CN110022713B

CN110022713B - Sole structure with extension plate for an article of footwear

Info

Publication number: CN110022713B
Application number: CN201780071899.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 凯文·W·霍夫; 阿伦·K·赛德; 杰弗里·C·斯帕克思; 安德里亚·M·维内; 乔治·A·赞索斯
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc
Priority date: 2016-11-22
Filing date: 2017-11-13
Publication date: 2021-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-13
Also published as: WO2018097983A1; EP3544461B1; CN110022713A; EP3544461A1

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure having an extension portion that remains in contact with the ground during a forward stride, thereby extending a period of time during which a load applied to the sole structure decelerates. The sole structure includes a bladder having a fluid-filled chamber at least partially disposed in the extension portion. The upper has a forefoot region with a forward-most boundary. The sole structure has a forefoot portion below a forefoot region, and an extension portion extending forward from the forefoot portion. The extension portion extends from a forward edge of the forefoot portion to the distal end forward of a forward-most boundary of the upper. The top side of the extension portion is spaced from the upper between the front edge and the distal end. The extension portion establishes a pushing surface beyond the forward-most boundary of the upper during a forward stride.

Description

Sole structure with extension plate for an article of footwear

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. application serial No. 15/358,813 filed on 2016, 11, 22, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present teachings generally include a sole structure and an article of footwear having a sole structure.

Background

Footwear typically includes a sole that is configured to be positioned under a foot of a wearer to space the foot from a ground or floor surface. The sole structure may be designed to provide a desired degree of cushioning. Particularly athletic footwear, sometimes use polyurethane foam or other resilient materials in the sole structure to provide cushioning. It would also be beneficial for an article of athletic footwear to have a sole structure with a ground-contacting surface that provides sufficient traction and durability for certain athletic activities.

Disclosure of Invention

The present application also relates to the following aspects:

1) an article of footwear comprising:

an upper having a forefoot region with a forwardmost boundary;

a sole structure having a forefoot portion below the forefoot region of the upper, and an extension portion extending forward from the forefoot portion;

wherein:

the sole structure includes a bladder having a fluid-filled chamber at least partially disposed in the extension portion;

the extension portion extends from a forward edge of the forefoot portion to a distal end forward of the forward-most boundary of the upper, and a top side of the extension portion is spaced from the upper between the forward edge and the distal end of the forefoot portion; and is

The extension portion establishes a pushing surface beyond the forward-most boundary of the upper during a forward stride.

2) The article of footwear of 1), wherein the bladder includes lacing elements that span the fluid-filled chamber from a lower interior surface of the bladder to an upper interior surface of the bladder.

3) The article of footwear of any of claims 1) to 2), wherein the bladder is at least partially disposed in the forefoot portion of the sole structure and extends outward from a lateral side of the upper on a lateral side in the forefoot region and outward from a medial side of the upper on a medial side in the forefoot region.

4) The article of footwear of any of 1) through 3), wherein:

the sole structure having a midfoot portion rearward of the forefoot portion, and a heel portion rearward of the midfoot portion; and is

The bladder extends only in the midfoot portion, the forefoot portion, and the extension portion.

5) The article of footwear of any of claims 1) to 4), wherein the sole structure includes a plate extending at least partially in the extension portion and disposed adjacent the bladder such that the plate interfaces with the bladder during a forward stride.

6) The article of footwear of claim 5), wherein the plate is located beneath the bladder and interfaces with a lower surface of the bladder.

7) The article of footwear of claim 5), wherein the plate is located above the bladder and interfaces with an upper surface of the bladder.

8) The article of footwear of any of 1) through 7), wherein:

the sole structure includes an elastic sole element disposed between the upper and the extension portion and extending forward of the upper on the top side of the extension portion.

9) The article of footwear of 8), wherein the extension portion extends forward beyond a forward-most boundary of the elastic sole element.

10) The article of footwear of any of claims 8) to 9), wherein the resilient sole component is a resilient foam midsole.

11) The article of footwear of any of claims 1) to 10), wherein the sole structure further comprises:

an outsole underlying the extension; wherein the outsole has a ground-contacting surface that includes the propulsion surface.

12) The article of footwear of any of claims 1) to 11), wherein the extension portion and the forefoot portion have substantially equal radii of curvature along a length of the sole structure.

13) An article of footwear comprising:

an upper having a forefoot region with a forwardmost boundary;

a sole structure having a forefoot portion below the forefoot region of the upper and having an extension portion extending from a front edge to a distal end of the forefoot portion forward of a forwardmost boundary of the upper;

wherein:

the sole structure includes a bladder and an elastic sole component;

the bladder has a fluid-filled chamber at least partially disposed in the extension portion;

the plate having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side;

the top side being closer to the upper than the bottom side;

the elastic sole element is disposed between the upper and the top side of the bladder and extends forward of the forward-most boundary of the upper; and is

The extension portion establishes a ground-contacting propulsion surface beyond the forward-most boundary of the upper during forward strides.

14) The article of footwear of claim 13), wherein the bladder includes lacing elements that span the fluid-filled chamber from a lower interior surface of the bladder to an upper interior surface of the bladder.

15) The article of footwear of claim 14), wherein the bladder is at least partially disposed in the forefoot portion of the sole structure and extends outward from a lateral side of the upper on a lateral side in the forefoot region and outward from a medial side of the upper on a medial side in the forefoot region.

16) The article of footwear of any of claims 13) to 15), wherein:

17) The article of footwear of any of claims 13) to 16), wherein the sole structure includes an additional plate located above the bladder.

18) The article of footwear of any of claims 13) to 17), wherein the bladder extends forward beyond a forward-most boundary of the elastic sole element.

19) The article of footwear of any of claims 13) to 18), wherein the sole structure includes an outsole on the bottom side of the bladder and beneath the extension portion, and wherein the outsole has a ground-contacting surface that includes the propulsion surface.

20) The article of footwear of any of claims 13) to 19), wherein the resilient sole component is a resilient foam midsole.

21) The article of footwear of any of claims 13) to 20), wherein the extension portion and the forefoot portion have substantially equal radii of curvature along a length of the sole structure.

22) An article of footwear comprising:

an upper having a forefoot region with a forwardmost boundary;

wherein:

the extension portion extends from a front edge of the forefoot portion to a distal end forward of a forwardmost boundary of the upper, and a top side of the extension portion is spaced apart from the upper between the front edge and the distal end of the forefoot portion;

the extension portion establishes a pushing surface beyond the forward-most boundary of the upper during a forward stride; and

the sole structure includes a bladder and a plate extending at least partially in the extension portion adjacent the bladder and interfacing with an outer surface of the bladder.

