the second plate member on a side of the second plate member opposite the first dampener; and a third plate member attached to the second cushion on a side of the second cushion opposite the second plate member.

Clause 106: a sole structure for an article of footwear including an upper, the sole structure comprising: a first midsole portion attached to the upper; a first plate member attached to the first midsole portion; a first cushion attached to the first plate member on a side of the first plate member opposite the first midsole portion; a second midsole portion disposed on an opposite side of the first plate member from the first midsole portion; and an outsole attached to the second midsole portion on an opposite side of the second midsole portion from the first plate member.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The various elements or features of a particular embodiment may also be varied in a number of ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising:

a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion including a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward a heel region of the upper portion, and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion, the second segment being spaced apart from the first segment by a gap along a longitudinal axis of the midsole;

at least one plate embedded within the material of the midsole and extending from the midsole into the gap;

a cushioning member disposed in the gap of the midsole and bonded to the plate; and

an outsole including a first outsole portion attached to the first section of the lower portion of the midsole and a second outsole portion formed separate from the first outsole portion and attached to at least one of the second section of the lower portion of the midsole and the cushion.

2. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein a first end of the plate is joined to the first section of the midsole, a second end of the plate is joined to the second section of the midsole, and a middle portion of the plate extends from the first end through the gap to the second end and is joined to the cushion.

3. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein the first end of the plate is embedded within the first section of the midsole and the second end of the plate is embedded within the second section of the midsole.

4. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein a first end of the plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first section of the midsole and a second end of the plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the second section of the midsole.

5. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein the middle portion of the plate is disposed between the cushion and the upper portion of the midsole.

6. The sole structure of claim 5, wherein the cushion includes a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

7. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein the cushion is disposed between the middle portion of the plate and the upper portion of the midsole.

8. The sole structure of claim 7, wherein the cushion includes a first cushion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the middle portion of the plate, and a second cushion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the middle portion of the plate, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

9. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the plates include a first plate disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the buffer, and a second plate extending from the lower portion of the midsole and disposed between the buffer and the outsole.

10. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is formed from carbon fiber.