US20240180291A1 - Article of footwear having a reflectively symmetrical fluid cushioning system - Google Patents

Article of footwear having a reflectively symmetrical fluid cushioning system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20240180291A1
US20240180291A1 US18/074,759 US202218074759A US2024180291A1 US 20240180291 A1 US20240180291 A1 US 20240180291A1 US 202218074759 A US202218074759 A US 202218074759A US 2024180291 A1 US2024180291 A1 US 2024180291A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
bladder
sole
pod
module
modules
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Pending
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US18/074,759
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English (en)
Inventor
Michael Andrews
Ricardo Vestuti
Michael Hesterberg
Toby Birkinhead
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Reebok International Ltd
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Reebok International Ltd
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Application filed by Reebok International Ltd filed Critical Reebok International Ltd
Priority to US18/074,759 priority Critical patent/US20240180291A1/en
Assigned to REEBOK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED reassignment REEBOK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BIRKINHEAD, TOBY, HESTERBERG, MICHAEL, ANDREWS, MICHAEL, VESTUTI, RICARDO
Priority to EP23213756.2A priority patent/EP4381983A1/en
Priority to CN202311649663.1A priority patent/CN118141184A/zh
Publication of US20240180291A1 publication Critical patent/US20240180291A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
    • A43B13/125—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/32—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with shock-absorbing means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/20—Pneumatic soles filled with a compressible fluid, e.g. air, gas

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to footwear, and more particularly relate to a sole and article of footwear having a plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules.
  • the human foot possesses natural cushioning and rebounding characteristics. However, the foot alone is incapable of effectively overcoming many of the forces encountered during every day activity. Unless an individual is wearing shoes which provide proper cushioning and support, the soreness and fatigue associated with every day activity is more acute, and its onset accelerated. The discomfort for the wearer that results may diminish the incentive for further activity.
  • the present disclosure includes various embodiments of a sole for an article of footwear that includes discrete bladder modules to provide a desired cushioning effect to a wearer's foot, while simplifying the sole's manufacturing process.
  • a sole for an article of footwear comprises an upper sole and a plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules coupled to a bottom surface of the upper sole.
  • the plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules comprises a first bladder module disposed in a first region of the sole, the first bladder module being fluidly isolated from remaining bladder modules and not extending into a second region of the sole.
  • the plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules comprises a second bladder module disposed in the first region of the sole and spatially separated in a transverse direction from the first bladder module.
  • the second bladder module is fluidly isolated from remaining bladder modules and does not extend into the second region of the sole.
  • the first bladder module is reflectively symmetrical with respect to the second bladder module.
  • the first region of the sole is a forefoot region or a heel region of the sole.
  • the second region of the sole is the other of the forefoot region or the heel region of the sole.
  • the first and second bladder modules each comprise a first pod extending below the upper sole and defining a first end of the bladder module. In some embodiments, the first and second bladder modules each comprise a second pod extending below the upper sole and defining a second end of the bladder module. In some embodiments, the first and second bladder modules each comprise a passage extending from the first pod to the second pod such that the first pod is fluidly connected to the second pod.
  • the first pod in each of the first and second bladder modules, is separated from the second pod in a longitudinal direction.
  • the first and second pods each comprise an upper pod surface engaging the bottom surface of the upper sole. In some embodiments, the first and second pods each comprise a bottom pod surface. In some embodiments, the first and second pods each comprise a pod sidewall extending from the bottom pod surface to the upper pod surface. In some embodiments, the pod sidewall and the pod bottom surface collectively define a convex-shaped wall protruding outward from the bottom surface of the upper sole.
  • the sole comprises a first outsole member disposed below the first and second bladder modules.
  • the first outsole member includes a plurality of recessed surfaces engaging the bottom surface of a respective pod of the first and second bladder modules.