23) The article of footwear of 22), wherein the plate is located above the bladder and the outer surface is an upper surface of the bladder.

24) The article of footwear of 22), wherein the bladder is located above the plate and the outer surface is a lower surface of the bladder.

25) The article of footwear of claim 22), wherein the plate is a first plate located above the bladder, the outer surface is a lower surface of the bladder, and the sole structure includes a second plate adjacent the bladder extending at least partially in the extension, wherein the bladder is located above the second plate and the second plate meets the lower surface of the bladder.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of an article of footwear having a sole structure with a plate having an extension.

Fig. 2 is a side schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 1 in a first stage of motion.

Fig. 3 is a side schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 1 in a second motion stage.

Fig. 4 is a side schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 1 in a third stage of motion.

Fig. 5 is a bottom schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded side view schematic of the plate of FIG. 1;

fig. 7 is a partial plan view schematic view of a traction element, also shown secured to the plate of the article of footwear in fig. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the traction element of FIG. 7 taken at line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

Fig. 9 is a schematic bottom view of an article of footwear having a plate with an alternative extension.

FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of an article of footwear having a plate with another alternative extension.

Fig. 11 is a side schematic view of an article of footwear having a plate with an alternative extension.

FIG. 12 is a side schematic view of an article of footwear having a plate with another alternative extension.

Fig. 13 is a partial plan view schematic of another alternative extension for the plate of fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is a partial plan view schematic of another alternative extension for the plate of fig. 1.

Figure 15 is a partial side perspective schematic view of an article of footwear having a sole structure with an extended portion.

Fig. 16 is a front perspective schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a partial bottom schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 15.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of the article of footwear of FIG. 15 taken at line 18-18 in FIG. 17.

Fig. 19 is a side schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 15.

Fig. 20 is a side schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 15 in a first stage of motion.

Fig. 21 is a side schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 15 in a second motion stage.

Fig. 22 is a side schematic view of the article of footwear of fig. 15 in a third stage of motion.

Figure 23 is a side schematic view of an article of footwear having a sole structure with an extended portion.

Figure 24 is a side schematic view of an article of footwear having a sole structure with an extended portion.

Figure 25 is a side schematic view of an article of footwear having a sole structure with an extended portion.

Detailed Description

An article of footwear has a sole structure with an extension portion that provides a surface area for forward propulsion that remains in contact with the ground during a forward stride, thereby extending the period of time that a load applied to the sole structure decelerates. An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a forefoot region with a foremost boundary (foremax). The sole structure has a forefoot portion located below a forefoot region of the upper, and an extension portion extending forward from the forefoot portion. The sole structure includes a bladder having a fluid-filled chamber at least partially disposed in the extension portion. The extension portion extends from a forward edge of the forefoot portion to a distal end forward of a forward-most boundary of the upper, and a top side of the extension portion is spaced apart from the upper between the forward edge and the distal end of the forefoot portion. The extension portion establishes a propulsion surface that exceeds a forward-most boundary of the upper during a forward stride. Energy input by the wearer during a forward stride that deforms the sole structure in compression and/or bending is stored as deformation energy (i.e., potential energy). During the latter segment of the forward stride, some portion of the stored energy of the wearer may be returned to the wearer as the load is removed from the pushing surface, thereby saving energy and reducing energy loss.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the sole structure includes an elastic sole element disposed between the upper and the extension portion. For example, the resilient sole element may be a resilient foam midsole. The elastic sole element extends on the top side of the extension portion in front of the upper. The extension portion may extend forwardly beyond a forwardmost boundary (forward-most extension) of the elastic sole element. The bladder may extend forwardly beyond the forwardmost extent of the elastic sole element.

The sole structure may also include an outsole below the extension portion. The outsole has a ground-contacting surface that includes a propulsion surface. In other words, the extension portion allows for a larger ground-contacting surface than a sole structure that terminates in the forefoot portion.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the bladder may also extend in the forefoot portion, at least partially in the midfoot portion, but not in the heel portion. The bladder may include a tether element that spans the fluid-filled chamber from a lower interior surface of the bladder to an upper interior surface of the bladder.

The bladder may be at least partially disposed in a forefoot portion of the sole structure, and may extend outward from a lateral side of the upper on a lateral side in a forefoot region and outward from a medial side of the upper on a medial side in the forefoot region. In addition to being located beneath the bladder in the extension, the outsole is also located beneath the bladder at a location where the bladder extends laterally outward from the upper. Thus, in addition to having the ground-contacting surface extend forward of the forefoot portion, the sole structure increases the ground-contacting surface in the lateral direction.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the sole structure includes an additional plate extending at least partially in the extension portion and disposed adjacent to the bladder such that the plate interfaces with the bladder during a forward stride. Additional plates may be underneath the bladder and attached to the lower surface of the bladder. An additional plate may be positioned above and in contact with the upper surface of the bladder. There may be two additional panels, a first additional panel and a second additional panel, the first additional panel being below the bladder and contiguous with the lower surface of the bladder and the second additional panel being above the bladder and contiguous with the upper surface of the bladder.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the extension portion and forefoot portion have substantially equal radii of curvature along the length of the sole structure.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a sole structure includes a bladder and an elastic sole component. The bladder has a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side. The top side is closer to the upper than the bottom side. The elastic sole element is disposed between the upper and the top side of the bladder and extends forward of a forward-most boundary of the upper. The extension portion establishes a ground-contacting propulsion surface that exceeds the forward-most boundary of the upper during forward strides.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the sole structure includes an outsole on a bottom side of the bladder and beneath the extension portion, and wherein the outsole has a ground-contacting surface that includes a propulsion surface.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the bladder includes a tethering element spanning the fluid-filled chamber from a lower interior surface of the bladder to an upper interior surface of the bladder.

In aspects of the present disclosure, a bladder is at least partially disposed in a forefoot portion of a sole structure and extends outward from a lateral side of an upper on a lateral side in a forefoot region and outward from a medial side of the upper on a medial side in the forefoot region.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the sole structure has a midfoot portion rearward of the forefoot portion and a heel portion rearward of the midfoot portion, and the bladder extends only in the midfoot portion, forefoot portion and extension portion.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the sole structure includes an additional plate located above the bladder. In aspects of the disclosure, the bladder extends forwardly beyond a forward-most boundary of the elastic sole element.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the resilient sole component is a resilient foam midsole. In aspects of the present disclosure, the extension portion and forefoot portion have substantially equal radii of curvature along the length of the sole structure.

