Bladder for an article of footwear and article of footwear comprising a bladder

Abstract

A fluid-filled chamber includes a first sub-chamber having a generally U-shaped shape. The fluid-filled chamber also includes a second sub-chamber having a generally U-shaped shape and spaced apart from the first sub-chamber in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis of the fluid-filled chamber.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of December 28, 2020, application number 202080031513.2, and invention name "Bag for footwear articles and footwear articles including a bag".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. application US17 / 133,732 filed on December 24, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application US62 / 955,120 filed on December 30, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to sole structures for articles of footwear, and more particularly to sole structures incorporating fluid-filled bladders. Background Art

[0005] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0006] An article of footwear typically includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper can be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support the foot on the sole structure. The upper can be fitted with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. The bottom portion of the upper, which is adjacent to the bottom surface of the foot, is attached to the sole structure.

[0007] The sole structure generally includes a layered arrangement extending between the ground and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole, which provides wear resistance and adhesion to the ground. The outsole can be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear resistance and enhance adhesion to the ground. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole arranged between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and can be partially formed from a polymer foam material that elastically compresses under an applied load to cushion the foot by reducing ground reaction forces. The midsole can additionally or alternatively be combined with a fluid-filled bladder to increase the durability of the sole structure and to provide cushioning for the foot by elastically compressing under an applied load to reduce ground reaction forces. The sole structure can also include an insole or insole that enhances comfort, the insole or insole being located in a gap near the bottom portion of the upper, and the sole structure includes a strobel that is attached to the upper and arranged between the midsole and the insole or insole.

[0008] Midsoles using fluid-filled bladders typically include a bladder formed from two barrier layers of polymeric material that are sealed or bonded together. The fluid-filled bladder is pressurized with a fluid, such as air, and may incorporate tensile members within the bladder to maintain the bladder's shape when elastically compressed under an applied load (e.g., during athletic activity). Typically, the design of the bladder focuses on balancing support for the foot and cushioning properties related to the responsiveness of the bladder when elastically compressed under an applied load. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 0015] An exploded view of an article of footwear is shown having an upper and a sole structure arranged in a layered configuration.

[0012] Figure 3 According to the principles of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A top perspective view of a bladder of an article of footwear.

[0013] Figure 4 According to the principles of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a bladder of an article of footwear.

[0014] Figure 5 According to the principles of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A bottom plan view of a bladder of an article of footwear.

[0015] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The line 6-6 intercepts Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the sac.

[0016] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 The line 7-7 intercepts Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the sac. And

[0017] Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 The line 8-8 intercepts Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the sac.

[0018] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and the scope of the disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Many specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the construction of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example constructions can be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and example constructions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. Unless explicitly identified as an execution order, the method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as having to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on” or “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.) should be interpreted in a similar manner. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms used in this article do not imply an order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0023] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a bladder comprising a first chamber having a substantially U-shape and a second chamber having a substantially U-shape and spaced apart from the first chamber along a longitudinal axis of the bladder.

[0024] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication with each other. The first chamber may be aligned with the second chamber.

[0025] In some examples, the first chamber includes a first leg and a second leg connected by a first arcuate segment, and the second chamber includes a third leg and a fourth leg connected by a second arcuate segment. The first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and the fourth leg may extend in the same direction. The first leg and the second leg may be disposed between the first arcuate segment and the second arcuate segment. At least one of the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and the fourth leg may be elongated. The bladder may include a third chamber extending between the first leg and the second leg in a direction toward the first arcuate segment. The third chamber may be spaced apart from the first leg and the second leg. The bladder may include a fourth chamber extending between the third leg and the fourth leg in a direction toward the second arcuate segment. The fourth chamber may be spaced apart from the third leg and the fourth leg. At least one of the third chamber and the fourth chamber may be elongated.

[0026] In some configurations, the bladder includes a web region defining a first chamber and a second chamber. The web region may include a first substantially U-shaped portion and a second substantially U-shaped portion. The article of footwear may include the bladder.

[0027] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a bladder. The bladder includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber being spaced apart from the first chamber along a longitudinal axis of the bladder. The bladder also includes a web region defining the first and second chambers, the web region including a first portion having a generally U-shaped portion and a second portion having a generally U-shaped portion.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication with each other. The first chamber may include a substantially U-shaped shape, and the second chamber may include a substantially U-shaped shape. Here, the first chamber is aligned with the second chamber.