  • the plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules comprises a third bladder module disposed in a second region of the sole. In some embodiments, the third bladder module is fluidly isolated from remaining bladder modules and does not extend into the first region of the sole. In some embodiments, the plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules comprises a fourth bladder module disposed in the second region of the sole and spatially separated in a transverse direction from the third bladder module. In some embodiments, the fourth bladder module is fluidly isolated from remaining bladder modules and does not extend into the first region of the sole. In some embodiments, the first region is the heel region of the sole, and the second region is the forefoot region of the sole.
  • the third bladder module is reflectively symmetrical with respect to the fourth bladder module.
  • the first, second, third, and fourth bladder modules each comprise a first pod extending below the upper sole and defining a first end of the bladder module. In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth bladder modules each comprise a second pod extending below the upper sole and defining a second end of the bladder module. In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth bladder modules each comprise a passage extending from the first pod to the second pod such that the first pod is fluidly connected to the second pod.
  • the first pod in each of the first, second, third, and fourth bladder modules, is separated from the second pod in a longitudinal direction.
  • the first bladder module is laterally aligned with respect to the second bladder module.
  • the third bladder module is laterally offset with respect to the fourth bladder module.
  • the first bladder module and the third bladder module are disposed along a lateral side of the sole, and the second bladder module and the fourth bladder module are disposed along a medial side of the sole.
  • the first and third bladder modules define a lateral sidewall of the sole, and the second and fourth bladder modules define a medial sidewall of the sole.
  • each of the fluid-filled bladder modules is formed of a blow-molded thermoplastic material.
  • the upper sole is formed of a foam-based material.
  • the first and second bladder modules are each laterally asymmetrical.
  • a pair of footwear comprises a right article of footwear and a left article of footwear.
  • the right and second articles of footwear each comprise an upper and a sole coupled to the upper.
  • the sole comprises an upper sole and a plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules coupled to a bottom surface of the upper sole.
  • the plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules comprises a medial bladder module disposed along a medial side of the sole. In some embodiments, the medial bladder module does not extend into the forefoot region of the sole.
  • the plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules comprises a lateral bladder module disposed along a lateral side of the sole.
  • the lateral bladder module does not extend into the forefoot region of the sole. In some embodiments, the lateral bladder module is spatially separated from the medial bladder in a transverse direction. In some embodiments, the medial bladder module is reflectively symmetrical with respect to the lateral bladder module such that the medial bladder module of the right article of footwear is identical to the lateral bladder module of the left article of footwear. In some embodiments, the lateral bladder module of the right article of footwear is identical to the medial bladder module of the left article of footwear. In some embodiments, the medial and lateral bladder modules are each laterally asymmetrical.
  • the medial and lateral bladder modules each comprise a first pod extending below the upper sole and defining a first end of the bladder module. In some embodiments, the medial and lateral bladder modules each comprise a second pod extending below the upper sole and defining a second end of the bladder module. In some embodiments, the medial and lateral bladder modules each comprise a passage extending from the first pod to the second pod such that the first pod is fluidly connected to the second pod.
  • the first pod in each of the medial and lateral bladder modules, is separated from the second pod in a longitudinal direction.
  • the medial bladder modules are medial heel bladder modules, each disposed in a heel region of its respective sole.
  • the lateral bladder modules are lateral heel bladder modules, each disposed in the heel region of its respective sole.
  • the plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules comprises a medial forefoot bladder module disposed in a forefoot region of the sole and along the medial side of the sole. In some embodiments, the medial forefoot bladder module does not extend into the heel region of the sole. In some embodiments, the plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules comprises a lateral forefoot bladder module disposed in the forefoot region of the sole and along the lateral side of the sole.
  • the lateral forefoot bladder module does not extend into the heel region of the sole. In some embodiments, the lateral forefoot bladder module is spatially separated from the medial forefoot bladder module in a transverse direction. In some embodiments, the medial forefoot bladder module is reflectively symmetrically with respect to the lateral forefoot bladder module such that the medial forefoot bladder module of the right article of footwear is identical to the lateral forefoot bladder module of left article of footwear. In some embodiments, the lateral forefoot bladder module of the right article of footwear is identical to the medial forefoot bladder module of the left article of footwear. In some embodiments, the medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules are each asymmetrical.