In aspects of the present disclosure, an article of footwear includes an upper having a forefoot region with a forwardmost boundary and a sole structure having a forefoot portion underlying the forefoot region of the upper and an extension portion extending forward from the forefoot portion. The extension portion extends from a front edge of the forefoot portion to a distal end forward of a forwardmost boundary of the upper, and a top side of the extension portion is spaced apart from the upper between the front edge and the distal end of the forefoot portion. The extension portion establishes a pushing surface beyond the forward-most boundary of the upper during a forward stride. The sole structure includes a bladder and a plate extending at least partially in an extension portion adjacent the bladder and interfacing with an outer surface of the bladder. The plate may be located above the bladder and the outer surface may be an upper surface of the bladder. Alternatively, the bladder may be located above the plate and the outer surface may be a lower surface of the bladder. Additionally, the plate may be a first plate located above the bladder, the outer surface may be a lower surface of the bladder, and the sole structure may include a second plate extending at least partially in the extension portion adjacent the bladder, wherein the bladder is located above the second plate and the second plate meets the lower surface of the bladder.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

"a", "an", "the", "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one of the items. There may be a plurality of such items unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless otherwise expressly or clearly indicated by the context, all numbers expressing quantities or conditions of parameters (e.g., amounts or conditions) used in this specification, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about", whether or not "about" actually appears before the number. "about" means that the numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; about or reasonably close to the value; nearly). As used herein, "about" means at least variations that may result from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters, provided that the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with such ordinary meaning. Additionally, disclosure of ranges should be understood to specifically disclose all values within the range and further divided ranges. All references cited are incorporated herein in their entirety.

The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term "any" is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including "any one of the referenced items. The term "any" is understood to include any possible combination of the recited claims of the appended claims, including "any one of the recited claims.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," and the like are used descriptively with respect to the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows an article of footwear 10 having a sole structure 12. Article of footwear 10 may include a footwear upper 14, with footwear upper 14 attached to sole structure 12 and sized according to the particular size scale of a person's foot. As shown, article of footwear 10 is an athletic shoe, such as an athletic shoe for track and field sports. In other embodiments, the article of footwear 10 may be a dress shoe, a work shoe, a sandal, a slipper, a boot, or any other category of footwear. Article of footwear 10 has a heel region 16, a midfoot region 18, and a forefoot region 20. Heel region 16 generally includes portions of article of footwear 10 that correspond with rear portions of a foot (including the calcaneus bone) of a person having the dimensions of article of footwear 10. Midfoot region 18 generally includes portions of article of footwear 10 that correspond with an arch area of a foot of a person having the dimensions of article of footwear 10. Forefoot region 20 generally includes portions of footwear 10 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges of a human foot of the size of article of footwear 10.

Sole structure 12 may also be referred to as a sole assembly because it may include multiple components. For example, sole structure 12 may include an elastic sole element 22, the elastic sole element 22 being attached to footwear upper 14 and positioned below footwear upper 14 when sole structure 12 is placed on a horizontal ground plane G. Sole element 22 may be a material that provides a desired level of flexibility and support, such as, in one example, an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam.

Sole structure 12 includes a plate 24 secured to a first side 26 of sole element 22 that faces away from upper 14. The plate 24 has a heel portion 30, a midfoot portion 32, a forefoot portion 34, and an extension portion 36. Heel portion 30, midfoot portion 32, and forefoot portion 34 correspond with heel region 16, midfoot region 18, and forefoot region 20, respectively, of article of footwear 10. Heel portion 30 of plate 24 is defined as the rear third of sole structure 12 and is shown in fig. 1 as extending from a rear distal end 37 of sole structure 12 at line a to line B. Midfoot portion 32 of plate 24 is defined as the middle third of sole structure 12 and is shown in figure 1 as extending from line B to line C. Forefoot portion 34 of plate 24 is defined as the front third of sole structure 12 and is shown in fig. 1 as extending from line C to line D. For purposes of example only, lines B and C divide article of footwear 10 longitudinally into equal thirds.

An extension 36 of plate 24 extends forward from forefoot portion 34 of article of footwear 10 to a front distal end 40. Extension 36 extends farther forward than both sole element 22 and forward-most boundary 38 of upper 14. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the curvature C1 of extension portion 36 is the same as the curvature of forefoot portion 34. In other words, the curvature C1 of extension portion 36 follows the lateral contour of forefoot portion 34, and extension portion 36 and forefoot portion 34 have substantially equal radii of curvature R. As best shown in fig. 5, extensions 36 increase the available surface area of plate 24 that may be used as a ground-contacting surface during use of article of footwear 10. More specifically, a conventional plate for sole structure 12 would have a forward distal end (forward distal end)45 located at a forward edge 42 of forefoot portion 34, represented by the dashed line. A forward distal end 45 of forefoot portion 34 and a forward distal end 46 of sole element 22 are both at line D. Extension portion 36 extends forward of forefoot portion 34 a first distance D1, which first distance D1 extends from front distal end 45 to front distal end 40. First distance D1 may be 5% to 30% of a length L from rear distal end 37 of heel portion 30 to front distal end 45 of forefoot portion 34. Thus, a conventional panel would have the surface area of surface S1 behind leading edge 42. However, extension 36 adds additional surface area to surface S2, surface S2 extending forward from the forefoot portion front edge 42 to the front distal end 40 of plate 24. Thus, the plate 24 extends from the rear distal end 37 to the front distal end 40 of the sole structure 12 and has a surface area that is the sum of the surface area of the surface S1 and the surface area of the surface S2. The rear distal end 37 of the sole structure 12 may also be referred to as the rear distal end of the plate 24.

When article of footwear 10 is worn for certain activities, such as for track and field or other activities involving running, article of footwear 10 steps through these phases of motion in the order of fig. 1-4. Alternatively, if the wearer's running motion is such that heel portion 30 does not contact horizontal ground plane G for a period of time, i.e., remains above the ground surface, the motion phase may begin at the phase of fig. 2, passing through the phases of fig. 3 and 4 in sequence. In fig. 3 and 4, the motion phase of article of footwear 10 is such that extension 36 alone establishes a ground-contacting surface that is in contact with horizontal ground plane G. In fact, during the movement phase in fig. 3 to 4, only a portion of the surface S2 serves as a ground-contacting surface.

