US20240225191A9 - Article of footwear including a heel stabilizing element - Google Patents

Article of footwear including a heel stabilizing element Download PDF

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Publication number
US20240225191A9
US20240225191A9 US18/490,334 US202318490334A US2024225191A9 US 20240225191 A9 US20240225191 A9 US 20240225191A9 US 202318490334 A US202318490334 A US 202318490334A US 2024225191 A9 US2024225191 A9 US 2024225191A9
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United States
Prior art keywords
footwear
article
heel
barrier
cushioning element
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US18/490,334
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English (en)
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US20240130470A1 (en
Inventor
Richard August Benzien
Stephan Hausmann
Evan W. Jones
Christopher J. Lyke
Gowoon PARK
Dylan Petrenka
DePaul Williams
Minuk You
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Nike Inc
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Nike Inc
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Publication date
Application filed by Nike Inc filed Critical Nike Inc
Priority to US18/490,334 priority Critical patent/US20240225191A9/en
Publication of US20240130470A1 publication Critical patent/US20240130470A1/en
Assigned to NIKE, INC. reassignment NIKE, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BENZIEN, RICHARD AUGUST, JONES, EVAN W., PARK, GOWOON, YOU, MINUK, HAUSMANN, STEPHAN, LYKE, CHRISTOPHER J., PETRENKA, DYLAN, WILLIAMS, DePaul
Publication of US20240225191A9 publication Critical patent/US20240225191A9/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
    • A43B23/088—Heel stiffeners
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B21/26—Resilient heels
    • A43B21/28—Pneumatic heels filled with a compressible fluid, e.g. air, gas
    • A43B21/285—Pneumatic heels filled with a compressible fluid, e.g. air, gas provided with a pump or valve
    • 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
    • A43B13/189—Resilient soles filled with a non-compressible fluid, e.g. gel, water
    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B21/26—Resilient heels
    • A43B21/28—Pneumatic heels filled with a compressible fluid, e.g. air, gas
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/144—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/24—Insertions or other supports preventing the foot canting to one side , preventing supination or pronation

Definitions

  • Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper.
  • One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface.
  • the outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface.
  • 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 partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces.
  • the midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to increase durability of the sole structure, as well as to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces.
  • Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper and a strobel attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an article of footwear
  • FIG. 3 A is a side view of a midsole of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 B is a side view of a first cushioning element of the midsole of FIG. 3 A ;
  • FIG. 3 C is a bottom view of the first cushioning element of FIG. 3 B ;
  • FIG. 3 E is a side view of the heel wrap of the midsole of FIG. 3 D ;
  • FIG. 4 B is a top perspective view of the heel clip of FIG. 4 A ;
  • FIG. 7 A is a top perspective view of an outsole layer of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 11 A is a side view of the sole structure of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 15 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of an outsole of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 19 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the heel clip of FIG. 4 C ;
  • FIG. 22 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the heel clip of FIG. 4 A ;
  • FIG. 31 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the heel clip of FIG. 4 A ;
  • FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the sole structure of FIG. 33 ;
  • FIG. 35 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the sole structure of FIG. 33 ;
  • FIG. 36 A is a perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the sole structure of FIG. 11 B ;
  • FIG. 36 B is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the sole structure of FIG. 36 A ;
  • 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 of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those 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 the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.
  • the upper 100 includes interior surfaces (not shown) that define an interior void configured to, for example, receive and secure a foot for support on sole structure 102 .
  • the upper 100 is formed from one or more materials that are stitched, adhesively bonded, or otherwise joined together to form the interior void. Suitable materials of the upper include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort.
  • the heel wrap 210 and the first cushioning element 212 are attached (e.g., directly attached) in the mid-foot region 22 (also shown in FIG. 3 A ).
  • the cushioning element 212 includes an elastomeric material. It is contemplated that the cushioning element 212 may include any other material to impart properties of cushioning to the article of footwear 10 .
  • the first cushioning element 212 includes a top surface 230 , a bottom surface 232 , and an outer side surface 234 .
  • the first cushioning element 212 further includes a terminal end 236 .
  • the terminal end 236 is a portion of the first cushioning element 212 disposed within the heel region 24 .
  • the outer side surface 234 is bounded at its top by the top surface 230 and is bounded at its bottom by the bottom surface 232 .
  • the bottom surface 232 further includes stepped recessed portions (e.g., a medial stepped recessed portion 239 a (shown in FIG. 3 C ) and a lateral stepped recessed portion 239 b ).
  • the stepped recessed portions 239 a and 239 b are additional cut-outs of material from the bottom surface 232 .
  • the stepped recessed portions 239 a and 239 b have substantially rectangular cross-sections.
  • the stepped recessed portions 239 a and 239 b are disposed in a horizontal plane (a plane defined by longitudinal axis A 10 and medial-lateral axis A 12 ) different than a horizontal plane of the recessed portions 238 a and 238 b .
  • the stepped recessed portions 239 a and 239 b are disposed above the recessed portions 238 a and 238 b (relative to vertical axis A 14 ) when the bottom surface 232 is facing a ground surface. Additionally, the stepped recessed portions 239 a and 239 b include a vertical depth that is greater than a vertical depth of the stepped portions 238 a and 238 b . The stepped recessed portions 239 a and 239 b include a horizontal width that is wider than a horizontal width of the recessed portions 238 a and 238 b .
  • a heel portion of the bottom surface 232 rests in a plane along the vertical axis A 14 that is different from a plane along the vertical axis A 14 of a mid-foot portion and a heel portion of the bottom surface 232 .
  • the portions of the bottom surface 232 resting in different planes corresponds with portions of the bottom surface 232 having different thicknesses when compared to one another.
