CN115399548A

CN115399548A - Sole structure for an article of footwear

Info

Publication number: CN115399548A
Application number: CN202210597797.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C.埃尔登; Z.M.埃尔德; C.R.莱维; E.珀金斯; E.西蒙斯; P.伍德曼
Original assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Current assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Priority date: 2021-05-28
Filing date: 2022-05-30
Publication date: 2022-11-29
Also published as: EP4346488A1

Abstract

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a midsole. The midsole may include a cushioning member and a base. The cushioning member extends from a forefoot region to a heel region of the sole structure. The base is disposed between the top side of the cushioning member and the upper. An outsole is mounted to a bottom surface of the midsole. The outsole includes a first outsole portion, a second outsole portion, and a third outsole portion. The first outsole portion, the second outsole portion, and the third outsole portion are spaced apart from one another to provide flexibility to the sole structure. The first outsole portion, the second outsole portion, and the third outsole portion may be formed of a first material and a second material. The second material is more durable relative to the first material.

Description

Sole structure for an article of footwear

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from 35u.s.c. § 119 (e): U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/300,259 filed on month 17 of 2022, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/300,246 filed on month 17 of 2022, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/300,252 filed on month 17 of 2022, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/253,022 filed on month 6 of 2021, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/194,327 filed on month 28 of 2021, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/194,327 filed on month 5 of 2021, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/194,314 filed on month 28 of 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

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

Background

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

An article of footwear generally includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support the foot on the sole structure. The upper may be fitted with laces, straps, 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 that extends between the ground and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole, which provides wear resistance and traction to the ground. The outsole may be formed of rubber or other material that imparts durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhanced traction to 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 may be formed, in part, from a polymer foam material that resiliently compresses under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground reaction forces. The midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a cushioning member to increase the durability of the sole structure and to provide cushioning to the foot by elastically compressing under applied loads to attenuate ground reaction forces. The cushioning member may be a fluid-filled bladder or a foam element. The sole structure may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or sockliner located within the void near the bottom portion of the upper, and the sole structure includes a lasting (strobel) attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner.

Midsoles that use fluid-filled bladders typically include a bladder formed from two barrier layers of polymeric material that are sealed or bonded together. The fluid-filled bladder is pressurized with a fluid, such as air, and tensile members may be incorporated within the bladder to maintain the shape of the bladder when elastically compressed under an applied load (e.g., during athletic activities). In general, the design of the bladder emphasizes balancing the support and cushioning characteristics of the foot, which are related to the responsiveness of the bladder to elastic compression under an applied load. In such an aspect, the midsole may include a base for engaging the bladder to form a unitary structure.

The outsole typically covers the bottom surface of the midsole and provides wear-resistance and ground traction. Such outsoles are typically formed as a single piece that is attached to the bottom surface of the midsole.

Drawings

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear including a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an exploded top perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is an exploded bottom perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a first aspect of a cushion for use in the sole structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the bumper of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the bumper of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of another aspect of a cushioning member used in the sole structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5C is a top plan view of yet another aspect of a cushion member for use in the sole structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the bumper of FIG. 3 taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the bumper of FIG. 5B taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the bumper of FIG. 5C taken along line 6C-6C of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bumper of FIG. 3 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5A; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bumper of FIG. 3 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 10; and

figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of figure 1, taken along line 16-16 of figure 10.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

Example configurations 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 the construction of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms and that specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

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" are 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, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, 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. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached 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," "directly attached 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 a similar manner. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, 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 used herein do not imply 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.

One aspect of the present invention provides a sole structure. The sole structure includes a cushioning member and a base. The cushioning member includes a first series of lobes disposed along the medial and lateral sides of the sole structure from the forefoot region to the heel region. The outsole has a first side attached to the cushion and a second side disposed on a side of the outsole opposite the first side. The second side defines a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure. The outsole includes a first outsole portion and a second outsole portion. The first outer bottom portion has a substantially U-shape and includes a first inner leg and a first outer leg. The second outsole portion is spaced apart and separated from the first outsole portion and has a generally U-shape including a second medial leg and a second lateral leg, the first medial leg, the first lateral leg, the second medial leg, and the second lateral leg extending toward the front end of the sole structure.

In some configurations, the buffer is a fluid-filled chamber. In another aspect, the buffer is a solid body. The bumper comprises or consists essentially of a bumper material comprising one or more polymers. In many examples, including when the buffer is a fluid-filled chamber, the buffer material includes or consists essentially of a barrier film that includes a barrier material that includes one or more gas barrier compounds. The outsole comprises or consists essentially of an outsole material that comprises one or more polymers. Articles of footwear incorporating the sole structures disclosed herein are also provided.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the second outer bottom portion includes an inner leg extending in a direction away from the front end.

In some configurations, the inner leg extends between the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

In some constructions, the second outer bottom portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the second inner leg and the second outer leg, the inner leg extending from the arcuate portion.

The first outer bottom section may include an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the first inner leg and the first outer leg. The arch portion may extend along a rear end of the sole structure in a heel region.

In some configurations, the outsole further includes a third outsole portion that is spaced apart and separate from the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion. The third outsole portion may include a third medial leg and a third lateral leg extending in a direction toward the front end of the sole structure. The third outer bottom portion may also include an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the third inner leg and the third outer leg. The third outer bottom portion may also include a substantially U-shape. In another aspect of the third outsole portion, the third outsole portion includes an inner leg extending from the arcuate portion in a direction away from the front end. In such an aspect, the inner leg extends between the second inner leg and the second outer leg.

In some configurations, a portion of the bumper is exposed in at least one of (i) between the first and second outsole portions, and (ii) between the second and third outsole portions.

In some configurations, the first outsole portion comprises or consists of a first outsole material and the second outsole portion comprises or consists of a second material. In one example, the first outsole material and the second outsole material have substantially the same appearance, physical properties, and composition. Alternatively, the first outsole material and the second outsole material may differ in one or more of appearance, physical properties, and composition.

The materials described herein may differ in one or more of appearance, physical properties, and composition. These materials may differ in appearance in terms of color (including hue or brightness or both), or in terms of transparency or translucency level, or in both color and transparency or translucency level. These materials may differ in one or more physical properties, such as hardness or elongation, or hardness and elongation. The one or more physical properties may differ by at least 5% or at least 10% or at least 20%. The composition of these materials may be different. For example, the material may differ based on the type or kind of polymer present, may differ based on the concentration of the type or kind of polymer, or both. The composition of the material may differ based on the additives present, or based on the concentration of the additives present, or both. Alternatively, the concentration of the one or more polymers and/or the one or more additives may differ by at least 5 wt.% or at least 10 wt.% or at least 20 wt.% of the material.

Another aspect of the invention provides an outsole for a sole structure. The sole structure includes a cushioning member that includes a first series of lobes disposed along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure from a forefoot region to a heel region. The sole structure also includes an outsole having a first side attached to the cushion, a second side disposed on a side of the outsole opposite the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure. The outsole includes a first outsole portion and a second outsole portion. The first outer bottom portion has a substantially U-shape and includes a first inner leg and a first outer leg. The second outer bottom portion is spaced apart and separated from the first outer bottom portion and has a generally U-shape including a second inner leg and a second outer leg. The first medial leg, the first lateral leg, the second medial leg, and the second lateral leg each include a longitudinal axis that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the second outsole portion includes an inner leg that extends in a direction away from a front end of the sole structure. The inner leg may extend between the first inner side leg and the first outer side leg.

In some configurations, the first outsole portion includes a radiused portion that extends between and connects the first medial leg and the first lateral leg. In one aspect, the arch portion extends along a rear end of the sole structure in a heel region.

In some constructions, the outsole further includes a third outsole portion spaced apart and separate from the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion. In such an aspect, the third outsole portion includes a third medial leg and a third lateral leg extending in a direction toward the front end of the sole structure. The third outer bottom portion may include an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the third medial leg and the third lateral leg. The third outer bottom portion may comprise a substantially U-shape. In such an aspect, the third outsole portion includes an inner leg extending from the arcuate portion in a direction away from the front end. The inner leg may extend between the second inner leg and the second outer leg. The third outsole portion may include or consist of a third outsole material, or may include or consist of a first outsole material or a second outsole material. As described above, the third outsole material may be different than the first outsole material, the second outsole material, or both, based on one or more of appearance, physical properties, and composition.

In some configurations, the buffer is a fluid-filled chamber comprising a buffer material. In another aspect, the buffer is a solid body comprising a buffer material. In yet another aspect, the buffer comprises a solid, textile, or foam element encapsulated in a barrier film. An article of footwear may incorporate an outsole.

Another aspect of the invention provides an outsole for a sole structure. The sole structure includes a cushioning member that includes a first series of lobes disposed along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure from a forefoot region to a heel region. The sole structure also includes an outsole having a first side attached to the cushion, a second side disposed on a side of the outsole opposite the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure. The outsole includes: a first outer bottom portion having a generally U-shape and including a first inner leg and a first outer leg; and a first insert attached to the first outsole portion and formed of a different material than the first outsole portion. In one example, the first outsole portion includes a first outsole material and the first insert includes a second outsole material. The first outsole material and the second outsole material may have the same appearance, physical properties, and composition, or may differ in at least one of appearance, physical properties, and composition, as described above.

In some configurations, the first insert is disposed within a pocket defined by the first outer base portion, and the first insert is attached to one of the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

In some configurations, a second insert is attached to the first outsole portion, and optionally includes a second outsole material, wherein the second insert is attached to the other of the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

In some configurations, the first outsole portion includes a radiused portion that extends between and connects the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

In some configurations, the second outsole portion is spaced apart and separated from the first outsole portion, wherein the second outsole portion comprises a generally U-shape having a second inboard leg and a second outboard leg.

In some configurations, the buffer is a fluid-filled chamber. In another aspect, the buffer is a solid body. In yet another aspect, the buffer comprises a solid, fabric, or foam element encapsulated in the barrier element. An article of footwear may incorporate an outsole.

Referring to fig. 1-16, an article of footwear 10 is provided that includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 300 attached to the sole structure 100. Article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include forefoot region 12, midfoot region 14, and heel region 16. Forefoot region 12 may be further described as including a toe portion 12T corresponding with the phalanges of the foot and a ball portion 12B corresponding with the Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Midfoot region 14 may correspond to the arch region of the foot, while heel region 16 may correspond to a rear portion of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Footwear 10 may also include a forward end 18 associated with a forward-most point of forefoot region 12 and a rearward end 20 corresponding with a rearward-most point of heel region 16. As shown in fig. 1, a longitudinal axis a10 of footwear 10 extends along a length of footwear 10 from a forward end 18 to a rearward end 20, and generally divides footwear 10 into a medial side 22 and a lateral side 24. Accordingly, medial side 22 and lateral side 24 correspond with opposite sides of footwear 10 and extend through

regions

12, 14, 16, respectively.

Article of footwear 10, and more particularly sole structure 100, may be further described as including a peripheral region 28 and an interior region 26, as shown in fig. 1. Peripheral region 28 is generally depicted as the region between interior region 26 and the outer periphery of sole structure 100. In particular, peripheral region 28 extends along each of medial side 22 and lateral side 24 from forefoot region 12 to heel region 16 and around each of forefoot region 12 and heel region 16. Accordingly, interior region 26 is circumscribed by peripheral region 28 and extends along a central portion of sole structure 100 from forefoot region 12 to heel region 16.

Referring to fig. 2A and 2B, sole structure 100 includes a midsole 102 configured to provide cushioning features to sole structure 100 and an outsole 104 configured to provide ground-engaging surface 30a of article of footwear 10. Unlike conventional sole structures, the midsole 102 of the sole structure 100 may be compositionally formed and include a plurality of subcomponents for providing a desired form of cushioning and support throughout the sole structure 100. For example, midsole 102 includes a cushioning member 106 and a base 108, wherein base 108 is attached to upper 300 and provides an interface between upper 300 and cushioning member 106.

Referring to fig. 1-5C, a longitudinal axis a106 of the cushion 106 (shown in fig. 5A-5C) extends from a first end 110 in the forefoot region 12 to a second end 112 in the heel region 16. The bumper 106 may be further described as including a top or top side 114 and a bottom or bottom side 116, the bottom or bottom side 116 being formed on the side of the bumper member 106 opposite the top side 114. As discussed in more detail below with reference to fig. 6A, 7, and 8, the thickness T106 of the bumper 106 or the thickness T106 of an element of the bumper 106 is defined by the distance from the top side 114 to the bottom side 116.

The cushioning member 106 is configured to provide cushioning to the foot by attenuating ground reaction forces. Cushioning member 106 is a fluid-filled bladder 106A in one aspect, and cushioning member 106 is a foam element 106B in another aspect. The difference between fluid-filled bag 106A and foam element 106B is the attenuation of ground reaction forces. For example, when cushioning member 106 is a fluid-filled bladder 106A, fluid (air) is contained within fluid-filled bladder 106A itself. Thus, the fluid within fluid-filled bladder 106A is displaced at the location(s) of the ground reaction and forced into other areas of fluid-filled bladder 106A in the form of a reaction force. However, where the cushioning member 106 is a foam element 106B, the ground reaction forces are absorbed by the foam element at the point of impact. In this way, the remainder of foam element 106B is not subjected to reactive forces in the same manner as fluid-filled bag 106A. This feature may be preferred for users who desire a better cushioning response than the cushioning provided by fluid-filled bladder 106A.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of fig. 6A, 7, and 8, the dampener 106 is a flow-through filled bladder 106A that may be formed by a pair of opposing barrier layers 118 that may be interconnected at discrete locations to define the overall shape of the dampener 106. Alternatively, bladder 106A may be made from any suitable combination of one or more barrier layers. As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layer 118) includes both monolayer and multilayer films. In some constructions, one or both of the barrier layers 118 are made (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a single film (monolayer). In other constructions, one or both of the barrier layers 118 are made (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film(s). In either aspect, each layer or sub-layer may have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 microns to about 1 millimeter. In further configurations, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer may be in a range from about 0.5 microns to about 500 microns. In further configurations, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer may be in a range from about 1 micron to about 100 microns.

