Air bags for articles of footwear

Abstract

A sole structure for an article of footwear has a heel region, a midfoot region, a forefoot region, an interior region, and a peripheral region. The sole structure includes a bladder having a chamber that includes an arcuate section extending around the heel region, a first section extending from the arcuate section along the peripheral region to a first terminal end in the forefoot region on a medial side of the sole structure, and a second section spaced apart from the first section across a width of the sole structure and extending from the arcuate section along the peripheral region to a second terminal end in the forefoot region on a lateral side of the sole structure. A peripheral outsole extends along the chamber, and a first pad is disposed between the first section and the second section and exposed through an opening of the peripheral outsole.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of July 16, 2019, application number 201980047915.9, and invention name “Airbag for footwear articles”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 16 / 037,979, filed on July 17, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its 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 typically 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 disposed 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, located in a gap near the bottom portion of the upper, and a strobel that is attached to the upper and disposed 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 a tensile member may be incorporated 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 side elevational 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 yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of an article of footwear.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a sole structure for an article of footwear in which a portion of the outsole has been removed to illustrate the outline of a fluid-filled chamber in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The longitudinal axis of the footwear article is taken along line 5-5. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear.

[0015] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 The line 6-6 is taken and corresponds to the first transition and the second transition of the fluid-filled chamber. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear.

[0016] Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 The third and fourth transitions of the fluid-filled chamber are taken along line 7-7. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear.

[0017] Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 The fifth and sixth transitions of the fluid-filled chamber are taken along line 8-8. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear.

[0018] Figure 9 It is along Figure 3 The line 9-9 is taken and corresponds to the end of the fluid-filled chamber. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear.

[0019] Figure 10 It is along Figure 3 The line 10-10 is taken and corresponds to the toe portion of the footwear article. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an article of footwear.

[0020] Figure 11A and 11B yes Figure 1 Top and bottom views of a bladder of an article of footwear.

[0021] Figure 11C yes Figure 11A and 11B Top view of the sac.

[0022] Figure 11D and 11E yes Figure 11A and 11B Medial and lateral side views of the bursa.

[0023] Figure 12A and 12B yes Figure 1 Top and bottom perspective views of an interior pad of an article of footwear.

[0024] Figure 13A and 13B yes Figure 1 Top and bottom perspective views of an external pad of an article of footwear.

[0025] Figure 14A and 14B yes Figure 1 Top and bottom perspective views of a lower pad of an article of footwear. and

[0026] Figure 15A and 15B yes Figure 1 Top and bottom perspective views of a perimeter outsole of an article of footwear.

[0027] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided, comprising a heel region, a midfoot region, a forefoot region, an interior region, and a perimeter region. The sole structure includes a bladder having a chamber, the chamber comprising: an arch segment extending around the heel region; a first segment extending from the arch segment along the perimeter region on a medial side of the sole structure to a first end in the forefoot region; and a second segment spaced apart from the first segment across a width of the sole structure and extending from the arch segment along the perimeter region on a lateral side of the sole structure to a second end in the forefoot region. A perimeter outsole is connected to the chamber and extends continuously along the chamber, defining a first portion of a ground-engaging surface of the article of footwear, the perimeter outsole defining an opening in the interior region of the sole structure. A first pad is disposed between the first and second segments and has a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface being formed on a side of the first pad opposite the first top surface, the first bottom surface being exposed through the opening of the perimeter outsole and spaced apart from the ground-engaging surface.

[0033] The second pad may be disposed between the first section and the second section and may have a second top surface and a second bottom surface, the second bottom surface being formed on a side of the second pad opposite the second top surface. The second bottom surface may be opposite the first top surface of the first pad. Additionally or alternatively, a third pad may be provided, having a third top surface and a third bottom surface formed on a side of the third pad opposite the third top surface. The third bottom surface may be opposite the chamber, and the third top surface may be continuous with the second top surface of the second pad.