Plate 24 is particularly configured such that extension portion 36 has sufficient rigidity to enable forefoot portion 34, midfoot portion 32, and heel portion 30 to be lifted above horizontal ground plane G, while extension portion 36 lifts from a rear boundary of extension portion 36 (i.e., from a dashed line representing a front edge 42 at a front distal end 45 of the forefoot portion) toward a front distal end 40 as article of footwear 10 moves from the athletic phase of fig. 3 to the athletic phase of fig. 4. The extended portion 36 is sufficiently rigid to support the wearer of the article of footwear 10 in this manner when the article of footwear 10 experiences a predetermined range of forces associated with an expected weight range of the wearer of the article of footwear 10. The stiffness of the extension portion 36 allows the article of footwear 10 to effectively pivot forward about the forward distal end 40 during the motion phase in fig. 4, rather than about the forward distal end 45 of the forefoot portion 34 as is the case with conventional plates.

To obtain the necessary rigidity to enable the extension 36 to function as described while limiting the added weight, the plate 24 may be formed of a composite material. Examples of composite materials include, but are not limited to: fiber-reinforced composites (including short fiber reinforcements and continuous fiber reinforcements), fiber-reinforced polymers (including carbon fiber-reinforced plastics and glass-reinforced plastics), carbon nanotube-reinforced polymers, and any other type of composite known in the art.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the panel 24 is made of a multi-layer composite material, such as a plurality of layers 44A-44M of carbon reinforced plastic. More specifically, the layers have different lengths from the rear distal end 37 to the front distal end 40. The five layers 44A-44E extend the entire length of the panel 24. Layers 44F-44I the four layers extend only in midfoot portion 32, forefoot portion 34, and extension 36. The two layers 44J-44K extend only in forefoot portion 34 and extension portion 36. The two layers 44L-44M extend only in the extension 36. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, heel portion 30 has five layers, midfoot portion 32 has nine layers, forefoot portion 34 has eleven layers, and extension portion 36 has thirteen layers. In one embodiment, layers 44A-44M each have substantially the same thickness and are of the same composite material. Heel portion 30 thus has a first stiffness, midfoot portion 32 has a second stiffness, forefoot portion 34 has a third stiffness, and extension portion 36 has a fourth stiffness. The fourth stiffness is greater in magnitude than the third stiffness, the third stiffness is greater in magnitude than the second stiffness, and the second stiffness is greater in magnitude than the first stiffness. Each stiffness has an associated spring constant and/or other spring characteristics. Thus, as the article of footwear 10 rolls forward on the plate 24 from the heel portion 30 to the extension portion 36, the increasing stiffness of the plate 24 in the longitudinal direction allows the extension portion 36 to have minimal flexing relative to the forefoot portion 34. The increased length of extension portion 36 forward of forefoot portion 34 (and the associated increased surface area of surface S2) relative to conventional plates effectively enables plate 24 to provide a propulsion surface at the front of article of footwear 10 that is equivalent to the propulsion surface of the article of footwear for a much larger sized foot, such that extension portion 36 acts as a lever.

Referring again to fig. 5, the plate 24 has a bottom side 50, the bottom side 50 facing generally towards the horizontal ground plane G and being configured to serve as a ground contacting surface. The bottom side 50 is shown in fig. 1 as being opposite the top side 52 of the plate 24. Sole elements 22 are attached to a top side 52 of plate 24. Bottom side 50 is also referred to herein as a first side, and top side 52 is also referred to herein as a second side.

Several traction elements

54A, 54B, 54C are secured to the bottom side 50. First traction element 54A is secured to bottom side 50 at extension 36. One or more additional traction elements may be secured to plate 24 at other locations. For example, second traction element 54B is secured to bottom side 50 at forefoot portion 34 and extends partially over midfoot portion 32 of plate 24. Third traction element 54C is secured to bottom side surface 50 at heel portion 30. Depending on the material of traction elements 54A-54C and the material of plate 24, traction elements 54A-54C may be secured to bottom side 50 by any suitable means, such as by using an adhesive or thermal bonding.

The plate 24 is generally smooth on the bottom side 50 and has a relatively low first coefficient of friction. Traction elements 54A-54C are configured to have a second coefficient of friction that is greater than the first coefficient of friction. For example, plate 24 may be a composite material as discussed herein, and traction elements 54A-54C may be rubber. Accordingly, traction elements 54A-54C provide an increased grip of sole structure 12 to horizontal ground plane G, which prevents sole structure 12 from slipping relative to horizontal ground plane G during the motion phases of fig. 1-4. Traction elements 54A-54C also minimize lateral rotation of sole structure 12 with respect to a horizontal ground plane G during wear. For example, when using article of footwear 10 during running around a curved road, each stride forward of the runner requires some lateral force to be exerted on sole structure 12. By increasing traction, traction elements 54A-54C prevent lateral forces from causing sole structure 12 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about a vertical axis through plate 24 when the lateral forces are reacted through one or more traction elements 54A-54C. FIG. 5 shows the plate 24 having a molded mount 56, the molded mount 56 being configured to hold a stud 58 that serves as an additional traction element.

Traction elements

54A, 54B, 54C are shown as being discontinuous from one another. In other embodiments,

traction elements

54A, 54B, and/or 54C may be interconnected, or fewer or more similar traction elements may be secured to other areas of bottom side 50.

In the embodiment of fig. 1-8, plate 24 serves as an outsole for article of footwear 10 in that it at least partially establishes ground-contacting surfaces S1, S2. In other embodiments within the scope of the present teachings, plate 24 may be positioned in other locations within sole structure 12 or within other embodiments of the sole structure, while still providing the functionality described herein with respect to plate 24. For example, alternative plates may be positioned within the midsole, such as between layers of the midsole. In addition, an alternative plate may be positioned between the outsole and the midsole. In such embodiments, additional components of the sole structure, such as one or more midsoles or outsoles, will extend forward from a forward-most boundary 38 of upper 14 along with plate 24. Additionally, in any embodiment, the alternative plate may be multiple pieces and/or may extend only from the extension portion rearward to the forefoot portion (i.e., so the plate includes only the extension portion and the forefoot portion), only to the midfoot portion (i.e., so the plate includes only the extension portion, the forefoot portion, and the midfoot portion), or all the way to the heel portion (i.e., so the plate includes the extension portion, the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion, and the heel portion).

