WO2023245153A1 - Vessie pour article chaussant - Google Patents

Vessie pour article chaussant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023245153A1
WO2023245153A1 PCT/US2023/068560 US2023068560W WO2023245153A1 WO 2023245153 A1 WO2023245153 A1 WO 2023245153A1 US 2023068560 W US2023068560 W US 2023068560W WO 2023245153 A1 WO2023245153 A1 WO 2023245153A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bladder
segment
notch
barrier element
edge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/068560
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jeremy L. Connell
Jason R. Meeker
Craig Fredrick
Chris WILBURN
Original Assignee
Nike Innovate C.V.
Nike, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US18/335,699 external-priority patent/US20230404210A1/en
Application filed by Nike Innovate C.V., Nike, Inc. filed Critical Nike Innovate C.V.
Publication of WO2023245153A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023245153A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/141—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form with a part of the sole being flexible, e.g. permitting articulation or torsion

Definitions

  • bladders are traditionally concealed within a sole structure of the article of footwear to provide cushioning and responsiveness to a wearer during use. Such bladders may be contained within a midsole of the article of footwear and, as a result, are hidden from view. Alternatively, a midsole may include an opening where the bladder is visible at a sidewall of the sole structure. Such openings may be so large, in fact, that the bladder forms a majority of a thickness of the sole structure. In such a configuration, a sidewall of the bladder may extend between and join an upper of the article of footwear and a ground-engaging surface of the article of footwear.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear comprising a bladder, according to one example
  • FIG. 2 is a lateral side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a sole structure of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 9 is an inferior side view of the bladder of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 10 is a lateral side view of the bladder of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 11 is a medial side view of the bladder of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 12 is an anterior side view of the bladder of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 13 is a posterior side view of the bladder of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 14 is a lateral side view of an alternate configuration for the bladder of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 16 is a superior view of a bladder in a accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder of FIG. 16, taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;
  • FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a first sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for use with a left foot and a bottom view of a second sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for use with a right foot;
  • FIG. 19 is a side-by-side view of a first bladder of the first sole structure of FIG. 18 and a second bladder of the second sole structure of FIG. 18;
  • FIG. 20 is a side-by-side view of an alternate first bladder of the first sole structure of FIG. 18 and an alternate second bladder of the second sole structure of FIG. 18;
  • FIG. 21 is an inferior view of a bladder for use with the article of footwear of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder of FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22 of
  • FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG. 21.
  • FIG. 23 is an inferior view of a bladder for use with the article of footwear of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder of FIG. 23 taken along line 24-24 of
  • FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG. 23.
  • FIG. 25 is a superior view of a bladder for use with the article of footwear of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 26 is a side view of the bladder of FIG. 25;
  • FIG. 27 is a superior view of a bladder for use with the article of footwear of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 28 is a side view of the bladder of FIG. 27.
  • 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.
  • first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.
  • a bladder in one configuration, includes a first barrier element having a first surface formed on a first side of the first barrier element and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the first barrier element than the first surface, a second barrier element having a third surface formed on a first side of the second barrier element and a fourth surface formed on an opposite side of the second barrier element than the third surface, and a peripheral seam joining the first barrier element and the second barrier element to define an interior void between the first surface and the third surface, the peripheral seam including a first segment extending along the bladder proximate to the second surface, a second segment extending along the bladder proximate to the fourth surface, and a third segment extending between and connecting the first segment and the second segment.
  • the bladder may include one or more of the following optional features.
  • the third segment may extend through a majority of a thickness of the bladder from the first segment to the second segment. Further, the third segment may include a substantially constant slope between the first segment and the second segment.
  • a notch may extend into the bladder from a peripheral edge of the bladder to define a channel.
  • the peripheral seam may include a fourth segment extending along a first edge of the notch, a fifth segment extending along a second edge of the notch, and a sixth segment extending along a distal end of the notch and connecting the fourth segment and the fifth segment.
  • the fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment may extend along the bladder proximate to one of the second surface and the fourth surface.
  • the fourth segment may extend along the bladder proximate to one of the second surface and the fourth surface and the fifth segment may extend along the bladder proximate to the other of the second surface and the fourth surface.
  • the sixth segment may extend through a majority of a thickness of the bladder from the fourth segment to the fifth segment.
  • a bladder in another configuration, includes a first barrier element having a first surface formed on a first side of the first barrier element and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the first barrier element than the first surface, a second barrier element having a third surface formed on a first side of the second barrier element and a fourth surface formed on an opposite side of the second barrier element than the third surface, and a peripheral seam joining the first barrier element and the second barrier element to define an interior void between the first surface and the third surface, the peripheral seam including a first segment extending along the bladder proximate to the second surface at a first side of the bladder and a second segment extending along the bladder proximate to the fourth surface on an opposite, second side of the bladder.