[0029] In some examples, the first chamber includes a first leg and a second leg connected by a first arcuate segment, and the second chamber includes a third leg and a fourth leg connected by a second arcuate segment. Here, the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and the fourth leg may extend in the same direction. Alternatively, the first leg and the second leg may be positioned between the first arcuate segment and the second arcuate segment. At least one of the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and the fourth leg may be elongated. The bladder may include a third chamber extending between the first leg and the second leg in a direction toward the first arcuate segment. Here, the third chamber may be spaced apart from the first leg and the second leg. Alternatively, the bladder may include a fourth chamber extending between the third leg and the fourth leg in a direction toward the second arcuate segment. The fourth chamber may be spaced apart from the third leg and the fourth leg. At least one of the third chamber and the fourth chamber may be elongated. The article of footwear may include the bladder.

[0030] refer to Figure 1-8 , provides an article of footwear 10 that includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100. The article of footwear 10 can be divided into one or more regions. The regions can include a forefoot region 12, a midfoot region 14, and a heel region 16. The forefoot region 12 can be further described as including a toe portion 12 corresponding to the phalanges of the foot. T and the ball portion 12 corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint B The midfoot region 14 may correspond to the arch area of ​​the foot, and the heel region 16 may correspond to the rear portion of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. The footwear 10 may also include a front end 18 associated with the front-most point of the forefoot region 12 and a rear end 20 corresponding to the rear-most point of the heel region 16. Figure 1 As shown, the longitudinal axis A of the footwear 10 10 Extends along the length of footwear 10 from front end 18 to rear end 20 and generally divides footwear 10 into a medial side 22 and a lateral side 24. Thus, medial side 22 and lateral side 24 correspond to opposite sides of footwear 10 and extend through regions 12, 14, 16, respectively.

[0031] The article of footwear 10, and more particularly the sole structure 100, can be further described as including a peripheral region 28 and an interior region 26, such as Figure 1 Peripheral region 28 is generally described as the area between interior region 26 and the outer periphery of sole structure 100. In particular, peripheral region 28 extends from forefoot region 12 to heel region 16 along each of medial side 22 and lateral side 24, and surrounds each of forefoot region 12 and heel region 16. Thus, interior region 26 is circumscribed by peripheral region 28 and extends along a central portion of sole structure 100 from forefoot region 12 to heel region 16.

[0032] refer to Figure 2, sole structure 100 includes a midsole 102 configured to provide cushioning properties to sole structure 100 and an outsole 104 configured to provide a ground-engaging surface for article of footwear 10. Unlike conventional sole structures, midsole 102 of sole structure 100 may be compositely formed and include multiple subcomponents for providing a desired form of cushioning and support throughout sole structure 100. For example, midsole 102 may be described as including a bladder 106 and a chassis 108, where chassis 108 is configured to be attached to upper 200 and provide an interface between upper 200 and bladder 106.

[0033] refer to Figure 1-5 , the longitudinal axis A of the capsule 106 106 The bladder 106 extends from a first end 110 in the forefoot region 12 to a second end 112 in the heel region 16. The bladder 106 can be further described as including a top surface or top side 114 and a bottom surface or bottom side 116 formed on a side of the bladder 106 opposite the top side 114. Figure 6-8 As discussed in more detail, the thickness T of the bladder 106 or a component of the bladder 106 106 Defined by the distance from the top side 114 to the bottom side 116 .

[0034] like Figure 6-8 As shown in the cross-sectional view of , the capsule 106 can be formed by a pair of opposing barrier layers 118 that can be connected to each other at discrete locations to define the overall shape of the capsule 106. Alternatively, the capsule 106 can be made of any suitable combination of one or more barrier layers. As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layer 118) includes single-layer and multi-layer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 118 are made of a single-layer film (single layer) (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 118 are made of a multi-layer film (multiple sub-layers) (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded). In either aspect, each layer or sub-layer can have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 microns to about 1 mm. In further embodiments, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer can be in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 500 microns. In other embodiments, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer can be in the range of about 1 micron to about 100 microns.

[0035] One or both of the barrier layers 118 can independently be transparent, translucent, and / or opaque. As used herein, with respect to the barrier layer and / or capsule, the term "transparent" means that light passes through the barrier layer in a substantially straight line and an observer can see through the barrier layer. In contrast, with an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and cannot be clearly seen through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer in that light passes through the translucent layer, but some of the light is scattered, preventing the viewer from clearly seeing through the layer.