[0034] In one configuration, the inner outsole may be attached to the first bottom surface of the first pad and may define a second portion of the ground engaging surface of the sole structure.The inner outsole may be formed of a different material than the peripheral outsole.

[0035] The thickness of the chamber may taper continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region at a first rate and may taper from the midfoot region to the forefoot region at a second rate.

[0036] In one configuration, the bladder may further include a web region formed in the heel area and extending between the first section and the second section.

[0037] The thickness of the first pad may be greater in the heel area than in the forefoot area.

[0038] In another configuration, a sole structure for an article of footwear is provided, comprising a heel region, a midfoot region, a forefoot region, an interior region, and a perimeter region. The sole structure includes a bladder having a chamber that extends continuously along the perimeter region from a first end in the forefoot region on a medial side of the sole structure, around the heel region, to a second end in the forefoot region on a lateral side of the sole structure. A perimeter outsole extends continuously and completely around the perimeter region of the sole structure and is attached to a bottom surface of the bladder to define a first portion of a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure, the perimeter outsole defining an opening in the interior region of the sole structure. A first pad extends between the first and second ends of the chamber and has a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface being formed on a side of the first pad opposite the first top surface. The first pad is spaced a first distance from the ground-engaging surface in the forefoot region and a second distance, different from the first distance, from the ground-engaging surface in the heel region.

[0039] The second pad may extend between the first and second ends of the chamber and may have a second top surface and a second bottom surface, the second bottom surface being formed on a side of the second pad opposite the second top surface. The second bottom surface may be opposite the first top surface of the first pad. Additionally or alternatively, a third pad may be provided, having a third top surface and a third bottom surface formed on a side of the third pad opposite the third top surface. The third bottom surface may be opposite the chamber, and the third top surface may be continuous with the second top surface of the second pad.

[0040] In one configuration, the inner outsole may be attached to the first bottom surface of the first pad and may define a second portion of the ground engaging surface of the sole structure.The inner outsole may be formed of a different material than the peripheral outsole.

[0041] The thickness of the chamber may taper continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region at a first rate and may taper from the midfoot region to the forefoot region at a second rate.

[0042] The bladder may further include a web region formed in the heel area and extending between the medial side of the chamber and the lateral side of the chamber.

[0043] In one configuration, the thickness of the first pad may be greater in the heel region than in the forefoot region.

[0044] In yet another configuration, an article of footwear is provided that includes a sole structure. The sole structure includes a bladder having a chamber, the chamber comprising (i) an arch segment extending around a heel region of the sole structure, (ii) a first segment in fluid communication with the arch segment and extending from the arch segment along a peripheral region of the sole structure on a medial side of the sole structure to a first end in the forefoot region of the sole structure, and (iii) a second segment in fluid communication with the arch segment, spaced apart from the first segment across a width of the sole structure, and extending from the arch segment along the peripheral region on a lateral side of the sole structure to a second end in the forefoot region. A peripheral outsole is connected to the chamber and extends continuously along the chamber, defining a first portion of a ground-engaging surface of the article of footwear, the peripheral outsole defining an opening in an interior region of the sole structure. A first pad is disposed between the first and second segments and has a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface being formed on a side of the first pad opposite the first top surface, the first bottom surface being exposed through the opening of the peripheral outsole and spaced apart from the ground-engaging surface.

[0045] At least one of the first section and the second section may be elongated.

[0046] In one configuration, at least one of the first section and the second section may taper in a direction away from the arch section toward the forefoot region.

[0047] The inner outsole may be attached to the first bottom surface of the first pad and may define a second portion of the ground engaging surface of the sole structure.

[0048] Reference Figure 1-3 , article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200. Article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 12, a midfoot region 14, and a heel region 16. Forefoot region 12 may be subdivided into a toe portion 12 corresponding to the phalanges. T and the ball portion 12 associated with the metatarsal bones of the foot B Midfoot region 14 may correspond to the arch area of ​​the foot, while heel region 16 may correspond to the rear portion of the foot, including the calcaneus bone.

