CN118647292A

CN118647292A - Cleat structure for footwear

Info

Publication number: CN118647292A
Application number: CN202380019960.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马修·蔡; 奥利弗·麦克拉克伦; 克里斯蒂安·亚历山大·施泰因贝克; 克里斯汀·耶特曼
Original assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Current assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Priority date: 2022-02-09
Filing date: 2023-02-09
Publication date: 2024-09-13

Abstract

A sole structure (100) for an article of footwear (10) includes: a baseplate (154, 160), the baseplate (154, 160) defining a ground contacting surface of the sole structure; and at least two ground engaging members (128), the at least two ground engaging members (128) extending from the ground contacting surface. The at least two ground engaging members include a first portion (170) and a second portion (170), the first portions of the ground engaging members being connected to one another by a bridge (156, 162) formed separately from the base plate.

Description

Cleat structure for footwear

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present PCT international application claims priority from U.S. patent application serial No. 18/166,422 filed on 82 nd 2023, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, in accordance with 35u.s.c. ≡119 (e) claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 63/308,139 filed on 92 nd 2022.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear, and more particularly to a cleat structure for an article of footwear.

Background

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

Articles of footwear generally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material to receive, secure, and support the foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate 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 a ground surface and an upper and includes an outsole. The outsole may include a base plate formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material that provides rigidity and energy distribution throughout the sole structure. The baseplate may be provided with one or more ground engaging members for engaging a ground surface.

While the baseplate of a conventional sole structure provides sufficient traction for the wearer, a separately formed ground engaging member or ground engaging member having multiple components and/or materials may cause excessive material scrap during manufacture. This material waste is commonly referred to as runner waste, which is a by-product of the formation of conventional ground engaging members or portions thereof via an injection molding process. Such processes typically require runners to supply molten plastic to various regions of the mold to simultaneously form multiple ground engaging members or portions thereof. Accordingly, conventional sole structures may be designed to perform well for certain activities, but may lack manufacturing efficiency and sustainability.

Drawings

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

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an article of footwear according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

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

FIG. 4 is a bottom front perspective view of a sole structure according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a bottom exploded perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6B is a top exploded perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 4, taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 4, taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a bridge of a sole structure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a baseplate of the sole structure of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 11A-11F illustrate example configurations of traction elements of a sole structure according to this disclosure.

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

Detailed Description

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the example configuration may be embodied in many different forms without the use of specific details and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and "including" 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 should not 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 can 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 should be interpreted in a similar fashion (e.g., "between … …" versus "directly between … …", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). 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, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms 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 configurations.

In one configuration, a sole structure for an article of footwear includes: a baseplate defining a ground contacting surface of the sole structure; and at least two ground engaging members extending from the ground contacting surface and including a first portion and a second portion, the first portions of the ground engaging members being connected to one another by a bridge formed separately from the baseplate.

The sole structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, a first portion of the at least two ground engaging members may be integrally formed with the bridge, a first portion of the at least two ground engaging members may be formed of a different material than the material forming the baseplate, a second portion of the at least two ground engaging members may be formed of the same material as the material forming the baseplate, a second portion of the at least two ground engaging members may be integrally formed with the baseplate, and/or a first portion of the at least two ground engaging members may include a first leg extending substantially perpendicular to the ground contacting surface and a second leg extending from the first leg.

In one configuration, the second leg may extend substantially perpendicular to the first leg. Further, the second leg may extend substantially parallel to the ground contacting surface. Additionally or alternatively, the second leg may define distal ends of at least two ground engaging members.

An article of footwear may include the sole structure described above.

In another configuration, a sole structure for an article of footwear includes: a baseplate defining a ground contacting surface of the sole structure; and at least two ground engaging members extending from the ground contacting surface and including a first portion and a second portion, the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members being connected to one another by a bridge, wherein the ground contacting surface (i) extends between and separates the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members, and (ii) extends substantially parallel to the bridge.

An article of footwear may include the sole structure described above.