One or both of the barrier layers 118 may independently be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term "transparent" with respect to the barrier layer and/or the pouch means that light passes through the barrier layer in a substantially straight line and the barrier layer is visible to an observer. In contrast, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and the barrier layer cannot be clearly seen at all. The translucent barrier layer falls between the transparent barrier layer and the opaque barrier layer because light passes through the translucent layer, but some light is scattered so that the layer is not clearly seen through by a viewer.

In one aspect, the balloons or bladders disclosed herein comprise or consist of a barrier film. As used herein, a barrier film is understood to be a film having a relatively low fluid transmission rate. The barrier film elastically retains fluid when used alone or in combination with other materials in the balloon or bladder. Depending on the structure and use of the balloon or bladder, the barrier membrane may retain fluid at pressures above, at, or below atmospheric pressure. In some aspects, the fluid is a liquid or a gas. Examples of the gas include air, oxygen (O2), and nitrogen (N2), as well as inert gases. In one aspect, the barrier film is a nitrogen barrier material.

The barrier film may have a gas transmission rate of less than 4, or less than 3, or less than 2 cubic centimeters per square meter per atmosphere per day, when measured at 23 degrees celsius and 0% relative humidity, for films having a thickness of about 72 microns to about 320 microns. In another example, the gas transmission rate of the barrier film is about 0.1 to about 3, or about 0.5 to about 3 cubic centimeters per square meter per atmosphere per day for a film having a thickness of about 72 microns to about 320 microns when measured at 23 degrees celsius and 0% relative humidity. Gas transmission rates, such as oxygen or nitrogen transmission rates, may be measured using ASTM D1434.

In one aspect, the barrier film comprises a multilayer film comprising a plurality of layers including one or more barrier layers comprising a barrier material comprising or consisting essentially of one or more gas barrier compounds. The multilayer film comprises at least 5 layers or at least 10 layers. Alternatively, the multilayer film comprises from about 5 to about 200 layers, from about 10 to about 100 layers, from about 20 to about 80 layers, from about 20 to about 50 layers, or from about 40 to about 90 layers.

In one aspect of the multilayer film, the plurality of layers comprises a series of alternating layers, wherein alternating layers comprise two or more barrier layers, each of the two or more barrier layers individually comprising a barrier material comprising or consisting essentially of one or more gas barrier compounds. In the series of alternating layers, adjacent layers are each formed of materials that differ from each other at least in chemical composition based on: the individual components present (e.g., the materials of adjacent layers may differ based on whether a gas barrier compound is present or not, or based on the type or type of gas barrier compound present), the concentration of the individual components present (e.g., the materials of adjacent layers may differ based on the concentration of the particular type of gas barrier compound present); or may differ based on the components present and their concentrations.

The plurality of layers of the multilayer film may include a first barrier layer comprising a first barrier material and a second barrier layer comprising a second barrier material, wherein the first and second barrier materials are different from each other, as described above. The first barrier material may be described as comprising a first gas barrier component consisting of all gas barrier compounds present in the first barrier material and the second barrier material may be described as comprising a second barrier material component consisting of all gas barrier compounds present in the second barrier material. In a first example, the first barrier component consists only of one or more gas barrier polymers and the second barrier component consists only of one or more inorganic gas barrier compounds. In a second example, the first barrier component is comprised of a first one or more gas barrier polymers and the second component is comprised of a second one or more gas barrier polymers, where the first one or more gas barrier polymers differ from the second one or more gas barrier polymers in polymer type, or concentration. In a third example, the first barrier component and the second barrier component both comprise the same type of gas barrier compound, but the concentrations of the gas barrier compounds are different, optionally differing by at least 5 wt% based on the weight of the barrier material. In these multilayer films, the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer may alternate with each other, or may alternate with additional barrier layers (e.g., a third barrier layer comprising a third barrier layer material, a fourth barrier layer comprising a fourth barrier layer material, etc.), where each of the first, second, third, and fourth barrier materials, etc. are different from each other as described above.

The barrier materials (including the first barrier material, the second barrier material, etc.) have a low gas transmission rate. For example, when forming a monolayer film consisting essentially of a barrier material, the monolayer film has a gas transmission rate of less than 4 cubic centimeters per square meter per atmosphere per day, as measured at 23 degrees celsius and 0% relative humidity for a film having a thickness of from about 72 microns to about 320 microns, and as can be measured using ASTM D1434. The barrier material comprises or consists essentially of one or more gas barrier compounds. The one or more gas barrier compounds may comprise one or more gas barrier polymers, or may comprise one or more inorganic gas barrier compounds, or may comprise a combination of at least one gas barrier polymer and at least one inorganic gas barrier compound. The combination of at least one gas barrier polymer and at least one inorganic gas barrier compound may comprise a blend or mixture, or may comprise a composite in which fibres, particles or flakes of the inorganic gas barrier compound are surrounded by the gas barrier polymer.

In one aspect, the barrier material comprises or consists essentially of one or more inorganic gas barrier compounds. The one or more inorganic gas barrier compounds may take the form of fibers, particles, flakes, or a combination thereof. The fibers, particles, flakes may comprise or consist essentially of nanoscale fibers, particles, flakes, or combinations thereof. Examples of inorganic barrier compounds include, for example, carbon fibers, glass flakes, silica, silicates, calcium carbonate, clay, mica, talc, carbon black, particulate graphite, metal flakes, and combinations thereof. The inorganic gas barrier compound may comprise or consist essentially of one or more clays. Examples of suitable clays include bentonite, montmorillonite, kaolinite, and mixtures thereof. In one example, the inorganic gas barrier compound is comprised of clay. Optionally, the barrier material may further comprise one or more additional ingredients, such as polymers, processing aids, colorants, or any combination thereof. In aspects in which the barrier material comprises or consists essentially of one or more inorganic barrier compounds, the barrier material can be described as comprising an inorganic gas barrier component consisting of all of the inorganic barrier compounds present in the barrier material. When one or more inorganic gas barrier compounds are included in the barrier material, the total concentration of inorganic gas barrier components present in the barrier material may be less than 60 wt%, or less than 40 wt%, or less than 20 wt% of the total composition. Alternatively, in other examples, the barrier material consists essentially of one or more inorganic gas barrier materials.

In one aspect, the gas barrier compound comprises or consists essentially of one or more gas barrier polymers. The one or more gas barrier polymers may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. In one example, the barrier material may comprise or consist essentially of one or more thermoplastic polymers, meaning that the barrier material comprises or consists essentially of a plurality of thermoplastic polymers, including thermoplastic polymers that are not gas barrier polymers. In another example, the barrier material comprises or consists essentially of one or more thermoplastic gas barrier polymers, meaning that all polymers present in the barrier material are thermoplastic gas barrier polymers. The barrier material may be described as including a polymer component that is composed of all of the polymers present in the barrier material. For example, the polymer component of the barrier material may consist of a single type of gas barrier polymer, such as one or more polyolefins, or may consist of a single type of gas barrier polymer, such as one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers. Optionally, the barrier material may further comprise one or more non-polymeric additives, such as one or more fillers, processing aids, colorants, or combinations thereof.

Many gas barrier polymers are known in the art. Examples of gas barrier polymers include: vinyl polymers such as vinylidene chloride polymers, acrylic polymers such as acrylonitrile polymers, polyamides, epoxy polymers, amine polymers, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, copolymers thereof such as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Examples of thermoplastic gas barrier polymers include thermoplastic vinyl homopolymers and copolymers, thermoplastic acrylic homopolymers and copolymers, thermoplastic amine homopolymers and copolymers, thermoplastic polyolefin homopolymers and copolymers, and mixtures thereof. In one example, the one or more gas barrier polymers comprise or consist essentially of one or more thermoplastic polyethylene copolymers, such as one or more thermoplastic ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers. The one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers can include an ethylene content of about 28 mole% to about 44 mole%, or an ethylene content of about 32 mole% to about 44 mole%. In yet another example, the one or more gas barrier polymers may include or consist essentially of one or more polyethyleneimines, polyacrylic acids, polyethylene oxides, polyacrylamides, polyamidoamines, or any combination thereof.

In another aspect, in addition to the one or more barrier layers (e.g., including the first barrier layer, the second barrier layer, etc.), the multilayer film also includes one or more second layers that include the second material. In one such construction of the multilayer film, the one or more barrier layers comprises a plurality of barrier layers alternating with a plurality of second layers. For example, each of the one or more barrier layers may be located between two second layers (e.g., one second layer located on a first side of the barrier layer and another second layer located on a second side of the barrier layer, the second side being opposite the first side).

The second material of the one or more second layers may comprise one or more polymers. Depending on the kind of gas barrier compound used and the intended use of the multilayer film, the second material may have a higher gas transmission rate than the barrier material, which means that the second material has a poorer gas barrier than the barrier material. In some aspects, the one or more second layers serve as a substrate for the one or more barrier layers and may serve to increase the strength, elasticity, and/or durability of the multilayer film. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more second layers may be used to reduce the amount of gas barrier material(s) required, thereby reducing overall material costs. The presence of the one or more second layers, particularly when the one or more second layers are located between the one or more barrier layers, can help maintain the overall barrier properties of the film by increasing the distance between cracks in the barrier layer, and thus the distance gas molecules must travel between cracks in the barrier layer in order to pass through the multilayer film, even when the second material has a relatively high gas permeability. While small breaks or cracks in the barrier layers of a multilayer film may not significantly affect the overall barrier properties of the film, the use of a large number of thinner barrier layers may avoid or reduce visible cracking, crazing, or hazing (hazing) of the multilayer film. The one or more second layers may include, but are not limited to, tie layers that bond two or more layers together, structural layers that provide mechanical support to the multilayer film, tie layers that provide bonding materials, such as hot melt adhesive materials, to the multilayer film, and/or overlayers that provide protection to the outer surface of the multilayer film.

In certain aspects, the second material is an elastomeric material, comprising or consisting essentially of at least one elastomer. Many gas barrier compounds are brittle and/or relatively inflexible and thus the barrier layer or layers may be susceptible to cracking when subjected to repeated, excessive stress loads, such as those that may occur during flexing and release of the multilayer film. A multilayer film comprising one or more barrier layers alternating with second layers of elastomeric material results in a multilayer film that is better able to withstand repeated flexing and release while retaining its gas barrier properties compared to a film without the presence of an elastomeric second layer.

The second material comprises, or consists essentially of, one or more polymers. As used herein, the one or more polymers present in the second material are referred to herein as "second polymer(s)" or "second polymer(s)" because these polymers are present in the second material. Reference to "second polymer(s)" does not mean that the "first polymer" is present in the second material, or in the multilayer film as a whole, although in many aspects there are multiple classes or types of polymers. In one aspect, the second material comprises or consists essentially of one or more thermoplastic polymers. In another aspect, the second material comprises, or consists essentially of, one or more elastomeric polymers. In yet another aspect, the second material comprises or consists essentially of one or more thermoplastic elastomers. The second material may be described as including a polymeric component that is composed of all of the polymers present in the second material. In one example, the polymer component of the second material is comprised of one or more elastomers. Optionally, the second material may further comprise one or more non-polymeric additives, such as fillers, processing aids, and/or colorants.

Many polymers suitable for the second material are known in the art. Exemplary polymers that may be included in the second material (e.g., the second polymer) include polyolefins, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyimines, polyesters, polyacrylates, polyesters, polyethers, polystyrenes, polyureas, and polyurethanes, including homopolymers and copolymers thereof (e.g., polyolefin homopolymers, polyolefin copolymers, and the like), and combinations thereof. In one example, the second material comprises or consists essentially of one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polystyrenes and polyurethanes, including homopolymers and copolymers thereof and combinations thereof. In another example, the polymer component of the second material is composed of one or more thermoplastic polymers, or one or more elastomers, or one or more thermoplastic elastomers, including thermoplastic vulcanizates. Alternatively, the one or more second polymers may include one or more thermoset or heat curable elastomers such as natural and synthetic rubbers, including butadiene rubbers, isoprene rubbers, silicone rubbers, and the like.

Polyolefins are a class of polymers that include monomer units derived from simple olefins such as ethylene, propylene, and butylene. Examples of thermoplastic polyolefins include polyethylene homopolymers, polypropylene copolymers (including polyethylene-polypropylene copolymers), polybutenes, ethylene-octene copolymers, olefin block copolymers; propylene-butane copolymers and combinations thereof, including blends of polyethylene homopolymers and polypropylene homopolymers. Examples of polyolefin elastomers include polyisobutylene elastomers, poly (alpha-olefin) elastomers, ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomers, and combinations thereof.

Polyamides are a class of polymers comprising monomeric units linked by amide bonds. Natural polyamides include proteins, such as wool and silk, and synthetic amides, such as nylon and aramids. The one or more second polymers may include thermoplastic polyamides, such as nylon 6, nylon 6-6, nylon-11, and thermoplastic polyamide copolymers.