Traction elements 54A-54C are shown having an exemplary configuration referred to as a grid pattern. As best shown in fig. 7, the grid pattern of a portion of traction element 54A has a first set of substantially parallel elongated strips 60 extending in a first direction and a second set of substantially parallel elongated strips 62 extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. As used herein, the strips 60 are substantially parallel to each other if adjacent ones of the strips 60 extend lengthwise at an angle of less than 5% to each other, and the strips 62 are substantially parallel to each other if adjacent ones of the strips 62 extend lengthwise at an angle of less than 5% to each other. As used herein, a strip 60 is substantially perpendicular to a strip 62 if the strip 60 extends lengthwise at an angle between 85 degrees and 95 degrees relative to the strip 62. Traction element 54A may be configured such that strips 60, 62 are molded to one another, or strips 60, 62 may be adhered to one another. Fig. 7 and 8 show traction elements 54A having nubs (nubs)64 extending outwardly from

strips

60, 62. For example, the projection 64 extends downwardly toward the horizontal ground plane G in fig. 1. The nubs 64 may be the same material as the

straps

60, 62, or may be a different material, which may be a harder or softer material than the material of the

straps

60, 62. In fig. 7, the bumps 64 extend in a repeating pattern from alternating intersections of the

strips

60, 62. Traction elements 54A-54C may be configured in other patterns or other arrangements than those shown, and additional or fewer traction elements may be used.

Fig. 9 shows an alternative article of footwear 10A, which article of footwear 10A is similar in all respects to the article of footwear 10 shown and described with reference to fig. 1-8, except that it has a plate 24A with an extension 36A that is longer than the extension 36. Therefore, first traction element 54D is longer than first traction element 54A. Otherwise, plate 24A is similar to plate 24 in all respects. Fig. 10 shows an alternative article of footwear 10B that is similar in all respects to article of footwear 10 shown and described with reference to fig. 1-8, except that there is a plate 24B that has an extension 36B that is shorter than extension 36 and thus has a first traction element 54E that is shorter than first traction element 54A. Otherwise, the plate 24B is similar to the plate 24 in all respects. By way of non-limiting example, a comparison of the

extensions

36, 36A, 36B of fig. 1, 9, and 10 shows that the extensions used may extend from 5% to 30% of the length L of the

plate

24, 24A, or 24B, where the length L extends from the rear distal end 37 to the front distal end 45 of a conventional plate. The length L represented in fig. 1 is also the distance from a to D.

Fig. 11 illustrates another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear 10C that is similar in all respects to the article of footwear 10 shown and described with reference to fig. 1-8, except that the article of footwear 10C has a plate 24C, the plate 24C having an extension portion 36C, the extension portion 36C having a curvature C2 that is different than the curvature C1 of the forefoot portion 34. Otherwise, plate 24C is similar to plate 24 in all respects. The curvature C1 that follows the contour of forefoot portion 34 has a radius of curvature R that falls above second side 52 of plate 24C, while the curvature C2 of extension portion 36C has a radius of curvature R1 that falls below first side 50 of plate 24C. In addition, the radius of curvature R1 is smaller than the radius of curvature R.

Fig. 12 shows another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear 10D that is similar in all respects to the article of footwear 10 shown and described with reference to fig. 1-8, except that with a plate 24D, the plate 24D has an extension 36D, the extension 36D having a curvature C3 that is different than the curvature C1 of the forefoot portion 34. Otherwise, plate 24D is similar to plate 24 in all respects. The curvature C1 that follows the contour of forefoot portion 34 has a radius of curvature R that falls above second side 52 of plate 24D. The curvature C3 of the extension 36D has a radius of curvature R2, the radius of curvature R2 also falls above the second side 52 of the panel 24D, but the radius of curvature R2 is less than the radius of curvature R.

Fig. 13 shows a partial plan view of the bottom side of a different extension 36E, which extension 36E may be used with plate 24 as an alternative to extension 36. The extension portion 36E has a plurality of fingers 70, the plurality of fingers 70 having different shapes. Fig. 14 shows a partial plan view of the bottom side of a different extension 36F, which extension 36F may be used with plate 24 as an alternative to extension 36. Extension 36F flares laterally outward relative to forefoot portion 34. Specifically, extension 36F flares outwardly on both lateral side 74 and medial side 76. Flared extensions 36F provide enhanced lateral stability. As used herein, a lateral side of a component for an article of footwear, such as lateral side 74 of extension portion 36E, is the side that corresponds with the side of the foot of a wearer of article of footwear 10 that is substantially further from the other foot of the wearer (i.e., the side that is closer to the fifth toe of the wearer). The fifth toe is commonly referred to as the little toe. A medial side of a component of article of footwear 10, such as medial side 76 of extension 36E, is the side that corresponds with a medial area of the wearer's foot and is generally closer to the other foot of the wearer (i.e., the side closer to the hallux of the wearer's foot). The hallux is commonly referred to as the big toe. Forefoot portion 34 has a first width W1 at front edge 42, and extension portion 36F has a second width W2 that is greater than first width W1. Second width W2 is shown as the maximum width of extension portion 36E because extension portion 36F varies in width, first increasing in width from front edge 42 to maximum width W2, and then decreasing in width toward the front distal end 40F of extension portion 36F, which front distal end 40F is also the front distal end of the article of footwear that includes plate 24.

Fig. 15-22 illustrate another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear 110 that is similar in many respects to the article of footwear 10 shown and described with reference to fig. 1-8. Features and elements common to those of article of footwear 10 are identified with the same reference numerals. Article of footwear 110 has a sole structure 112, and may include a footwear upper 114 attached to sole structure 112. In the illustrated embodiment, upper 114 is knitted in one or more pieces (pieces) that may be sewn together at seams, such as seam 115 shown in fig. 18.

As best shown in fig. 19, the sole structure 112 has a heel portion 130, a midfoot portion 132, a forefoot portion 134, and an extension portion 136. Heel portion 130, midfoot portion 132, and forefoot portion 134 correspond with heel region 16, midfoot region 18, and forefoot region 20, respectively, of article of footwear 110. The heel portion 130 of the sole structure 112 is defined as the rear third of the sole structure 112 and is shown in fig. 19 as extending from a rear distal end 137 of the sole structure 112 at line AA to line BB. Midfoot portion 132 of sole structure 112 is defined as the middle third of sole structure 112 and is shown in figure 19 as extending from line BB to line CC. Forefoot portion 134 of sole structure 112 is defined as the front third of sole structure 112 and is shown in fig. 19 as extending from line CC to line DD. For purposes of example only, lines BB and CC divide article of footwear 110 lengthwise into equal thirds.