[0036] Each barrier layer 118 can be made of an elastomeric material including one or more thermoplastic polymers and / or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In one aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomer materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

[0037] As used herein, "polyurethane" refers to copolymers (including oligomers) containing urethane groups (-N(C=O)O-). These polyurethanes may contain other groups in addition to urethane groups, such as esters, ethers, ureas, allophanates, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocyanurates, uretdione, carbonates, and the like. In one aspect, one or more polyurethanes can be prepared by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (-N(C=O)O-) bonds.

[0038] Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), an adduct of TDI with trimethylolpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylene xylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3'-dimethyldiphenyl 1-4, 4'-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4'-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chain is substantially free of aromatic groups.

[0039] In certain aspects, the polyurethane polymer chain is derived from diisocyanates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatic compounds, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

[0040] On the other hand, the polymer layer can be formed from one or more of EVOH copolymers, polyvinyl 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, polyetherimide, polyacrylimide, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials and combinations of the TPU copolymers described herein, and optionally including polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

[0041] The barrier layer 118 may include two or more sublayers (a multilayer film), such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,141 to Mitchell et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In embodiments where the barrier layer 118 includes two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,786 to Bonk et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In further embodiments, the barrier layers 118 may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, wherein the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers 118 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.

[0042] The bladder 106 can be created from the barrier layer 118 using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g., vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum forming, rotational molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, etc. In one aspect, the barrier layer 118 can be created by coextrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to form the contour of the bladder 106, which can optionally include one or more valves 121 (e.g., one-way valves) that allow the bladder 106 to be filled with a fluid (e.g., a gas).

[0043] The bladder 106 desirably has a low gas transmission rate to maintain its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the gas transmission rate of nitrogen for the bladder 106 is at least about ten (10) times lower than the gas transmission rate of a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same size. In one aspect, for an average film thickness of 500 microns (based on the thickness of the barrier layer 118), the bladder 106 has a gas transmission rate of 15 cubic centimeters per square meter·atm·day (cm 3 / m 2 ·atm·day) or less nitrogen transmission rate. In other aspects, the transmission rate is 10cm 3 / m 2 ·atm·day or less, 5cm 3 / m 2 ·atm·day or less or 1cm 3 / m 2 ·atm·day or less.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier layers 118 include a first upper barrier layer 118 that forms the top side 114 of the bladder 106 and a second lower barrier layer 118 that forms the bottom side 116 of the bladder 106. In the illustrated example, the interior opposing surfaces (i.e., facing each other) of the barrier layers 118 are joined together at discrete locations to form a web region 120 and a perimeter seam 122. The perimeter seam 122 extends around the perimeter of the bladder 106 and defines the perimeter contour of the bladder 106. Figure 3-8 As shown, the upper and lower barrier layers 118 are spaced apart from one another between the web region 120 and the perimeter seam 122 to define a plurality of chambers 126a - 126c , 128a - 128b , each forming a respective portion of the interior cavity 130 of the bladder 106 .

[0045] In the illustrated example, the bladder 106 includes a plurality of U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped chambers 126a-126c. As discussed in more detail below, portions of these chambers 126a-126c extend along the medial and lateral sides 22, 24 in the peripheral region 28. Thus, these chambers 126a-126b may be referred to as peripheral chambers 126a-126c. The peripheral chambers 126a-126c include a heel peripheral chamber 126a, a forefoot peripheral chamber 126b, and a toe peripheral chamber 126c. Typically, the peripheral chambers 126a-126c are arranged in series along the longitudinal axis A106 from the first end 110 of the bladder 106 to the second end 112 of the bladder 106. Thus, the chambers 126a-126c are aligned with one another along the length of the bladder 106.

[0046] Each of the peripheral chambers 126a-126c can be described as including an inner elongated segment or leg 132a-132c extending along the inner side 22 of the bladder 106 in the peripheral region 28, an outer elongated segment or leg 134a-134c extending along the outer side 24 of the bladder 106 in the peripheral region 28, and an intermediate segment 136a-136c extending through the interior region 26 and connecting the inner legs 132a-132c to the outer legs 134a-134c. As shown, the intermediate segment 136a-136c of each of the peripheral chambers 126a-126c can extend from the inner side 22 to the outer side 24 along an arcuate path. Here, each of the inner legs 132a-132c extends from the corresponding intermediate segment 136a-136c along the longitudinal axis A. 106 The inner ends 138a-138c extend to the inner side 22 of the bladder 106, and each of the outer legs 134a-134c extends from the corresponding middle section 136a-136c along the longitudinal axis A. 106 The lateral ends 140a-140c extend to the outside 24 of the bladder 106. Thus, the corresponding medial legs 132a-132c and lateral legs 134a-134c extend in the same direction from opposite ends of the intermediate segments 136a-136c.