Polyesters are a class of polymers comprising monomer units derived from ester functional groups, typically formed by the condensation of a dibasic acid such as terephthalic acid with one or more polyols. In one example, the second material may comprise or consist essentially of one or more thermoplastic polyester elastomers. Examples of polyester polymers include homopolymers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, poly (1, 4-cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate), and copolymers such as polyester polyurethanes.

Styrene polymers are a class of polymers comprising monomeric units derived from styrene. The one or more second polymers may comprise or consist essentially of a styrene homopolymer, a styrene random copolymer, a styrene block copolymer, or a combination thereof. Examples of styrenic polymers include styrenic block copolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

Polyurethanes are a class of polymers that include monomer units linked by urethane linkages. Polyurethanes are most commonly formed by reacting a polyisocyanate (e.g., a diisocyanate or triisocyanate) with a polyol (e.g., a diol or triol), optionally in the presence of a chain extender. The monomeric units derived from polyisocyanates are generally referred to as the hard segments of the polyurethane, while the monomeric units derived from polyols are generally referred to as the soft segments of the polyurethane. The hard segments may be derived from aliphatic polyisocyanates, or organic isocyanates, or mixtures of both. The soft segment can be derived from a saturated polyol, or an unsaturated polyol such as a polydiene polyol, or a mixture of both. When the multilayer film is to be bonded to a natural or synthetic rubber, the soft segment comprising a soft segment derived from one or more polydiene polyols may promote adhesion between the rubber and the film when the rubber and the film are crosslinked in contact with each other, for example during vulcanization.

Examples of suitable polyisocyanates from which the polyurethane hard segments can be derived include: hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), tetramethylene diisocyanate (BDI), diisocyanatocyclohexylmethane (HMDI), 2, 4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate (TMDI), diisocyanatomethylcyclohexane, diisocyanatomethyltricyclodecane, norbornane Diisocyanate (NDI), cyclohexane diisocyanate (CHDI), 4 '-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H12 MDI), diisocyanatodecane, lysine diisocyanate, toluene Diisocyanate (TDI), TDI and Trimethylolpropane (TMP), methylenediphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), xylene Diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated Xylene Diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1, 5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1, 5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3' -dimethyldiphenyl-4, 4 '-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4' -dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1, 3-phenylene diisocyanate, and any combination thereof. In one aspect, the polyurethane comprises or consists essentially of hard segments derived from Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) or methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) or both.

The soft segment of the polyurethane can be derived from a variety of polyols including polyester polyols, polyether polyols, polyester-ether polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polycaprolactone polyethers, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the polyurethane comprises or consists essentially of monomeric units derived from a C4-C12 polyol, or a C6-C10 polyol, or a C8 or lower polyol, meaning a polyol having from 4 to 12 carbon molecules, or from 6 to 10 carbon molecules, or 8 or fewer carbon molecules in its chemical structure. In another aspect, the polyurethane comprises or consists essentially of monomeric units derived from polyester polyols, polyester-ether polyols, polyether polyols, and any combinations thereof. In yet another aspect, the polyurethane comprises or consists essentially of a soft segment derived from a polyol or diol having polyester functional units. The soft segments derived from the polyol or diol having polyester functional units may constitute from about 10 to about 50, or from about 20 to about 40, or about 30 weight percent of the soft segments present in the polyurethane.

The multilayer film can be produced by various means, such as coextrusion, lamination, layer-by-layer deposition, and the like. When one or more barrier layers are coextruded, either alone or with one or more second layers, selecting materials (e.g., a first barrier material and a second barrier material, or a single barrier material and a second material) with similar processing characteristics, such as melt temperature and melt flow index, can reduce interlayer shear during extrusion and can allow alternating barrier layers and second layers to be coextruded while maintaining their structural integrity and desired layer thicknesses. In one example, the one or more barrier materials and optional secondary material (when used) may be extruded as separate individual films, which may then be laminated together to form a multilayer film.

The multilayer film may be produced using a layer-by-layer deposition process. The substrate, optionally comprising a second material or barrier material, may be constructed into a multilayer film by depositing multiple layers on the substrate. The layers may include one or more barrier layers (e.g., a first barrier layer, a second barrier layer, etc.). Optionally, the layers may include one or more second layers. The one or more barrier layers and/or the second layer may be deposited by any means known in the art, such as dipping, spraying, coating, or other methods. The barrier layer or layers may be applied using charged solutions or suspensions, such as cationic or anionic solutions or suspensions, including charged polymer solutions or suspensions. The barrier layer or layers may be applied using two or more solutions of opposite charge in sequence, for example, by applying a cationic solution followed by an anionic solution followed by a cationic solution followed by an anionic solution, and so forth.

The total thickness of the barrier film including the multilayer film is from about 40 microns to about 500 microns, or from about 50 microns to about 400 microns, or from about 60 microns to about 350 microns. In one aspect, each individual layer of the plurality of layers of the multilayer film has a thickness of from about 0.001 microns to about 10 microns. For example, the thickness of the individual barrier layers may be from about 0.001 microns to about 3 microns thick, or from about 0.5 microns to about 2 microns thick, or from about 0.5 microns to about 1 micron thick. The thickness of the single second layer may be from about 2 microns to about 8 microns thick, or from about 2 microns to about 4 microns thick.

In another aspect, the thickness of the film and/or individual layers thereof can be measured by any method known in the art, such as ASTM E252, ASTM D6988, ASTM D8136, or using an optical microscope or an electron microscope.

In some aspects, the shore hardness of the barrier film, including the multilayer film, is from about 35A to about 95A, optionally from about 55A to about 90A. In these aspects, hardness can be measured using shore a ASTM D2240.

In one aspect, when the barrier film is formed from a plurality of alternating barrier layers and second layers using a coextrusion process, the barrier material has a melt flow index of about 5 to about 7 grams/10 minutes at 190 degrees celsius when a weight of 2.16 kilograms is used, and the second material has a melt flow index of about 20 to about 30 grams/10 minutes at 190 degrees celsius when a weight of 2.16 kilograms is used. In another aspect, the melt flow index of the barrier material is about 80% to about 120% of the melt flow index of the barrier material per 10 minutes, when measured at 190 degrees celsius using a weight of 2.16 kilograms. In these aspects, the melt flow index can be measured using ASTM D1238. Alternatively or additionally, the barrier material or the second material or both have a melting temperature from about 165 degrees celsius to about 183 degrees celsius, or from about 155 degrees celsius to about 165 degrees celsius. In one such example, the barrier material has a melting temperature from about 165 degrees celsius to about 183 degrees celsius, while the second material has a melting temperature from about 155 degrees celsius to about 165 degrees celsius. Further, in these aspects, the melting temperature can be measured using ASTM D3418.

In the illustrated embodiment, barrier layer 118 includes a first, upper barrier layer 118 that forms top side 114 of bladder 106A and a second, lower barrier layer 118 that forms bottom side 116 of bladder 106A. In the illustrated example, the inner opposing surfaces of the barrier layer 118 (i.e., facing each other) are bonded together at discrete locations to form the web region 120 and the peripheral seam 122. Peripheral seam 122 extends around the outer periphery of bladder 106A and defines the peripheral outline of bladder 106A. As shown in figures 3, 4, 5A, 6A, 7, and 8, the upper and lower barrier layers 118 are spaced apart from one another between the web region 120 and the perimeter seam 122 to define a plurality of compartments 124, including a plurality of perimeter compartments 126A-126c and a plurality of interior compartments 128a-128b, each of which forms a respective portion of the interior void 130 of the bladder 106A.

Referring now to fig. 5B and 6B, another aspect of cushioning member 106 is provided wherein cushioning member 106 is a foam element 106B. In one aspect, foam element 106B is a solid, unitary piece that extends the length, width, and height of cushioning member 106. In such an aspect, the top side 114 and the bottom side 116 of the foam element 106B define the shape of the foam element 106B. The foam element 106B comprises a foam material comprising one or more polymers. As shown in fig. 5B and 6B, the shape of the foam element 106B is the same as the shape of the cushioning member 106 shown in all the figures. In other words, the foam element 106B may include or consist essentially of a foam material having a shape that is the same as the shape defined by the barrier film 118 shown in fig. 5A and 6A. It should be noted that foam element 106B may have the same shape as peripheral chambers 126A-126c and interior chambers 128a, 128B described with respect to fluid-filled bag 106A, but does not enclose a space or define an interior void because foam element 106B is formed as a unitary piece. When the cushion 106 is formed as a foam element 106B, features such as the web region 120 of the fluid-filled bladder 106A are also formed from the resilient polymeric material. The polymeric material may be formed to provide substantially the same cushioning and load-bearing characteristics as fluid-filled bladder 106A shown in fig. 5A and 6A; however, as noted above, the ground reaction forces may be different. That is, ground reaction forces are primarily dissipated by foam elements 106B, as opposed to being distributed throughout fluid-filled bladder 106A. In this manner, the applied load is generally absorbed, rather than being dispersed or attenuated to other locations of cushioning members 106.

Referring now to fig. 5C and 6C, another aspect of cushioning member 106 is provided wherein cushioning member 106 includes foam elements 106B formed as a solid body of resilient polymeric material that is received between barrier layers 118 so as to be encapsulated. The polymeric material and associated barrier layer 118 may be formed to provide substantially the same cushioning and load-bearing characteristics as the fluid-filled bladder 106A shown in fig. 5A and 6A; however, the ground reaction force differs due to the foam element 106B disposed therein. In essence, the combination of the barrier layer 118 and the encapsulated foam element 106B provides a hybrid cushion that shares the characteristics of the fluid-filled bladder 106A and the foam element 106B. That is, the applied load will (i) result in displacement of fluid trapped between the barrier layers 118 and (ii) be absorbed by the polymeric material of the foam element 106B. Encapsulating the polymeric material within the barrier layer 118 helps keep the polymeric material of the foam element 106B clean and dry and helps the foam element 106B maintain a desired shape. Regardless of whether the cushioning member 106 includes a barrier layer 118 and a polymeric material or merely a polymeric material defining the cushioning member 106, the thickness T106 of the cushioning member 106 shown in fig. 6C is the same as the thickness T106 of the cushioning member 106 shown in fig. 6A and 6B. Thus, the discussion of the details of cushioning member 106 applies where cushioning member 106 is a fluid-filled chamber, with cushioning member 106 being formed entirely of one or more elastic polymeric materials, or formed of one or more elastic polymeric materials encapsulated within barrier layer 118.

The bumper 106 may include a plurality of U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped chambers 126a-126c, as shown in U.S. patent application serial No. 17/133, 732 to Chan et al, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Portions of these chambers 126a-126c extend along the medial and

lateral sides

22, 24 in the peripheral region 28, as discussed in more detail below. Accordingly, these chambers 126a-126b may be referred to as perimeter chambers 126a-126c. Peripheral chambers 126a-126c include a heel peripheral chamber 126a, a forefoot peripheral chamber 126b, and a toe peripheral chamber 126c. In general, the peripheral chambers 126a-126c are arranged sequentially along the longitudinal axis a106 from the first end 110 of the bumper 106 to the second end 112 of the bumper 106. Thus, the chambers 126a-126c are aligned with one another along the length of the bumper 106.

Referring to fig. 3-5A, one or more of the peripheral chambers 126a-126c may have a variable cross-sectional area from one end to the other. In addition to the peripheral chambers 126a-126c, the bumper 106 includes one or more

interior chambers

128a, 128b disposed in the interior region 26 of the bumper 106. Here, each of the

interior chambers

128a, 128b is at least partially surrounded by a respective one of the

peripheral chambers

126a, 126 b. The peripheral chambers 126a-126c and the

interior chambers

128a, 128b define an interior void 130. Generally, each of the

interior chambers

128a, 128b extends from a

first end

132a, 132b connected to the

middle section

134a, 134b of an adjacent one of the

peripheral chambers

126b, 126c to a terminal

second end

136a, 136b adjacent the rear end 20 of the respective one of the

peripheral chambers

126a, 126 b. The

intermediate sections

134a, 134b fluidly couple the inner side 22 of the bumper 106 to the outer side 24 of the bumper 106.

As shown, heel peripheral compartment 126a, forefoot peripheral compartment 126b, and toe peripheral compartment 126c include a series of lobes 138a-138i interconnected and disposed along the periphery of bumper 106. The series of lobes 138a-138i extend in a direction along the longitudinal axis a106 of the bumper 106. Each of lobes 138a-138i has a variable cross-sectional area so as to taper from a midpoint of the respective lobe 138a-138i to an end of the respective lobe 138a-138i. For example, each of lobes 138a-138i includes a first end 140a-140i having a first cross-sectional area, a second end 142a-142i having a second cross-sectional area, and an intermediate portion 144a-144i disposed between first end 140a-140i and second end 142a-142i and having a third cross-sectional area that is greater than the first and second cross-sectional areas. Accordingly, each of lobes 138a-138i tapers from intermediate portions 144a-144i toward respective first and second ends 140a-140i and 142a-142i to define a first series of recesses 146a-146h, wherein each recess 146a-146h is disposed between a pair of adjacent lobes 138a-138i to alternate with the series of lobes 138a-138i along the length of chambers 126a-126c. In some examples, the width and thickness of each of lobes 138a-138i taper from intermediate portions 144a-144i.

In the illustrated example of bumper 106, the plurality of lobes 138a-138i are arranged sequentially end-to-end along perimeter region 28 such that the cross-sectional area of heel perimeter cavity 126a alternates between larger and smaller sizes. As shown, series of lobes 138a-138i includes a first pair of

toe lobes

138a, 138b disposed on toe peripheral cavity 126c, a pair of

forefoot lobes

138c, 138d disposed on forefoot peripheral cavity 126b, a pair of

mid-foot lobes

138e, 138f disposed in mid-foot region 14 at a forward end of heel peripheral cavity 126a, a pair of

heel lobes

138g, 138h disposed in heel region 16 between

mid-foot lobes

138e, 138f and second end 112, and a rear lobe 138i disposed at second end 112 of bumper 106.