Extension 136 of sole structure 112 includes an elastic sole element 122 and bladder 124, elastic sole element 122 being secured to upper 114. Both the elastic sole element 122 and the bladder 124 extend in an extension 136. In the embodiment of fig. 19, bladder 124 also extends in midfoot portion 132, and elastic sole elements 122 extend in midfoot portion 132 and heel portion 130. For example, in fig. 18, the resilient sole component 122 is a resilient foam midsole. Upper 114 is secured to a top side 125 (i.e., top surface) of elastic sole element 122. A bladder 124 is secured to a bottom side 126 (i.e., bottom surface) of elastic sole element 122 that faces away from upper 114. In other words, the elastic sole element 122 is located above the bladder 124. A top side 152 (i.e., top surface) of bladder 124 is secured to bottom side 126 of elastic sole element 122, such as by thermal bonding or adhesive.

As evident in fig. 15-17, the top side of extension 136 (which is top side 125 of elastic sole element 122) is spaced from upper 114 between front edge 142 and distal end 140 of forefoot portion 20. Both top side 125 of elastic sole element 122 and top side 152 of bladder 124 are spaced from upper 114.

Forefoot portion 134 of sole structure 112 is under forefoot region 120 of upper 114. Extension 136 extends forward from forefoot portion 134. More specifically, extension portion 136 extends from a forward edge 142 of forefoot portion 134 to a distal end 140 forward of a forward-most boundary 138 of upper 114. In fig. 17, a forward edge 142 of forefoot portion 134 is indicated with a dashed line, and indicates where a forward edge of sole structure 112 without extension 136 would be located, and in the illustrated embodiment corresponds with a forward-most boundary 138 of upper 114. Forefoot portion 134 has a forward distal end 145, forward distal end 145 descends along forward edge 142 and is the forwardmost boundary of forefoot portion 134. A forward distal end 145 of forefoot portion 134 is at line DD. Bladder 124 extends a first distance D1 forward of forward distal end 145 of forefoot portion 134 to forward distal end 140. In one or more embodiments, first distance D1 may be about 2% to 30% of a length L from rear distal end 137 of heel portion 130 to front distal end 145 of forefoot portion 134 shown in fig. 19. For example, the first distance D1 may be 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, or 30%. In some embodiments, the first distance D1 may be about 5% to about 30% of the length L. For example, in one embodiment where the length L is about 300 millimeters, the first distance D1 may be about 2 millimeters.

Elastic sole element 122 also extends forward of forward distal end 145 of forefoot portion 134 to forward-most boundary 139, but extends a second distance D2 that is less than first distance D1. In other words, bladder 124 extends forward of elastic sole element 122. Thus, a sole structure without extension 136 would have a surface area of surface S1 located rearward of front edge 142. However, the extension 136 adds additional surface area to the surface S2, the surface S2 extending forward of the front edge 142 to the front distal end 140. The sole structure 112 thus extends from the rear distal end 137 to the front distal end 140 and has a surface area that is the sum of the surface area of surface S1 and the surface area of surface S2.

The bottom side 150 of the bladder 124 generally faces the horizontal ground plane G. The bottom side 150 is also referred to herein as a first side, and the top side 152 is also referred to herein as a second side. Sole structure 112 includes an outsole 170, outsole 170 being secured to bottom side 150 and including traction elements 154. Outsole 170 extends under heel portion 130, midfoot portion 132, forefoot portion 134, and extension 136, and has ground contacting surfaces S1, S2 that include surfaces S1, S2. The outsole 170 is thus configured to serve as the ground-contacting surface of the sole structure 112. Extension 136 includes surface S2 and thus establishes a pushing surface beyond forward-most boundary 138 of upper 114 during a forward stride, as described with reference to fig. 19-22. The additional surface S2 extends the amount of time that the outsole 170 is in contact with the ground during a forward stride relative to the sole structure ending at the forefoot portion (i.e., the forward edge 142), thereby extending the amount of time that the sole structure 112 decelerates and cushions relative to the ground impact.

Referring to FIG. 17, the outer periphery of the bladder 124 is shown in phantom. The periphery of bladder 124 corresponds with the periphery of outsole 170 in extension 136 and in forefoot portion 134. Bladder 124 also extends in midfoot portion 134, but tapers inward at the outer periphery of outsole 170 as shown in FIG. 17. In fig. 17, the outer perimeter of upper 114 is also shown in phantom. Fig. 16 and 17 show that bladder 124 extends outward from lateral side 174 of upper 114 on a lateral side in forefoot region 120 and outward from medial side 176 of upper 114 on a medial side in forefoot region 120. Outsole 170 extends from a lateral side to a medial side of bladder 124 under bladder and, thus, presents a larger ground-contacting surface than a sole structure that only extends the width of upper 114 in forefoot region 120. The bladder 124 and its underlying outsole 170 thus increase the ground contact area in both the lateral and medial directions as well as the forward direction.

Referring to fig. 18, bladder 124 includes

polymeric housings

173, 175 that bound and enclose a fluid-filled chamber 172, which fluid-filled chamber 172 is at least partially disposed in extension 136 (i.e., a portion forward and/or laterally outward of leading edge 142 in fig. 17). The

polymer housings

173, 175 include a top polymer sheet 173 and a bottom polymer sheet 175, the top polymer sheet 173 and the bottom polymer sheet 175 being bonded to each other at a peripheral flange 177, which at least partially forms a seal for the chamber 172. The

polymer sheets

173, 175 can be formed from a wide variety of materials including a variety of polymers that can resiliently retain a fluid, such as air or another gas. Examples of polymeric materials for

polymeric sheets

173, 175 include thermoplastic urethanes (thermoplastic urethanes), polyurethanes, polyesters, polyester polyurethanes, and polyether polyurethanes. Further,

polymer sheets

173, 175 can each be formed from layers of different materials. In one embodiment, each

polymer sheet

173, 175 is formed from a film having one or more layers of thermoplastic polyurethane having one or more barrier layers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) that are impermeable to the pressurized fluid contained therein, as disclosed in U.S. patent No. 6,082,025, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The

polymer sheets

173, 175 may also be formed from a material that includes alternating layers of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, as disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Alternatively, the layers may include ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and regrind material of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane. The

polymer sheets

173, 175 can also each be a flexible microlayer membrane that includes alternating layers of a gas barrier material and an elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other suitable materials are disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 to Rudy, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Additional suitable materials for the

polymer sheets

173, 175 include thermoplastic films containing crystalline materials, as disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 4,936,029 and 5,042,176 to Rudy, and polyurethanes including polyester polyols, as disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 6,013,340, 6,203,868, and 6,321,465 to Bonk et al, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Engineering properties such as tensile strength, tensile properties, fatigue characteristics, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent may be considered in selecting a material for

polymer sheets

173, 175. The thickness of the

polymer sheets

173, 175 can be selected to provide these characteristics. In article of footwear 110,

polymer sheets

173, 175 are sufficiently transparent such that traction elements 180 described herein are visible from an exterior of article of footwear 110 through

polymer sheets

173, 175, as represented by tensile elements 190 visible in fig. 15-16 and 19-23.