  • FIG. 1 shows a side view of an article of footwear according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of a sole of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-section view of the sole taken along line 4 - 4 in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of the sole taken along line 5 - 5 in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic bottom view of a sole for a left article of footwear and a sole for a right article of footwear according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the upper sole for a sole used in the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the upper sole shown in FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of a plurality of fluid-filled bladder models for an article of footwear shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a plurality of fluid-filled bladder models for an article of footwear shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a bladder module taken along line 11 - 11 in FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a forefoot outsole member for the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a heel outsole member for the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the sole of the present disclosure may overcome one or more of the deficiencies noted above by including multiple fluid-filled bladder modules coupled to a bottom surface of the upper sole, in which each bladder module includes only a pair of fluidly-connected pods that are fluidly isolated from the remaining bladder modules. Limiting each isolated bladder module to two pods ensures that fluid is effectively transferred throughout the entire bladder module in response to the application of force during the wearer's gait cycle.
  • the plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules may include a pair of reflectively symmetrical bladder modules that are laterally spaced apart from each other in one region (e.g., a forefoot region or a heel region) of the sole to reduce the number of mold cavities needed for manufacturing the bladder modules for a pair of footwear, ultimately reducing the cost and the complexity of the manufacturing process.
  • FIGS. 1 - 5 illustrate an article of footwear 10 having an upper 20 and a sole 100 coupled to upper 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Sole 100 may include a heel region 101 , a midfoot or arch region 102 , and a forefoot region 103 extending between a lateral side 104 and a medial side 105 of sole 100 .
  • sole 100 may include an upper sole 110 coupled to upper 20 .
  • Sole 100 may include a plurality of fluid-filled bladder modules 120 A-D disposed below and coupled to upper sole 110 .
  • Each bladder module 120 A-D may be configured to store a fluid (e.g., air) above ambient pressure (e.g., 3 psi to 8 psi) and permit the stored fluid to flow in a manner complementary to the wearer's stride and to the forces applied to the anatomical structure of the wearer's foot, ultimately providing a cushioning effect.
  • a fluid e.g., air
  • ambient pressure e.g., 3 psi to 8 psi
  • Sole 100 may include a forefoot outsole member 130 disposed below and coupled to at least one of the bladder modules 120 A-B in forefoot region 103 of sole 100 .
  • Sole 100 may include a heel outsole member 140 disclose below and coupled to at least one of the bladder modules 120 C-D in heel region 101 of sole 100 .
  • FIG. 6 shows an arrangement of bladder modules 120 A-D for a right article of footwear 30 and bladder modules 120 A′-D′ in a left article of footwear 40 , whereby the right and left articles of footwear 30 and 40 constitute a pair of footwear.
  • the right and left articles of footwear 30 and 40 may include any of the features of the article of footwear 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 5 .
  • the right article of footwear 30 may include a medial forefoot bladder module 120 A disposed in forefoot region 103 of a sole 100 A and along medial side 105 of sole 100 A.
  • the right article of footwear 30 may include a lateral forefoot bladder module 120 B disposed in forefoot region 103 of sole 100 A and along lateral side 104 of sole 100 A.
  • Lateral forefoot bladder module 120 B may be spatially separated from medial forefoot bladder module 120 A in a transverse direction X along sole 100 A.
  • transverse direction X corresponds to a direction extending along a width of the sole, such as, for example, extending between a lateral side and a medial side of the sole.
  • Both medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules 120 A-B do not extend into heel region 101 of sole 100 A. Both medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules 120 A-B are spatially separated from heel bladder modules 120 C-D in longitudinal direction Y.
  • longitudinal direction Y corresponds to a direction extending along a length of the sole, such as, for example, extending between a forefoot region and a heel region of the sole.
  • Medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules 120 A-B may each be fluidly isolated from each other and the remaining bladder modules 120 C-D, thereby providing two discrete fluid transfer modules exclusively in forefoot region 103 of sole 100 A. Being discrete and fluidly isolated, medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules 120 A-B are each configured to effectively promote fluid flow throughout its entire length, thereby minimizing the likelihood of fluid flow obstruction within the bladder module that may be exacerbated by connecting other bladder chambers disposed at different regions of the sole to the bladder module.
  • medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules 120 A-B are each configured to keep fluid localized within the forefoot region 103 of sole 100 A, thereby providing a more effective cushioning response to any impact upon forefoot region 103 of sole 100 A.
  • the right article of footwear 30 may include a medial heel bladder module 120 C disposed in heel region 101 of sole 100 A and along medial side 105 of sole 100 A.
  • the right article of footwear 30 may include a lateral heel bladder module 120 D disposed in heel region 101 of sole 100 A and along lateral side 104 of sole 100 A.
  • Lateral heel bladder module 120 D may be spatially separated from medial heel bladder module 120 C in transverse direction X along sole 100 A. Both medial and lateral heel bladder modules 120 C-D do not extend into forefoot region 103 of sole 100 A.
  • Both medial and lateral heel bladder modules 120 C-D are spatially separated from forefoot bladder modules 120 A-B in longitudinal direction Y.
  • Medial and lateral heel bladder modules 120 C-D may each be fluidly isolated from each other and the remaining bladder modules 120 A-B, thereby providing two discrete fluid transfer modules in heel region 101 of sole 100 A. Similar to the discrete, isolated bladder modules 120 A-B in forefoot region 103 , medial and lateral heel bladder modules 120 C-D are each configured to effectively promote fluid flow throughout its entire length by being fluidly isolated. By not extending into the forefoot region 103 of sole 100 A, medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules 120 C-D are each configured to keep fluid localized within the heel region 101 of sole 100 A, thereby providing a more effective cushioning response to any impact upon heel region 101 of sole 100 A.
  • the left article of footwear 40 may include a medial forefoot bladder module 120 A′ disposed in forefoot region 103 ′ of a sole 100 B and along medial side 105 ′ of sole 100 B.
  • the left article of footwear 40 may include a lateral forefoot bladder module 120 B′ disposed in forefoot region 103 ′ of sole 100 B and along lateral side 104 ′ of sole 100 B.
  • Lateral forefoot bladder module 120 B′ may be spatially separated from medial forefoot bladder module 120 A′ in a transverse direction X along sole 100 B. Both medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules 120 A′-B′ do not extend into heel region 101 ′ of sole 100 B.
  • Both medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules 120 A′-B′ are spatially separated from heel bladder modules 120 C′-D′ in longitudinal direction Y.
  • Medial and lateral forefoot bladder modules 120 A′ B′ may each be fluidly isolated from each other and the remaining bladder modules 120 C′-D′.
  • medial and lateral heel bladder modules 120 A′-B′ are each configured to effectively promote fluid flow throughout its entire length to reduce the likelihood of fluid flow obstruction and keep fluid localized in forefoot region 103 ′ of sole 100 B to respond effectively to any impact upon forefoot region 103 ′ of sole 100 B.
  • the left article of footwear 40 may include a medial heel bladder module 120 C′ disposed in heel region 101 ′ of sole 100 B and along medial side 105 ′ of sole 100 B.
  • the left article of footwear 40 may include a lateral heel bladder module 120 D′ disposed in heel region 101 ′ of sole 100 B and along lateral side 104 ′ of sole 100 B.
  • Lateral heel bladder module 120 D′ may be spatially separated from medial heel bladder module 120 C′ in transverse direction X along sole 100 B.
  • Both medial and lateral heel bladder modules 120 C′-D′ do not extend into forefoot region 103 ′ of sole 100 B.