Medial lobes

138e, 138f,

heel lobes

138g, 138h, and posterior lobe 138i define a first series 148 of lobes 138e-138i that form heel peripheral chamber 126 a. The pair of

toe lobes

138a, 138b define a second series 150 of lobes 138a-138b, wherein the pair of

toe lobes

138a, 138b are spaced apart from one another to define a generally U-shaped recess when viewed along a plane defined by the width and length of the base 108.

Medial lobes

138e, 138f of heel perimeter chamber 126a include medial lobe 138e disposed at the forward end of heel region 16 on medial side 22 of bumper 106, and lateral medial lobe 138f disposed at the forward end of heel region 16 on lateral side 24 of bumper 106. Each of medial midfoot lobe 138e and lateral midfoot lobe 138f extend from respective

first ends

140e, 140f along peripheral region 28 to respective

second ends

142e, 142f thereof.

With continued reference to fig. 3-5, trailing lobe 138i is disposed at second end 112 of bumper 106 with a medial portion 144i of trailing lobe 138i aligned with longitudinal axis a106 of bumper 106. In the illustrated example, the rearward lobes 138i extend from a first end 140i on the inner side 22 of the bumper 106 to a second end 142i on the outer side 24 of the bumper 106. As described above, the cross-sectional area of the intermediate portion 144i is greater than each of the first end 140i and the second end 142i.

Heel

lobes

138g, 138h of heel peripheral chamber 126A include a medial heel lobe 138g disposed on medial side 22 of bladder 106A and a lateral heel lobe 138h disposed on lateral side 24 of bladder 106A. As shown, first ends 140g, 140h of

heel lobes

138g, 138h are connected to

second ends

142e, 142f of medial and

lateral midfoot lobes

138e, 138f, respectively. The second end 142g of the medial heel lobe 138g is connected to the first end 140i of the heel lobe 138i. Likewise, second end 142f of lateral heel lobe 138h is connected to second end 142i of aft lobe 138i. Similar to midfoot lobes 138e, 138f and hindfoot lobes 138i, heel lobes 138e-138h provide a projection of heel peripheral chamber 126A along medial and

lateral sides

22, 24 of bladder 106A.

With continued reference to fig. 3-5A, trailing lobe 138i is disposed at second end 112 of bladder 106A, with intermediate portion 144i of trailing lobe 138i aligned with longitudinal axis a106 of bladder 106A. In the illustrated example, the rearward lobes 138i extend from a first end 140i on the inner side 22 of the bumper 106 to a second end 142i on the outer side 24 of the bumper 106. As described above, the intermediate portion 1441 has a larger cross-sectional area than each of the end portions 1401, 1421.

Heel

lobes

138g, 138h of heel perimeter chamber 126a include a medial heel lobe 138g disposed on medial side 22 of bumper 106 and a lateral heel lobe 138h disposed on lateral side 24 of bumper 106. As shown, first ends 140g, 140h of

heel lobes

138g, 138h are connected to

second ends

142e, 142f of medial and

lateral midfoot lobes

138e, 138f, respectively. The second end 142g of the medial heel lobe 138g is connected to the first end 140i of the heel lobe 138i. Likewise, second end 142h of lateral heel lobe 138h is connected to second end 142i of heel lobe 138i. Similar to midfoot lobes 138e, 138f and hindfoot lobes 138i,

heel lobes

138g, 138h provide a projection of heel perimeter cavity 126a along medial and

lateral sides

22, 24 of bumper 106.

The

intermediate sections

134a, 134b extend across the width of the bumper 106. Intermediate segment 134b is adjacent midfoot region 14 and interconnects a pair of

forefoot lobes

138c, 138d. As shown, the intermediate segment 134b extends along an arcuate path from the medial side 22 to the lateral side 24. Intermediate section 134a separates toe portion 12T from midfoot region 14 and interconnects second ends 142a, 142b of a pair of

toe lobes

138a, 138b. As shown, the middle section 134a extends along an arcuate path from the medial side 22 to the lateral side 24, thereby facilitating the formation of a U-shaped recess between the pair of

toe lobes

138a, 138b.

Still referring to fig. 3-5B, forefoot peripheral chamber 126B includes a pair of

forefoot lobes

138c, 138d that extend through ball portion 12B of forefoot region 12 and are disposed between heel peripheral chamber 126a and toe peripheral chamber 126c. Specifically,

forefoot lobes

138c, 138d include medial forefoot lobe 138c and lateral forefoot lobe 138d. First recess 146a is formed where second end 142a of medial toe lobe 138a merges with first end 140c of medial forefoot lobe 138 c. Likewise, a second recess 146b is formed where the second end 142b of the outboard toe lobe 138b meets the first end 140d of the outboard forefoot lobe 138d. A third recess 146c is formed where the second end 142c of the medial forefoot lobe 138c merges with the first end 140e of the medial midfoot lobe 138 e. Likewise, a fourth recess 146d is formed where the second end 142d of the lateral forefoot lobe 138d joins the first end 140f of the lateral midfoot lobe 138f.

In some examples, one or both of the

forefoot lobes

138c, 138d of the forefoot peripheral chamber 126b may be spherical, such that the

medial portions

144c, 144d have a greater dimension (e.g., cross-section, width, thickness) than the first and

second ends

140c, 140d, 142c, 142d. For example, in the illustrated construction, the width of each of the first ends 140c, 140d and the second ends 142c, 142d increases from the respective

intermediate portions

144c, 144d such that the first ends 140c, 140d and the second ends 142c, 142d converge inwardly toward the longitudinal axis a106 of the bumper 106. With continued reference to fig. 3-5, one or both

toe lobes

138a, 138b of toe peripheral cavity 126c may be spherical, whereby

intermediate portions

144a, 144b have greater dimensions (e.g., cross-section, width, thickness) than

first ends

140a, 140b and

second ends

142a, 142b.

Unlike heel and forefoot

peripheral chambers

126a and 126b, which are fully attached to web region 120, toe peripheral chamber 126c may be only partially attached to web region 120. For example,

toe lobes

138a, 138b of toe peripheral chamber 126c may protrude beyond web region 120 such that each distal end of

toe lobes

138a, 138b hangs freely. Thus, each of

toe lobes

138a, 138b may move independently of the other. In another configuration,

toe lobes

138a, 138b of toe peripheral cavity 126c may be formed to have a substantially circular shape (not shown).

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the forefoot internal chamber 128a extends along the longitudinal axis a106 from a first end 132a connected to a middle section 134a of the toe peripheral chamber 126c to a terminal second end 136a adjacent to a middle section 134B of the forefoot peripheral chamber 126B. As shown, the outer perimeter of the forefoot interior chamber 128a is offset inward from the inner perimeter of the forefoot perimeter chamber 126b by a substantially constant distance. In the illustrated example, the forefoot interior chamber 128a includes a necked-down portion 152 adjacent the first end 132a, the necked-down portion 152 extending between the

recesses

146a, 146b of the forefoot peripheral chamber 126 b. The second end 136a of the forefoot interior chamber 128a may also be spherical and circumscribed by the

forefoot lobes

138c, 138d of the forefoot peripheral chamber 126 b.

The heel interior chamber 128b extends along the longitudinal axis a106 from a first end 132b connected to a middle segment 134b of the forefoot peripheral chamber 126b to a terminal second end 136b adjacent a rear lobe 138i of the heel peripheral chamber 126 a. The outer perimeter of heel interior chamber 128b is offset inwardly from the inner perimeter of heel perimeter chamber 126a by a substantially constant distance. As such, the width of heel interior chamber 128b may increase in a direction from first end 132b to second end 136b.

The

interior chambers

128a, 128b are attached to the respective

peripheral chambers

126a, 126b by the web region 120 such that each

interior chamber

128a, 128b is surrounded by a portion of the web region 120. Thus, web region 120 includes a generally U-shaped first portion 154a surrounding heel interior chamber 128a, and a generally U-shaped second portion 154b surrounding forefoot interior chamber 128b, as shown, first U-shaped portion 154a of web region 120 extending between and attaching the outer perimeter of heel interior chamber 128a and the inner perimeter of heel perimeter chamber 126 a. Likewise, the second U-shaped portion 154b extends between and attaches the outer periphery of the forefoot internal chamber 128b and the inner periphery of the forefoot peripheral chamber 126 b. As shown, with respect to the foregoing portions of the web region 120, the term "U-shaped" is not strictly limited to shapes having two straight legs connected by a constant curvature, but refers to any shape that extends from a first end along a generally first direction line, then folds back and extends along the first direction line to a second end adjacent to or facing the first end. Thus, the U-shaped portion of the web region may also be described as, for example, horseshoe, bell, or hairpin shaped.

Adjacent ones of the chambers 126A-126c, 128a-128b are separated from one another by portions of the web region 120 such that recesses or spaces 156A-156c, 158a-158c are formed on the opposing

sides

114, 116 of the bumper 106 between adjacent ones of the chambers 126A-126c, 128a-128b, as best shown in fig. 6A-8. In other words, the bumper 106 includes a series of upper pockets 156a-158c formed by the web region 120 and adjacent chambers 126a-126c, 128a-128b on the top side 114 of the bumper 106, and a series of lower pockets 158a-160c formed by the web region 120 and adjacent chambers 126a-126c, 128a-128b on the bottom side 116 of the bladder 106. As shown in fig. 5A-5C and 10, respective pairs of pockets or

spaces

158a, 158b of the first and

second portions

154a, 154b of the web region 120 can flare outwardly from one another at distal ends thereof. For example, the distal ends of the first portions 154a located near the middle segment 134b may extend in a direction away from each other such that the distal ends are divergent. As such, one of the distal ends of the first portion 154a may extend in a direction toward the medial side 22, while the other of the distal ends of the first portion 154a may extend in a direction toward the lateral side 24. Similarly, the distal end of the second portion 145b is divergent in a region proximate the intermediate section 134 a.

With continued reference to fig. 5A and 5B, first and second ends 140a-140i, 142a-142i of series of lobes 138a-138i and first ends 132a, 132B of interior chambers 128a, 128B form a plurality of conduits that fluidly couple adjacent ones of peripheral chambers 126a-126c to one another. Thus, the portions of the interior void 130 formed by each of the peripheral chambers 126a-126c and the

interior chambers

128a, 128b are in fluid communication with each other such that fluid may be transferred between the peripheral chambers 126a-126c.

With continued reference to fig. 2A and 2B, base 108 is configured to interface with cushioning members 106 to provide unitary midsole 102. The base 108 extends from a first end 160 at the front end 18 of the sole structure 100 to a second end 162 at the rear end 20 of the sole structure 100. The base 108 also includes a top surface 164 defining a portion of the footbed, and a bottom surface 166 formed on a side of the base 108 opposite the top surface 164 and configured to interface with the top side 114 of the bumper 106.

The base 108 may be formed as a unitary piece, or may be formed from multiple elements, as discussed in more detail below. The base 108 includes a series of supports 168a-168g extending along the length of the base 108. In particular, a plurality of

medial supports

168a, 168c, 168e, and 168g extend along the medial side 22 of the base 108, a plurality of lateral supports 168b, 168d, 168f, and 168h extend along the lateral side 24 of the base 108, and a rear support 168i is disposed at the rear end 20 of the base 108. A rear support 168i is disposed between the series of

lateral supports

168a, 168c and 168e and the series of

medial supports

168b, 168d and 168 f. The series of supports 168a-168i alternate with a series of recesses 170a-170f, the series of recesses 170a-170f also extending along the length of the base 108. In particular, the

inboard recesses

170a, 170c, and 170e of the second series of recesses 170a-170f extend along the inboard side 22 of the base 108, and the

outboard recesses

170b, 170d, and 170f of the second series of recesses 170a-170f extend along the outboard side 24 of the base 108.

The lateral midfoot recess 170c and medial midfoot recess 170d cooperate to define a midfoot continuous recess 172 (FIG. 11) extending the width of the base 108. Similarly, the lateral forefoot recess 170a and the medial forefoot recess 170b cooperate to define a forefoot continuous recess 174 (fig. 11) that extends the width of the base 108. Base 108 may also include a pair of

interior supports

176a, 176b disposed in forefoot region 12. Each of the

inner supports

176a, 176b is schematically illustrated as having a generally triangular cross-section taken along the width of the

inner supports

176a, 176b. The forefoot inner support 176a is formed on the bottom surface 166 of the base 108 and is disposed in the forefoot continuous recess 174, thereby being disposed between the lateral forefoot recess 170a and the medial forefoot recess 170 b. Toe interior support 176b is disposed at front end 18 of base 108. The bottom surface 166 of the forefoot inner support 176a is generally concave so as to be configured to engage the top surface of the intermediate section 134a of the bumper 106. Likewise, the bottom surface 166 of the toe interior support 176b is also generally concave so as to be configured to engage the top surface of the intermediate section 134b of the bumper 106.

Series of supports 168a-168i are aligned with and in contact with series of lobes 138a-138i. As such, the distal end of each of supports 168a-168i is generally concave to receive the top surface of a respective one of lobes 138a-138i. The supports 168c-168i define a first series 178 of supports, the first series 178 of supports being configured to align with and contact the first series 148 of lobes 138e-138i. The supports 168a-168b define a second series 180 of supports configured to align with a second series 150 of lobes disposed in the toe portion 12T of the forefoot region 12.