[0049] Footwear 10 may also include a front end 18 associated with a forward-most point of forefoot region 12 and a rear end 20 corresponding to a rearward-most point of heel region 16. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the longitudinal axis A of the footwear 10 FA longitudinal direction extends parallel to the ground from front end 18 to rear end 20 along the length of footwear 10 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, and 16, respectively. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to a direction extending from front end 18 to rear end 20, while a lateral direction refers to a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from medial side 22 to lateral side 24.

[0050] The article of footwear 10, and more specifically the sole structure 200, can be further described as including a peripheral region 26 and an interior region 28. Figure 3 Peripheral region 26 is generally described as the area between interior region 28 and the outer periphery of sole structure 200. In particular, peripheral region 26 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 28 is circumscribed by peripheral region 26 and extends along a central portion of sole structure 200 from forefoot region 12 to heel region 16.

[0051] Upper 100 includes an interior surface defining an interior cavity 102 configured to receive and secure a foot supported on sole structure 200. Upper 100 may be formed from one or more materials stitched or adhesively bonded together to form interior cavity 102. 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.

[0052] refer to Figure 5-10 In some examples, the upper 100 includes a strobel 104 having a bottom surface opposite the sole structure 200 and an opposing top surface defining a footbed 106 that defines an interior cavity 102. Sutures or adhesive can secure the strobel to the upper 100. The contour of the footbed 106 can conform to the contour of the bottom surface of the foot (e.g., the sole). Optionally, the upper 100 can also incorporate additional layers, such as an insole 108 or a sockliner, which can be disposed on the strobel 104 and positioned within the interior cavity 102 of the upper 100 to receive the plantar surface of the foot and enhance the comfort of the article of footwear 10. An ankle opening 114 in the heel region 16 can provide access to the interior cavity 102. For example, the ankle opening 114 can receive a foot to secure the foot within the cavity 102 and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the interior cavity 102.

[0053] In some examples, one or more fasteners 110 extend along upper 100 to adjust the fit of interior cavity 102 around the foot and accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. Upper 100 can include apertures, such as eyelets and / or other engagement features, such as fabric or mesh loops, that receive fasteners 110. Fasteners 110 can include laces, straps, cords, hook and loop, or any other suitable type of fastener. Upper 100 can include a tongue portion 116 extending between interior cavity 102 and the fasteners.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 , the sole structure 200 includes a midsole 202 configured to provide cushioning properties to the sole structure 200 and an outsole 204 configured to provide the ground-engaging surface 30 of the article of footwear 10. Unlike conventional sole structures, each of the midsole 202 and the outsole 204 is compositely formed, whereby each is formed from multiple subcomponents. For example, the midsole 202 includes a bladder 206, an inner cushion 208, an outer cushion 210, and a lower cushion 212. Similarly, the outsole 204 includes an inner outsole 214 and a peripheral outsole 216 formed separately from the inner outsole 214. The subcomponents 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 are assembled and secured to one another using various bonding methods, including, for example, adhesive bonding and melting.

[0055] refer to Figure 5-11D , the bladder 206 of the midsole 202 includes an opposing pair of barrier layers 218a, 218b that can be joined to each other at discrete locations to define an elongated fluid-filled chamber 220, a web region 222, and a perimeter seam 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier layers 218a, 218b include a first upper barrier layer 218a and a second lower barrier layer 218b. Alternatively, the fluid-filled chamber 220 can be created by any suitable combination of one or more barrier layers.

[0056] As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layers 218a, 218b) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 218a, 218b are made of a monolayer film (single layer) (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 218a, 218b are made of a multilayer film (multiple sublayers) (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded). In either aspect, the film thickness of each layer or sublayer can be in the range of about 0.2 microns to about 1 mm. In further embodiments, the film thickness of each layer or sublayer can be in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 500 microns. In yet other embodiments, the film thickness of each layer or sublayer can be in the range of about 1 micron to about 100 microns.