  • Both medial and lateral heel bladder modules 120 C′-D′ are spatially separated from forefoot bladder modules 120 A′-B′ in longitudinal direction Y.
  • Medial and lateral heel bladder modules 120 C′-D′ may each be fluidly isolated from each other and the remaining bladder modules 120 A′ B′. Being discrete and fluidly isolated, medial and lateral heel bladder modules 120 C′-D′ are each configured to effectively promote fluid flow throughout its entire length to reduce the likelihood of fluid flow obstruction and keep fluid localized in heel region 101 ′ of sole 100 B to respond effectively to any impact upon heel region 101 ′ of sole 100 B.
  • each bladder module 120 A-D and 120 A′- 120 D′ may be asymmetrical so that the shape of each bladder module 120 A-D and 120 A′- 120 D′ corresponds to a particular location of a sole to provide a tailored localized cushioning effect.
  • Each bladder module 120 A-D and 120 A′- 120 D′ may be laterally asymmetrical such that compressibility and stiffness of the bladder module 120 A-D and 120 A′- 120 D′ is anisotropic. For example, as shown in FIGS.
  • the height of pods (e.g., pods 122 A-D) in bladder modules 120 A-D generally decreases along the transverse direction X from its midpoint toward each of its outer edges (e.g., ends 212 and 214 ), thereby reinforcing the perimeter of the pods (e.g., 122 A-D) of bladder modules 120 A-D, which prevents bladder modules 120 A-D from collapsing abruptly upon the application of force.
  • each bladder module 120 A-D and 120 A′-D′ itself may be asymmetrical to provide localized cushioning
  • the bladder modules 120 A-D and 120 A′-D′ located on opposite sides (e.g., lateral and medial) of the sole in one of the regions (e.g., forefoot or heel) of the sole may be reflectively symmetrical with respect to each other.
  • a pair of reflectively symmetrical bladder modules corresponds to a first bladder module being a mirror image of a second bladder module about a line of symmetry that extends entirely between the first and second bladder modules.
  • a bladder module located along a medial side of the sole may be a mirror image of a bladder module located along a lateral side of the sole.
  • a first bladder module located on a lateral side of sole (e.g., sole 100 A) of a right article of footwear (e.g., right article of footwear 30 ) may be identical to a second bladder module (e.g., bladder module 120 A′) located on a medial side of sole (e.g., sole 100 B) of a left article of footwear (e.g., left article of footwear 40 ), thereby configuring the first and second bladder modules to be interchangeable.
  • the same mold cavity may be used for forming the first and second bladder modules, thereby reducing the number of mold cavities needed for manufacturing the bladder modules for a pair of footwear, while still providing a tailored cushioning effect to particular locations of the sole.
  • medial forefoot bladder module 120 A, 120 A′ may be reflectively symmetrically with respect to lateral forefoot bladder module 120 B, 120 B′ such that medial forefoot bladder module 120 A of the right article of footwear 30 is identical to lateral forefoot bladder module 120 B′ of left article of footwear 40 and lateral forefoot bladder module 120 B of the right article of footwear 30 is identical to the medial forefoot bladder module 120 A′ of the left article of footwear 40 .
  • medial heel bladder module 120 C, 120 C′ may be reflectively symmetrical with respect to lateral heel bladder module 120 D, 120 D′ such that medial heel bladder module 120 C of the right article of footwear 30 is identical to the lateral heel bladder module 120 D′ of the left article of footwear 40 and lateral heel bladder module 120 D of the right article of footwear 30 is identical to the medial heel bladder module 120 C′ of the left article of footwear 40 .
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a plurality of bladder modules 120 A-D that are implemented in the articles of footwear 10 , 30 , and 40 shown in FIGS. 1 - 6 .
  • Each bladder module 120 A-D may be formed of an elastomeric, resilient material and filled with a fluid such that each bladder module 120 A-D is configured to compress upon the application of force and expand with the delivery of a fluid, thereby providing continuous cushioning support for wearer's foot.