[0047] refer to Figure 3-5 , heel peripheral chamber 126a extends through midfoot region 14 and heel region 16 of bladder 106 in peripheral region 28. Specifically, heel peripheral chamber 126a includes a medial leg 132a extending from a medial end 138a adjacent to forefoot region 14 along medial side 22, and a lateral leg 134a extending from a lateral end 140a adjacent to forefoot region 14 along lateral side 24. An intermediate segment 136c extends from medial leg 132a to lateral leg 134a around second end 112 of bladder 106. As discussed in more detail below, medial end 138a and lateral end 140a of heel peripheral chamber 126a can each be in direct fluid communication with forefoot peripheral chamber 126b. In other words, ends 138a, 140a can each be directly connected to forefoot peripheral chamber 126b.

[0048] refer to Figure 4 and 5, one or more of the peripheral chambers 126a-126c can have a variable cross-sectional area from one end to the other. As shown, the heel peripheral chamber 126a includes a plurality of lobes 142a-142e, each of which forms a portion of the heel peripheral chamber 126a having a variable cross-sectional area. For example, each of the lobes 142a-142e includes a first end 144a-144e having a first cross-sectional area, a second end 146a-146e having a second cross-sectional area, and an intermediate portion 148a-148e disposed between the first end 144a-144e and the second end 146a-146e and having a third cross-sectional area greater than the first and second cross-sectional areas. Thus, each of the lobes 142a-142e tapers from the intermediate portion 148a-148e toward the corresponding first end 144a-144e and the second end 146a-146e. In some examples, both the width and thickness of the lobes 142a - 142e taper from the intermediate portions 148a - 148e.

[0049] The illustrated example of the bladder 106 includes a plurality of lobes 142a-142e arranged in series end-to-end along the peripheral region 28 such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the heel peripheral chamber 126a alternates between larger and smaller sizes. As shown, the plurality of lobes 142a-142e include a first pair of lobed lobes 142a, 142b located at the ends 138a, 140a of the heel peripheral chamber 126a, a pair of intermediate lobes 142c, 142d located between the lobed lobes 142a, 142b and the second end 112, and a posterior lobed lobes 142e located at the second end 112 of the bladder 106.

[0050] The lordotic angles 142a, 142b of the heel perimeter chamber 126a include a medial lordotic angle 142a disposed at a medial end 138a on the medial side 22 of the bladder 106, and a lateral lordotic angle 142b disposed at a lateral end 140a on the lateral side 24 of the bladder 106. Each of the lordotic angles 142a, 142b extends along the perimeter region 28 from its respective first end 144a, 144b to its respective second end 146a, 146b.

[0051] Continue to refer Figure 3-5 The posterior convex corner 142e is disposed at the second end 112 of the capsule 106, and the middle portion 148e of the posterior convex corner 142e is aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the capsule 106. 106 In the illustrated example, the kyphotic corner 142e extends from a first end 144e on the inner side 22 of the bladder 106 to a second end 146e on the outer side 24 of the bladder 106. As described above, the middle portion 148e has a larger cross-sectional area than each end 144e, 146e.

[0052] The medial lobes 142c and 142d of the heel perimeter chamber 126a include a medial medial lobe 142c disposed on the medial side 22 of the bladder 106 and a lateral medial lobe 142d disposed on the lateral side 24 of the bladder 106. As shown, the first ends 144c and 144d of the medial lobes 142c and 142d are connected to the second ends 146a and 146b of the medial and lateral lordotic lobes 142a and 142b, respectively. The second end 146c of the medial lobe 142c is connected to the first end 144e of the posterior lordotic lobes 142e. Similarly, the second end 146d of the lateral medial lobe 142d is connected to the second end 146e of the posterior lordotic lobes 142e. Similar to the lordotic angles 142a, 142b and the lordotic angle 142e, the medial lobes 142c, 142d provide the heel perimeter chamber 126a with protrusions along the medial and lateral sides 22, 24 of the bladder 106.