  • the bladder may include one or more of the following optional features.
  • a third segment may extend through a majority of a thickness of the bladder from the first segment to the second segment.
  • the third segment may include a substantially constant slope between the first segment and the second segment.
  • a notch may extend into the bladder from a peripheral edge of the bladder to define a channel.
  • the peripheral seam may include a fourth segment extending along a first edge of the notch, a fifth segment extending along a second edge of the notch, and a sixth segment extending along a distal end of the notch and connecting the fourth segment and the fifth segment.
  • the fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment may extend along the bladder proximate to one of the second surface and the fourth surface.
  • the fourth segment may extend along the bladder proximate to one of the second surface and the fourth surface and the fifth segment may extend along the bladder proximate to the other of the second surface and the fourth surface.
  • the sixth segment may extend through a majority of a thickness of the bladder from the fourth segment to the fifth segment.
  • the bladder may be pressurized and/or may be incorporated into an article of footwear.
  • the details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
  • FIGS. 1-6 depict an article of footwear 100 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
  • the article of footwear 100 includes an upper 102 and a sole structure 104 and may be divided into one or more regions.
  • the regions may include a forefoot region 106, a midfoot region 108, and a heel region 110.
  • the forefoot region 106 may be subdivided into a toe portion 106a corresponding with phalanges, and a ball portion 106b associated with metatarsal bones of a foot.
  • the midfoot region 108 may correspond with an arch area of the foot while the heel region 110 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.
  • the upper 102 includes a Strobel 103 (FIG. 5) having a bottom surface opposing the sole structure 104 and an opposing top surface defining a footbed of the interior void 120. Stitching and/or adhesives may secure the strobel 103 to the upper 102 around a bottom, perimeter edge of the upper 102.
  • the footbed may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot.
  • the upper 102 may also incorporate additional layers such as an insole or sockliner 105 (FIG. 5) that may be received within the interior void 120 and reside on the strobel 103.
  • the insole 105 may be formed from a pliable material such as, for example, foam and may receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the article of footwear 100 during wear.
  • An ankle opening 122 in the heel region 110 of the upper 102 may provide access to the interior void 120.
  • the ankle opening 122 may receive a foot to secure the foot within the interior void 120 and facilitate entry and removal of the foot to and from the interior void 120.
  • one or more fasteners 124 are adjustably coupled to the upper 102.
  • heat and/or pressure may be applied to the elements 202, 204 by a suitable process such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) welding to cause a material of the elements 202, 204 to flow and meld together.
  • RF radio frequency
  • barrier layer encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films.
  • one or both of barrier elements 202, 204 are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer).
  • one or both of barrier elements 202, 204 are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers).
  • each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 micrometers to about 1 millimeter.
  • the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers.
  • the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.
  • Barrier elements 202, 204 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 copolymers
  • suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof.
  • suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (EDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5 -diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3 ' -dimethyldiphenyl-4,4 ' -diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4 ' -di
  • the polyurethane polymer chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatics, and combinations thereof.
  • the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone- based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.
  • the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.
  • the barrier elements 202, 204 may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065, which are incorporated by reference herein.
  • suitable multilayer films include microlayer films such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated by reference herein.
  • the barrier elements 202, 204 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 elements 202, 204 includes at least four sublayers, at least ten sublayers, at least twenty sublayers, at least forty sublayers, and/or at least sixty sublayers.
  • the chamber 206 can be produced from barrier elements 202, 204 using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g., vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like.
  • the barrier elements 202, 204 can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce the chamber 206, which can optionally include one or more valves (e.g., one-way valves) that allows the chamber 206 to be fdled with the fluid (e.g., gas). Additional details regarding forming the chamber 206 are provided below.
  • the chamber 206 can be provided in a fluid-filled (e.g., as provided in the footwear 100) or in an unfilled state.
  • the chamber 206 can be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid.
  • the gas can include air, nitrogen (N2), or any other suitable gas.
  • the chamber 206 can alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled material, and the like (e.g., foamed beads and/or rubber beads).
  • the fluid provided to the chamber 206 can result in the chamber 206 being pressurized.
  • the fluid provided to the chamber 206 can be at atmospheric pressure such that the chamber 206 is not pressurized but, rather, contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.
  • the chamber 206 desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure.
  • the chamber 206 has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions.
  • the chamber 206 has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of 15 cubic-centimeter/square-meter atmosphere day (cm3/m2 atm day) or less for an average fdm thickness of 500 micrometers (based on thicknesses of barrier elements 202, 204).
  • the transmission rate is 10 cm3/m2 atm day or less, 5 cm3/m2 atm day or less, or 1 cm3/m2 atm day or less.