  • the heel portion of the bottom surface 232 has a first thickness and the mid-foot portion and the forefoot portion of the bottom surface 232 have a second thickness.
  • the outer surface 234 of the first cushioning element 212 further includes at least one engagement area 248 a .
  • the engagements area 248 a is a recessed portion of the outer side surface 234 .
  • the engagement area 248 a extends along an entire height of the outer side surface 234 .
  • the height of the outer side surface 234 is the distance between the top surface 230 and the bottom surface 232 .
  • the engagement area 248 a is a lateral engagement area disposed on the lateral side 18 .
  • the bottom surface 232 includes one or more reliefs 244 .
  • the reliefs 244 extend from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18 .
  • One of the reliefs 244 includes a chevron shape.
  • Another of the reliefs 244 includes any other shape such as a linear shape or the like.
  • each the reliefs 244 may have the same shape as any of the other reliefs 244 .
  • the heel wrap 210 extends from a first end 214 to a second end 216 .
  • the first end 214 is present on the medial side 16 .
  • the second end 216 is present on the lateral side 18 .
  • the heel wrap 210 includes a body 218 having a base or back section 220 , a medial side 222 , and a lateral side 224 .
  • the medial and lateral sides 222 and 224 are coupled to the base section 220 such that the heel wrap 210 forms a substantially “U” shape having an opening (or gap) 226 between the medial and lateral sides 222 and 224 .
  • Heel wrap 210 also includes one or more protruding sections (or fins) 228 a and 228 b that extend from body 218 in a direction away from the upper 100 (e.g., toward the ground).
  • the protruding section 228 a is a first protruding section and protruding section 228 b is a second protruding section.
  • First protruding section 228 a is disposed at the first end 214 on the medial side 16 .
  • Second protruding section 228 b is disposed at the second end 216 on the lateral side 18 .
  • the protruding section 228 a is a portion of the heel wrap 210 extending toward the ground from the respective medial side 222 .
  • the protruding section 228 b is a portion of the heel wrap 210 extending toward the ground from the respective lateral side 224 .
  • Each of the protruding sections 228 a and 228 b include a respective anterior-facing edge.
  • the protruding sections 228 a and 228 b have a downward taper in the anterior direction. When the article of footwear is oriented so that the outsole 206 is in contact with the ground, the protruding sections 228 a and 228 b extend toward the ground.
  • Incline 225 corresponds with an anterior-facing transition region between the medial or lateral sides 222 or 224 and the protruding sections 228 a or 228 b respectively.
  • the incline 225 also corresponds with a transition region between the top surface 221 and the first or second ends 214 or 216 .
  • the protruding sections 228 a and 228 b are substantially triangular shaped. In alternative embodiments, the one or more protruding sections 228 a and 228 b are rounded, square, or any other shape capable of attaching the heel wrap 210 to the first cushioning element 212 .
  • first protruding section 228 a and the second protruding section 228 b are disposed at similar and/or overlapping longitudinal positions on opposing sides of the central longitudinal axis of the heel wrap 210 .
  • first protruding section 228 a and second protruding section 228 b are symmetrical, although it is contemplated that they may have different shapes.
  • the inner rim 260 further divides the inner surface 254 into a first (top) portion 254 a and a second (bottom) portion 254 b .
  • first portion 254 a is positioned above the second portion 254 b .
  • the second portion 254 b is recessed relative to first portion 254 a .
  • the thickness of first portion 254 a in the direction from the inner surface 254 to the outer surface 256 is greater than the thickness of second portion 254 b along the same direction.
  • the incline 225 and the anterior-facing edge of the respective protruding section 228 a abuts the anterior segment 252 on the medial side 16 .
  • the incline 225 and the anterior-facing edge of the respective protruding section 228 b abuts the anterior segment 252 .
  • the heel wrap 210 is attached to the first cushioning element 212 by stock fit, adhesive fit, friction, or the like. Outer surfaces of the heel wrap 210 and the first cushioning element 212 are substantially flush with one another to form a smooth transition between them on their outer surfaces.
  • a gap 246 for receiving the heel clip 202 is disposed between the posterior end of the first cushioning element 212 and the heel wrap 210 in an unassembled state.
  • the base 410 is disposed adjacent to the lower rim 408 .
  • Base 410 extends from a first end 412 disposed on the medial side 16 to a second end 414 disposed on the lateral side 18 .
  • the first end 412 of the base 410 and the second end 414 of the base 410 are disposed at the first end 402 of the heel clip 202 and the second end 404 of the heel clip 202 .
  • the base 410 is U-shaped.
  • Base 410 further includes a first (upper) surface 416 , a second (bottom) surface 418 , a third (inner) surface 420 , and a fourth (outer) surface 422 .
  • Fourth surface 422 is disposed adjacent to the lower rim 408 , and is positioned between the inner rim and upper surface 416 .
  • Third surface 420 is disposed adjacent to the lower rim 408 .
  • Third surface 420 is recessed from lower rim 408 .
  • First surface 416 is adjacent to fourth surface 422 and first surface 416 is adjacent to third surface 420 .
  • First surface 416 and third surface 420 are separated by the support 409 .
  • the portion of first surface 416 adjacent to fourth surface 422 forms a lip or flange 424 .
  • a receiving area 425 is formed between the lower rim 408 and the flange 424 . Receiving area 425 corresponds with the fourth surface 422 .
  • Receiving area 425 is recessed compared to the base 410 and the support 409 . In examples where the heel wrap 210 is not present, the receiving area 425 may be removed and the base 410 may abut the support 409 .