  • each bladder module 120 A-D may be filled with air set at a pressure above ambient pressure, such as, for example, in a range from 3 psi to 7 psi above ambient pressure.
  • each bladder module 120 A-D may be filled with other types of gases, such as helium or nitrogen.
  • each bladder module 120 A-D may further be filled with other compressible materials, such as, for example, a gel, a paste, foam, a plurality of particles (e.g., polymer particles, eTPU particles, foam particles, cellulose particles, rock, or rubber particles), or a combination thereof.
  • each bladder module 120 A-D may provide continuous cushioning to the wearer's foot such that a wearer's stride forces the fluid (e.g., air) or material (e.g., polymer particles) within bladder module 120 A-D to flow in a manner complementary to the wearer's stride.
  • a pressurized fluid e.g., air
  • compressible materials e.g., polymer particles
  • each bladder module 120 A-D may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic polyurethane. In other embodiments, each bladder module 120 A-D may be formed of other materials suitable for providing elastomeric, resilient properties, such as, for example, thermoplastic olefins, thermoplastic vulcanates, rubber, or a combination thereof.
  • each bladder module 120 A-D may be formed by an extrusion blow-molded technique such that all the elements of each bladder module 120 A-D, as described herein, are provided as a unitary “one-piece” component.
  • the blow-molded technique for forming each bladder module 120 A-D may include injection blow molding, stretch blow molding, or frame blow molding.
  • each bladder module 120 A-D may be formed by other processes, such as, for example, thermoforming and sealing, injection molding and sealing, vacuum forming and sealing, or radio frequency/high frequency welding.
  • Each bladder module 120 A-D may include a plurality of pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D extending below upper sole 110 .
  • each bladder module 120 A-D may include only a pair of fluidly-connected pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D that are arranged in a longitudinal direction Y.
  • each bladder module 120 A-D may include a first pod 122 A-D extending below upper sole 110 and defining a first end of the bladder module 120 A-D.
  • Each bladder module 120 A-D may include a second pod 124 A-D extending below upper sole 110 and defining a second end of the bladder module 120 A-D.
  • Each bladder module 120 A-D may include a passage 126 A-D extending from first pod 122 A-D to second pod 124 A-D such that first pod 122 A-D is fluidly connected to second pod 124 A-D, thereby allowing fluid (e.g., air) to be diffused between first and second pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D upon the application of force against sole 100 .
  • the maximum width of passage 126 A-D may be less than the maximum width of first pod 122 A-D or the maximum width of second pod 124 A-D to promote effective fluid flow between first and second pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D.
  • First pod 122 A-D of each bladder module 120 A-D may be separated from second pod 124 A-D in a longitudinal direction Y such that each bladder module 120 A-D is oriented from forefoot region 103 to heel region 101 of sole 100 .
  • the plurality of pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D of each bladder module 120 A-D may be exposed along either lateral side 104 or medial side 105 of sole 100 .
  • first pod 122 A, 122 C and second pod 124 A, 124 C of medial forefoot and heel bladder modules 120 A, 120 C may be exposed along medial side 105 of sole 100 and define a medial sidewall of sole 100 .
  • First pod 122 B, 122 D and second pod 124 B, 124 D of lateral forefoot and heel bladder modules 120 B, 120 D may be exposed on lateral side 104 of sole and define a lateral sidewall of sole 100 .
  • each pod 122 A-D and 124 A-D of the fluid bladder modules 120 A-D may be adapted to provide a desired cushioning effect.
  • each pod may include an upper pod surface 210 disposed against a bottom surface 113 of an upper sole 110 , a bottom pod surface 220 disposed below the upper pod surface 210 , and a pod sidewall 230 extending from upper pod surface 210 to bottom pod surface 220 .
  • upper pod surface 210 defines a substantially oval shape. In other embodiments, upper pod surface 210 may define other round shapes tailored to provide localized cushioning.