  • the upper barrier element 202 and the lower barrier element 204 cooperate to define a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the chamber 206.
  • the peripheral seam 208 may cooperate to bound and extend around the chamber 206 to seal the fluid (e.g., air) within the chamber 206.
  • the chamber 206 is associated with an area of the bladder 200 where interior surfaces of the upper and lower barrier elements 202, 204 are separated from one another.
  • the space formed between opposing interior surfaces of the upper and lower barrier elements 202, 204 defines an interior void of the chamber 206.
  • the exterior surfaces of the upper and lower barrier elements 202, 204 define an exterior profile of the chamber 206.
  • the upper and lower barrier elements 202, 204 define respective upper and lower surfaces of the bladder 200.
  • the chamber 206 comprises a border portion 210 (which can also be called “an accumulator portion”) and an interior portion 212.
  • the border portion 210 and the interior portion 212 are in fluid communication with one another.
  • the border portion 210 is disposed adjacent to the peripheral seam 208 and extends inwardly toward the interior portion 212.
  • the border portion 210 has a thickness TB that is greater than a thickness TI of the interior portion 212.
  • the thickness of the bladder 200 is substantially the same at the border portion 210 and at the interior portion 212, as shown in FIG. 15. In this configuration, and as shown in FIG. 15, thickness TB is substantially equal to thickness TI.
  • the border portion 210 of the bladder 200 may be at least partially exposed along a peripheral edge of the sole structure 104.
  • the border portion 210 is exposed along the lateral side 116 and the medial side 118 of the sole structure 104.
  • the bladder 200 is described and shown as including a border portion 210 that is exposed at the peripheral edge of the sole structure 104, the bladder 200 could alternatively be disposed entirely within the sole structure 104 such that the bladder 200 is not visible at an exterior of the sole structure 104.
  • the bladder 200 is shown as being exposed at both of the medial side 116 and the lateral side 118, the bladder 200 could only be exposed at one of the medial side 116 and the lateral side 118.
  • the bladder 200 may include a notch 214.
  • the notch 214 extends inwardly from a lateral edge 215 of the bladder 200 toward a medial edge 217 of the bladder 200 to form a channel in the bladder 200.
  • the terms “medial” and “lateral” are used to designate the position of the edges 215, 217 when the bladder 200 is incorporated into the sole structure 104, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the edges 215, 217, as shown in FIG. 4 are disposed on opposite sides of the bladder 200 from one another.
  • the notch 214 extends into the bladder 200 from a first edge 215 and in a direction toward an opposite side of the bladder (i.e., toward a second edge 217 formed on an opposite side of the bladder 200 than the first edge 215). While the notch 214 will be described hereinafter and shown in the drawings as extending from the lateral edge 215 in a direction toward the medial edge 217, the notch 214 could alternatively extend from the medial edge 217 in a direction toward the lateral edge 215.
  • the notch 214 is positioned within the bladder 200 in an effort to improve the flexibility of the bladder 200 and, thus, improve the flexibility of the sole structure 104 and footwear 100 incorporating the bladder 200.
  • the notch 214 can increase the flexibility of the bladder by up to 50%.
  • the notch 214 can increase the flexibility of the bladder 200 by 35-45%.
  • the notch 214 may be aligned with the ball portion of a wearer’s foot (e.g., in the metatarsal head region) and can, for example, allow the bladder 200 to articulate (e.g., flex, pivot, etc.) with the wearer’s foot.
  • the notch 214 comprises a substantially “U” shape.
  • the first width WN1 and the second width WN2 are measured between radii of curvature where the edges of the bladder 200 defining the notch 214 extend at least substantially in a medial /l ter l direction.
  • the notch 214 may include a non-uniform width.
  • the first width WN1 and the second width WN2 differ by more than 3%, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
  • the notch 214 comprises a substantially “V” or “tapered” shape.
  • the notch 214 tapers in a direction from the lateral edge 215 toward the terminal end 219 such that the notch 214 decreases in width from the lateral edge 215 to the terminal end 219 (i.e., in a direction from the lateral edge
  • the notch 214 comprises a length LN defined as a straight-line distance from an opening of the notch 214 at the lateral edge 215 to the terminal end 219.
  • the length LN can be the distance between tangent lines intersecting the curves.
  • the lateral edge 215 and the medial edge 217 are disposed on opposite sides of the bladder 200 and are spaced apart from one another by an anterior edge 222 and a posterior edge 224.