Referring to fig. 1-3, an article of footwear 10 includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100. Article of footwear 10 may also include a front end 12 associated with a forward-most point of footwear 10 and a rear end 14 corresponding with a rearward-most point of footwear 10. The longitudinal axis A ₁₀ of footwear 10 extends along the length of footwear 10 from front end 12 parallel to the ground surface to rear end 14 and generally divides footwear 10 into medial side 16 and lateral side 18. Medial side 16 and lateral side 18 thus correspond with opposite sides of footwear 10, respectively, and extend from forward end 12 to rearward end 14. As used herein, the longitudinal direction refers to a direction extending from the front end 12 to the rear end 14, while the lateral direction refers to a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the inner side 16 to the outer side 18.

The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more zones. These regions may include a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, and a heel region 24. Forefoot region 20 may correspond with the phalanges and metatarsals of the foot. Midfoot region 22 may correspond with the arch region of the foot and heel region 24 may correspond with the rear portion of the foot including the calcaneus bone.

Article of footwear 10, and more particularly sole structure 100, may also be described as including a peripheral region 26 and an interior region 28, as shown in fig. 1. Peripheral region 26 is generally described as the area between interior region 28 and the outer perimeter of sole structure 100. Specifically, peripheral zone 26 extends along each of medial side 16 and lateral side 18 from forefoot region 20 to heel region 24 and wraps around each of forefoot region 20 and heel region 24. Interior region 28 is bounded by peripheral region 26 and extends along a central portion of sole structure 100 from forefoot region 20 to heel region 24. Accordingly, each of forefoot region 20, midfoot region 22, and heel region 24 may be described as including a peripheral region 26 and an interior region 28.

Upper 200 includes an interior surface that defines an interior void 202, and interior void 202 is configured to receive and secure a foot for support on sole structure 100. Upper 200 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form an interior void 202. 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, breathability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and comfort characteristics.

In some examples, one or more fasteners 204 extend along upper 200 to adjust the fit around interior void 202 of the foot and accommodate ingress and egress of the foot. Upper 200 may include apertures 206, such as eyelets, and/or other engagement features, such as fabric or mesh loops that receive fasteners 204. The fasteners 204 may include laces, straps, ropes, shackles, or any other suitable type of fastener. Upper 200 may include a tongue portion 208 that extends between interior void 202 and fastener 204.

Referring to fig. 3, in some examples, article of footwear 10 includes a plate structure 210 disposed in upper 200. Plate structure 210 is configured to attenuate forces associated with an impact of sole structure 100 with a ground surface. As shown, plate structure 210 includes a top surface 212 of the footbed defining interior void 202 and a bottom surface 214 formed on a side of plate structure 210 opposite top surface 212. The footbed may be contoured to conform to the contours of the bottom surface of the foot (e.g., the sole of the foot). Upper 200 may also include additional layers, such as an insole 216 or sockliner, that may be disposed on plate structure 210 and within interior void 202 of upper 200 to receive the plantar surface of the foot and enhance the comfort of article of footwear 10. Ankle opening 217 in heel region 16 may provide access to interior void 202. For example, ankle opening 217 may receive a foot to allow the foot to enter interior void 202 and facilitate removal of the foot from interior void 202.

In some examples, upper 200 includes a midsole 220, midsole 220 having a bottom surface 222 opposite sole structure 100 and a top surface 224 opposite bottom surface 214 of plate structure 210. In some examples, midsole 220 is attached to upper 200 using stitching or adhesive. In the illustrated example, upper 200 is formed as a unitary boot or sock in which midsole 220 and upper 200 are integrally formed from a knitted material. Accordingly, bottom surface 222 corresponds with both midsole 220 and upper 200. Optionally, upper 200 may also include additional layers, such as one or more support panels (not shown).

With continued reference to fig. 1 and 2, sole structure 100 is attached to a bottom surface 222 of upper 200 and includes a forefoot plate 102 disposed in forefoot region 20 and a separate heel plate 104 disposed in heel region 24. Accordingly, midfoot region 22 of upper 200 may be exposed between forefoot plate 102 and heel plate 104 (Figs. 2 and 3). As described in more detail below, the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 each include a plurality of ground engaging members configured to engage a soft or resilient ground surface. Each of the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 are formed of one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials. In some examples, the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 are formed of one or more polymeric materials. In other examples, one or both of the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 may include a composite material, such as a fiber reinforced composite material.