In aspects where the base 108 is formed of multiple elements, the base 108 may include a bumper 182, a plate 184, and an insert 186, the insert 186 comprising an insert material comprising one or more polymers. In such an aspect, the first series 178 of supports 168c-168i are formed by assembling the plate 184 to the bumper 182, and the second series 180 of supports 168a-168b are formed solely by the plate 184. In such an aspect, when assembled together, the plate 184 and portions of the bumper 182 collectively form the first series 178 of supports 168c-168i, and cooperate to engage the top surfaces of the respective first series 148 of lobes 138a-138i.

With continued reference to fig. 2A and 2B, the base 108 may be configured to support the periphery of a user's foot. In such an aspect, the base 108 may further include upper portions 188a-188i disposed on at least one of the series of supports 168a-168 i. The upper portions 188a-188h are disposed along the perimeter of the base 108 and are curved along the width and height of the chassis 108 to conform to the shape of the bottom of the foot. The upper portions 188a-188i include a series of medial

upper portions

188a, 188c, 188e, 188g and a series of lateral

upper portions

188b, 188d, 188f, 188h that extend along the perimeter of the respective medial 22 and lateral 24 sides of the base 108. An upper rear portion 188i is provided on the rear end 20 of the base 108, and a series of inboard

upper portions

188a, 188c, 188e, 188g and a series of upper

outboard portions

188b, 188d, 188f, 188h are sequentially arranged from opposite ends of the upper rear portion 188i, respectively. The upper rear portion 188i forms a cup-shaped body that helps support the rear portion of the heel. The heights to the upper portions 188a-188i may be the same or different. In aspects in which the base 108 is formed as a unitary piece, the upper portions 188a-188h abut the series of supports 168a-168 i. In aspects where base 108 is formed from multiple elements, such as bumper 182, plate 184, and insert 186, upper portions 188a-188h may be defined by plate 184.

As described above, the series 178 first support may be formed by a combination of a cushioning support 182 and a plate 184. The plate 184 also includes inboard 190 and outboard 192 support arms extending from the ends of the upper rear portion 1821. The distal ends of each of the medial and

lateral support arms

190, 192 are spaced from one another so as to define an insertion foot recess 194. The medial support arm 190 includes a series of inner medial flanges 196a-196d that are spaced apart from one another to form a series of inward medial depressions 198a-198c that alternate with the respective inner medial flanges 196a-196 d. Each inner medial flange 196a-196d is disposed on an inner surface of the medial support arm 190 and extends toward the center of the plate 184, so as to be generally orthogonal to the upper portion 188. The outboard support arm 192 includes a series of inner outboard flanges 200a-200d. The inboard and outboard flanges 200a-200d are spaced apart from one another to form a series of inboard and outboard depressions 202a-202d alternating with the corresponding inboard and outboard flanges 200a-200 c. The inner outboard flanges 200a-200d are disposed on the inner surface of the outboard support arm 192 and extend toward the center of the plate 184. The insert pocket 194 has a shape defined by inner medial flanges 196a-196d, inner medial depressions 198a-198c, inner lateral flanges 200a-200d, and inner lateral depressions 200a-200c to properly receive the insert 186 as shown in FIG. 9.

With continued reference to fig. 2A and 2B, the insert 186 has a peripheral edge that is configured to be positioned between the medial and

lateral support arms

190, 192 of the plate 184 for mounting within an insert pocket 194. Insert 186 is a unitary body having a series of wings 204a-204g extending along the periphery of inner side 22 and outer side 24 of insert 186. The wings 204a-204g are spaced apart from one another so as to define a peripheral edge configured to be placed within the insert pocket 194. The rear wing portion 204h is disposed on the second end 112 of the base 108 and is configured to rest against a portion of the upper rear portion 182i of the plate 184. Plate 184 is mounted to the top surface of cushioning member 182 so as to be disposed between upper 300 and cushioning member 182. The plate 184 is longer than the bumper 182, and the outer and

inner supports

168a, 168b are formed on the bottom surface of the plate 184.

The toe cap 206 is disposed on the first end 110 of the chassis 108. The toe cap 206 may comprise an insert material or may comprise a toe cap material comprising one or more polymers, wherein the toe cap material is different from the insert material as described above. The toe cap 206 is configured to protect the user's toes. In one aspect, the toe cap 206 is formed as a separate piece and may be adhered to the insert 186 using any known or later developed attachment technique (including adhesives, stitching, etc.). The toe cap 206 is a generally arcuate member that extends upwardly from the body of the insert 186.

The base 108 includes ridges 208a-208c, the ridges 208a-208c configured to be respectively disposed in one of the upper pockets 156a-156c of the cushioning member 106 when the base 108 is assembled to the cushioning member 106. The anterior ridge 208a has a generally C-shaped configuration configured to receive the interior chamber 128b. The central ridge 208b and the posterior ridge 208c collectively form a generally U-shaped dimension so as to define depressions 210a-208c extending longitudinally between the elongated portions of the central ridge 208b and the posterior ridge 208c. Recesses 210a-210c are configured to receive heel interior chamber 128b. In the illustrated example, the ridges 208a-208c may be configured to extend completely into the web regions 120 of the upper pockets 156a-156c in some areas and to be spaced apart from the web regions 120 of the upper pockets 156a-156c in other areas when the midsole 102 is assembled. Thus, the portions of the bottom side 116 defining the ridges 208a-208c may contact the web region 120 at selected locations. In other examples, one or more of the ridges 208a-208c may be configured such that the distal end is spaced from the web region 120, or may be omitted from the base.

Referring now to fig. 9 and 10, one aspect of the base 108 is provided wherein the base 108 is comprised of a bumper 182, a plate 184, and an insert 186. The bumper 182, plate 184, and insert 186 may be secured to one another using any technique, such as adhesives, welding, etc., to form a unitary piece. Alternatively, bumper 182, plate 184, and insert 186 may simply be mounted to each other and retained by attachment to outsole 104 and upper 300.

Referring now to fig. 11, the base 108 and outsole 104 are shown assembled to the bumper 106. Ridges 208a-206c are shown contacting web region 120. The plate 184 is longer than the bumper 182 with the toe cap 206 extending beyond the rear end of the bumper 182. Outsole 104 is mounted to a bottom surface of bumper 106 to protect bumper 106 during engagement with the ground. The ridges 208a-208c have an arcuate bottom surface 166, the arcuate bottom surface 166 being configured to engage a top surface of the respective

internal chamber

128a, 128b. Inner support 176a is placed against the top surface of forefoot inner chamber 128a and inner support 176b is placed against the top surface of heel inner chamber 128b. Midfoot continuous recess 172 and forefoot continuous recess 174 extend across the width of base 108. Midfoot continuous recess 172 and forefoot continuous recess 174 are positioned to facilitate bending of outsole 104.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10 is provided. Fig. 12 shows the engagement of

toe lobes

138a, 138b with base 108. In such an aspect, the second series 180 of supports 168a-168b are formed entirely of the plate 184. The plate 184 and the insert 186 are assembled together to form a unitary piece. The top surface of plate 184 abuts the top surface of insert 186 and is substantially seamless to define the outline of the footbed. Bumpers 182 do not extend to toe lobes 138a, 138b. A gap 212 is formed between the pair of

toe lobes

138a, 138b. Gap 212 allows

toe lobes

138a, 138b to freely flex relative to lobes 138c-138i, which are connected at respective first and second ends 140a-140i and 142a-142 i.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 10 is provided. The base 108 is placed completely against the top surface of the bumper 106. The medial strut 168c and the lateral strut 168d engage the pair of

forefoot lobes

138c, 138d. The inboard support 168c is formed by the assembly of a bumper 182 and a plate 184, with the bumper 182 defining an inner portion of the inboard support 168c and the plate 184 defining an outer portion of the inboard support 168 c. Likewise, bumper 182 defines an inner portion of outer support 168d and plate 184 defines an outer portion of outer support 168 d. The leading ridge 208a is placed against the web region 120 defining the upper pocket 156 b. The area of the bumper 182 between the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 of the anterior ridge 208a is curved to rest against the top surface of the forefoot interior chamber 128 a.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 10 is provided. The medial strut 168e and the lateral strut 168f are aligned with and in contact with the top surface of a respective one of the pair of

midfoot lobes

138e, 138f. The medial support 168e and the lateral support 168f are sized to be placed completely against the

respective midfoot lobes

138e, 138f. The inboard support 168e is formed by the assembly of a bumper 182 and a plate 184, with the bumper 182 defining an inner portion of the inboard support 168e and the plate 184 defining an outer portion of the inboard support 168 e. Likewise, bumper 182 defines an inner portion of lateral support 168f and plate 184 defines an outer portion of lateral support 168 f. The area of the bumper 182 between the inner side 22 and the outer side 24 of the intermediate ridge 208b is arcuate so as to rest against the top surface of the interior chamber 128 a. Fig. 14 illustrates an aspect in which the bottom surface of the intermediate ridge 208b is spaced from the web region 120.

Referring now to fig. 15, a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 in fig. 10 is provided. The cross-sectional view is taken along the

indentations

146e, 146f and the

indentations

170e, 170f of the bumper 106, the

indentations

170e, 170f forming a forefoot continuous indentation 174 formed on the base 108. Thus, the base 108 is spaced from the bumper 106 to facilitate increased flexibility around the wires 15-15.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 10 is provided. The medial support 168g and the lateral support 168h are aligned with and contact a top surface of a respective one of the pair of

heel lobes

138g, 138h. The medial support 168g and the lateral support 168h are sized to be placed completely against the

respective heel lobes

138g, 138h. Outboard support 168h is formed by the assembly of bumper 182 and plate 184, with bumper 182 defining an inner portion of outboard support 168h and plate 184 defining an outer portion of outboard support 168 h. Likewise, bumper 182 defines an inner portion of medial strut 168g and plate 184 defines an outer portion of medial strut 168g. The posterior ridge 208c is disposed within the upper recess 156 a. The area of the bumper 182 between the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 of the posterior ridge 208c is arcuate so as to rest against the top surface of the heel interior chamber 128b. Fig. 16 illustrates an aspect in which the bottom surface of the rear ridge 208c is spaced from the web region 120.

The

components

182, 184, 186 of the chassis 108 may comprise a chassis material comprising one or more polymers (e.g., foam or rubber) to impart cushioning, response, and energy distribution characteristics to the wearer's foot. In the illustrated example, the dampener 182 includes a first foam material, the plate 184 includes a second foam material, and the insert 186 includes a third foam material that are substantially identical or different from one another in one or more of appearance, physical properties, and composition as described above. For example, the cushion material and plate material can provide greater cushioning and impact distribution than the insert material, which has a greater stiffness than the cushion material and/or plate material, to provide increased lateral stiffness to the peripheral region 28 of the upper 300.

Referring again to fig. 2B and 11-16, in one aspect of the plate 184, each support in the series of supports 168a-168g extends outwardly and downwardly from the perimeter of the plate 184, and the upper portions 188a-188i extend upwardly and outwardly from the perimeter of the plate 184. Each support in the series of supports 168a-168g is aligned with a respective upper portion 188c-188i so as to define a generally V-shaped cross-section. The series of supports 168a-168g and corresponding upper portions 188c-188i cooperate to provide a compressive force and a reaction force in response to a load. By way of example, the series of supports 168a-168g and the corresponding upper portions 188c-188i act as springs in response to a compressive load.

The base material comprises one or more polymers. Example base materials include foams or solid materials, including molded foams and molded solid materials.

Various materials described herein (e.g., outsole material, bumper material, base material, etc.) include, or consist essentially of, one or more polymers. The one or more polymers may include one or more thermoplastic polymers, one or more thermoset or thermally curable polymers (i.e., polymers capable of being crosslinked but not yet crosslinked), or one or more thermoset polymers. The one or more polymers may include one or more elastomers, including thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) or thermoset elastomers, or both. The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or a mixture of both; or may comprise homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of the two.

In some aspects, the one or more polymers may include an olefin homopolymer, an olefin copolymer, or a blend thereof. Examples of olefin polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof. In other aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated mono fatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

In yet another aspect, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acrylates, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combination thereof.

In further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more ionomer polymers. In these aspects, the ionomer polymer may include a polymer having carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and/or anhydrides thereof. For example, the one or more ionomer polymers may include one or more fatty acid modified ionomer polymers, polystyrene sulfonate, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

In other aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more styrene block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

In other aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and/or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethanes and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed above with respect to barrier layer 118. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as polybutadiene and polyisoprene.

When the material is a foam, the foam may be foamed using a physical blowing agent that changes phase to a gas upon change in temperature and/or pressure or a chemical blowing agent that forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound, such as hexamethylene dicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate and/or an isocyanate.

In some configurations, the foamed polymeric material may be a crosslinked foamed material. In these configurations, a peroxide-based crosslinking agent, such as dicumyl peroxide, may be used. In addition, the foamed polymeric material may include one or more fillers such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc glass fibers, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood flour, and the like.

The material may be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the material comprises a shaped elastomer, the uncured material (e.g., uncured rubber) can be mixed with optional fillers and a curing package (such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package) in a banbury mixer, calendered, shaped, placed in a mold, and cured.

In another example, when the material is a foam material, the material may be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process. The thermoplastic polymer material may be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and mixed with a physical or chemical blowing agent and optionally a crosslinking agent and then injected into a mold under conditions that activate the blowing agent to form a shaped foam.

Alternatively, when the material is a foam, the foam may be a compression molded foam. Compression molding may be used to alter the physical properties of the foam (e.g., density, stiffness, and/or hardness), or to alter the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., fusing two or more foam pieces to shape the foam, etc.), or both.