  • a portion of third surface 420 includes a pair of opposing protrusions 428 a and 428 b .
  • the opposing protrusions include a medial protrusion 428 a (shown in FIG. 4 C ) and a lateral protrusion 428 b .
  • Opposing protrusions 428 a and 428 b are portions of the third surface 420 that are raised when compared with other portions of the third surface 420 .
  • Protrusions 428 a and 428 b are rectangular in shape. It is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, protrusions 428 a and 428 b are square, rounded, or any other shape.
  • Each portion 430 a , 430 b , and 430 c include one or more protruding segments 432 .
  • Portions 430 a and 430 c are symmetrical with another about a central longitudinal axis of the heel wrap 210 .
  • Portion 430 b is disposed posterior portions 430 a and 430 c .
  • the segments 432 are an individual portion of their respective one or more portions 430 .
  • Portion 430 B includes segments 432 b , 432 c , and 432 d .
  • Segments 432 b , 432 c , and 432 d extend either laterally or longitudinally on second surface 418 .
  • Segments 432 b , 432 c , and 432 d are interconnected.
  • segments 432 b , 432 c , and 432 d may not be interconnected and may form their own respective individual mold segment that are spaced apart by second surface 418 .
  • Portions 430 a and 430 c are disposed opposite one another at the respective first end 412 and the second end 414 , respectively.
  • Portions 430 a and 430 c include respective segments 432 a and 432 e , respectively. It is contemplated that in an alternative embodiment, portions 430 a and 430 c are asymmetrical.
  • Segments 432 a and 432 b are spaced apart from one another by a distance D 1 . Distance D 1 corresponds to a length of one of the protrusions 428 a or 428 b .
  • Segments 432 d and 432 e are spaced apart from one another by a distance D 2 .
  • Distance D 2 corresponds to a length of one of the protrusions 428 a or 428 b .
  • distances D 1 and D 2 range from about 0.5 mm and about 75 mm.
  • D 1 and D 2 are substantially the same or equal to one another. In alternate embodiments, distances D 1 and D 2 are different from one another.
  • At least two of the segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c define different diameters of the second cushioning element 204 .
  • one or more of segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c have a greater diameter than one or more of the other segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c .
  • the diameters of each the segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c tapers from one end to another. As best shown in FIG.
  • the diameter of the second cushioning element 204 tapers from the posterior end 14 to the mid-foot region 22 to provide a greater degree of cushioning for absorbing ground-reaction forces of greater magnitude that initially occur in the heel region 24 and lessen as the mid-foot region 22 of the sole structure 102 rolls for engagement with the ground surface. More specifically, the second cushioning element 204 tapers continuously and at a constant rate from a first diameter at the posterior end 14 to a second diameter at the mid-foot region 22 .
  • the segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c are in fluid communication with one another to form a unitary pressure system for the second cushioning element 204 .
  • the unitary pressure system directs fluid through the segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c when under an applied load as the segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c compress or expand to provide cushioning, stability, and support by attenuating ground-reaction forces especially during forward running movements of the footwear 10 .
  • one or more cushioning materials such as polymer foam and/or particulate matter, are enclosed by one or more of the segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c in place of, or in addition to, the fluid to provide cushioning for the foot.
  • the cushioning materials may provide one or more of the segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c with cushioning properties different from the segments 514 a , 514 b , and 514 c filled with the fluid.
  • the cushioning materials may be more or less responsive or provide greater impact absorption than the pressurized fluid.
  • the heel cup 602 includes a series of connected segments 608 a , 608 b , and 608 c disposed within the heel region 24 of the sole structure 102 .
  • a medial segment 608 a extends along the medial side 16 of the sole structure 102 in the heel region 24 and terminates at a first anterior end 610 a within the mid-foot region 22 .
  • a lateral segment 608 c extends along the lateral side 18 of the sole structure 102 in the heel region 24 and terminates at a second anterior end 610 b within the mid-foot region 22 .
  • the segments 608 of the heel cup 602 defines an opening 614 .
  • a posterior segment 608 b extends around the posterior end 14 of the heel region 24 and couples to the medial segment 608 a and the lateral segment 608 c .
  • the posterior segment 608 b extends along a substantially curved path to connect a posterior end of the medial segment 608 a to a posterior end of the lateral segment 608 c.
  • the posterior segment 608 b is continuously formed with each of the medial segment 608 a and the lateral segment 608 c .
  • the heel cup 602 generally defines a horse-shoe shape or U-shape, wherein the posterior segment 608 b couples to the medial segment 608 a and the lateral segment 608 c at respective ones of the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 .
  • the medial segment 608 a and the lateral segment 608 c have different lengths.
  • the lateral segment 608 c extends farther along the lateral side 18 and into the mid-foot region 22 than the medial segment 608 A extends along the medial side 16 into the mid-foot region 22 .
  • the outsole layer 604 includes a heel portion 802 , a body portion 804 , and an overlapping or transition region 806 .
  • the heel portion 802 and the body portion 804 are attached to one another (e.g., directly attached) at the overlapping region 806 .
  • the overlapping region 806 is an area where the heel portion 802 and the body portion 804 intersect with one another.
  • overlapping region 806 is a transition from the heel portion 802 to the body portion 804 .
  • overlapping region 806 has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the heel portion 802 and the body portion 804 .
  • the first surface 802 a includes a recessed portion 808 disposed near the anterior end 802 c .
  • Recessed portion 808 has a curved shaped. Recessed portion 808 is substantially J-shaped. It is contemplated that recessed portion 808 has any shape suitable for receiving the valve 512 of the second cushioning element 204 .