[0057] One or both of the barrier layers 218a, 218b can independently be transparent, translucent, and / or opaque. As used herein, with respect to the barrier layer and / or fluid-filled chamber, 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, making it impossible for a viewer to clearly see through the layer.

[0058] Each barrier layer 218a, 218b 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The barrier layers 218a, 218b may include two or more sublayers (multilayer films), such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,141 to Mitchell et al. and 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In embodiments where the barrier layers 218a, 218b include 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 218a, 218b 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 218a, 218b 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.

[0064] The fluid-filled chambers 220 can be created from the barrier layers 218a, 218b 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 layers 218a, 218b can be created by coextrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to create the expandable chambers 220, which can optionally include one or more valves (e.g., one-way valves) that allow the chambers 220 to be filled with a fluid (e.g., a gas).

[0065] Chamber 220 can be provided in a fluid-filled state (e.g., as provided in footwear 10) or in an unfilled state. Chamber 220 can be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. In one aspect, the gas can include air, nitrogen (N2), or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, chamber 220 can alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled material, etc. (e.g., foam beads and / or rubber beads). The fluid provided to chamber 220 can cause chamber 220 to be pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to chamber 220 can be at atmospheric pressure, such that chamber 220 is not pressurized, but rather simply contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

[0066] The fluid-filled chamber 220 desirably has a low gas transmission rate to maintain its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the gas transmission rate of nitrogen gas of the fluid-filled chamber 220 is at least about ten (10) times lower than the nitrogen transmission rate of a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same size. In one aspect, the fluid-filled chamber 220 has a gas transmission rate of 15 cubic centimeters per square meter·atm·day (cm3 / m2·atm·day) for an average film thickness of 500 microns (based on the thickness of the barrier layers 218a, 218b). 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.

[0067] Reference 11A to 11D , the fluid-filled chamber 220 includes a series of interconnected fluid-filled segments 226, 228, 230 disposed along the peripheral region 26 of the sole structure 200. When assembled into the sole structure 200, the fluid-filled chamber 220 is configured to be at least partially exposed along the peripheral region 26 and to be exposed from the toe portion 12 of the medial side 22. T The toe portion 12 extends continuously around the rear end 20 to the lateral side 24 T .

[0068] In some embodiments, upper barrier layer 218a and lower barrier layer 218b cooperate to define the geometry (e.g., thickness, width, and length) of fluid-filled chamber 220. For example, web region 222 and perimeter seam 224 may cooperate to confine and extend around fluid-filled chamber 220 to seal the fluid (e.g., air) within fluid-filled chamber 220. Thus, fluid-filled chamber 220 is associated with an area of ​​bladder 206 where the inner surfaces of upper barrier layer 218a and lower barrier layer 218b are not joined together and are, therefore, separated from one another.

[0069] like Figure 5-9 As shown, the space formed between the opposing inner surfaces of the upper and lower barrier layers 218a, 218b defines an inner cavity 231 of the fluid-filled chamber 220. In the example shown, the inner cavity 231 has a circular cross-sectional shape and defines an inner diameter D of the fluid-filled chamber 220. C As discussed in more detail below, Figure 5-9 As shown, the inner diameter D of the fluid-filled chamber 220 is C From the first inner diameter D of the heel region 16 C1 The second inner diameter D in the forefoot region 12 C5 Continuously tapering.

[0070] Similarly, the outer surfaces of upper barrier layer 218a and lower barrier layer 218b define the outer contour of fluid-filled chamber 220, which has an inner diameter D of lumen 231. C Thus, upper barrier layer 218a and lower barrier layer 218b define respective upper and lower surfaces 232a, 232b of fluid-filled chamber 220, which converge with each other in a direction from rear end 20 to forefoot region 12 to define a tapered thickness T of fluid-filled chamber 220. C .