The forefoot plate 102 includes a top surface 106 (fig. 5B) attached to a bottom surface 222 of the upper 200, a bottom surface 108 formed on a side of the forefoot plate 102 opposite the top surface 106, and a peripheral side surface 110 extending between the top surface 106 and the bottom surface 108 and defining a peripheral contour of the forefoot plate 102. Likewise, the heel plate 204 includes a top surface 112 that is attached to a bottom surface 222 of the upper 200, a bottom surface 114 that is formed on a side of the forefoot plate 102 opposite the top surface 112, and a peripheral side surface 116 that extends between the top surface 112 and the bottom surface 114 and defines a peripheral contour of the heel plate 104. As discussed above, the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 are spaced apart from each other in the midfoot region 22 such that the bottom surface 222 of the upper 200 is exposed through the midfoot region 22. Accordingly, bottom surface 108 of forefoot plate 102, bottom surface 222 of upper 200, and bottom surface 114 of heel plate 104 cooperate to define ground-engaging surface 30 of article of footwear 10.

As best shown in fig. 2, peripheral side surface 110 of forefoot plate 102 includes a lateral portion 110a extending from midfoot region 22 to front end 12 along lateral side 18 of upper 200, a medial portion 110b extending from midfoot region 22 to front end 12 along medial side 16 of upper 200, and a midfoot portion 110c connecting lateral portion 110a and medial portion 110b across midfoot region 22.

In some examples, the lateral portion 110a of the peripheral side surface 110 may define a recess 118 on the lateral side 18 of the forefoot plate 102. Recess 118 may extend inwardly from lateral side 18 at an oblique angle relative to longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of footwear 10. As shown, recess 118 extends inwardly and toward longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of footwear 10. Optionally, the width of the notch 218 may taper in a direction toward the longitudinal axis a ₁₀.

The medial surface 110b of the peripheral side surface 110 may define a recess 120 on the medial side 16 of the forefoot plate 102. In some cases, recess 120 extends inwardly from medial side 16 at an oblique angle relative to longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of footwear 10. Similar to recess 118 on lateral side 18, recess 120 extends inwardly and toward longitudinal axis A ₁₀ of footwear 10. Optionally, the width of the recess 120 may taper in a direction toward the longitudinal axis a ₁₀. As shown in fig. 5A, the notches 118, 120 may be opposite each other across the width of the forefoot plate 102 in a direction extending between the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18.

The midfoot portion 110c of the peripheral side surface 110 may form a recess 122 between the lateral portion 110a and the medial portion 110b at the rear end of the forefoot plate 102. As shown, recess 122 extends inwardly from the rear end in a direction of longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of footwear 10 (i.e., substantially parallel to longitudinal axis a ₁₀). Optionally, the width of the recess 120 may taper in a direction toward the longitudinal axis a ₁₀. As shown, the notch 118 and the notch 122 cooperate to define a first lobe (lobe) 124 of the forefoot plate 102 disposed on the lateral side 18, while the notch 120 and the notch 122 cooperate to define a second lobe 126 of the forefoot plate 102 disposed on the medial side 16. While the notches 118, 120, 122 are shown as having a tapered "V" shape, in other examples, the notches 118, 120, 122 may be arcuate, polygonal, or a combination of arcuate and polygonal.

The bottom surface 108 of the forefoot plate 102 includes a plurality of first traction elements 128, the plurality of first traction elements 128 including a pair of rear first traction elements 128a, 128b and one or more front first traction elements 128 c-128 g. As shown, aft first traction elements 128a, 128b are disposed on each of lobes 124, 126. Specifically, the aft first traction element 128a is disposed on the first lobe 124 and the aft first traction element 128b is disposed on the second lobe 126. The rear first traction elements 128a, 128b may be offset from one another along the longitudinal axis a ₁₀ such that the rear second traction element 128b is positioned farther from the front end 12 than the rear first traction element 128a, as shown in fig. 2. The one or more front first traction elements 128C-128 g are arranged in an approximately circular grouping with a center point C ₁₂₈ substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis a ₁₀.

The heel plate 104 of the sole structure 100 is positioned in the heel region 24 adjacent the rear end 14. As with the forefoot plate 102, the heel plate 104 includes a plurality of first traction elements 128h, 128i. Specifically, the heel plate 104 includes a pair of forward first traction elements 128h, 128i. In addition, the heel plate 104 includes a pair of second traction elements 130a, 130b located near the rear end 14 of the article of footwear 10.