  • the second surface 802 b includes a cut-out portion (recessed area) 810 disposed therein. Cut-out portion 810 is disposed in the heel region 24 . Cut-out portion 810 extends from near the posterior end 802 d to near the anterior end 802 c . Cut-out portion 810 substantially spans a width of the heel portion 802 .
  • the one or more points 812 include medial point 812 a and lateral point 812 b . Between the point 812 a and the posterior end 804 c is a respective curved segment 814 a . Between the point 812 b and the posterior end 804 c is a respective curved segment 814 b . Curved segments 814 interconnect the anterior end 804 c and the points 812 .
  • the second surface 804 b includes a plurality of traction elements 820 configured to engage with a ground surface to provide responsiveness and stability to the sole structure 102 during use.
  • the second surface 804 b further includes one or more troughs 822 (e.g., troughs 822 a , 822 b , and 822 c ).
  • the one or more troughs 822 are a recessed portion of the second surface 804 b .
  • the troughs 822 a and 822 b separate the plurality of traction elements 820 into distinct sections.
  • the troughs 822 a and 822 b correspond in shape and location to the raised portions 818 .
  • Trough 822 c extends longitudinally and through troughs 822 a and 822 b.
  • FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of the heel clip 202 .
  • Heel clip 2302 only includes base 410 .
  • FIG. 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the heel clip 202 including a support 2402 .
  • Support 2402 includes a top surface 2406 and a front edge 2409 .
  • Support 2402 is substantially similar to the support 409 previously described above as part of the heel clip 202 except that instead of the vertex 406 , the support 2402 has top surface 2406 that is flat or substantially flat.
  • FIG. 26 shows an alternative embodiment of the sole structure 102 including the heel clip 2402 .
  • FIG. 31 shows an alternative embodiment of the heel clip 202 , heel clip 3102 .
  • Heel clip 2302 only includes base 3004 .
  • the anterior lateral end 3606 contacts a portion of the midsole 212 at a second posterior-facing contact area 3607 b (shown in FIG. 37 B ).
  • the shell 3606 extends through the heel region 24 and around the posterior end 14 of an article of footwear 3600 .
  • the shell 3606 is substantially “U” shaped having an opening (or gap) 3607 between the anterior medial end 3606 a and the anterior lateral end 3606 b.
  • a gap Disposed between circumferentially adjacent protrusions 3608 a , 3608 b , 3608 c , 3608 d , and 3608 e is a gap.
  • a first gap 3610 a extends between the first protrusion 3608 a and the second protrusion 3608 b .
  • a second gap 3610 b extends between the second protrusion 3608 b and the third protrusion 3608 c .
  • a third gap 3610 c extends between the third protrusion 3608 c and the fourth protrusion 3608 d (shown in FIG. 37 B ).
  • a fourth gap 3610 d (shown in FIG. 37 B ) extends between the fourth protrusion 3608 d and the fifth protrusion 3608 e.
  • the heel counter 3604 includes an anterior medial end 3604 a and an anterior lateral end 3604 b .
  • the heel counter 3604 extends from the anterior medial end 3604 a disposed at a portion of the heel region 24 , to the lateral medial end 3604 b disposed at a portion of the heel region 24 opposite the anterior medial end 3604 a .
  • the heel counter 3604 extends around the posterior end 14 of the article of footwear 10 .
  • the heel counter 3604 is substantially “U” shaped having an opening (or gap) 3614 between the anterior medial end 3604 a and the anterior lateral end 3604 b.
  • each of the protrusions 3612 a , 3612 b , and 3612 c are concave relative to an exterior of the heel counter 3604 such that each of the protrusions 3612 a , 3612 b , and 3612 c extend radially outward from a bottom surface of a body of the heel counter 3604 .
  • first protrusion 3612 a and the third protrusion 3612 c are disposed at similar and/or overlapping longitudinal positions on opposing sides relative to the central longitudinal axis of the heel counter 3604 .
  • first protrusion 3612 a and second protrusion 3612 b are symmetrical, although it is contemplated that they may have different shapes or orientations.
  • the upper and lower barrier films 502 and 504 may be formed by respective mold portions.
  • the respective mold portions may each define various surfaces for forming depressions and pinched surfaces corresponding to locations where the web area 508 and/or the peripheral seam 510 are formed when the upper barrier film 502 and the lower barrier film 504 are joined and bonded together.
  • adhesive bonding may join the upper barrier film 502 and the lower barrier film 504 to form the web area 508 and the peripheral seam 510 .
  • the upper barrier film 502 and the lower barrier film 504 may be joined to form the web area 508 and the peripheral seam 510 by thermal bonding.
  • one or both of the barrier films 502 and 504 may be heated to a temperature that facilitates shaping and melding.
  • the barrier films 502 and 504 may be heated prior to being located between their respective molds. In other examples, the mold may be heated to raise the temperature of the barrier films 502 and 504 .
  • a molding process used to form the fluid-filled chamber 506 may incorporate vacuum ports within mold portions to remove air such that the upper and lower barrier films 502 and 504 are drawn into contact with respective mold portions.
  • fluids such as air may be injected into areas between the upper and lower barrier films 502 and 504 such that pressure increases cause the barrier films 502 and 504 to engage with surfaces of their respective mold portions.
  • the barrier membranes including the multi-layered films, may have a Shore hardness of from about 35A to about 95A, optionally from about 55A to about 90A. In these aspects, hardness may be measured using ASTM D2240 using the Shore A scale.
  • Barrier films 502 and 504 can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers.
  • the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.
  • TPU thermoplastic polyurethane
  • EVOH ethylene-vinyl alcohol
  • the barrier films 502 and 504 may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,141 and Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,065, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
  • suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in Bonk et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • barrier films 502 and 504 may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of barrier films 502 and 504 includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (60) sublayers.