Referring to FIG. 18, bladder 124 includes tie elements 180, and tie elements 180 span an inner surface 182 of fluid-filled chamber 172 from an inner surface 184 of a top polymer sheet 173 of bladder 124 to a bottom polymer sheet 175 of bladder 124. The tether element 180 includes a top plate layer 185, the top plate layer 185 being secured to a lower inner surface 184 of the top polymer sheet 173, such as with an adhesive or thermal bonding. The tether element 180 further comprises a bottom ply 187, the bottom ply 187 being bonded to the upper inner surface 182 of the bottom polymeric sheet 175. Traction elements 180 include a plurality of tensile elements 190, which plurality of tensile elements 190 are connected to top deck layer 185 and to bottom deck layer 187 and span fluid-filled chamber 172. As evident in fig. 15 and 16, each tensile element 190 shown in the side cross-sectional view of fig. 18 represents a row of tensile elements 190 extending laterally across fluid-filled chamber 172. Tensile element 190 may provide the desired responsiveness, such as disclosed in U.S. patent No. 8,479,412 to Peyton et al, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. When fluid-filled chamber 172 is inflated, tensile element 190 is in tension and limits the height of inflated bladder 124 by preventing

polymer sheets

173, 175 from bulging beyond the combined height of

plies

185, 187 and tensile element 190. In a non-limiting example, when the fluid-filled chamber 172 is filled to an internal pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 30psi (e.g., 15psi, 16psi, 17psi, 18psi, 19psi, 20psi, 21psi, 22psi, 23psi, 24psi, 25psi, 26psi, 27psi, 28psi, 29psi, or 30psi), the bladder 124 may have a maximum height from about 8 millimeters to about 16 millimeters (mm) (e.g., 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, or 16mm) from the top side 152 to the bottom side 150. The force from the impact of article of footwear 110 with ground plane G compresses the fluid gas (e.g., air or nitrogen) in fluid-filled chamber 172 and disperses over the interior surface area of bladder element 124. Due to the ability of the fluid-filled chamber 172 to distribute forces, the bladder element 124 functions similarly to the plate 24 of FIG. 1 and may be referred to as a plate.

Referring again to fig. 15, 16, and 19, bladder 124 is disposed only in extension portion 136, forefoot portion 134, and partially in midfoot portion 132 (indicated only by dashed lines in fig. 17). As best shown in fig. 17, bladder 124 tapers in width in midfoot portion 132. In fig. 19 to 22, the part of bladder 124 that extends into midfoot portion 132 is thus concealed by elastic sole element 122, elastic sole element 122 being disposed laterally outward of this part. An elastic sole element 122 is located above the bladder 124. In portions of midfoot portion 132 and heel portion 130 in which bladder 124 does not extend, elastic sole elements 122 extend from upper 114 to outsole 170. The elastic sole elements 122 are therefore thicker in those areas behind the bladder 124. Alternatively, elastic sole element 122 may have a uniform thickness from extension portion 136 to heel portion 130, and a separate cushioning element may be located below elastic sole element 122 rearward of bladder 124.

Referring to fig. 19, extension 136 has a curvature C1 that is the same as the curvature of forefoot portion 134. In other words, curvature C1 of extension portion 136 follows the side contour of forefoot portion 134, and extension portion 136 and forefoot portion 134 have substantially equal radii of curvature R, which may provide a seamless feel to the wearer when transitioning from a load on forefoot portion 134 to a load at least partially on extension portion 136 during a forward stride.

Fig. 19-22 illustrate an article of footwear that steps through multiple stages of motion during a forward stride. Fig. 19 shows article of footwear 110 in a neutral or starting position. Fig. 20 depicts a first phase of motion, wherein weight is transferred to forefoot portion 134 as heel portion 130 is lifted from a horizontal ground plane G during dorsiflexion (dorsiflexion). Outsole 170 is shown in contact with ground plane G at both extension portion 136 and forefoot portion 134. In a second phase of motion, shown in fig. 21, the rear section of forefoot portion 134 is raised from ground plane G with midfoot portion 132 and heel portion 130, while the front section of forefoot portion 134 and extension 136 remain in contact with ground plane G.

The third stage of motion shown in fig. 22 is the "toe-off" position, just prior to the article of footwear 110 being fully raised out of contact with the ground plane G. The stiffness of the bladder 124 corresponds to its inflation pressure in the fluid chamber 172. A higher inflation pressure corresponds to a higher bending stiffness and a lower inflation pressure corresponds to a lower bending stiffness. In article of footwear 110, the inflation pressure is low enough to provide some compression under load at the level of fluid chamber 172, as represented by the tensile elements depicted in a somewhat relaxed state. The inflation pressure is also low enough to enable sufficient bending along the length of article of footwear 110 in forefoot portion 134, thereby allowing extension 136 to remain in contact with ground plane G during the third stage. The inflation pressure is large enough to act as a spring, elastically returning the bladder 124 to its original height (i.e., the height prior to being compressed under load), thereby conserving energy and reducing energy loss by returning stored deformation energy input by the wearer. All of the energy returned to the wearer is the energy originally from the wearer. Bladder 124 is more flexible at forefoot portion 134 than plate 24 of article of footwear 10 and does not pivot about forward distal end 140. Conversely, more of the extension portion 136 remains in contact with the ground plane G over a greater range of flexion angles during foot dorsiflexion on a forward stride than would a sole structure terminating at the forward edge of the forefoot portion 134 (i.e., without the extension portion 136), and than the extension portion 36 of fig. 4 (which is sufficiently stiff to lift from the ground plane G and pivot about the forward distal end 40 at the stage of motion shown in fig. 4). By increasing the surface area of sole structure 112 to include surface area S2, the range of flex angles and duration of forces reacted thereon by sole structure 112 is increased, and longer duration cushioning (i.e., deceleration of ground impact forces) is provided.