In some examples, the forefoot plate 102 may also include at least one serration region 125 formed in the interior region 26 of the bottom surface 108, and the heel plate 104 may include a serration region 127 formed in the interior region 26 of the bottom surface 114. The serrated regions 125, 127 provide auxiliary traction for the ground engaging surface 30 and cooperate with traction elements 128, 130 to engage the ground surface during use.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5A, each of the first traction elements 128 extends from the bottom surface 108, 114 to distal ends 132 a-132 i facing away from the bottom surface 108, 114 and forms an elongated, generally rectangular body. Each distal end 132 of the first traction elements 128 a-128 i forms a ground-contacting surface of each respective first traction element 128 a-128 i. Each of the first traction elements 128 a-128 i further includes an outer surface 134 a-134 i, an inner surface 136 a-136 i formed on a side of the traction element 128 opposite the outer surface 134 a-134 i, a first side surface 138 a-138 i, and a second side surface 140 a-140 i formed on a side of the traction element 128 opposite the first side surface 138 a-138 i. As shown, the first side surfaces 138 a-138 i are generally concave, while the second side surfaces 140 a-140 i taper along the length of the traction element 128 as the traction element 128 extends from the distal ends 132 a-132 i to the respective bottom surfaces 108, 114. The second side surfaces 140a to 140i may further include a rear step. Specifically, the second side surface 140a, 140 c-140 g of each of the first traction elements 128a, 128 c-128 g further includes a step flange 141a, 141 c-141 g.

The step flanges 141a, 141c to 141g may further increase the traction of each of the first traction elements 128. Specifically, the shape and orientation of the first traction element 128 disposed on the forefoot plate 102 facilitates rotational movement while increasing linear traction. In so doing, the article of footwear 10 is able to provide traction for forward movement while allowing the article of footwear 10 to pivot and rotate easily. In the case of the step flanges 141a, 141c to 141g, the flanges 141a, 141c to 141g are aligned with the side surfaces 140a, 140c to 140g, respectively, and serve to further lengthen each surface 140a, 140c to 140g, basically. In so doing, flanges 141a, 141 c-141 g increase the overall length of each surface 140a, 140 c-140 g, and thus increase its ability to assist in propelling article of footwear 10 by allowing traction elements 128 to engage more of the ground surface during forward movement. At the same time, flanges 141a, 141 c-141 g are aligned with surfaces 140a, 140 c-140 g, and thus facilitate rotation of footwear 10 in substantially the same manner as the orientation and shape of surfaces 140a, 140 c-140 g.

As described above, the first traction elements 128 a-128 g disposed on the forefoot plate 102 are generally centered with respect to the center point C ₁₂₈ of the forefoot plate 102. Thus, the outer surfaces 134 a-134 i generally face away from the center point C ₁₂₈ of the forefoot plate 102, while the inner surfaces 136 a-136 i face toward the center point C ₁₂₈ of the forefoot plate 102. In addition, the first side surfaces 138 a-138 i generally form the leading edges of the traction elements 128 a-128 i, while the second side surfaces 140 a-140 i, including the corresponding step flanges 141a, 141 c-141 g, form the trailing edges of the traction elements 128 a-128 i. The first traction elements 128h, 128i disposed on the heel plate 104 extend between the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 and are generally aligned with one another along an axis a ₁₂₈ that is transverse to the longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of the sole structure 100 such that the first surfaces 138h, 138i face one another and the second surfaces 140h, 140i face away from one another.

Still referring to fig. 4 and 5A, the second traction elements 130a, 130b extend from the bottom surface 114 of the heel plate 104 to distal ends 142a, 142b facing away from the bottom surface 114 and form an elongated generally rectangular body. The second traction element 130a, 130b further comprises a front face 144a, 144b and a rear face 146a, 146b arranged on the opposite side of the second traction element 130a, 130b from the front face 144a, 144 b. The second traction element 130a, 130b further includes a first edge 148a, 148b and a second edge 150a, 150b formed on a side of the second traction element 130a, 130b opposite the first edge 148a, 148 b. As shown, front face 144 faces forward end 12 of the article of footwear and rear face 146 faces rearward end 14 of article of footwear 10. Similar to the first traction elements 128h, 128i, the second traction elements 130a, 130b extend between the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 and are generally aligned with one another along an axis a ₁₃₀ that is parallel to the axis a ₁₂₈ and transverse to the longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of the sole structure 100 such that the first edges 148a, 148b face one another and the second edges 150a, 150b face away from one another.