  • the one or more gas barrier polymers comprise or consist essentially of one or more thermoplastic polyethylene copolymers, such as, for example, one or more thermoplastic ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers.
  • the one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers can include from about 28 mole percent to about 44 mole percent ethylene content, or from about 32 mole percent to about 44 mole percent ethylene content.
  • the one or more gas barrier polymers can comprise or consist essentially of one or more one or more polyethyleneimine, polyacrylic acid, polyethyleneoxide, polyacrylamide, polyamidoamine, or any combination thereof.
  • the second material of the one or more second layers can comprise one or more polymers.
  • the second material may have a higher gas transmittance rate than the barrier material, meaning that the second material is a poorer gas barrier than the barrier material.
  • the one or more second layers may act as substrates for the one or more barrier layers, and may serve to increase the strength, elasticity, and/or durability of the multi-layered film.
  • the one or more second layers may serve to decrease the amount of gas barrier material(s) needed, thereby reducing the overall material cost.
  • Styrenic polymers are a class of polymers which include monomeric units derived from styrene.
  • the one or more second polymers can comprise or consist essentially of styrenic homopolymers, styrenic random copolymers, styrenic block copolymers, or combinations thereof.
  • the soft segments can be derived from saturated polyols, or from unsaturated polyols such as polydiene polyols, or from a mixture of both.
  • unsaturated polyols such as polydiene polyols
  • including soft segments derived from one or more polydiene polyols can facilitate bonding between the rubber and the film when the rubber and the film are crosslinked in contact with each other, such as in a vulcanization process.
  • the cushioning element 204 comprises a material, such as a foam or an unfoamed solid, to impart properties of cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the foot of the wearer.
  • the sole structure 102 may include the cushioning element 204 .
  • the cushioning element 204 may comprise a foam.
  • the foam may comprise a material.
  • Example materials for the alternate cushioning element 204 may include those based on foaming or molding material, e.g., a resilient material, comprising one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)).
  • the one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.
  • the material is a thermoplastic material when it is combined with other elements to make the midsole, sole structure, or article of footwear, and remains thermoplastic, and is a thermoplastic material in the final product (e.g., in the finished midsole, finished sole structure or finished article of footwear).
  • the material is a thermoplastic material when it is combined with other elements to make the midsole, sole structure, or article of footwear, and is subsequently cured into a crosslinked material in the manufacturing process, and thus is a crosslinked material in the final product.
  • the material is crosslinked before being combined with other elements of the midsole, sole structure or article of footwear during the manufacturing process, and thus is a crosslinked material in the final product.
  • the one or more polymers may include olefinic homopolymers, olefinic copolymers, or blends thereof.
  • olefinic polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof.
  • the one or more polymers may 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.
  • EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate
  • the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof.
  • polyacrylates such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof.
  • the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomeric polymers.
  • the ionomeric polymers may include polymers with carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and/or anhydrides thereof.
  • the ionomeric polymer(s) may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomeric polymers, polystyrene sulfonate, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.
  • the one or more polymers may 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 for barrier films 502 and 504 .
  • the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as polybutadiene and polyisoprene.
  • the resilient material is a foam.
  • the resilient material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and/or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature.
  • the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as adodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and/or an isocyanate.
  • the foam may be a crosslinked foam.
  • a peroxide-based crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide may be used.
  • the foam may include one or more fillers such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc glass fiber, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, and the like.
  • the resilient material when the resilient material is a foam, the material may be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process.
  • a thermoplastic material may be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical blowing agent and optionally a crosslinking agent (in order to make a crosslinked foam), and then injected into a mold under conditions which activate the blowing agent, forming a molded foam.
  • the foam when the resilient material is a foam, the foam may be a compression molded foam. Compression molding may be used to alter the physical properties (e.g., density, stiffness and/or durometer) of a foam, or to alter the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., to fuse two or more pieces of foam, to shape the foam, etc.), or both.
  • Compression molding may be used to alter the physical properties (e.g., density, stiffness and/or durometer) of a foam, or to alter the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., to fuse two or more pieces of foam, to shape the foam, etc.), or both.
  • the compression molding process desirably starts by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming a material, e.g., a resilient material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting foamed sheet stock, and the like.
  • the compression molded foam may then be made by placing the one or more foam preforms in a compression mold, and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more foam preforms in a closed mold.
  • 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 duration of time to alter the foam preform(s), to form a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, or to fuse individual foam particles to each other, to permanently or semi-permanently increase the density of the foam(s), or any combination thereof.
  • the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.
  • the resilient material is an unfoamed solid.
  • the material may be shaped using a molding process, including an injection molding process.
  • the elastomeric material e.g., uncured rubber
  • the elastomeric material may be mixed in a Banbury mixer with an optional filler and a curing package such as, for example, a UV curing package or a thermal curing package including a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package, calendared, formed into shape, placed in a mold, and cured (e.g., using a UV curing process or a thermal curing process such as a vulcanization process).
  • the components of the sole structure disclosed herein may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more polymeric materials (e.g., polymeric first cushioning material, a polymeric second cushioning material, a polymeric heel clip material, a polymeric heel clip material, a polymeric outsole material, etc.).
  • polymeric materials described herein are understood to comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more polymers. All the one or more polymers present in a polymeric material constitute the polymeric component of the polymeric material.
  • a polymeric material comprises one or more non-polymer additives
  • all of the non-polymer additives present in the polymeric material constitute the non-polymeric component of the polymeric material.
  • the polymeric material may be a thermoplastic material, in which the one or more polymers of the polymeric material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more thermoplastic.