Fig. 23 shows another embodiment of an article of footwear 210, the article of footwear 210 having a sole structure 212. Article of footwear 210 has many of the same components and functions as article of footwear 110, except that sole structure 212 includes an additional plate 225, which additional plate 225 is disposed between elastic sole component 122 and bladder 124 in forefoot portion 134 and extension 136. The additional plate 225 extends at least partially in the extension 136 and is disposed adjacent the bladder 124 such that the additional plate 225 interfaces with the bladder 124, including during a forward stride. Additional plate 225 is positioned above bladder element 124 and interfaces with the upper surface of bladder 124 (i.e., top side 152 establishing and including the outer and upper surfaces of bladder 124). Additional plate 225 is sufficiently stiff to distribute downward forces on bladder 124 (such as to the forefoot during a forward stride due to the weight of the wearer) so that the distribution of forces on top side 152 of bladder 124 becomes uniform. The additional plate 225 may be any of a variety of materials selected to provide the desired bending stiffness. Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for the additional plate 225 include any of carbon fiber, spring steel, fiberglass, nylon, thermoplastic elastomers (such as polyether block amide), or superelastic metals including nitinol. An exemplary polyether block amide is commercially available under the trade name

From Arkema corporation of prussian kingdom, pa. The additional plate 225 may have a greater compressive stiffness than the elastic sole component 122 and may have a lower bending stiffness than the bladder element 124, the same bending stiffness as the bladder element 124, or a greater bending stiffness than the bladder element 124.

Figure 24 illustrates another embodiment of an article of footwear 310 having a sole structure 312. Article of footwear 310 has many of the same components and functions as article of footwear 210, except that in sole structure 312, an additional plate 225 is disposed between bladder 124 and outsole 170 in forefoot portion 134 and extension 136. The additional plate 225 extends at least partially in the extension 136 and is disposed adjacent the bladder 124 such that the additional plate 225 interfaces with the bladder 124, including during a forward stride. The bladder 124 is positioned over the additional plate 225 such that the additional plate 225 interfaces with the lower surface of the bladder 124 (i.e., the bottom side 150 establishing and including the outer surface and the lower surface of the bladder 124). Plate 225 may advantageously distribute ground reaction forces on bottom side 150 of bladder 124. Because both the cushioning component 122 and the bladder element 124 are between the foot (which is supported in the upper 114 on the sole structure 312) and the additional plate 225, and the cushioning component 122 is more compressible than either of the bladder 124 and the plate 225, the sole structure 312 may have a greater feel of cushioning for the foot than the sole structure 212.

Figure 25 illustrates another embodiment of an article of footwear 410 having a sole structure 412. Article of footwear 410 has many of the same components and functions as article of footwear 210 and article of footwear 310, except that sole structure 412 includes two additional plates 225, one positioned between bladder 124 and cushioning component 122 (i.e., above bladder 124), as shown in fig. 23, and one positioned between bladder 124 and outsole 170 in forefoot portion 134 and extension 136 (i.e., below bladder 124, as shown in fig. 24).

While several modes for carrying out many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper having a forefoot region with a forwardmost boundary;

wherein:

2. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the bladder includes lacing elements that span the fluid-filled chamber from a lower interior surface of the bladder to an upper interior surface of the bladder.

3. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-2, wherein the bladder is at least partially disposed in the forefoot portion of the sole structure and extends outward from a lateral side of the upper on a lateral side in the forefoot region and outward from a medial side of the upper on a medial side in the forefoot region.

4. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-2, wherein:

5. The article of footwear according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the sole structure includes a plate that extends at least partially in the extension portion and is disposed adjacent the bladder such that the plate interfaces with the bladder during a forward stride.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the plate is located beneath the bladder and interfaces with a lower surface of the bladder.

7. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the plate is located above the bladder and interfaces with an upper surface of the bladder.

8. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-2, wherein:

9. The article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the extension portion extends forward beyond a forward-most boundary of the elastic sole element.

10. The article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the resilient sole component is a resilient foam midsole.

11. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-2, wherein the sole structure further comprises:

12. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-2, wherein the extension portion and the forefoot portion have substantially equal radii of curvature along a length of the sole structure.

13. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper having a forefoot region with a forwardmost boundary;

wherein:

the sole structure includes a bladder and an elastic sole component;

the sole structure including a plate extending at least partially in the extension portion and disposed adjacent to the bladder such that the plate interfaces with the bladder during a forward stride;

the plate having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side;

the top side being closer to the upper than the bottom side;

The extension portion establishes a ground-contacting propulsion surface that exceeds the forward-most boundary of the upper during the forward stride.

14. The article of footwear recited in claim 13, wherein the bladder includes lacing elements that span the fluid-filled chamber from a lower interior surface of the bladder to an upper interior surface of the bladder.

15. The article of footwear according to claim 14, wherein the bladder is at least partially disposed in the forefoot portion of the sole structure and extends outward from a lateral side of the upper on a lateral side in the forefoot region and outward from a medial side of the upper on a medial side in the forefoot region.

16. The article of footwear of any of claims 13-15, wherein:

17. The article of footwear according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the sole structure includes an additional plate located above the bladder.

18. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the bladder extends forward beyond a forward-most boundary of the elastic sole element.

19. The article of footwear of any of claims 13-15, wherein the sole structure includes an outsole on the bottom side of the bladder and beneath the extension portion, and wherein the outsole has a ground-contacting surface that includes the propulsion surface.

20. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the resilient sole component is a resilient foam midsole.

21. The article of footwear of any of claims 13-15, wherein the extension portion and the forefoot portion have substantially equal radii of curvature along a length of the sole structure.

22. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper having a forefoot region with a forwardmost boundary;

wherein:

23. The article of footwear of claim 22, wherein the plate is located above the bladder and the outer surface is an upper surface of the bladder.

24. The article of footwear recited in claim 22, wherein the bladder is located above the plate, and the outer surface is a lower surface of the bladder.

25. The article of footwear according to claim 22, wherein the plate is a first plate located above the bladder, the outer surface is a lower surface of the bladder, and the sole structure includes a second plate adjacent the bladder extending at least partially in the extension portion, wherein the bladder is located above the second plate and the second plate meets the lower surface of the bladder.