[0071] Reference Figure 11C , the fluid-filled chamber 220 can be described as including an arcuate rear segment 226, a plurality of elongated medial segments 228, and a plurality of elongated lateral segments 230, which are all disposed within the peripheral region 26 of the sole structure 200 and fluidly coupled to one another at respective transitions 233. The rear segment 226 extends around the rear end 20 of the sole structure 200 from a first transition 233a on the medial side 22 to a second transition 233b on the lateral side 24. The medial segment 228 extends from the first transition 233a and along the medial side 22 of the peripheral region 26 to the ball portion 12 located in the forefoot region 12. B and toe portion 12 T 2. Lateral section 230 extends from second transition 233b and along lateral side 24 to a first end 234a of fluid-filled chamber 220 located in forefoot region 12. Similarly, lateral section 230 extends from second transition 233b and along lateral side 24 to a second end 234b of the fluid-filled chamber located in forefoot region 12. Ends 234a, 234b of fluid-filled chamber 220 are substantially hemispherical, such that upper barrier layer 218a and lower barrier layer 218b have a constant radius of curvature. As shown, an outer perimeter portion of upper surface 232a of fluid-filled chamber 220 is exposed around the outer perimeter of sole structure 200.

[0072] Continue to refer Figure 11C, the rear segment 226 extends around the rear end 20 of the heel region 16 and is fluidly coupled to the medial segment 228 and the lateral segment 230. More specifically, the rear segment 226 extends along a generally arcuate path or axis A. PS 24 . Figure 1 As shown, the rear section 226 protrudes beyond the rear end 20 of the upper 100 such that the upper 100 is offset from a rearwardly-rearward portion of the rear section 226 toward the front end 18 .

[0073] Still refer to Figure 11C , the medial portion 228 and the lateral portion 230 are continuously formed along each of the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 and extend along a generally serpentine path from the rear segment 226 to a respective end 234. The medial segment 228 and the lateral segment 230 can be described as extending along respective longitudinal segment axes A S 228, 230, whereby the ends of sequentially adjacent ones of the segments 228, 230 intersect one another at an arcuate transition 233, as described in more detail below. F Describes the segment axis A S1-S6 Again refer to Figure 11C , medial segment 228 includes a medial heel segment 228a, a medial midfoot segment 228b, and a medial forefoot segment 228c, which are arranged in series along medial side 22 of peripheral region 26. Similarly, lateral segment 230 includes a lateral heel segment 230a, a lateral midfoot segment 230b, and a lateral forefoot segment 230c, which are arranged in series along lateral side 24 of peripheral region.

[0074] The medial heel segment 228a is located along the first longitudinal segment axis A. S1 From the first transition 233a at the rear section 226, a third transition 233c extends into the midfoot region 14. Figure 11C As shown, the first longitudinal segment axis A S1 The longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10 is aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10 in the direction from the first transition 233a to the third transition 233c. F Similarly, the lateral heel segment 230a is along the second longitudinal segment axis A. S2 The second longitudinal segment axis A extends from the second transition 233b at the rear segment 226 to the fourth transition 233d in the midfoot region 14. S2Also in the direction from the second transition 233b to the fourth transition 233d, the longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10 is aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10. F Thus, medial heel segment 228a and lateral heel segment 228b converge with each other in a direction from rear segment 226 to midfoot region 14, such that the overall width W of fluid-filled chamber 220 gradually decreases from a first width W1 at heel region 16 to a smaller second width W2 across third transition 233c and fourth transition 233d, as shown in FIG. Figure 11C shown.