  • bottom pod surface 220 and pod sidewall 230 collectively defines a convex-shaped wall protruding away from bottom surface 113 of upper sole 110 , thereby promoting pod 122 A-D and 124 A-D to collapse gradually under pressure. By collapsing gradually under pressure, pod 122 A-D and 124 A-D forces stored fluid to flow to the other pod of the bladder module. Bottom surface 220 and pod sidewall 230 also define an asymmetrical shaped pod that provides greater rigidity along the perimeter of pods 122 A-D and 124 -D, thereby preventing pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D from collapsing abruptly under pressure.
  • pod sidewall 230 may be adapted to reinforce the structural integrity of pod 122 A-D and 124 A-D.
  • pod sidewall 230 may include a plurality of ribs 234 protruding outward and extending generally in a vertical direction to increase the rigidity of pod sidewall 230 .
  • ribs 234 may be configured to minimize any collapsing of pod sidewall 230 , as other sections (upper pod surface 210 and/or bottom pod surface 220 ) of the pod compress during an application of force that results from the wearer's foot striking the ground.
  • pod sidewall 230 of each pod 122 A-D and 124 A-D of bladder module 120 A-D may be exposed between an outer edge (e.g., outer medial edge 117 A and outer lateral edge 117 B) of upper sole 110 and one of the forefoot and heel outsole members 130 and 140 to form a sidewall (e.g., a medial sidewall or a lateral sidewall) of sole 100 .
  • an outer edge e.g., outer medial edge 117 A and outer lateral edge 117 B
  • a sidewall e.g., a medial sidewall or a lateral sidewall
  • upper pod surface 210 may include a first end 212 merging with pod sidewall 230 and a second end 214 merging with bottom surface 220 .
  • Upper pod surface 210 may slope downward from first end 212 to second end 214 such that a portion of upper sole 110 engaging upper pod surface 210 is contained by pod sidewall 230 .
  • Upper pod surface 210 further includes convex and concave portions to reinforce the perimeter of pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D.
  • the height of pod sidewall 230 for each pod 122 A-D and 124 A-D may vary along longitudinal direction Y such that first and second pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D for each bladder module 120 A-D collectively define a corrugated-shaped upper edge 238 .
  • first and second pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D of each bladder module 120 A-D may be tuned to provide the desired ride characteristics.
  • first and second pods 122 C-D and 124 C-D of bladder modules 120 C-D located in heel region 101 are larger in volume than first and second pods 122 A-B and 124 A-B of bladder modules 120 A-B located in forefoot region 103 .
  • Pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D of bladder modules 120 A-D may gradually increase in volume from forward-most pod 122 A-B to rearward-most pod 124 C-D along lateral and medial sides 104 and 105 of sole 100 .
  • the plurality of bladder modules 120 A-D collectively provide added support and cushioning in heel region 101 to account for larger downward force applied by wearer during the heel strike.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of upper sole 110 implemented in the article of footwear 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 5 .
  • Upper sole 110 may include a top surface 112 generally shaped to accommodate the contours of the wearer's foot. Top surface 112 may be attached to the upper 20 by adhesive bonding, welding, or any other suitable technique.
  • sole 100 may include an insole and/or sockliner disposed on top surface 112 of upper sole 110 .
  • bottom surface 113 of upper sole 110 may be adapted to promote intimate contact with upper surface 210 of each pod 122 A-D and 124 A-D of bladder modules 120 A-D.
  • upper sole 110 may include a plurality of recesses 114 A-D shaped to partially receive a respective bladder module 120 A-D.
  • Upper sole 110 may include a first recess 114 A disposed in forefoot region 103 of sole 100 and along medial side 105 of sole 100 such that first recess 114 A partial receives medial forefoot bladder module 120 A.
  • Upper sole 110 may include a second recess 114 B disposed in forefoot region 103 of sole 100 and along lateral side 104 of sole 100 such that second recess 114 B partially receives lateral forefoot bladder module 120 B.