Referring now to fig. 6A and 6B, an exploded view of the plate structure 100 is provided. Unlike conventional plate structures that include monolithic materials, the plate structure 100 of the present disclosure is configured as a composite structure that includes multiple components coupled together. For example, plate structure 100 includes substrates 154, 160 and corresponding bridges 156, 162. By integrating the bridge 156, 162 into the plate structure 100, as discussed further below, the plate structure 100 can significantly minimize manufacturing waste while increasing the stability of the traction elements 128, 130 of the sole structure 100.

Referring to fig. 6A-8, the components of the forefoot plate 102 of the sole structure 100 further include a forefoot base plate 154 and a forefoot bridge 156. Although not shown, in some examples, the forefoot plate 102 also includes an outer bottom plate. Additionally, the heel plate 104 of the sole structure 100 includes a heel substrate 160 and a heel bridge 162. Suitable materials for forefoot bridge 156 and heel bridge 162 include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU), polyolefins, polyolefin-based elastomers, and nylons, as these materials provide excellent wear characteristics. Suitable materials for the forefoot substrate 154 and the heel substrate 160 include, but are not limited to, TPU, nylon, copolyamide, and polyolefin. In some examples, forefoot bridge 156 and heel bridge 162 are formed of a different material than forefoot substrate 154 and heel substrate 160. In other examples, all of the components of the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 are formed of the same material.

As shown in fig. 6A, 6B and 9, forefoot bridge 156 and heel bridge 162 may also be defined by plates 164, 165, a central first traction element 170, and a central second traction element 171. Plate 164 of forefoot bridge 156 includes a top surface 166 and a bottom surface 167 formed on a side of plate 164 opposite top surface 166 and connects central first traction elements 170 to one another. Likewise, the plate 165 of the heel bridge 162 includes a top surface 168 and a bottom surface 169 formed on a side of the plate 165 opposite the top surface 168 and connects the central second traction elements 171 to one another. Central first traction element 170 generally corresponds to first traction elements 128b through 128g of resulting sole structure 100, while central second traction element 171 generally corresponds to second traction elements 130a, 130b of resulting sole structure 100. As shown, forefoot bridge 156 also includes a raised surface 175 disposed on and extending from bottom surface 167.

Referring to fig. 9, each of the central first traction elements 170 includes a first leg 172 extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface 167 of the plate 164 from a first end to a second end remote from the bottom surface 167 of the plate 164, a second leg 173 extending substantially perpendicularly from the second end of the first leg 172, and a third leg 158 extending from the first leg 172 along the bottom surface 167. In other words, the second leg 173 is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 167 and the third leg 158 of the plate 164 (i.e., the forefoot bridge 156) and defines a distal end 174 of each of the central first traction elements 170.

Third leg 158 generally corresponds with step flanges 141a, 141 c-141 g of sole structure 100, and is further defined by a first vertical surface 190 extending from a first end of first leg 172, a first surface 189 disposed on a plane substantially parallel to lower surface 167, and a second vertical surface 191 extending between lower surface 167 and first surface 189. Likewise, distal end 174 of central first traction element 170 generally corresponds with distal ends 132a, 132 c-132 g of first traction elements 128a, 128 c-128 g of sole structure 100. Similarly, each of the central second traction elements 171 includes a first leg 176 extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface 169 of the plate 165 and a second leg 177 extending substantially perpendicularly from the first leg 176. In other words, the second leg 177 is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 169 of the plate 165 (i.e., the heel bridge 162) and defines a distal end 178 of each of the central second traction elements 171. Distal ends 178 of central second traction element 171 generally correspond with distal ends 142a, 142b of second traction elements 130a, 130b of sole structure 100.