  • anterior edge 222 is disposed proximate to the anterior end 112 within the forefoot region 106 while the posterior edge 224 is disposed between the anterior edge 222 and the posterior end 114 and is located within the forefoot region 106 and the midfoot region 108. While these edges 222, 224 will be described hereinafter as being an anterior edge 222 and a posterior edge 224, these edges 222, 224 could alternatively be referred to as a third edge 222 and a fourth edge 224 when referencing the edges
  • the first segment 240 and the second segment 242 extend from a common location 244 between the terminal end 219 of the notch 214 and the medial edge 217.
  • the first segment 240 extends from the medial edge 217 to the first segment 221 of the lateral edge 215.
  • the second segment 242 extends from the medial edge 217 to the second segment 223 of the lateral edge 215.
  • the second segment 242 may be longer than the first segment 240.
  • the second segment 242 may be longer than the first segment 240 to allow the second segment 242 to extend from the medial side 118 of the sole structure 104 within the forefoot region 106 to the lateral side 116 of the sole structure 104 in the midfoot region 108. This way, the bladder 200 can maximize coverage of the transition line LT to enhance cushioning and support during wear.
  • the transition segment 220 of the peripheral seam 208 is disposed on the anterior and posterior sides of the bladder 200.
  • the peripheral seam 208 of the bladder 200 can be referred to as “a jogged seam” (e.g., the seam 208 “jogs” from the inferior surface 248 to the superior surface 246 of the bladder 200 around a periphery of the bladder 200) and extends through a majority of a thickness of the bladder 200 from the inferior surface 248 to the superior surface 246.
  • Configuring the bladder 200 with a jogged peripheral seam can, for example, provide functional and/or aesthetic benefits.
  • a bladder can have one or more functional and/or aesthetical properties on a first portion of the bladder (e.g., a lateral side) and one or more different functional and/or aesthetic properties on a second portion of the bladder (e.g., a medial side), as will be described in more detail below.
  • the first segment 216 of the peripheral seam 208 is disposed proximate to or substantially aligned with the inferior surface 248 of the bladder 200 and is disposed on the lateral side 116 of the footwear 100.
  • This configuration can, for example, provide the functional benefit of increased stability. Namely, locating the peripheral seam 208 proximate to the inferior surface 248 likewise positions the peripheral seam 208 proximate to the outsole 128.
  • the relatively rigid seam 208 (created by melding a material of the first barrier element 202 and the second barrier element 204 together) is attached to the midsole 126 proximate to a junction of the midsole 126 and the outsole 128, which allows the rigid seam 208 to act as an anchor and resist deformation of the bladder 200 during cutting or side-to-side movements.
  • the configuration also provides an aesthetic benefit, as the first segment 216 of the peripheral seam 208 is hidden from the perspective of someone looking downwardly at the footwear 100, as depicted by reference number 234 (FIG. 5).
  • the first segment 216 is hidden by a material of the midsole 126 and/or a material of the outsole 128 such that only the upper barrier element 202 is visible at a periphery of the sole structure 104.
  • the second segment 218 of the peripheral seam 208 is disposed proximate to or substantially aligned with the superior surface 246 of the bladder 200 and is disposed on the medial side 118 of the footwear 100.
  • This configuration can, for example, facilitate installation of the bladder 200 into the midsole 126 of the sole structure 104.
  • positioning the peripheral seam 208 proximate to or aligned with the superior surface 246 allows the lower barrier element 204 to have a reduced profile due to the material of the seam 208 being moved proximate to the top of the bladder 200.
  • first segment 216 is described and shown as being disposed on the lateral side 116 of the footwear 100 and the second segment 218 is described and shown as being disposed on the medial side 118 of the footwear 100, the first segment 216 could be disposed on the medial side 118 of the footwear 100 and the second segment 218 could be disposed on the lateral side 116 of the footwear 100. Additionally or alternatively, the transition segment 220 can be disposed on the medial side 118 and/or the lateral side 116 of the bladder 200.
  • FIG. 14 an alternate configuration of the peripheral seam 208 is provided.
  • the peripheral seam shown in FIG. 14 is identical to the peripheral seam 208 shown in FIG. 10 with the exception of the portion of the seam located within the notch 214. Accordingly, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing a letter extension are used to identify those components that have been modified.
  • a bladder 200a is shown having a peripheral seam 208a that extends into the notch 214 but, rather than having the seam located proximate to the inferior surface 248 along both edges of the notch 214, as shown in FIG. 10, the peripheral seam 208a extends in a direction toward the superior surface 246 proximate to the radius 225 associated with the first segment 221 and the second segment 223 of the lateral edge 215. This portion of the peripheral seam 208a then extends along the notch 214 at an approximate midpoint of a thickness of the bladder 200a (i.e., substantially centrally located between the superior surface 246 and the inferior surface 248).
  • the peripheral seam 208a extends into the notch 214 at a location that is higher or closer to the superior surface 246 when comparted to the peripheral seam 208 of the bladder 200 (FIG. 10).