  • a thermoplastic is a polymer that is a solid when cooled, and which can be repeatedly softened and melted on heating.
  • the polymeric material may be an elastomeric material, in which the one or more polymers of the elastomeric material comprises, consists essentially of, or consist of one or more elastomer.
  • An elastomer is a polymer having an elongation at break of greater than 100 percent, such as of greater than 200 percent, or of greater than 400 percent, as determined using ASTM D-412-98 at 25 degrees Celsius.
  • An elastomeric material is a composition having an elongation at break of greater than 100 percent, such as of greater than 200 percent, of or greater than 400 percent, as determined using ASTM D-412-98 at 25 degrees Celsius.
  • the one or more polymers of a polymeric material may include one or more of a variety of polymers, including homopolymers and copolymers and combinations of homopolymers and copolymers.
  • the one or more polymers may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a polymer chosen from a polyurethane, a polyurea, a polyester, a polyether, a polyamide, a polyimide, a polyolefin, a polystyrene, a a polysilane, a polysiloxane, a polycarbonate, a polyacetate, including homopolymers and copolymers thereof, and any combination thereof.
  • the one or more polystyrene may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of thermoplastic polystyrene homopolymers, for example one or more thermoplastic polystyrene homopolymers.
  • polystyrenes also include polystyrene copolymers such as thermoplastic polystryrene copolymers and thermoplastic polystyrene copolymer elastomers.
  • polystyrene copolymers include styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers and styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) copolymers.
  • the polymeric material may comprise from about 5 weight percent to about 100 weight percent of the polymeric component based on a total weight of the polymeric material.
  • the polymeric component can comprise from about 15 weight percent to about 100 weight percent, from about 30 weight percent to about 100 weight percent, from about 50 weight percent to about 100 weight percent, or from about 70 weight percent to about 100 weight percent of the polymeric material.
  • the non-polymeric component may comprise from about 1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, or from about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, or from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent based on a total weight of the polymeric material.
  • the terms “consist essentially of”, “consists essentially of” and “consisting essentially of” refer to compositions which consist of less than 1 weight percent of materials other than those recited, based on a total weight of the composition.
  • a polymeric material consisting essentially of thermoplastics is understood to be a polymeric material which included less than 1 weight percent of non-thermoplastic polymers and non-polymeric materials; while “a polymeric material comprising a polymeric component consisting essentially of thermoplastics” is understood to include a polymeric component in which less than 1 weight percent of the polymers present are non-thermoplastic polymers, but this polymeric material may include more than 1 weight percent of non-polymeric materials.
  • the polymeric material may be a material which polymerizes or crosslinks or both polymerizes and crosslinks during the process of forming the component or during the process of forming the sole structure.
  • the polymerization or crosslinking may be initiated by including a chemical polymerization or crosslinking initiator in the polymeric material (e.g., a chemical which initiates polymerization or crosslinking reactions within the polymeric material when it is exposed to thermal energy, UV light, or another form of actinic radiation), or the polymerization or crosslinking may be initiated by mixing together two compositions which react to produce polymerization or crosslinking reactions, or by exposing a polymeric material to a form of actinic radiation in sufficient quantity to polymerize pre-polymers or oligomers present in the exposed material, or to crosslink polymers present in the exposed polymeric material.
  • a chemical polymerization or crosslinking initiator e.g., a chemical which initiates polymerization or crosslinking reactions within the polymeric material when it is exposed to
  • the material may initially comprise one or more pre-polymers or oligomers which react and polymerize during the manufacturing process, resulting in a support or sole structure comprising the reacted polymeric material.
  • the material may initially comprise one or more crosslinkable pre-polymers, oligomers, or polymers which react with crosslinking agents or crosslinking energy and form crosslinked polymers during the manufacturing process, resulting in a component or sole structure comprising a crosslinked polymeric material.
  • the resulting reacted polymeric material may be a thermoset material.
  • the polymeric material may comprise one or more additives.
  • additives include fillers, polymerization initiators, crosslinking agents, UV light absorbers, anti-oxidants, processing aids such as lubricants and plasticizers, and colorants, such as pigments and dyes.
  • Fillers may include non-polymeric fillers such as silica, clay, and titanium dioxide.
  • Fillers may include polymeric fillers such as polymeric fibers and finely-ground polymeric powders, including ground thermoset rubber. Colorants such as naturally-occurring and synthetic pigments and dyes may be used.
  • the polymeric material may be a solid polymeric material, meaning that the polymeric material is unfoamed.
  • the solid polymeric material may be an extruded material, which results in the component comprising the extruded material being an extruded component, such as an extruded film or sheet.
  • the solid polymeric material may be a molded material, which results in the component comprising the molded material being a molded component.
  • Various methods may be used, including compression molding and injection molding.
  • the solid polymeric material may be an injection molded material, which results in the component comprising the injection molded material being an injection molded component.
  • the foamed polymeric material may be an extruded foamed material, which results in the component comprising the extruded foamed material being an extruded foamed component, such as an extruded foam sheet.
  • the foamed polymeric material may be a molded foamed material, which results in the component comprising the molded foamed material being a molded foamed component.
  • Various methods may be used, including compression molding and injection molding.
  • the foamed polymeric material may be an injection molded and foamed material, meaning that the material was foamed and molded using an injection molding process, which results in the component comprising the injection molded and foamed material being an injection molded foamed component.
  • Examples of chemical foaming agents include sodium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, calcium azide, azodicarbonamide, hydrazocarbonamide, benzenesulfonyl hydrazide, dinitrosopentamethylene tetramine, toluenesulfonyl hydrazide, p,p′-oxybis(benzenesulfonylhydrazide), azobisisobutyronitrile, barium azodicarboxylate, and any combination thereof.