[0053] Still refer to Figure 3-5 , the forefoot perimeter chamber 126b extends across the ball portion 12B of the forefoot region 12 and is disposed between the heel perimeter chamber 126a and the toe perimeter chamber 126c. Here, the medial leg 132b extends from adjacent the toe portion 12 T The medial end 138b of the foot extends along the medial side 22, and the lateral leg 134b extends from adjacent to the toe portion 12 T The lateral end 140b of the middle section 136b extends along the lateral side 24. The middle section 136b extends across the width of the bladder 106 adjacent the midfoot region 14 and connects the medial leg 132b to the lateral leg 134b. As shown, the middle section 136b extends from the medial side 22 to the lateral side 24 along an arcuate path.

[0054] In some examples, one or both of the ends 138b, 140b of the forefoot perimeter chamber 126b can be spherical, whereby the dimensions (e.g., cross-section, width, thickness) of the ends 138b, 140b are greater than the immediately adjacent portions of the forefoot perimeter chamber 126b. For example, in the illustrated configuration, the width of each of the ends 138b, 140b is toward the longitudinal axis A of the bladder 106. 106 Protruding inward.

[0055] Continue to refer Figure 3-5 The toe perimeter chamber 126c extends across the toe portion 12 of the forefoot region 12. T , and is disposed adjacent the first end 110 of the bladder 106. Here, the medial leg 132c extends from a medial end 138c at the first end 110 of the bladder 106 along the medial side 22, and the lateral leg 134c extends from a lateral end 140c at the first end 110 of the bladder 106 along the lateral side 24. The intermediate segment 136c is adjacent the ball portion 12 BExtends across the width of bladder 106 and connects medial leg 132c to lateral leg 134c. Intermediate segment 136c extends from medial side 22 to lateral side 24 along an arcuate path.

[0056] Unlike the heel perimeter chamber 126a and the forefoot perimeter chamber 126b, which are completely attached to the web region 120, the medial leg 132c and the lateral leg 134c of the toe perimeter chamber 126c can be only partially attached to the web region 120. For example, the medial end 138c and the lateral end 140c of the toe perimeter chamber 126c can protrude through the web region 120, allowing each of the ends 138c, 140c to hang freely. Thus, each of the ends 138c, 140c can move independently of the other. In another configuration, the ends 138c, 140c can be connected, thereby giving the toe perimeter chamber 126c a substantially circular shape (not shown).

[0057] In addition to the peripheral chambers 126a-126c, the bladder 106 also includes one or more interior chambers 128a, 128b disposed within the interior region 26 of the bladder 106. Here, each of the interior chambers 128a, 128b is at least partially surrounded by a respective one of the peripheral chambers 126a, 126b. Generally, each of the interior chambers 128a, 128b extends from a first end 150a, 150b connected to the intermediate segment 136b, 136c of an adjacent one of the peripheral chambers 126b, 126c to a terminal second end 152a, 152b adjacent to the intermediate segment 136a, 136b of the respective one of the peripheral chambers 126a, 126b.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the heel interior chamber 128a is arranged along the longitudinal axis A 106 The inner portion of the heel perimeter chamber 128a extends from a first end 150a connected to the middle section 136b of the forefoot perimeter chamber 126b to a terminal second end 152a of the middle section 136a adjacent the heel perimeter chamber 126a. The outer perimeter of the heel interior chamber 128a is offset inwardly from the inner perimeter of the heel perimeter chamber 126a by a substantially constant distance. Thus, the width of the heel interior chamber 128a can increase in a direction from the first end 150a to the second end 152a.

[0059] The forefoot interior chamber 128b is located along the longitudinal axis A. 106The first end 150b that extends from the middle section 136c that is connected to the toe perimeter chamber 126c to the terminal second end 152b of the middle section 136b of the adjacent forefoot perimeter chamber 126b.As shown in the figure, the outer periphery of the forefoot interior chamber 128b is offset inwardly from the inner periphery of the forefoot perimeter chamber 126b by a substantially constant distance.In the illustrated example, the forefoot interior chamber 128b comprises a necking portion 154 adjacent to the first end 150b, which extends between the spherical ends 138b, 140b of the forefoot perimeter chamber 126b.The second end 152b of the forefoot interior chamber 128b can also be spherical and is surrounded by sections 132b, 134b, 136b of the forefoot perimeter chamber 126b.