  • the resulting seam 208a extends around a periphery of the bladder 200a within the notch 214 at a location that is at an approximate midpoint of a thickness of the bladder 200a from an opening of the notch 214 at the first segment 221, to a distal end 219a of the notch 214, and from the distal end 219a to the second segment 223.
  • the jogged seams 208, 208a provide manufacturing and weight advantages in addition to the performance advantages outlined above. Namely, the jogged seams 208, 208a allow for use of thinner barrier elements when compared to conventional bladders. This is due to the fact that the barrier layers are not required to have a deep draw around an entire perimeter thereof during formation of the bladder 200, 200a. Rather, when the seam 208, 208a is aligned with or substantially aligned with a surface 246, 248 of the respective barrier elements 202, 204, the draw required to form the bladder 200, 200a at these locations is minimal, thereby allowing for use of a thinner barrier layer during manufacturing.
  • barrier layers distributes material stretching more evenly across both barrier elements 202, 204, as compared to forming the entire border portion 210 in a single barrier layer.
  • the bladder 200 will be more stable and/or resilient due to use of the jogged seam 208, 208a, as each barrier element 202, 204 undergoes less deformation because only a portion of the layer is stretched.
  • the bladder 200 is disposed at the forefoot region 106 and the midfoot region 108 of the footwear 100, in other examples, a bladder with a jogged seam and/or a notch can be disposed at various other locations of the footwear (e.g., a heel region).
  • a first barrier layer can comprise one or more properties (e.g., color, opacity, translucency, thickness, material type, etc.), and a second barrier layer can comprise one or more different properties.
  • the different barrier layers can, for example, create different performance and/or aesthetic properties.
  • a bladder with a jogged seam and barrier layers of different color can be configured such that the bladder appears to have a first color on a first portion (e.g., a lateral side) of the footwear and a second color on a second portion (e.g., a medial side) of the footwear.
  • the transition segment 220 of the peripheral seam 208 is positioned such that it is not visible to the wearer and/or an observer when the footwear 100 is assembled. In other instances, however, a transition segment of a peripheral seam 208 could be positioned relative to the footwear such that it is visible to the wearer and/or an observer when the footwear is assembled. Regardless of whether the transition segment 220 is visible once assembled to the sole structure 104 or not, the transition segment 220 may extend along a length of the bladder 200 from a first end of the bladder 200 to a second end of the bladder 200, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
  • the transition segment 220 extends between and connects the first segment 216 and the second segment 218 and gradually increases in height from the first segment 216 to the second segment 218. In one configuration, the transition segment 220 increases in height at a constant rate between the first segment 216 and the second segment 218 such that the transition segment 220 has a substantially constant slope. In other configurations, the transition segment 220 may include a different slope between the first segment 216 and the second segment 218 for at least a portion of the length of the transition segment 220.
  • the bladder 200 can comprise various shapes.
  • the medial and/or posterior sides of the bladder 200 can comprise an arcuate or curved shape.
  • the lateral edge 215 can be angled or tapered from the notch 214 in the anterior-medial and/or posterior-medial directions.
  • the bladder 200 is wider adjacent to the notch 214 than at the anterior-lateral and/or posterior-lateral comers of the bladder 200.
  • the bladder comprises a substantially “C” shape.
  • various other shapes, degrees of curvature, degrees of taper, etc. can be used.
  • a bladder can comprise any one of these features without having one or more of the others.
  • a bladder can comprise a jogged peripheral seam and not comprise a notch.
  • a bladder can comprise a notch and not comprise a jogged peripheral seam.
  • At least a portion of a chamber of a bladder can be filled with one or more components.
  • the filling material/components can, for example, improve the resiliency and/or durability of the bladder.
  • the chamber 206 of the bladder 200 includes one or more tensile strands 226 disposed therein.
  • the tensile strands 226 can be referred to as tensile elements.
  • Each tensile strand 226 can extend between an upper tensile sheet 228 and a lower tensile sheet 230.
  • the upper tensile sheet 228 may be attached to the first barrier element 202 while the lower tensile sheet 230 may be attached to the second barrier element 204. In this manner, when the chamber 206 of the bladder 200 receives a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands 226 are placed in tension.
  • the tensile strands 226 retain a desired shape of the chamber 206 when pressurized fluid is injected into the chamber via a port 232.
  • a bladder can comprise a foam element disposed within a chamber of the bladder.
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 depict a bladder 300.
  • the bladder 300 is configured similar to the bladder 200, except that the bladder 300 comprises a foam element 326 disposed in an interior portion 312 of a chamber 306 of the bladder 300 rather than having tensile strands 226 disposed in the chamber 206 like the bladder 200.