As shown in fig. 6A, 6B, and 10, the forefoot substrate 154 is defined by a top surface 179 and a bottom surface 180 formed on a side of the forefoot substrate 154 opposite the top surface 179. The forefoot substrate 154 also includes an aperture 192 formed through the thickness of the forefoot substrate 154 between the top surface 179 and the bottom surface 180. The aperture 192 may be sized to receive the raised surface 175 of the forefoot bridge 156, wherein the raised surface 175 is exposed through the aperture 192. In some examples, raised surface 175 may be substantially flush with bottom surface 180 of forefoot substrate 154 and form a portion of ground engaging surface 30 of article of footwear 10. In other examples, raised surface 175 may extend through aperture 192 and beyond bottom surface 180 to form a portion of ground engaging surface 30 of article of footwear 10.

The top surface 179 includes a recess forming a recessed cavity 181, the recessed cavity 181 forming an external first traction element 182 on a side of the substrate 154 opposite the top surface 179. In some examples, at least two of the recessed cavities 181 are sized to receive the central first traction element 170 of the forefoot bridge 156. In these examples, the outer first traction element 182 includes an aperture 184, the aperture 184 surrounding and receiving the central first traction element 170 to form the first traction element 128 of the sole structure 100, wherein the distal end 174 of the central first traction element 170 extends through and beyond the outer first traction element 182 to define the distal end 132 of the first traction element 128. In some examples, at least one of the outer first traction elements 182 forms the entire first traction element 128 including the distal end 132 of the first traction element 128.

Heel substrate 160 is defined by a top surface 193 and a bottom surface 185 formed on a side of heel substrate 160 opposite top surface 193. The top surface 193 includes a recess that forms a recessed cavity 186 extending outwardly from the bottom surface 185 to form an outer second traction element 187. In some examples, one or more of the recessed cavities 186 are sized to receive the central second traction element 171 of the heel bridge 162. In these examples, outer second traction element 187 includes an aperture 188, aperture 188 surrounding and receiving central second traction element 171 to form second traction element 130 of sole structure 100. Once assembled, the distal end 178 of the central second traction element 171 extends through and beyond the outer second traction element 187 to define the distal end 142 of the second traction element 130. In some examples, at least one of the outer second traction elements 187 forms the entire first traction element 128 including the distal end 132 of the first traction element 128.

To form the final structure of sole structure 100, the components of forefoot plate 102 and heel plate 104 are injection molded sequentially as shown in fig. 4, 5A, 5B, 7 and 8. While typical injection processes use runner systems to mold traction elements separately, whereby the plastic used in the runner systems is lost as scrap, sole structure 100 integrates the runner structures into sole structure 100 by including the runner systems as plates 164, 165 for forefoot bridge 156 and heel bridge 162. For example, forefoot bridge 156 and heel bridge 162 may be injection molded with a combination of pressure and heat to form plates 164, 165, central first traction element 170, and central second traction element 171, thereby minimizing the amount of scrap required to produce sole structure 100. Due to the injection molding process, the components of the forefoot bridge 156 and heel bridge 162 (i.e., plates 164, 165, traction elements 170, 171, and legs 172, 173, 158, 176, 177) are all integrally formed together and separately from the substrates 154, 160.

Next, the forefoot and heel substrates 154, 160 can be injection molded over the forefoot and heel bridges 156, 162. For example, the forefoot bridge 156 and the heel bridge 162 may be disposed within a mold cavity and subjected to a combination of pressure and heat, whereby resin is delivered to the mold cavity to form the forefoot and heel substrates 154, 160 around the forefoot and heel bridges 156, 162, respectively. The process also forms (i) an outer first traction element 182 and an outer second traction element 187 that encase and further strengthen the central traction elements 170, 171 to form the resulting traction elements 128, 130; and (ii) an aperture 192 in the forefoot substrate 154 through which aperture 192 the raised surface 175 of the forefoot bridge 156 is exposed. In other implementations, a different order for forming sole structure 100 may be used. For example, the process may include first injection molding the forefoot and heel substrates 154, 160, and then injecting the forefoot and heel bridges 156, 162.