  • a physical blowing agent is a compound which phase transitions from a solid, liquid or supercritical fluid to a gas when the temperature, pressure, or temperature and pressure are changed.
  • the polymeric material may comprise from about 1 percent to about 30 percent by weight based on a total weight of the polymeric material, or from about 1 percent to about 20 percent by weight, or from about 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight of the foaming agent based on a total weight of the polymeric material.
  • the polymeric material may comprise a concentration of the foaming agent sufficient to expand the polymeric material by at least 100 percent by volume based on an initial volume of the polymeric material prior to foaming, optionally by 100 percent to 900 percent by volume, or by 200 percent to 500 percent by volume, or by 300 percent to 400 percent by volume, based on an initial volume of the polymeric material prior to foaming.
  • the weight of the sample in the distilled water is recorded.
  • the specific gravity is calculated by dividing the weight (in grams) of the sample in air by (the weight (in grams) of the sample in air minus the weight (in grams) of the sample in water).
  • the density of the sample is calculated by multiplying the S.G. by the density of water.
  • the foamed polymeric material may have a split-tear strength ranging from about 1.0 to about 10 kilograms per centimeter, or ranging from about 1.6 to about 5.0 kilograms per centimeter, or ranging from about 2.0 to about 4.0 kilograms per centimeter.
  • Split tear for foams can be measured using ASTM D3574-95. Although this method is directed to bonded and molded urethane foams, it can be used on other foamed materials in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • a 3 cm long cut is placed in the center of one end of the sample, and marked in five successive 2 cm portions along the edge of the sample. The sample is tested as described in ASTM D3574-95.
  • the barrier material may be present in a structure which includes regions of polymeric materials and non-polymeric barrier materials, such as a polymeric film coated with one or more layers of a non-polymeric barrier material.
  • the gas transmission rate of the portion of the cushioning element comprising the barrier material may be less than 4 or less than 3 or less than 2 cubic centimeters per square meter per atmosphere per day per day.
  • the portion of the cushioning element comprising the barrier material may be a portion of a tube, an entire tube, a portion of a web area, an entire web area, or any combination thereof.
  • the cushioning element may comprise a barrier film comprising the barrier material.
  • the barrier material may further comprise one or more additional ingredients, such as a polymer, processing aid, colorant, or any combination thereof.
  • additional ingredients such as a polymer, processing aid, colorant, or any combination thereof.
  • the total concentration of the inorganic gas barrier component present in the barrier material may be less than 60 weight percent, or less than 40 weight percent, or less than 20 weight percent of the barrier material.
  • gas barrier polymers examples include vinyl polymers such as vinylidene chloride polymers, acrylic polymers such as acrylonitrile polymers, polyamides, epoxy polymers, amine polymers, polyolefins such as polyethylenes and polypropylenes, copolymers thereof, such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and mixtures thereof.
  • the barrier material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more gas barrier polymers
  • the one or more gas barrier polymers may be chosen from a vinyl polymer, an acrylic polymer, an amide polymer, an imide polymer, an epoxy polymer, an olefin polymer, any homopolymer thereof, any copolymer thereof, and any mixture thereof.
  • the cushioning elements disclosed herein may comprise or consist of a barrier film comprising one or more barrier materials.
  • the barrier film may be a thermoformed, welded or molded barrier film.
  • the barrier film may be thermoformed, welded or molded into the shape of a portion of a tube or into an entire tube, or into the shape of a portion of a web or into an entire web, or both into the shape of a portion of a tube or an entire tube and into the shape of a portion of a web or an entire web of a cushioning element.
  • the barrier film comprises a barrier material as described herein.
  • the series of alternating layer of a multi-layer barrier film may include barrier layers consisting essentially of a polymeric barrier compound, and layers of a polymeric material comprising a mixture of one or more non-barrier polymers and less than about 20 weight percent of the polymeric barrier compound based on the total weight of the polymeric material.
  • the multi-layered film may have a gas transmittance rate as described herein.
  • the first barrier component may consist of one or more one gas barrier polymers, and the second barrier component may consist of one or more inorganic gas barrier compounds.
  • the first barrier component may consist of a first gas barrier polymer, and the second component may consist of a second gas barrier polymer, wherein the first gas barrier polymer differs from the second gas barrier polymer based on its chemical structure, for example, based on the chemical structures of the monomers or oligomers used to make the polymers, or based on molecular weight of the polymers, or based on both.
  • the multi-layered film may further comprise one or more second layers, the one or more second layers comprising a second material.
  • the one or more second layers may comprise or consist of non-barrier layers, i.e., layers which do not include a barrier material, and which may have a relatively high gas permeation rate.
  • the second layers, including the non-barrier layers may comprise a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic material, an elastomeric material, or a thermoplastic elastomeric material.
  • the second material of the second layers may comprises one or more polymers.
  • the one or more barrier layers comprise or consist of a plurality of barrier layers alternating with a plurality of second layers.
  • Each of the one or more barrier layers may be positioned between two second layers (e.g., with one second layer positioned on a first side of the barrier layer, and another second layer on a second side of the barrier layer, the second side opposing the first side).
  • the one or more polymers may include a polystyrene homopolymer, a styrenic random copolymer, a styrenic block copolymer, such as a acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) block copolymer, a styrene acrylonitrile block copolymer, a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer, a styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymer, a styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS) block copolymer, or a mixture thereof.
  • ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • SEBS styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene
  • SBS styrene-butadiene-styren
  • Clause 32 The article of footwear of Clause 31, further comprising: a fluid-filled bladder disposed in the heel region; a heel wrap disposed in the heel region, the heel wrap disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the heel clip, and the heel wrap coupled to the one or more engagement areas of the first cushioning element, wherein the fluid-filled bladder is coupled to the bottom surface of the heel clip.
  • Clause 56 The article of footwear of Clause 49, further comprising a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region, the second cushioning element coupled to a bottom surface of the base, wherein a top surface of a medial portion, a lateral portion, and a base portion of the second cushioning element are covered by the base.
  • Clause 78 The article of footwear of Clause 77, wherein the heel clip is coupled to the first cushioning element between the first boundary of the receiving area and the second boundary of the receiving area.
  • Clause 84 The article of footwear of Clause 83, wherein the heel wrap is disposed around the heel clip, and the first and second ends of the heel wrap abut the first cushioning element.
  • Clause 91 The heel clip of Clause 89, wherein the base includes a first hook at a first terminal end and a second hook at a second terminal end.
  • Clause 94 The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the heel clip includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the heel clip further including one or more protruding portions extending from the second surface.
  • Clause 95 The article of footwear of Clause 94, wherein the one or more protruding portions include a unitary protruding portion.
  • the heel clip includes: an outer surface, an inner surface, a base extending from a first end to a second end and the base including a bottom surface, and a support, wherein the base and the support together form the outer surface of the heel clip; and one or more protruding portions extending from the bottom surface of the base.
  • Clause 97 The article of footwear of Clause 3, wherein the heel clip includes a gap extending from the first end to the second end.
  • Clause 99 The article of footwear of Clause 98, wherein the heel wrap is disposed around the heel clip, and the first and second ends of the heel wrap abut the first cushioning element.
  • Clause 100 The article of footwear of Clause 99, wherein the heel clip includes a flange at a periphery of the base, the heel wrap includes a bottom surface, and the bottom surface of the heel wrap abuts the flange at the periphery of the heel clip.
  • Clause 101 The article of footwear of Clause 23, wherein the heel wrap includes an inner surface, and wherein the heel clip is coupled to the inner surface of the heel wrap, and wherein the heel clip is coupled to the first cushioning element via the receiving area.
  • Clause 102 The article of footwear of Clause 101, wherein the heel wrap is disposed around the heel clip, and the first and second ends of the heel wrap abut the first cushioning element.
  • Clause 103 The article of footwear of Clause 102, wherein the heel clip includes a flange at a periphery of the base, the heel wrap includes a bottom surface, and the bottom surface of the heel wrap abuts the flange at the periphery of the heel clip.
  • Clause 106 The article of footwear of Clause 105, wherein the shell and the one or more protrusions include a cavity.
  • Clause 108 The article of footwear of Clause 107, wherein the one or more protrusions of the heel counter extend radially outward from a first surface of the heel counter.
  • Clause 111 The article of footwear of Clause 105, wherein the one or more protrusions of the shell have a downward taper in an anterior direction.
  • Clause 112. The article of footwear of Clause 105, wherein the one or more protrusions includes a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a third protrusion, a fourth protrusion, and a fifth protrusion.
  • Clause 113 The article of footwear of Clause 112, wherein circumferentially adjacent protrusions of the shell are spaced apart by a circumferentially-extending gap.
  • Clause 114 The article of footwear of Clause 105, wherein the shell further includes an anterior lateral end and an anterior medial end, the anterior lateral end coupled to first cushioning element, and the anterior medial end coupled to the first cushioning element.
  • Clause 115 The article of footwear of Clause 104, wherein the second cushioning element is a pressurized airbag.
  • a sole structure for an article of footwear comprising: a first cushioning element disposed at a posterior end of the article of footwear, the first cushioning element including a first surface; a shell directly coupled to the first surface of the first cushioning element, the shell including a body and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced apart protrusions forming a first concave surface; and a heel counter coupled to the shell, the heel counter including a body and a plurality of protrusions forming a second concave surface, wherein the first concave surface of the shell is aligned with the second concave surface of the heel counter.
  • Clause 117 The sole structure of Clause 116, wherein the first cushioning element is a fluid-filled bladder.
  • Clause 118 The sole structure of Clause 117, wherein the heel counter is disposed within the hollow interior of the shell.
  • Clause 119 The sole structure of Clause 118, wherein the shell includes a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a third protrusion, a fourth protrusion, and a fifth protrusion.
  • Clause 120 The sole structure of Clause 119, wherein the first protrusion is symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis of the shell with the fifth protrusion, and wherein the second protrusion is symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis of the shell with the fourth protrusion.
  • Clause 121 The sole structure of Clause 119, wherein the third protrusion is disposed between the second protrusion and the fourth protrusion.
  • Clause 122 An article of footwear including the sole structure of Clause 116.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
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US5952065A (en) 1994-08-31 1999-09-14 Nike, Inc. Cushioning device with improved flexible barrier membrane
BR9914489A (pt) 1998-09-11 2001-06-26 Nike International Ltd Membranas flexìveis
EP3275330B1 (fr) * 2015-03-23 2021-01-20 ASICS Corporation Chaussure comprenant un stabilisateur
US10149513B1 (en) * 2018-01-31 2018-12-11 Nike, Inc. Sole structure for article of footwear
WO2021075052A1 (fr) * 2019-10-18 2021-04-22 株式会社アシックス Chaussure
US11666117B2 (en) * 2019-11-19 2023-06-06 Nike, Inc. Sole structure for article of footwear
CN115802914A (zh) * 2020-05-31 2023-03-14 耐克创新有限合伙公司 用于鞋类物品的鞋底结构

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