  • the reference numerals of the bladder 300 correspond to similar components of the bladder 200, unless stated otherwise. Namely, one hundred (100) is added to the corresponding reference number from the bladder 200 to identify like components in the bladder 300.
  • reference numerals 302 and 304 respectively correspond to reference numerals 202 and 204 in the bladder 200.
  • the bladder 300 can, for example, be used with the footwear 100 in lieu of the bladder 200. As with the bladder 200, the bladder 300 can be pressurized to a pressure above ambient pressure.
  • the upper barrier element 202 and the lower barrier element 204 are joined to form the peripheral seam 208 by thermal bonding.
  • one or both of the barrier elements 202, 204 are heated to a temperature that facilitates shaping and melding.
  • the barrier elements 202, 204 are heated prior to being located between their respective molds.
  • the mold may be heated to raise the temperature of the barrier elements 202, 204.
  • a molding process used to form the chamber 206 incorporates vacuum ports within mold portions to remove air such that the upper and lower barrier elements 202, 204 are drawn into contact with respective mold portions.
  • the cushioning member 130 and the bladder 200 of the midsole 126 can be configured to mate in various ways.
  • the cushioning member 130 can be overmolded onto the bladder 200 such that the bladder 200 is at least partially embedded or encapsulated by the cushioning member 130.
  • a top surface of the cushioning member 130 defines a profile of the footbed and may be contoured to correspond to a shape of the foot.
  • a material of the cushioning member 130 may completely or partially fill the notch 214. As shown in FIGS.
  • Peripheral surfaces of the cushioning member 130 can include one or more recesses or windows.
  • a window can allow one or more portions of the bladder 200 to be visible and/or partially protrude from the peripheral surface of the cushioning member 130.
  • the lateral side of the cushioning member 130 includes two lateral windows 132 and one medial window 134.
  • a cushioning member can have more or fewer windows than the depicted example. The windows can be disposed at various other locations (e.g., a heel region).
  • 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.
  • the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomeric polymers.
  • the one or more polymers may include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.
  • styrenic block copolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block
  • 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).
  • suitable polyurethanes include those discussed above for barrier elements 202, 204.
  • the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.
  • the foamed polymeric material may be a crosslinked foamed material.
  • a peroxide-based crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide may be used.
  • the foamed polymeric material may include one or more fdlers 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 polymeric material may be formed using a molding process.
  • the uncured elastomer e.g., rubber
  • the resilient polymeric material may be mixed in a Banbury mixer with an optional filler and a curing package such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package, calendared, formed into shape, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.
  • the resilient polymeric material when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the material may be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process.
  • a thermoplastic polymeric 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, and then injected into a mold under conditions which activate the blowing agent, forming a molded foam.
  • the foamed material when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the foamed material 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.
  • the compression molding process desirably starts by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming a polymeric 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 preforms formed of foamed polymeric material(s) in a compression mold and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in a closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and/or pressure is applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient duration of time to alter the preform(s) by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fuse individual foam particles to each other, permanently increase the density of the foam(s), or any combination thereof. Following the heating and/or application of pressure, the mold is opened, and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.
  • the outsole 128 is the primary groundengaging surface of the footwear 100.
  • the outsole 128 can include various traction-enhancing elements.
  • an outsole can include grooves, lugs, ribs, spikes, cleats, etc.
  • the outsole can, in some instances, be relatively uniform across the footwear.
  • the outsole can comprise various segments with different materials and/or traction-enhancing elements.
  • the outsole can be disposed on one or more other surfaces.
  • an outsole can comprise a toe cap and/or a heel cap configured to protect ends of the footwear.
  • the bladder 200 is shown as being incorporated into a first midsole 126 intended for use in a left-footed sole structure 104 and into a second midsole 126 intended for use in a right-footed sole structure 104.
  • the sole structures 104 are positioned relative to one another during use (i.e., such that the left-footed sole structure 104 is worn on a wearer’s left foot and the right-footed sole structure 104 is worn on a wearer’s right foot)
  • the medial side 118 of the left-footed sole structure 104 opposes the medial side 118 of the right-footed sole structure 104.
  • the second segment 218 of the peripheral seam 208 of the left-footed sole structure 104 opposes the second segment 218 of the peripheral seam 208 of the right-footed sole structure 104.
  • FIG. 19 only the bladder 200 of the left-footed sole structure 104 and the bladder 200 of the right-footed sole structure 104 are shown in side-by-side relation to one another for clarity.
  • the seam 208 In order to position the bladder 200 such that the segments 216 of the seam 208 oppose one another when a left-footed sole structure 104 is positioned relative to a right-footed sole structure 104 during wear, the seam 208 needs to be modified such that the seam 208 extends from the superior surface 246 at the medial edge 217 to the inferior surface 248 at the lateral edge 215, as set forth below.