[0060] The interior chambers 128a, 128b are attached to the respective perimeter chambers 126a, 126b via the web region 120 such that each interior chamber 128a, 128b is surrounded by a portion of the web region 120. Thus, the web region 120 includes a first, generally U-shaped portion 153a surrounding the heel interior chamber 128a and a second, generally U-shaped portion 153b surrounding the forefoot interior chamber 128b. As shown, the first U-shaped portion 153a of the web region 120 extends between and attaches the outer perimeter of the heel interior chamber 128a and the inner perimeter of the heel perimeter chamber 126a. Similarly, second U-shaped portion 153b extends between and connects the outer perimeter of forefoot interior chamber 128b and the inner perimeter of forefoot perimeter chamber 126b. As shown in the figures, with respect to the aforementioned portion of web region 120, the term "U-shaped" is not strictly limited to a shape having two straight legs connected by a constant curvature, but rather refers to any shape that extends from a first end along a generally first directional line, then folds back and extends along the first directional line to a second end adjacent to or facing the first end. Thus, the U-shaped portion of the web region may also be described as, for example, a horseshoe, a bell, or a hairpin.

[0061] Adjacent ones of the chambers 126a-126c, 128a-128b are separated from one another by portions of the web region 120 such that recesses or spaces 158a-158c, 160a-160c are formed on opposing sides 114, 116 of the bladder 106 between adjacent ones of the chambers 126a-126c, 128a-128b, as shown. Figure 6-8In other words, the bladder 106 includes a series of upper recesses 158a-158c formed on the top side 114 of the bladder 106 by the web region 120 and the adjacent chambers 126a-126c, 128a-128b, and a series of lower recesses 160a-160c formed on the bottom side 116 of the bladder 106 by the web region 120 and the adjacent chambers 126a-126c, 128a-128b.

[0062] Continue to refer Figure 5 The bladder 106 includes a plurality of conduits 162a-162d that fluidically couple adjacent peripheral chambers 126a-126c to one another. Thus, portions of the interior cavity 130 formed by each of the peripheral chambers 126a-126c are in fluid communication with one another, allowing fluid to be transferred between the peripheral chambers 126a-126c. In the illustrated example, a first pair of conduits 162a, 162b connects the ends 138a, 140a of the heel peripheral chamber 126a to the middle section 136b of the forefoot peripheral chamber 126b, and a second pair of conduits 162c, 162d connects the ends 138b, 140b of the forefoot peripheral chamber 126b to the middle section 136c of the toe peripheral chamber 126c.

[0063] Continue to refer Figure 2 , chassis 108 is configured to interface with bladder 106 to provide unitary midsole 102. Chassis 108 extends from a first end 164 at forward end 18 of sole structure 100 to a second end 166 at rearward end 20 of sole structure 100. Chassis 108 also includes a top surface 168 defining a portion of the footbed, and a bottom surface 170 formed on a side of chassis 108 opposite top surface 168 and configured to interface with top side 114 of bladder 106.

[0064] Base 108 includes a plurality of protrusions 172a-172c formed on bottom surface 170. Here, the shape of each of protrusions 172a-172c corresponds to the shape of one of the upper recesses 158a-158c formed in bladder 106, such that when base 108 is assembled with bladder 106, one of protrusions 172a-172c is received within a corresponding one of the upper recesses 158a-158c. In the illustrated example, protrusions 172a-172c are configured to extend completely into upper recesses 158a-158c when midsole 102 is assembled. Thus, distal ends 174a-174c of each of protrusions 172a-172c contact web region 120. In other examples, one or more of protrusions 172a-172c may be configured such that distal ends 174a-174c are spaced apart from web region 120, or may be omitted from the base.

[0065] As described above, base 108 is formed by elastic polymer materials, such as foam or rubber, to give the wearer's foot cushioning, response and energy distribution characteristics. Base 108 can be independently formed by a single elastic polymer material integral piece, or can be formed by multiple elements, each element being formed by one or more elastic polymer materials. For example, a fusion process can be used, using an adhesive or by suspending the elements in different elastic polymer materials to fix multiple elements to each other. Alternatively, multiple elements may not be fixed to each other, but can remain independent while being included in one or more structures forming the cushioning element. In this alternative example, multiple independent cushioning elements can be multiple foam particles, and can be included in a capsule or shell structure. In this way, the cushioning element can be formed by multiple foam particles contained in a relatively translucent capsule or shell formed by a film example (such as a barrier film).

[0066] Exemplary resilient polymeric materials for the base may include those based on foaming or molding 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 a mixture of the two; or may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or a mixture of the two.

[0067] In some aspects, the one or more polymers may include olefin homopolymers, olefin copolymers or blends thereof. Examples of olefin polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene and combinations thereof. In other aspects, 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 monofatty acid copolymers and combinations thereof.