With particular reference to fig. 11A-11F, heel plates 104 a-104F are provided in which the traction elements may be rotationally different from the traction elements of the heel plate 104. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the heel plates 104 a-104 f with respect to the sole structure 100, the same reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify the same components, while the same reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

Referring to fig. 11A, the heel plate 104a includes first traction elements 128h, 128i and second traction elements 130aa, 130ba. As shown, first traction elements 128h, 128i are generally aligned with one another along an axis a ₁₂₈ that is transverse to a longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of sole structure 100 such that first surfaces 138h, 138i face one another and second surfaces 140h, 140i face away from one another. Unlike the second traction elements 130a, 130b of the heel plate 104, the heel plate 104a includes second traction elements 130aa, 130ba positioned at an angle θ _a of about 60 degrees (60 °) relative to the axis a ₁₃₀ such that the front faces 144a, 144b of each of the second traction elements 130aa, 130ba are angled toward one another.

Referring to fig. 11B, the heel plate 104B includes first traction elements 128h, 128i and second traction elements 130ab, 130bb. As shown, first traction elements 128h, 128i are generally aligned with one another along an axis a ₁₂₈ that is transverse to a longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of sole structure 100 such that first surfaces 138h, 138i face one another and second surfaces 140h, 140i face away from one another. Unlike the second traction elements 130a, 130b of the heel plate 104, the heel plate 104b includes second traction elements 130aa, 130ba positioned at an angle θ _b of about 30 degrees (30 °) relative to the axis a ₁₃₀ such that the front faces 144a, 144b of each of the second traction elements 130ab, 130bb are angled toward one another.

Referring to fig. 11C, the heel plate 104C includes first traction elements 128h, 128i and second traction elements 130ac, 130bc. As shown, first traction elements 128h, 128i are generally aligned with one another along an axis a ₁₂₈ that is transverse to a longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of sole structure 100 such that first surfaces 138h, 138i face one another and second surfaces 140h, 140i face away from one another. Unlike the second traction elements 130a, 130b of the heel plate 104, the heel plate 104c includes second traction elements 130aa, 130ba positioned at an angle θ _c of about-50 degrees (-50 °) relative to the axis a ₁₃₀ such that the rear faces 146a, 146b of each of the second traction elements 130ac, 130bc are angled toward one another.

Referring to fig. 11D, the heel plate 104D includes first traction elements 128hd, 128id and second traction elements 130a, 130b. As shown, the second traction elements 130a, 130b are generally aligned with one another along an axis a ₁₃₀ that is transverse to the longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of the sole structure 100 such that the first edges 148a, 148b face one another and the second edges 150a, 150b face away from one another. Unlike the first traction elements 128h, 128i of the heel plate 104, the heel plate 104d includes first traction elements 128hd, 128id positioned at an angle θ _d of about-120 degrees (-120 °) relative to the axis a ₁₂₈ such that the inner surfaces 136h, 136i are angled toward one another and the outer surfaces 134h, 134i are angled away from one another.

Referring to fig. 11E, the heel plate 104E includes first traction elements 128he, 128ie and second traction elements 130ae, 130be. As shown, neither the first traction elements 128he, 128ie nor the second traction elements 130ae, 130be are aligned along an axis a ₁₂₈、A₁₃₀ that is transverse to the longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of the sole structure 100. In contrast, the first traction elements 128he, 128ie and the second traction elements 130ae, 130be are positioned at an angle θ _e of about 30 degrees (30 °) relative to the axis a ₁₂₈、A₁₃₀.

Referring to fig. 11F, the heel plate 104F includes first traction elements 128hf, 128hi and second traction elements 130af, 130bf. Unlike the heel plate 104d, the first traction elements 128hf, 128if are positioned at an angle θ _f1 of about-30 degrees (-30 °) relative to an axis a ₁₂₈ that is transverse to the longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of the sole structure 100. As shown, the second traction elements 130af, 130bf are positioned at an angle θ _f2 of about 30 degrees (30 °) relative to an axis a ₁₃₀ transverse to the longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of the sole structure 100. Accordingly, first traction element 128hf and second traction element 130af are symmetrical about longitudinal axis a ₁₀ of sole structure 100 with first traction element 128if and second traction element 130bf.

Referring again to fig. 1, upper 200 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define an interior void 202. Suitable materials for upper 200 may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. Example upper 200 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different areas of upper 200 to facilitate movement of article of footwear 10 between the taut state and the relaxed state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, but not limited to, spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart elastic properties.