Compression molding supplies desirably begin by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding of the material and foaming it, by foaming the material to form foam particles or beads, by cutting foam sheet stock, and the like. A compression-molded foam may then be produced by placing the one or more foam preforms in a compression mold and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more foam preforms to compress the one or more foam preforms in the closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and/or pressure is applied to the one or more foam preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient time to alter the foam preform(s) by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, or fusing individual foam particles to one another, or increasing the density of the foam remaining in the finished product, or any combination thereof. After heating and/or application of pressure, the mold is opened and the shaped foam article is removed from the mold.

In some examples, outsole 104 extends over midsole 102 to provide increased durability and resiliency. In the illustrated example, the outsole 104 is provided as an outsole material that is overmolded onto the bottom side 116 of the bumper 106 to increase the durability of the exposed portion of the lower barrier layer 118 of the bumper 106. Thus, the outsole material is different from the cushioning material described above. For example, the outsole material may be different than the cushion material, including different than the lower barrier film, based on at least one of different thickness, different hardness, and different abrasion resistance. In some examples, outsole 104 may be integrally formed with lower barrier layer 118 of bumper 106 using an overmolding process. In other examples, outsole 104 may be formed separately from lower barrier layer 118 of cushioning member 106, and may be adhesively bonded to lower barrier layer 118.

Referring again to fig. 2A, 2B, and 10-16, outsole 104 includes a ground-engaging surface 30a and a midsole-engaging surface 30B opposite ground-engaging surface 30 a. The outsole 104 includes a first outsole portion 214, a second outsole portion 216, and a third outsole portion 218. First outsole portion 214, second outsole portion 216, and third outsole portion 218 are spaced apart from one another, allowing greater flexibility in the sole structure relative to conventional sole structures that utilize outsoles formed as unitary pieces. In particular, the peripheral edges of each of the first, second, and third outer

bottom portions

214, 216, 218 are spaced apart from one another to allow the different components of the bumper 106 to move relative to one another. Further, as the plurality of chambers 124 are compressed under load due to the running, walking, or jumping motion, the lower portions of the respective chambers 104 are allowed to expand (i.e., move outward as the chambers 104 deform). In other words, when first outer bottom portion 214, second outer bottom portion 216, and third outer bottom portion 218 are spaced apart from one another, chamber 104 is allowed to more freely deform in response to an applied load

Outsole 104 is constructed of a first material 220 and a second material 222. The second material 222 is more durable than the first material 220 and may be formed of a highly abrasion resistant rubber. Preferably, second material 222 is disposed on an area of outsole 104 where portions of the foot engage the ground with greater force relative to other portions of the foot. As shown, the second material 222 is disposed along the posterior end 20 in the heel region 16 and in the ball portion 12B and toe portion 12T of the forefoot region 12, which corresponds with an area that is more readily engageable with the ground.

The first outsole portion 214 includes a heel portion 224, a first medial leg portion 226, and a first lateral leg portion 228. The heel portion 224 is substantially arcuate along the length of the heel portion 224, forming a "C" shape. First medial leg portion 226 and first lateral leg portion 228 extend along respective longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of sole structure 100 in a direction toward the front end of sole structure 100. As such, a first medial leg portion 226 and a first lateral leg portion 228 extend from opposite ends of heel portion 224 to define a generally U-shaped configuration. The heel portion 224 is configured to be disposed along the rear end 20 of the foot so as to support the rear end of the foot. With particular reference to fig. 2A and 11, the heel portion 224 is generally C-shaped when viewed along the width of the heel portion 224. Heel portion 224 has a shape configured to receive bottom side 116 of rear lobe 138i of bumper 106. Heel portion 224 tapers from the center of heel portion 224 to the respective ends of heel portion 224 to accommodate the spherical shape of rearward lobe 1381.

The first inboard leg portion 226 and the first outboard leg portion 228 each include at least one pair of elongated pockets 230a-230d. Each pocket 230a-230d has a C-shaped cross-section when viewed along the width of the respective first inboard leg portion 226 and first outboard leg portion 228, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 14-16. Similar to heel portion 224, each pocket 230a-230d tapers from the center of the respective pocket 230a-230d to each end of the respective pocket 230a-230d to accommodate the shape of bottom side 116 of the respective lobe 138e-138h of bumper 106.

As shown in fig. 2B, 10, 11, and 14-16, the first outsole portion 214 is formed from a first material 220 and a second material 222. In one aspect, the first outsole portion 214 includes a seat portion 232a configured to receive the second material 222. In particular, the first outsole portion 214 may include a heel insert 234a formed from the second material 222. Heel insert 234a is schematically shown as being generally bean-shaped. The base portion 232d is preferably shaped similar to the heel insert 234a, wherein the base portion 232d is a recess having a depth substantially the same as the height of the heel insert 234a and the periphery of the base portion 232d is substantially the same as the periphery of the heel insert 234a to properly receive the heel insert 234a and form a substantially continuous surface with varying durability. The first inboard leg portion 226 and the first outboard leg portion 228 may be formed entirely of the first material 220. In one aspect, the first material 220 is not only less durable than the second material 222, but may also be more flexible than the second material 222.

First outsole portion 214 may include a variable width, measured in a direction extending between medial side 22 and lateral side 24 of sole structure 100, to accommodate lobes 138e-138i and recesses 146e-146h of cushion 106, as shown in fig. 10. Specifically, due to the shape of the bumper 106 to which the first outer bottom portion 214 is attached, the first inner leg portion 226 and the first outer leg portion 228 may have a greater width at the lobes 138e-138i than at the recesses 146e-146 h. Providing the first medial leg portion 226 and the first lateral leg portion 228 with variable widths results in the first medial leg portion 226 and the first lateral leg portion 228 alternating between wider and narrower regions along the medial side 22 of the sole structure 100 and the lateral side of the sole structure 100 in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis a106 of the bumper member 106. In one configuration, the first medial leg portion 226 and the first lateral leg portion 228 each include a maximum width at the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 proximate the rear end 20 of the sole structure 100 and adjacent the junction of the heel portion 224 and the respective first medial leg portion 226 and first lateral leg portion 228.

The wider and narrower areas of the first inboard leg portion 226 and the first outboard leg portion 228 provide the first outboard bottom portion 214 with a wavy shape extending from the inboard side 22 to the outboard side 24 and along the rear end 20. Specifically, the first outer bottom portions 214 alternate between wider portions (i.e., 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 234 a) and narrower portions (i.e., 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 234 a) disposed between adjacent wider portions. Accordingly, when the first outsole portion 214 is viewed from the bottom of the sole structure 100, the first outsole portion 214 has an undulating shape that extends from one end of the medial side 22, along the rear end 20, to a second end of the lateral side 24, as shown in fig. 10.

The first inboard leg portion 226 and the first outboard leg portion 228 may each include a distal end that is (I) arcuate, (ii) opposite the second outer base portion 216, and (iii) spaced from the second outer base portion 216. The distal ends of first medial leg portion 226 and first lateral leg portion 228 may be located in forefoot region 12 or midfoot region 14 such that first outsole portion 214 extends continuously from heel region 16 to midfoot region 14 or forefoot region 12 along medial side 22 of sole structure 100 and lateral side 24 of sole structure 100.

The second outer bottom portion 216 includes a first inner leg portion 236, a second inner leg portion 238, and a second outer leg portion 240. The first inner leg portion 236 is a generally elongated member having a generally spherical rear end. A second inboard leg portion 238 and a second outboard leg portion 240 are disposed on the forward end of the first inner leg portion 236. Second medial leg portion 238 and second lateral leg portion 240 are generally C-shaped in cross-section, extend in a direction toward the front end of sole structure 100, and include a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of sole structure 100. Although the second medial leg portion 238 and the second lateral leg portion 240 are described as including a longitudinal axis that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sole structure 100, the second medial leg portion 238 and the second lateral leg portion 240 include a generally arcuate shape such that the second medial leg portion 238 and the second lateral leg portion 240 are curved. As shown in FIG. 10, second medial leg portion 238 is curved such that a distal end of second medial leg portion 238 extends toward front end 18, away from medial side 22, and in a direction toward a centerline of sole structure 100. Similarly, second lateral leg portion 240 is curved such that a distal end of second lateral leg portion 240 extends toward front end 18, away from lateral side 24, and in a direction toward a centerline of sole structure 100. Based on the foregoing, the distal ends of second medial leg portion 238 and second lateral leg portion 240 converge toward one another in forefoot region 12.

As shown in fig. 10, the arcuate shape of second medial leg portion 238 and second lateral leg portion 240 provides each of second medial leg portion 238 and second lateral leg portion 240 with a convex outer surface opposite medial side 22 of sole structure 100 and lateral side 24 of sole structure 100, respectively, and a concave inner surface opposite the centerline of sole structure 100. The concave inner surfaces of second medial leg portion 238 and second lateral leg portion 240 are spaced apart from and opposite each other across the width of sole structure 100.

Second inner leg portion 238 and second outer leg portion 240 cooperate with the base of first inner leg portion 236 to provide a generally U-shape for second outer base portion 216 in forefoot region 12. Although the second outsole portion 216 is described as including a generally U-shape in the forefoot region 12, the second outsole portion 216 may include a C-shape in the forefoot region 12 depending on the degree of bending of the second medial leg portion 238 and the second lateral leg portion 240. Regardless of the shape (i.e., U-shape or C-shape) of the second outsole portion 216, the first inner leg portion 236 extends from the U-shaped or C-shaped portion of the second outsole portion 216 in a direction toward the heel region 16 of the sole structure 100. As shown in FIG. 10, the first inner leg portion 236 initially tapers from a wider area proximate the second inner leg portion 238 and the second outer leg portion 240 to a narrower area between the

pockets

230a, 230b, and increases in width from the narrower area to the bulbous end between the

pockets

230c, 230d. The bulbous end includes an outer arcuate surface opposite heel insert 234a.

As shown in fig. 10 and 13-16, the second outsole portion 216 is configured to cover the heel interior chamber 128b and the intermediate section 134b and

forefoot lobes

138c, 138d of the cushion 106. As such, the first inner leg portion 236 is disposed between the first inner leg portion 226 and the first outer leg portion 228 of the first outer bottom portion 214.

Referring now to fig. 10 and 13, the second inboard leg portion 238 and the second outboard leg portion 240 each have a C-shaped cross-section when viewed along the width of the second inboard leg portion 238 and the second outboard leg portion 240. The second inboard leg portion 238 and the second outboard leg portion 240 taper from center to each end to form an elongated bowl-shaped structure shaped to receive the bottom side 116 of the bumper 106.

The second inboard leg portion 238 and the second outboard leg portion 240 may be made of the first material 220 and may also include the second material 222. The first material 220 is attached to the bumper 106. In particular, second outsole portion 216 may include an inboard insert 234b and an outboard insert 234c, both formed from second material 222. The medial and

lateral inserts

234b, 234c are generally bean-shaped members configured to conform to the bottom side of the

forefoot lobes

138c, 138d. The second inboard leg portion 238 and the second outboard leg portion 240 include respective inboard base portion 232b and outboard base portion 232c, both formed from the first material 220. Medial base portion 232b and lateral base portion 232c are preferably shaped like respective medial and

lateral inserts

234b, 234c, with medial base portion 232b and lateral base portion 232c being recesses having a depth substantially the same as the height of respective medial and

lateral inserts

234b, 234 c. Further, the perimeter of the medial base portion 232b and the lateral base portion 232c is substantially the same as the perimeter of the respective medial insert 234b and lateral insert 234c so as to properly receive the medial insert 234b and lateral insert 234c and form a substantially continuous surface having different durability.

The outsole 104 of the present application facilitates the manufacture of the sole structure 100 relative to a conventional outsole formed as a unitary piece. That is, forming outsole 104 as separate components takes into account manufacturing tolerances and allows each component to be more easily assembled to midsole 106. It will be appreciated that if outsole 104 is formed as a unitary component, small alignment errors in the forefoot region of outsole 104 (i.e., due to manufacturing tolerances) may have a large effect on the alignment of the heel region of outsole 104 with respect to midsole 106. When the components are formed separately, such errors are less pronounced as the individual components are smaller.

Referring to fig. 10 and 14-16, the first inner leg portion 136 is entirely made of the first material 220. The third outer bottom portion 218 includes a second inner leg portion 242, a third inner leg portion 244, and a third outer leg portion 246. Third inboard leg portion 244 and third outboard leg portion 246 each have a C-shaped cross-section when viewed along the width of third inboard leg portion 244 and third outboard leg portion 246. The third inner leg portion 244 and the third outer leg portion 246 taper from center to each end to form an elongated bowl-like structure shaped to receive the bottom side 116 of the bumper 106.

Third inboard leg 246 and third outboard leg 248 are located on the forward end of second inner leg 242. Third medial leg portion 244 and third lateral leg portion 246 are generally C-shaped in cross-section, extend in a direction toward the front end of sole structure 100, and include a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of sole structure 100. While third medial leg portion 244 and third lateral leg portion 246 are described as including longitudinal axes that extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of sole structure 100, third medial leg portion 244 and third lateral leg portion 246 include a generally arcuate shape such that third medial leg portion 244 and third lateral leg portion 246 are curved. As shown in fig. 10, third medial leg portion 244 is curved such that a distal end of third medial leg portion 244 extends toward front end 18, away from medial side 22, and in a direction toward a centerline of sole structure 100. Similarly, third lateral leg portion 246 is curved such that a distal end of third lateral leg portion 246 extends toward front end 18, away from lateral side 24, and in a direction toward a centerline of sole structure 100. Based on the foregoing, the distal ends of third medial leg portion 244 and third lateral leg portion 246 converge toward one another near front end 18 of sole structure 100.