[0068] In yet another aspect, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acid esters, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0069] In other aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more ionomeric polymers. In these aspects, the ionomeric polymers can include polymers having carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.) and / or anhydrides thereof. For example, the one or more ionomeric polymers can include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomeric polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0070] In other aspects, the one or more polymers can 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 propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0071] In other aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and / or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., cross-linked polyurethanes and / or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed above with respect to barrier layer 118. Alternatively, the one or more polymers can include one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0072] When the elastic polymer material is a foamed polymer material, the foamed material can be foamed using a physical foaming agent that undergoes a phase transition to a gas upon temperature and / or pressure change, or a chemical foaming agent that forms a gas upon heating above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical foaming agent can be an azo compound such as adipic acid amide, sodium bicarbonate, and / or an isocyanate.

[0073] In some embodiments, the foamed polymer material can be a cross-linked foam material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based cross-linking agent, such as dicumyl peroxide, can be used. In addition, the foamed polymer material can include one or more fillers, such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc, glass fibers, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, and the like.

[0074] The elastomeric polymer material can be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the elastomeric polymer material is a molded elastomer, an uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) can be mixed with an optional filler and a curing agent (e.g., a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing agent) in a Banbury mixer, calendared, shaped, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.

[0075] In another example, when the elastic polymer material is a foam material, the material can be foamed in a molding process such as an injection molding process. The thermoplastic polymer material can be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system, mixed with a physical or chemical foaming agent and an optional cross-linking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions that activate the foaming agent to form a molded foam.

[0076] Optionally, when the resilient polymer material is a foam material, the foam material can be a compression molded foam. Compression molding can be used to change the physical properties of the foam (e.g., density, stiffness, and / or hardness), or to change the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., fusing two or more foam pieces to shape the foam, etc.), or both.

[0077] The compression molding process desirably begins by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding a polymeric material and foaming it, by forming foam particles or beads, by cutting foam sheet stock, etc. The compression molded foam can then be manufactured by placing one or more preforms formed from one or more foamed polymeric materials in a compression mold and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in the 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 time to modify the preforms by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fusing individual foam particles to each other, permanently increasing the density of the foam, or any combination thereof. After heating and / or applying pressure, the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.

[0078] In some examples, outsole 104 extends over midsole 102 to provide increased durability and resilience. In the illustrated example, outsole 104 is provided as a polymer layer that is overmolded over bladder 106 to increase the durability of the exposed portion of lower barrier layer 118 of bladder 106. Thus, outsole 104 is formed from a different material than bladder 106 and includes at least one of a different thickness, a different hardness, and a different wear resistance than lower barrier layer 118. In some examples, outsole 104 can be integrally formed with lower barrier layer 118 of bladder 106 using an overmolding process. In other examples, outsole 104 can be formed separately from lower barrier layer 118 of bladder 106 and can be bonded to lower barrier layer 118.

[0079] Upper 200 is attached to sole structure 100 and includes an interior surface defining an interior cavity configured to receive and secure a foot supported on sole structure 100. Upper 200 may be formed from one or more materials stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior cavity. Suitable materials for the upper may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and positioned to provide durability, breathability, wear resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

[0080] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations of the above-described bladders, sole structures, and articles of footwear.

[0081] Clause 1: A bladder comprising a first chamber having a substantially U-shape and a second chamber having a substantially U-shape and spaced apart from the first chamber in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis of the bladder.

[0082] Clause 2: The bladder of Clause 1, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication with each other.

[0083] Clause 3: The capsule of any preceding clause, wherein the first chamber is aligned with the second chamber.

[0084] Clause 4: The bladder of any preceding clause, wherein the first chamber comprises a first leg and a second leg connected by a first arcuate segment, and the second chamber comprises a third leg and a fourth leg connected by a second arcuate segment.

[0085] Clause 5: The bladder of clause 4, wherein the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and the fourth leg extend in the same direction.

[0086] Clause 6: The bladder of clause 4 or 5, wherein the first leg and the second leg are disposed between the first arcuate segment and the second arcuate segment.

[0087] Clause 7: The bladder of any of clauses 4-6, wherein at least one of the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and the fourth leg is elongated.

[0088] Clause 8: The bladder of any of Clauses 4-7, further comprising a third chamber extending between the first leg and the second leg in a direction toward the first arcuate segment.

[0089] Clause 9: The bladder of clause 8, wherein the third chamber is spaced apart from the first leg and the second leg.