  • the bladders 200b of the right-footed sole structure 104 and the left-footed sole structure 104 are modified relative to the bladders 200 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.
  • like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.
  • the bladders 200b of FIG. 20 include a seam 208b that extends from the arcuate surface 229b proximate to the superior surface 246 at the lateral edge 215 to the arcuate surface 231b proximate to the inferior surface 248 at the medial edge 217. Accordingly, the transition segment 220b extends in an opposite direction than the transition segment 220 and, as such, provides the anterior edge 222b with a different configuration than the anterior edge 222. Note that while the anterior edge 222b is described as being modified relative to the anterior edge 222, the posterior edge 224 could additionally or alternatively be modified in the same or similar manner.
  • Modifying the anterior edge 222b allows the bladders 200b to be positioned as shown in FIG. 20 when the left-footed sole structure 104 and the right-footed sole structure 104 are positioned relative to one another during use (i.e., the left-footed sole structure 104 is attached to a left foot and the right-footed sole structure 104 is attached to a right foot).
  • the lower segments 216b of the seam 208b oppose one another at the medial edge 217 while the upper segments 218b of the seam 208b are disposed at the respective lateral edges 215 of the left-footed sole structure 104 and the right-footed sole structure 104 and face in opposite directions.
  • FIGS. 21 and 22 an alternate bladder 200c for use with the article of footwear 100 is shown.
  • like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.
  • the bladder 200c includes a seam 208c having a first segment 216c that is disposed proximate to the inferior surface 248 and a second segment 218c that is disposed proximate to the superior surface 246.
  • the first segment 216c is disposed at the medial edge 217c of the bladder 200c while the second segment 218c is disposed at the lateral edge 215c of the bladder 200c. Accordingly, when the bladder 200c is installed in the article of footwear 10, the first segment 216c is disposed at the medial side 118 of the sole structure 104 and the second segment 218c is disposed at the lateral side 116 of the sole structure 104.
  • the bladder 200c is similar in shape to the bladder 200 but does not include a notch 214. Rather, the bladder 200c includes a depression 414 disposed at an approximate location of the notch 214 of the bladder 200. The depression 414 is formed in the lateral edge 215c and extends in a direction toward the medial edge 217c. Finally, while the bladder 200c does not include tensile strands 226 or a foam element 326 disposed within the chamber 206c, the bladder 200c could include either structure in a similar fashion as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17. Further, like the bladder 200, the bladder 200c may be pressurized whether the bladder 200c includes tensile strands 226, a foam element 326, or a chamber 206c that is free from such structures.
  • FIGS. 23 and 24 an alternate bladder 200d for use with the article of footwear 100 is shown.
  • like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.
  • FIGS. 25 and 26 an alternate bladder 200e for use with the article of footwear 100 is shown.
  • like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.
  • the bladder 200e includes a seam 208e having a first segment 216e that is disposed proximate to the superior surface 246e and a second segment 218e that is disposed proximate to the inferior surface 248e.
  • the bladder 200e is substantially oval in shape and, as such, is symmetric about an axes Ai, A2, passing through the center of the bladder 200e.
  • the bladder 200e may be positioned within the sole structure 104 such that the first segment 216e is disposed at the medial edge 217e of the bladder 200e while the second segment 218e is disposed at the lateral edge 215e of the bladder 200e.
  • the first segment 216e is disposed at the medial side 118 of the sole structure 104 and the second segment 218e is disposed at the lateral side 116 of the sole structure 104.
  • the bladder 200e may be rotated 180° relative to the view shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 such that the first segment 216e is disposed at the lateral edge 215e and the second segment 218e is disposed at the medial edge 215e. Accordingly, when the bladder 200e is installed in the article of footwear 10 in this configuration, the first segment 216e is disposed at the lateral side 116 of the sole structure 104 and the second segment 218e is disposed at the medial side 1 18 of the sole structure 104.
  • the bladder 200c does not include tensile strands 226 or a foam element 326 disposed within the chamber 206c, the bladder 200c could include either structure in a similar fashion as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17. Further, like the bladder 200, the bladder 200c may be pressurized whether the bladder 200c includes tensile strands 226, a foam element 326, or a chamber 206c that is free from such structures.
  • FIGS. 27 and 28 an alternate bladder 200f for use with the article of footwear 100 is shown.
  • like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.
  • the first segment 216f is disposed at the medial side 118 of the sole structure 104 and the second segment 218f is disposed at the lateral side 116 of the sole structure 104.
  • the bladder 200f may be rotated 180° relative to the view shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 such that the first segment 216f is disposed at the lateral edge 215f and the second segment 218f is disposed at the medial edge 215f Accordingly, when the bladder 200f is installed in the article of footwear 10 in this configuration, the first segment 216f is disposed at the lateral side 116 of the sole structure 104 and the second segment 218f is disposed at the medial side 118 of the sole structure 104.