As shown in fig. 10, the arcuate shape of third medial leg portion 244 and third lateral leg portion 246 provides each of third medial leg portion 244 and third lateral leg portion 246 with a convex outer surface opposite medial side 22 of sole structure 100 and lateral side 24 of sole structure 100, respectively, and a concave inner surface opposite a centerline of sole structure 100. The concave inner surfaces of third medial leg portion 244 and third lateral leg portion 246 are spaced apart from and opposite each other across the width of sole structure 100.

Third medial leg portion 244 and third lateral leg portion 246 cooperate with the base of second inner leg portion 242 to provide a generally U-shape for third outsole portion 218 in forefoot region 12 near front end 18 of sole structure 100. Although the third outsole portion 218 is described as including a generally U-shape in the forefoot region 12, the third outsole portion 218 may include a C-shape in the forefoot region 12, depending on the degree of bending of the third medial leg portion 244 and the third lateral leg portion 246. Regardless of the shape of the third outsole portion 218 (i.e., U-shaped or C-shaped), the second inner leg portion 242 extends from the U-shaped or C-shaped portion of the third outsole portion 218 in a direction toward the heel region 16 of the sole structure 100. Specifically, the second inner leg portion 242 extends from the U-shaped or C-shaped portion of the third outsole portion 218 away from the front end 18 of the sole structure 100 and between the second medial leg portion 238 and the second lateral leg portion 240.

As shown in FIG. 10, second inner leg portion 242 initially tapers from a wider area adjacent third inner leg portion 244 and third outer leg portion 246 to a narrower area between the distal ends of second inner leg portion 238 and second outer leg portion 240, and increases in width from the narrower area to the bulbous end between second inner leg portion 238 and second outer leg portion 240. The bulbous end includes an outer arcuate surface that opposes the base of the "U" or "C" formed by the second inner leg portion 238 and the second outer leg portion 240 of the second outer bottom portion 216. Finally, as shown in FIG. 10, the distal ends of the second inboard leg portion 238 and the second outboard leg portion 240 oppose the narrowed area of the second inner leg portion 242, while the concave surfaces of the second inboard leg portion 238 and the second outboard leg portion 240 oppose the bulbous end of the second inner leg portion 242.

As shown in fig. 10, 12, and 13, the third outsole portion 218 is configured to cover the forefoot region 12 of the sole structure 100. In particular, the third outer sole portion 218 is configured to cover the forefoot peripheral cavity 126b and the pair of

toe lobes

138a, 138b, with the second inner leg portion 242 disposed between the second medial leg portion 238 and the second lateral leg portion 240. The third outsole portion 218 may be formed entirely of the second material 222.

As shown in fig. 14-16, first outer base portion 214 is configured to cover lobes 138e-138i and preferably to expose lower cavity 158 a. As shown in FIG. 10, the distal ends of the

pockets

230a, 230b terminate at the first ends 140e, 140f of the respective medial and

lateral midfoot lobes

138e, 138f, respectively, so as to be spaced apart from the second medial and lateral leg portions of the second outer bottom portion 216. Thus, the third and

fourth indentations

146c, 146d of the cushion 106 are not restricted, thereby providing greater flexibility to the sole structure around the third and

fourth indentations

146c, 146d relative to a sole structure that includes a unitary outsole covering the entire bottom side of the cushion 106.

The aft end of second inboard leg portion 238 terminates at the first end of inboard forefoot lobe 138c and is spaced from the forward end of third inboard leg portion 244. As such, first recess 146a is exposed between second inner leg portion 238 and third inner leg portion 244. The rear end of the second outer leg portion 240 terminates at a first end of the outer forefoot lobe 138d and is spaced from the front end of the third outer leg portion 246. As such, the second recess 146b is exposed between the second outer leg portion 240 and the third outer leg portion 246. Accordingly, the first and

second recesses

146a, 146b of the bumper 106 are not restricted, thereby providing greater flexibility to the sole structure around the first and

second recesses

146a, 146b relative to a sole structure that includes an integral outsole covering the entire bottom side of the bumper 106.

Referring again to fig. 11, outsole 104 may be formed to have a constant thickness, or alternatively, may have a variable thickness. The outsole 104 shown in the figures includes a variable thickness to allow the outsole 104 to be thicker in areas of high wear and thinner in areas that do not frequently contact the ground during use. For example, at section line 15-15 of FIG. 10, outsole 104 may have a reduced thickness, e.g., when compared to the thickness at heel insert 234a, because heel insert 234a may contact the ground during each movement and the portion of outsole 104 located at section line 15-15 will rarely contact the ground.

The outsole 104 is provided with localized areas of increased thickness to keep the overall weight of the outsole 104, and thus the overall weight of the sole structure 100, to a minimum. Further providing the area of reduced thickness provides the sole structure 100 with the ability to flex and move more easily during use.

Upper 300 is attached to sole structure 100 and includes an interior surface that defines an interior cavity configured to receive and secure a foot for support on sole structure 100. Upper 300 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form an interior chamber. Suitable materials for the upper may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and positioned to impart durability, air permeability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

The following clauses provide exemplary configurations of the above-described cushioning member, sole structure, and article of footwear.

Clause 1: a sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a cushioning member including a first series of lobes disposed along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure from a forefoot region to a heel region; and an outsole having a first side attached to the cushion, a second side disposed on an opposite side of the outsole from the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure, a first outsole portion having a generally U-shape and including a first medial leg and a first lateral leg, and a second outsole portion spaced from and separated from the first outsole portion and having a generally U-shape including a second medial leg and a second lateral leg, the first medial leg, the first lateral leg, the second medial leg, and the second lateral leg extending toward a forward end of the sole structure.

Clause 2: the sole structure of clause 1, wherein the second outsole portion includes an inner leg extending in a direction away from the front end.

Clause 3: the sole structure of clause 2, wherein the inner leg extends between the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

Clause 4: the sole structure according to clause 2, wherein the second outsole portion includes a bight portion extending between and connecting the second medial leg and the second lateral leg, the inner leg extending from the bight portion

Clause 5: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

Clause 6: the sole structure of clause 5, wherein the arch portion extends along a rear end of the sole structure in the heel region.

Clause 7: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses further comprising a third outsole portion spaced apart and separate from the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion.

Clause 8: the sole structure of clause 7, wherein the third outsole portion includes a third medial leg and a third lateral leg extending in a direction toward the front end of the sole structure.

Clause 9: the sole structure of clause 8, wherein the third outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the third medial leg and the third lateral leg.

Clause 10: the sole structure of clause 9, wherein the third outsole portion comprises a generally U-shape.

Clause 11: the sole structure of clause 9, wherein the third outsole portion includes an inner leg extending from the arch portion in a direction away from the front end.

Clause 12: the sole structure of clause 11, wherein the inner leg extends between the second medial leg and the second lateral leg.

Clause 13: the sole structure of clause 7, wherein a portion of the cushioning member is exposed in at least one of (i) between the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion, and (ii) between the second outsole portion and the third outsole portion.

Clause 14: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein at least one of the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion is formed from at least two different materials.

Clause 15: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the cushioning member is a fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 16: the sole structure of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the cushioning member is a solid body formed from an elastic polymeric material.

Clause 17: the sole structure of clause-14, wherein the cushion is a foam element encapsulated in the barrier element.

Clause 18: an article of footwear comprising a sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses.

Clause 19: a sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a cushioning member including a first series of lobes disposed along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure from a forefoot region to a heel region; and an outsole having a first side attached to the cushion, a second side disposed on an opposite side of the outsole from the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure, a first outsole portion having a generally U-shape and including a first medial leg and a first lateral leg, and a second outsole portion spaced apart and separated from the first outsole portion and having a generally U-shape including a second medial leg and a second lateral leg, the first medial leg, the first lateral leg, the second medial leg, and the second lateral leg each including a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

Clause 20: the sole structure of clause 19, wherein the second outsole portion includes an inner leg extending in a direction away from a front end of the sole structure.

Clause 21: the sole structure of clause 20, wherein the inner leg extends between the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

Clause 22: the sole structure of clause 20, wherein the second outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the second medial leg and the second lateral leg, the inner leg extending from the arcuate portion

Clause 23: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the first outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

Clause 24: the sole structure according to clause 23, wherein the arch portion extends along a rear end of the sole structure in the heel region.

Clause 25: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses further comprising a third outsole portion spaced apart and separate from the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion.

Clause 26: the sole structure according to clause 25, wherein the third outsole portion includes a third medial leg and a third lateral leg extending in a direction toward the front end of the sole structure.

Clause 27: the sole structure of clause 26, wherein the third outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the third medial leg and the third lateral leg.

Clause 28: the sole structure of clause 27, wherein the third outsole portion comprises a generally U-shape.

Clause 29: the sole structure of clause 27, wherein the third outsole portion includes an inner leg extending from the arch portion in a direction away from the front end.

Clause 30: the sole structure of clause 29, wherein the inner leg extends between the second inner leg and the second outer leg.

Clause 31: the sole structure of clause 25, wherein a portion of the cushioning member is exposed in at least one of (i) between the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion, and (ii) between the second outsole portion and the third outsole portion.

Clause 32: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein at least one of the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion is formed from at least two different materials.

Clause 33: the sole structure of any of clauses 19-32, wherein the cushion is a fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 34: the sole structure according to any of clauses 19-32, wherein the cushion member is a solid body formed from an elastic polymeric material.

Clause 35: the sole structure according to any of clauses 19-32, wherein the cushion is a foam element encapsulated in the barrier element.

Clause 36: an article of footwear comprising a sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses.

Clause 37: a sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a cushioning member including a first series of lobes disposed along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure from a forefoot region to a heel region; and an outsole having a first side attached to the cushion, a second side disposed on an opposite side of the outsole from the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure, a first outsole portion having a generally U-shape and including a first medial leg and a first lateral leg, and a first insert attached to the first outsole portion and formed of a different material than the first outsole portion.

Clause 38: the sole structure of clause 37, wherein the first insert is disposed within a pocket defined by the first outsole portion.

Clause 39: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein,

the first insert is attached to one of the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

Clause 40: the sole structure of clause 39, further comprising a second insert attached to the first outsole portion and formed from a different material than the first outsole portion.

Clause 41: the sole structure of clause 38, wherein the second insert is attached to the other of the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

Clause 42: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses further comprising a second insert attached to the first outsole portion and formed from a different material than the first outsole portion.

Clause 43: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses wherein the first outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

Clause 44: the sole structure of clause 43, wherein the first insert is attached to the first outsole portion at an arch portion.

Clause 45: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second outsole portion spaced apart and separated from the first outsole portion.

Clause 46: the sole structure of clause 45, wherein the second outsole portion comprises a generally U-shape having a second medial leg and a second lateral leg.

Clause 47: the sole structure according to clause 46 wherein,

a second insert is attached to the second outsole portion and is formed of a different material than the second outsole portion.

Clause 48: the sole structure of any of clauses 37-47, wherein the cushioning member is a fluid-filled chamber.

Clause 49: the sole structure of any of clauses 37-47, wherein the cushioning member is a solid body formed from an elastic polymeric material.

Clause 50: the sole structure of any of clauses 37-47, wherein the cushion is a foam element encapsulated in the barrier element.

Clause 51: an article of footwear comprising a sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses.

Clause 52: a sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising a cushioning member and a first outsole attached to the cushioning member, the first outsole defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure and comprising a generally U-shape having a first leg extending along a lateral side of the sole structure, a second leg extending along a medial side of the sole structure, and an arcuate segment extending between and connecting the first leg and the second leg, at least one of the first leg and the second leg comprising a variable width along a length of the at least one of the first leg and the second leg.

Clause 53: the sole structure of clause 52, wherein the first outsole is disposed in a heel region of the sole structure.

Clause 54: the sole structure of clause 53, wherein the arch segment extends along a rear end of the sole structure.

Clause 55: the sole structure of clause 53, further comprising a second outsole spaced apart from the first outsole, the second outsole being disposed closer to a forward end of the sole structure than the first outsole.

Clause 56: the sole structure of clause 55, wherein the second outsole comprises a first portion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and a second portion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure.

Clause 57: the sole structure of clause 56, wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion across a width of the sole structure.

Clause 58: the sole structure of clause 56, further comprising a third portion extending between and connecting the first portion and the second portion, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion cooperating to provide a second outsole having a generally U-shape.

Clause 59: the sole structure of clause 58, further comprising a third outsole disposed between the second outsole and the forward end of the sole structure, the third outsole being spaced apart from the second outsole.

Clause 60: the sole structure of clause 59, wherein the third outsole comprises a generally U-shape.

Clause 61: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second outsole having a generally U-shape and spaced apart from the first outsole and a third outsole having a generally U-shape and spaced apart from the second outsole, the first outsole, the second outsole, and the third outsole each including a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

Clause 62: an article of footwear comprising a sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses.

Clause 63: a sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a buffer member; and a first outsole attached to the cushion, the first outsole defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure and including a generally U-shape having a first segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure, a second segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure, and an arcuate segment extending between and connecting the first segment and the second segment, the first segment extending from the arcuate segment to a first distal end in a first direction toward a centerline of the sole structure, the second segment extending from the arcuate segment to a second distal end in a second direction toward the centerline of the sole structure.

Clause 64: the sole structure of clause 63, wherein the first direction converges with the second direction.

Clause 65: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first segment includes a first concave surface facing a centerline of the sole structure and the second segment includes a second concave surface facing the centerline of the sole structure.