  • Upper sole 110 may include a third recess 114 C disposed in heel region 101 of sole 100 and along medial side 105 of sole 100 such that third recess 114 C partially receives medial heel bladder module 120 C.
  • Upper sole 110 may include a fourth recess 114 D disposed in heel region 101 of sole 100 and along lateral side 104 of sole 100 such that fourth recess 114 D partially receives lateral heel bladder module 120 D.
  • upper sole 110 may be tuned to increase stability along lateral and medial sides 104 and 105 of sole 100 .
  • upper sole 110 may include a plurality of bulges 116 disposed along lateral side 104 and medial side 105 of sole 100 .
  • Each bulge 116 may protrude outward from sole 100 , where bulges 116 disposed along lateral side 104 of sole 100 define an exposed outer lateral edge 117 B and bulges 116 disposed along medial side 105 of sole 100 define an exposed outer medial edge 117 A.
  • Bulges 116 may define a corrugated-shaped upper edge 118 extending from heel region 101 to forefoot region 103 of sole 100 that corresponds to the upper edge 238 of bladder modules 120 A-D.
  • Upper sole 110 may be comprised of a foam material, such that the upper sole 110 is configured to absorb shock and provide cushion to wearer's foot.
  • upper sole 110 may be comprised of a foam-based material that includes ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
  • EVA ethylene vinyl acetate
  • upper sole 110 comprises thermoplastic urethane (TPU).
  • upper sole 110 comprises expanded thermoplastic foam, such as, for example, expanded thermoplastic urethane (eTPU).
  • upper sole 110 may be comprised of a foam-based material that includes materials, such as elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, foam-like plastic, and gel-like plastics.
  • upper sole 110 may be comprised of an open-cell foam-based material or a closed-cell foam-based material.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of forefoot outsole member 130 implemented in the article of footwear 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 5
  • FIG. 13 illustrates am embodiment of heel outsole member 140 implemented in the article of footwear 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 5
  • Forefoot and heel outsole members 130 and 140 may each be coupled to selected portions of bladder modules 120 A-D and/or bottom surface 113 of upper sole 110 .
  • forefoot outsole member 130 may be coupled to bottom surface 220 of pods 122 A-B and 124 A-B of bladder modules 120 A-B located in forefoot region 103 of sole 100
  • heel outsole member 140 may be coupled to bottom surface 220 of pods 122 C-D and 124 C-D of bladder modules 120 A-B located in heel region 101 of sole 100 .
  • forefoot and heel outsole members 130 and 140 may be adapted to promote intimate contact with bottom surface 210 of pods 122 A-D and 124 A-D of bladder modules 120 A-D.
  • forefoot outsole member 130 may include a plurality of recesses 132 that each partially receives a respective pod 122 A-B and 124 A-B of bladder modules 120 A-B
  • heel outsole member 140 may include a plurality of recesses 142 that each partially receives a respective pod 122 C-D and 124 C-D of bladder modules 120 C-D.
  • Forefoot outsole member 130 may comprise a plurality ridges 134 protruding downward away from sole 100 to enhance the traction capability of sole 100
  • heel outsole member 140 may comprise a plurality of ridges 144 protruding downward away from sole 100 to enhance the traction capability of sole 100 .
  • Forefoot and heel outsole members 130 and 140 may each comprise a wear-resistant material to maintain the integrity of sole 100 .
  • wear-resistant material for forefoot and heel outsole members 130 and 140 may include synthetic or natural rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, a wear-resistant foam, or a combination thereof.

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  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
US18/074,759 2022-12-05 2022-12-05 Article of footwear having a reflectively symmetrical fluid cushioning system Pending US20240180291A1 (en)

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EP23213756.2A EP4381983A1 (en) 2022-12-05 2023-12-01 Article of footwear having a reflectively symmetrical fluid cushioning system
CN202311649663.1A CN118141184A (zh) 2022-12-05 2023-12-05 具有反射对称流体缓冲系统的鞋类物品

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