[0075] Still refer to Figure 11C The medial midfoot segment 228b is along the third longitudinal segment axis A. S3 From the third transition 233c in the midfoot region 14, a fifth transition 233e extends into the forefoot region 12. Figure 11C As shown, the third longitudinal segment axis A S3 From the longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10 in the direction from the third transition 233c to the fifth transition 233e F Similarly, the lateral midfoot segment 230b is arranged along the fourth longitudinal segment axis A. S4 The fourth longitudinal segment axis A extends from the fourth transition 233d in the midfoot region 14 to the sixth transition 233f in the forefoot region 12. S4 In the direction from the fourth transition 233d to the sixth transition 233f, the longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10 is F Thus, medial midfoot segment 228b and lateral midfoot segment 230b diverge from one another in a direction from midfoot region 14 to forefoot region 12, such that the total width W of fluid-filled chamber 220 expands from a second width W2 across third and fourth transitions 233c, 233d to a third width W3 across fifth and sixth transitions 233e, 233f.

[0076] Continue to refer Figure 11C , the medial forefoot segment 228c is along the fifth longitudinal segment axis A S5 A fifth transition 233e extends from the forefoot region 12 to the first end 234a in the forefoot region 12. Figure 11D As shown, the fifth longitudinal segment axis A S5 Along the direction from the fifth transition 233e to the first end 234a and the longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10 F Similarly, the lateral forefoot segment 230c is along the sixth longitudinal segment axis A. S6 The sixth longitudinal segment axis A extends from a sixth transition 233f in the forefoot region 12 to a second end 234b in the forefoot region 12. S6 The longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10 is aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10 in the direction from the sixth transition 233f to the second end 234b.F Thus, medial forefoot segment 228 c and lateral forefoot segment 230 c converge with each other in a direction from forefoot region 12 to front end 18 , such that the overall width W of fluid-filled chamber 220 gradually decreases from a third width W3 across fifth and sixth transitions 233 e , 233 f to a fourth width W4 across ends 234 a , 234 b .

[0077] like Figure 11D and 11E As shown, portions of the bottom surface 232b defined by the rear segment 226, the heel segments 228a, 230a, and the midfoot segments 228b, 230b are substantially aligned with one another to define a first reference plane P BS In contrast, the forefoot segments 228c, 230c extend from transitions 233e, 233f along an arcuate and inclined path, whereby the portion of the bottom surface 232b defined by the forefoot segments 228c, 230c is directed away from the first reference plane P. BS Therefore, although the axis A PS 、A S1-S4 Relative to the bottom surface reference plane P BS Extending along a common angle, but axis A S5 、A S6 Relative to the bottom surface reference plane P BS In other words, each of rear segment 226, heel segments 228a, 230a, and midfoot segments 228b, 230b are aligned along a common plane, while forefoot segments 228c, 230c extend from that plane along a curved path in the same direction. Thus, when incorporated into article of footwear 10, forefoot segments 228c, 230c will extend away from the ground along a curved path.

[0078] Now refer to Figure 5-9 , the fluid-filled chamber 220 is tubular and defines a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Thus, the inner diameter D of the lumen 231 is C1-C5 Corresponding to the outer thickness T of the fluid-filled chamber 220 C The thickness T of the fluid-filled chamber 220 is C is defined by the maximum distance between the upper surface 232a of the upper barrier layer 218a and the lower surface 232b of the lower barrier layer 218b. Figure 11D and 11E , the thickness T of the fluid-filled chamber 220 C The fluid-filled chamber 220 tapers continuously from the rear section 226 to the ends 234a, 234b. In particular, the fluid-filled chamber 220 tapers from a first thickness T at the rear end 20 to a first thickness T at the rear end 20. C1 to a second thickness T across the fifth transition 233e and the sixth transition 233f C2Thus, the portion of the fluid-filled chamber 220 formed by the rear segment 226, the heel segments 228a, 230a, and the midfoot segments 228b, 230b has a thickness ranging from the first thickness T C1 To the second thickness T C2 The forefoot segments 228c, 230c also taper continuously at a second rate from the respective fifth and sixth transitions 233e, 233f to the respective ends 234a, 234b. The forefoot segments 228c, 230c may taper at a variable rate, whereby a first portion of the forefoot segments 228c, 230c extending from the fifth and sixth transitions 233e, 233f tapers at a greater rate than a second portion of the forefoot segments 228c, 230c extending to the ends 234a, 234b.