[0090] Clause 10: The bladder of any of Clauses 4-9, further comprising a fourth chamber extending between the third leg and the fourth leg in a direction toward the second arcuate segment.

[0091] Clause 11: The bladder of Clause 10, wherein the fourth chamber is spaced apart from the third leg and the fourth leg.

[0092] Clause 12: The bladder of clause 10 or 11, wherein at least one of the third chamber and the fourth chamber is elongated.

[0093] Clause 13: The bladder of any preceding clause, further comprising a web region defining the first and second chambers.

[0094] Clause 14: The bladder of Clause 13, wherein the web region comprises a first substantially U-shaped portion and a second substantially U-shaped portion.

[0095] Clause 15: An article of footwear comprising a bladder according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0096] Item 16: A bladder comprising: a first chamber; a second chamber spaced apart from the first chamber in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis of the bladder; and a web region defining the first chamber and the second chamber, the web region comprising a first portion having a generally U-shaped shape and a second portion having a generally U-shaped shape.

[0097] Clause 17: The bladder of Clause 16, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication with each other.

[0098] Clause 18: The bladder of Clause 16, wherein the first chamber comprises a substantially U-shape, the second chamber comprises a substantially U-shape, the first chamber being aligned with the second chamber.

[0099] Clause 19: The bladder of any preceding clause, wherein the first chamber comprises a first leg and a second leg connected by a first arcuate segment, and the second chamber comprises a third leg and a fourth leg connected by a second arcuate segment.

[0100] Clause 20: The bladder of Clause 19, wherein the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and the fourth leg extend in the same direction.

[0101] Clause 21: The bladder of clause 19 or 20, wherein the first leg and the second leg are disposed between the first arcuate segment and the second arcuate segment.

[0102] Clause 22: The bladder of any of clauses 19-21, wherein at least one of the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and the fourth leg is elongated.

[0103] Clause 23: The bladder of any of Clauses 19-22, further comprising a third chamber extending between the first leg and the second leg in a direction toward the first arcuate segment.

[0104] Clause 24: The bladder of Clause 23, wherein the third chamber is spaced apart from the first leg and the second leg.

[0105] Clause 25: The bladder of any of Clauses 19-24, further comprising a fourth chamber extending between the third leg and the fourth leg in a direction toward the second arcuate segment.

[0106] Clause 26: The bladder of Clause 25, wherein the fourth chamber is spaced apart from the third leg and the fourth leg.

[0107] Clause 27: The bladder of Clause 25 or 26, wherein at least one of the third chamber and the fourth chamber is elongated.

[0108] Clause 28: An article of footwear comprising a bladder according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0109] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and may be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. It may also vary in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A capsule comprising: a first chamber having a U-shape and including a first inner leg and a first outer leg connected by a first arcuate segment, the first chamber including a plurality of lobes, each lobed horn forming a portion of the first chamber having a variable cross-sectional area, the plurality of lobes being arranged in series end to end along a peripheral region such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the first chamber alternates between larger and smaller sizes; and A second chamber has a U-shape and is spaced apart from the first chamber in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis of the bladder, the second chamber having a second inner leg and a second outer leg connected by a second arcuate segment.

2. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of lobes includes a first end having a first cross-sectional area, a second end having a second cross-sectional area, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second ends, the middle portion having a third cross-sectional area greater than the first and second cross-sectional areas.

3. The capsule of claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of lobes tapers from the intermediate portion to respective first and second ends.

4. The bladder of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a third chamber that is U-shaped and has a third inner leg and a third outer leg and a middle section connecting the third inner leg and the third outer leg.

5. The capsule of claim 3, wherein: The width and thickness of the lobes taper from the middle portion.

6. The capsule of claim 4, wherein: The second chamber is disposed between the first chamber and the third chamber, and is smaller than the first chamber and larger than the third chamber.

7. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The bladder includes a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region; Wherein, the first chamber is a chamber around the heel, and the second chamber is a chamber around the forefoot.

8. The capsule of claim 7, wherein: The heel perimeter chamber extends through the midfoot and heel areas of the bladder in the perimeter region.

9. The capsule of claim 8, wherein: The heel perimeter chamber includes the first medial leg extending from the medial end adjacent the forefoot region along the medial side of the bladder and the first lateral leg extending from the lateral end adjacent the forefoot region along the lateral side of the bladder.

10. The capsule of claim 9, wherein The first arcuate segment extends from the first medial leg to the first lateral leg around the posterior end of the bladder.

11. A sole structure comprising the bladder according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An article of footwear comprising the bladder according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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