The following clauses provide the above-described exemplary configurations for sole structures for articles of footwear, and composite structures.

Clause 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a baseplate defining a ground contacting surface of the sole structure; and at least two ground engaging members extending from the ground contacting surface and including a first portion and a second portion, the first portions of the ground engaging members being connected to one another by a bridge formed separately from the baseplate.

Clause 2. The sole structure of clause 1, wherein the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members are integrally formed with the bridge.

Clause 3 the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members are formed of a material different than the material forming the baseplate.

Clause 4 the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second portions of the at least two ground engaging members are formed of the same material as the material forming the baseplate.

Clause 5 the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second portions of the at least two ground engaging members are integrally formed with the baseplate.

The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first portion of the at least two ground engaging members includes a first leg extending substantially perpendicular to the ground contacting surface and a second leg extending from the first leg.

Clause 7 the sole structure of clause 6, wherein the second leg extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg.

Clause 8 the sole structure of clause 6, wherein the second leg extends substantially parallel to the ground-contacting surface.

Clause 9 the sole structure of clause 6, wherein the second leg defines a distal end of the at least two ground engaging members.

Clause 10 an article of footwear comprising the sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses.

Clause 11 a sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a baseplate defining a ground contacting surface of the sole structure; and at least two ground engaging members extending from the ground contacting surface and comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members being connected to one another by a bridge, wherein the ground contacting surface (i) extends between and separates the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members, and (ii) extends substantially parallel to the bridge.

Clause 12 the sole structure of clause 11, wherein the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members are integrally formed with the bridge.

Clause 13 the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members are formed of a material different than the material forming the baseplate.

The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second portions of the at least two ground engaging members are formed of the same material as the material forming the baseplate.

The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second portions of the at least two ground engaging members are integrally formed with the baseplate.

Clause 17 the sole structure of clause 16, wherein the second leg extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg.

Clause 18 the sole structure of clause 16, wherein the second leg extends substantially parallel to the ground-contacting surface.

Clause 19 the sole structure of clause 16, wherein the second leg defines a distal end of the at least two ground engaging members.

Item 20 an article of footwear comprising a sole structure according to any one of the preceding items.

The foregoing description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description 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. The same situation may also differ 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 baseplate defining a ground contacting surface of the sole structure; and

At least two ground engaging members extending from the ground contacting surface and including a first portion and a second portion, the first portions of the ground engaging members being connected to one another by a bridge formed separately from the baseplate.

2. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members are integrally formed with the bridge.

3. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members are formed from a material different from a material forming the baseplate.

4. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the second portions of the at least two ground engaging members are formed of the same material as that forming the baseplate.

5. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the second portions of the at least two ground engaging members are integrally formed with the baseplate.

6. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the at least two ground engaging members includes a first leg extending substantially perpendicular to the ground contacting surface and a second leg extending from the first leg.

7. The sole structure of claim 6, wherein the second leg extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg.

8. The sole structure of claim 6, wherein the second leg extends substantially parallel to the ground-contacting surface.

9. The sole structure of claim 6, wherein the second leg defines a distal end of the at least two ground engaging members.

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

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

A baseplate defining a ground contacting surface of the sole structure; and

At least two ground engaging members extending from the ground contacting surface and comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members being connected to one another by a bridge, wherein the ground contacting surface (i) extends between and separates the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members, and (ii) extends substantially parallel to the bridge.

12. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members are integrally formed with the bridge.

13. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the first portions of the at least two ground engaging members are formed from a material different from a material forming the baseplate.

14. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the second portions of the at least two ground engaging members are formed of the same material as that forming the baseplate.

15. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the second portions of the at least two ground engaging members are integrally formed with the baseplate.

16. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the first portion of the at least two ground engaging members includes a first leg extending substantially perpendicular to the ground contacting surface and a second leg extending from the first leg.

17. The sole structure of claim 16, wherein the second leg extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg.

18. The sole structure of claim 16, wherein the second leg extends substantially parallel to the ground-contacting surface.

19. The sole structure of claim 16, wherein the second leg defines a distal end of the at least two ground engaging members.

20. An article of footwear comprising the sole structure of claim 11.