[0079] Each of the segments 226, 228a-228c, 230a-230c can be filled with a pressurized fluid (i.e., gas, liquid) to provide cushioning and stability to the foot during use of the footwear 10. In some embodiments, the compressibility of a first portion of the plurality of segments 226, 228a-228c, 230a-230c under an applied load provides responsive cushioning, while a second portion of the segments 226, 228a-228c, 230a-230c can be configured to provide soft cushioning under an applied load. Thus, the segments 226, 228a-228c, 230a-230c of the fluid-filled chamber 220 can cooperate to provide gradient cushioning for the article of footwear 10 that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the segments 226, 228a-228c, 230a-230c are compressed, and thus the footwear 10 performs a faster response). In some embodiments, the segments 226, 228a-228c, 230a-230c are in fluid communication with each other to form an integrated pressure system for the fluid-filled chamber 220. The integrated pressure system directs fluid through the segments 226, 228a-228c, 230a-230c as the segments 226, 228a-228c, 230a-230c compress or expand when a load is applied to provide cushioning, stability, and support by attenuating ground reaction forces, particularly during forward running motions of the footwear 10.

[0080] Reference Figure 11A and 11B, web region 222 is formed at the junction of upper barrier layer 218a and lower barrier layer 218b and extends between medial heel segment 228a and lateral heel segment 230a from rear segment 226 to terminal edge 236 located in midfoot region 14 of sole structure 200. In particular, terminal edge 236 is substantially aligned with third and fourth transitions 233c, 233d in midfoot region 14 of sole structure 200. In the example shown, web region 222 is vertically intermediate relative to thickness T of fluid-filled chamber 220. Thus, web region 222 cooperates with heel segments 228a, 230a to define upper and lower pockets 238, 240 for receiving portions of inner pad 208 and lower pad 212, respectively.

[0081] The web region 222 includes an inflation conduit 242 configured to provide a fluid passage between a mold cavity (not shown) and the interior of the fluid-filled chamber 220. The inflation conduit 242 extends from an inlet 244 formed adjacent to the distal edge 236 of the web region 222 to one of the segments 226, 228a, 230a of the fluid-filled chamber 220 disposed in the heel region 16 of the sole structure 200. In the example shown, the conduit 242 includes a first segment 246a extending from the inlet 244 to a medial region of the web region 222, and a second segment 246b extending from the first segment 246a to a medial heel segment 228a of the fluid-filled chamber 220. In some examples, the web region 222 includes a tab 248 extending from the distal edge 236 toward the front end 18. The inlet 244 and a portion of the first segment 246a are formed on the tab 246. Additionally, the inlet 244 may include a crimp area 251 formed on the tab 248 for sealing the inflation conduit 242 during the molding process, thereby preventing pressurized fluid from escaping the fluid-filled conduit once the desired pressure is achieved.

[0082] In some embodiments, the upper barrier layer 218a and the lower barrier layer 218b are formed from respective mold sections, each of which defines various surfaces for forming depressions and extrusion surfaces corresponding to locations where, when the upper barrier layer 218a and the lower barrier layer 218b are joined and bonded together, the web region 222 and / or the perimeter seam 224 are formed. In some embodiments, an adhesive bond is used to bond the upper barrier layer 218a and the lower barrier layer 218b to form the web region 222 and the perimeter seam 224. In other embodiments, the upper barrier layer 218a and the lower barrier layer 218b are bonded to form the web region 222 and the perimeter seam 224 by thermal bonding. In some examples, one or both of the upper barrier layer 218a and the lower barrier layer 218b are heated to a temperature that facilitates forming and melting. In some examples, the barrier layers 218a and 218b are heated before being placed between their respective molds. In other examples, the mold can be heated to increase the temperature of barrier layers 218a, 218b. In some embodiments, the molding process used to form fluid-filled chamber 220 incorporates vacuum ports within the mold sections to remove air, allowing upper barrier layer 218a and lower barrier layer 218b to be drawn into contact with the respective mold sections. In other embodiments, a fluid, such as air, can be injected into the region between upper barrier layer 218a and lower barrier layer 218b, causing the increased pressure to cause barrier layers 204, 206 to engage with the surfaces of their respective mold sections.