  • Clause 6 The bladder of Clause 5, wherein the fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment extend along the bladder proximate to one of the second surface and the fourth surface.
  • Clause 13 The bladder of Clause 12, wherein the third segment includes a substantially constant slope between the first segment and the second segment.
  • Clause 14 The bladder of any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a notch extending into the bladder from a peripheral edge of the bladder to define a channel.
  • Clause 17 The bladder of Clause 15, wherein the fourth segment extends along the bladder proximate to one of the second surface and the fourth surface and the fifth segment extends along the bladder proximate to the other of the second surface and the fourth surface.
  • Clause 18 The bladder of Clause 17, wherein the sixth segment extends through a majority of a thickness of the bladder from the fourth segment to the fifth segment.
  • Clause 20 An article of footwear incorporating the bladder of any of the preceding Clauses.

Landscapes

  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une vessie comprenant un premier élément barrière ayant une première surface formée sur un premier côté du premier élément barrière et une deuxième surface formée sur un côté opposé du premier élément barrière par rapport à la première surface, un deuxième élément barrière ayant une troisième surface formée sur un premier côté du deuxième élément barrière et une quatrième surface formée sur un côté opposé du deuxième élément barrière par rapport à la troisième surface, et un joint périphérique joignant le premier élément barrière et le deuxième élément barrière pour définir un vide intérieur entre la première surface et la troisième surface, le joint périphérique comprenant un premier segment s'étendant le long de la vessie à proximité de la deuxième surface, un deuxième segment s'étendant le long de la vessie à proximité de la quatrième surface, et un troisième segment s'étendant entre et reliant le premier segment et le deuxième segment.
PCT/US2023/068560 2022-06-16 2023-06-16 Vessie pour article chaussant WO2023245153A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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US202263352732P 2022-06-16 2022-06-16
US63/352,732 2022-06-16
US18/335,699 2023-06-15
US18/335,699 US20230404210A1 (en) 2022-06-16 2023-06-15 Bladder for an article of footwear

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WO2023245153A1 true WO2023245153A1 (fr) 2023-12-21

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5713141A (en) 1994-08-31 1998-02-03 Nike, Inc. Cushioning device with improved flexible barrier membrane
US6582786B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2003-06-24 Nike, Inc. Flexible membranes
US20120233885A1 (en) * 2011-03-16 2012-09-20 Nike, Inc. Footwear Sole Structure Incorporating A Plurality Of Chambers
WO2016164559A1 (fr) * 2015-04-08 2016-10-13 Nike Innovate C.V. Article avec un ensemble amortissement comportant des éléments de vessie interne et externe avec des caractéristiques d'ajustement, et procédé de fabrication d'un article
US20170119096A1 (en) * 2015-11-03 2017-05-04 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear including a bladder element having a cushioning component with a single central opening and a cushioning component with multiple connecting features and method of manufacturing
WO2017079256A1 (fr) * 2015-11-03 2017-05-11 Nike Innovate C.V. Chaussure dotée de composants amortisseurs espacés fixés sur une surface en regard du sol d'une tige et procédé de fabrication d'une chaussure
US20180332925A1 (en) * 2017-05-18 2018-11-22 Nike, Inc. Cushioning article with tensile component and method of manufacturing a cushioning article

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5713141A (en) 1994-08-31 1998-02-03 Nike, Inc. Cushioning device with improved flexible barrier membrane
US5952065A (en) 1994-08-31 1999-09-14 Nike, Inc. Cushioning device with improved flexible barrier membrane
US6582786B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2003-06-24 Nike, Inc. Flexible membranes
US20120233885A1 (en) * 2011-03-16 2012-09-20 Nike, Inc. Footwear Sole Structure Incorporating A Plurality Of Chambers
WO2016164559A1 (fr) * 2015-04-08 2016-10-13 Nike Innovate C.V. Article avec un ensemble amortissement comportant des éléments de vessie interne et externe avec des caractéristiques d'ajustement, et procédé de fabrication d'un article
US20170119096A1 (en) * 2015-11-03 2017-05-04 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear including a bladder element having a cushioning component with a single central opening and a cushioning component with multiple connecting features and method of manufacturing
WO2017079256A1 (fr) * 2015-11-03 2017-05-11 Nike Innovate C.V. Chaussure dotée de composants amortisseurs espacés fixés sur une surface en regard du sol d'une tige et procédé de fabrication d'une chaussure
US20180332925A1 (en) * 2017-05-18 2018-11-22 Nike, Inc. Cushioning article with tensile component and method of manufacturing a cushioning article

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