Clause 66: the sole structure of clause 65, wherein the first concave surface is opposite the second concave surface.

Clause 67: the sole structure of clause 65, wherein the first segment includes a first convex surface formed on a side of the first segment opposite the first concave surface, and the second segment includes a second convex surface formed on a side of the second segment opposite the second concave surface.

Clause 68: the sole structure of clause 67, wherein the first convex surface is opposite a medial side of the sole structure and the second convex surface is opposite a lateral side of the sole structure.

Clause 69: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second outsole having a substantially U-shape and spaced apart from the first outsole.

Clause 70: the sole structure of clause 69, further comprising a third outsole having a substantially U-shape and spaced apart from the second outsole.

Clause 71: the sole structure of clause 70, wherein the first outsole, the second outsole, and the third outsole each include a longitudinal axis that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

Clause 72: an article of footwear comprising a sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses.

Clause 73: a sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising a cushioning and an outsole, the cushioning comprising a first series of lobes and a first series of recesses alternating from a forefoot region to a heel region along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure; the outsole has: a first side attached to the buffer; a second side disposed on a side of the outsole opposite the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure; a first outsole portion having a generally U-shape and including a first medial leg and a first lateral leg, wherein the first medial leg and the first lateral leg each include a variable width measured in a direction extending between a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure to accommodate the cushioning member's lobes and recesses.

Clause 74: the sole structure of clause 73, wherein the first medial leg and the first lateral leg alternate between wider regions and narrower regions along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure in a direction extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

Clause 75: the sole structure of clause 74, wherein the first outsole portion has an undulating shape extending from one end of a medial side of the sole structure along a rear end of the sole structure to a second end of a lateral side of the sole structure.

Clause 76: the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second outsole portion having a generally U-shape and spaced apart from the first outsole portion.

Clause 77: the sole structure of clause 76, wherein the second outsole portion includes an inner leg extending in a direction away from a forward end of the sole structure.

Clause 78: the sole structure of clause 77, wherein the inner leg extends between the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

Clause 79: the sole structure of clause 78, wherein the second outsole portion includes a curved portion extending between and connecting a second medial leg and a second lateral leg, the medial leg extending from the curved portion

Clause 80: the sole structure of clause 76, further comprising a third outsole portion having a generally U-shape and spaced from the second outsole portion.

Clause 81: the sole structure of clause 80, wherein the third outsole portion includes an inner leg extending in a direction away from a front end of the sole structure.

Clause 82: the sole structure of clause 81, wherein the inner leg extends between the second medial leg and the second lateral leg.

Clause 83: the sole structure of clause 82, wherein the third outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting a third medial leg and a third lateral leg, the inner leg extending from the arcuate portion

Clause 84: an article of footwear comprising a sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. Which can likewise be varied in many 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, the sole structure comprising:

a cushioning member including a first series of lobes disposed along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure from a forefoot region to a heel region; and

an outsole having: a first side attached to the bumper; a second side disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure; a first outer bottom portion having a generally U-shape and including a first inner leg and a first outer leg; and a second outer bottom portion spaced apart and separated from the first outer bottom portion and having a generally U-shape including a second inner leg and a second outer leg; the first medial leg, the first lateral leg, the second medial leg, and the second lateral leg extend toward a front end of the sole structure.

2. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the second outsole portion includes an inner leg extending in a direction away from the front end.

3. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein the inner leg extends between the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

4. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein the second outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the second inboard leg and the second outboard leg, the inboard leg extending from the arcuate portion.

5. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

6. The sole structure according to claim 5, wherein the arc portion extends along a rear end of the sole structure in the heel region.

7. The sole structure of claim 1, further comprising a third outsole portion spaced apart and separate from the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion.

8. The sole structure according to claim 7, wherein the third outsole portion includes third medial and lateral legs extending in a direction toward a front end of the sole structure.

9. The sole structure of claim 8, wherein the third outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the third medial leg and the third lateral leg.

10. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the third outsole portion includes a generally U-shape.

11. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the third outsole portion includes an inner leg extending from the arch portion in a direction away from the front end.

12. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the inner leg extends between the second inner leg and the second outer leg.

13. The sole structure of claim 7, wherein a portion of the cushion is exposed in at least one of (i) between the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion, and (ii) between the second outsole portion and the third outsole portion.

14. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first outsole portion comprises a first outsole material and the second outsole portion comprises a second outsole material, the first outsole material and the second outsole material differing from one another in at least one of appearance, physical properties, and composition.

15. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the cushioning member is a fluid-filled chamber.

16. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the cushion is a solid body including a cushion material, the cushion material including one or more polymers.

17. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the cushion comprises a foam element encapsulated in a barrier film.

18. An article of footwear comprising the sole structure of claim 1.

19. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising:

an outsole having: a first side attached to the bumper; a second side disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure; a first outer bottom portion having a generally U-shape and including a first inner leg and a first outer leg; and a second outer bottom portion spaced apart and separated from the first outer bottom portion and having a generally U-shape including a second inner leg and a second outer leg; the first medial leg, the first lateral leg, the second medial leg, and the second lateral leg each include a longitudinal axis that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

20. The sole structure of claim 19, wherein the second outsole portion includes an inner leg extending in a direction away from a front end of the sole structure.

21. The sole structure of claim 20, wherein the inner leg extends between the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

22. The sole structure of claim 20, wherein the second outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the second medial leg and the second lateral leg, the inner leg extending from the arcuate portion.

23. The sole structure of claim 19, wherein the first outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

24. The sole structure according to claim 23, wherein an arcuate portion extends along a rear end of the sole structure in the heel region.

25. The sole structure of claim 19, further comprising a third outsole portion spaced apart and separate from the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion.

26. The sole structure according to claim 25, wherein the third outsole portion includes a third medial leg and a third lateral leg extending in a direction toward a front end of the sole structure.

27. The sole structure of claim 26, wherein the third outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the third medial leg and the third lateral leg.

28. The sole structure of claim 27, wherein the third outsole portion comprises a substantially U-shape.

29. The sole structure of claim 27, wherein the third outsole portion includes an inner leg extending from the arch portion in a direction away from the front end.

30. The sole structure according to claim 29, wherein the inner leg extends between the second inner leg and the second outer leg.

31. The sole structure of claim 25, wherein a portion of the cushioning member is exposed in at least one of (i) between the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion, and (ii) between the second outsole portion and the third outsole portion.

32. The sole structure of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion is formed from at least two different materials.

33. The sole structure of claim 19, wherein the cushion is a fluid-filled chamber.

34. The sole structure of claim 19, wherein the cushion is a solid body including a cushion material including one or more polymers.

35. The sole structure of claim 19, wherein the cushion includes a foam element encapsulated in a barrier film.

36. An article of footwear comprising the sole structure of claim 19.

37. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising:

a cushioning member including a first series of lobes arranged along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure from a forefoot region to a heel region; and

an outsole having: a first side attached to the bumper; a second side disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure; a first outer bottom portion having a generally U-shape and including a first inner leg and a first outer leg; and a first insert attached to the first outsole portion; the first outsole portion comprises a first outsole material and the first insert comprises a first insert material, wherein the first outsole material and the first insert material differ from one another in at least one of appearance, physical properties, and composition.

38. The sole structure of claim 37, wherein the first insert is disposed within a pocket defined by the first outsole portion.

39. The sole structure of claim 37, wherein the first insert is attached to one of the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

40. The sole structure of claim 39, further comprising a second insert attached to the first outsole portion, the first outsole portion comprising a first outsole material, the second insert comprising a second insert material, wherein the first outsole material and the second insert material differ from one another in at least one of appearance, physical properties, and composition.

41. The sole structure of claim 40, wherein the second insert is attached to the other of the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

42. The sole structure of claim 37, further comprising a second insert attached to the first outsole portion, the second insert comprising a second insert material, wherein the first outsole material and the second insert material differ from one another in at least one of appearance, physical properties, and composition.

43. The sole structure of claim 37, wherein the first outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

44. The sole structure of claim 43, wherein the first insert is attached to the first outsole portion at the arch portion.

45. The sole structure according to claim 37, further comprising a second outsole portion spaced apart and separated from the first outsole portion.

46. The sole structure of claim 45, wherein the second outsole portion includes a substantially U-shape having a second medial leg and a second lateral leg.

47. The sole structure of claim 46, further comprising a second insert attached to the second outsole portion and formed of a different material than the second outsole portion.

48. The sole structure of claim 37, wherein the cushioning member is a fluid-filled chamber.

49. The sole structure of claim 37, wherein the cushioning member is a solid body formed from a resilient polymeric material.

50. The sole structure of claim 37, wherein the cushion is a foam element encapsulated in a barrier element.

51. An article of footwear comprising the sole structure of claim 37.

52. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising:

a buffer member; and

a first outsole attached to the cushion, the first outsole defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure and comprising a generally U-shape having a first leg extending along a lateral side of the sole structure, a second leg extending along a medial side of the sole structure, and an arcuate segment extending between and connecting the first leg and the second leg, at least one of the first leg and the second leg comprising a variable width along a length of the at least one of the first leg and the second leg.

53. The sole structure of claim 52, wherein the first outsole is disposed in a heel region of the sole structure.

54. The sole structure according to claim 53, wherein the arcuate segment extends along a rear end of the sole structure.

55. The sole structure of claim 53, further comprising a second outsole spaced apart from the first outsole, the second outsole being disposed closer to a forward end of the sole structure than the first outsole.

56. The sole structure according to claim 55, wherein the second outsole includes a first portion disposed proximate a medial side of the sole structure and a second portion disposed proximate a lateral side of the sole structure.

57. The sole structure of claim 56, wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion across a width of the sole structure.

58. The sole structure of claim 56, further comprising a third portion extending between and connecting the first portion and the second portion, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion cooperating to provide a second outsole having a generally U-shape.

59. The sole structure of claim 58, further comprising a third outsole disposed between the second outsole and a forward end of the sole structure, the third outsole being spaced apart from the second outsole.

60. The sole structure of claim 59, wherein the third outsole includes a generally U-shape.

61. The sole structure of claim 52, further comprising a second outsole having a generally U-shape and spaced apart from the first outsole and a third outsole having a generally U-shape and spaced apart from the second outsole, the first, second, and third outsoles each including a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

62. An article of footwear comprising the sole structure of claim 52.

63. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising:

a buffer member; and

a first outsole attached to the cushion, defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure, and including a generally U-shape having a first segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure, a second segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure, and an arcuate segment extending between and connecting the first and second segments, the first segment extending from the arcuate segment in a first direction toward a centerline of the sole structure to a first distal end, the second segment extending from the arcuate segment in a second direction toward the centerline of the sole structure to a second distal end.

64. The sole structure according to claim 63, wherein the first direction and the second direction converge.

65. The sole structure according to claim 63, wherein the first segment includes a first concave surface facing a centerline of the sole structure and the second segment includes a second concave surface facing the centerline of the sole structure.

66. The sole structure of claim 65, wherein the first concave surface is opposite the second concave surface.

67. The sole structure of claim 65, wherein the first segment includes a first convex surface formed on a side of the first segment opposite the first concave surface, and the second segment includes a second convex surface formed on a side of the second segment opposite the second concave surface.

68. The sole structure of claim 67, wherein the first convex surface is opposite a medial side of the sole structure and the second convex surface is opposite a lateral side of the sole structure.

69. The sole structure of claim 63, further comprising a second outsole having a substantially U-shape and spaced apart from the first outsole.

70. The sole structure of claim 69, further comprising a third outsole having a substantially U-shape and spaced apart from the second outsole.

71. The sole structure of claim 70, wherein the first outsole, the second outsole, and the third outsole each include a longitudinal axis that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

72. An article of footwear comprising the sole structure of claim 63.

73. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising:

a cushioning member including a first series of lobes and a first series of recesses alternating along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure from a forefoot region to a heel region; and

an outsole having: a first side attached to the buffer; a second side disposed on a side of the outsole opposite the first side and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure; a first outer bottom portion having a generally U-shape and including a first inner leg and a first outer leg,

wherein the first medial leg and the first lateral leg each include a variable width measured in a direction extending between a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure to accommodate the lobes and the recesses of the cushion.

74. A sole structure according to claim 73, wherein the first medial leg and the first lateral leg alternate between wider areas and narrower areas along a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure in a direction that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

75. The sole structure according to claim 74, wherein the first outsole portion has an undulating shape extending from one end of a medial side of the sole structure along a rear end of the sole structure to a second end of a lateral side of the sole structure.

76. The sole structure of claim 73, further comprising a second outsole portion having a generally U-shape and spaced apart from the first outsole portion.

77. The sole structure of claim 76, wherein the second outsole portion includes an inner leg extending in a direction away from a forward end of the sole structure.

78. The sole structure of claim 77, wherein the inner leg extends between the first medial leg and the first lateral leg.

79. The sole structure of claim 78, wherein the second outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the second medial leg and the second lateral leg, the inner leg extending from the arcuate portion.

80. The sole structure of claim 76, further comprising a third outsole portion having a generally U-shape and spaced apart from the second outsole portion.

81. The sole structure of claim 80, wherein the third outsole portion includes an inner leg extending in a direction away from a front end of the sole structure.

82. The sole structure of claim 81, wherein the inner leg extends between the second inner leg and the second outer leg.

83. The sole structure of claim 82, wherein the third outsole portion includes an arcuate portion extending between and connecting the third medial leg and the third lateral leg, the inner leg extending from the arcuate portion.

84. An article of footwear comprising the sole structure of claim 73.