[0083] Now turn Figure 12A and 12B Insole 208 includes a top surface 250 and a bottom surface 252 formed on a side of innersole 208 opposite top surface 250. Peripheral surface 254 extends between top surface 250 and bottom surface 252 and is configured to cooperate with the inner perimeter of fluid-filled chamber 220. Top surface 250 of innersole 208 defines the contours of interior region 28 of foot bed 106 and may be contoured to correspond to the shape of the foot. Top surface 250 may further include a plurality of elongated channels 256 formed in forefoot region 12 thereof.

[0084] As shown, channels 256 are evenly spaced apart along forefoot region 12 , and each channel 256 extends from a first end 258 adjacent medial side 22 to a second end 258 adjacent lateral side 24 .

[0085] refer to Figure 12B, the outer peripheral surface 254 of the inner pad 208 is configured to cooperate with each of the outer pad 210 and the fluid-filled chamber 220 of the bladder 206. In particular, the outer peripheral surface 254 includes an outer pad channel 260 formed adjacent to the top surface 250 and an inner chamber channel 262 formed between the outer pad channel 260 and the bottom surface 252. The outer pad channel 260 extends continuously from a first end (not shown) in the forefoot region 12 on the medial side and around the heel region 16 to a second end 264 in the forefoot region 12 on the lateral side 24. Figure 5-10 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the outer pad groove 260 has an arcuate profile and corresponds in shape to the inner periphery of the outer pad 210 , as discussed in more detail below.

[0086] Continue to refer Figure 12B The inner chamber groove 262 extends from a first end (not shown) in the forefoot region 12 on the medial side and around the heel region 16 to a second end 266 in the forefoot region 12 on the lateral side 24. Figure 5-9 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the inner chamber groove 262 is concave and corresponds to the circumference of the upper surface 232a of the fluid-filled chamber 220. Although the inner chamber groove 262 is continuously concave along its length, as described above, the radius of the inner chamber groove 262 is variable and is configured to accommodate the tapering thickness T of the fluid-filled chamber 220. C For example, Figure 5 As shown, the inner chamber groove 262 has a first radius in the heel region 12 that corresponds to the thickness T of the fluid-filled chamber 220 at the rear end 20. C or diameter. Similarly, Figure 6-9 As shown, the radius of the inner chamber groove 262 gradually decreases from the heel region 16 to the forefoot region 12 to accommodate the thickness T of the fluid-filled chamber 220. C When sole structure 200 is assembled, inner chamber groove 262 receives an inner peripheral portion of upper surface 232a of fluid-filled chamber 220 , whereby inner pad 208 is disposed between segments 226 , 228 a - 228 c , 230 a - 230 c of fluid-filled chamber 220 above seam 224 and web 222 .

[0087] Still refer to Figure 12B , the outer peripheral surface 254 may include a plurality of elongated grooves 268 extending vertically from the top surface 250 to the bottom surface 252. In the example shown, the grooves 268 are formed in the heel area and include a first pair of grooves 268 spaced apart from each other on the medial side 22, a second pair of grooves 268 spaced apart from each other on the lateral side 24, and a fifth groove 268 formed at the rear end of the inner pad 208.

[0088] refer to Figure 12B, the bottom surface 252 of the inner pad 208 is configured to cooperate with the bladder 206, whereby the bottom surface 252 includes a plurality of features for receiving corresponding elements of the bladder 206. In the example shown, the bottom surface 252 includes a forefoot pad 270 that is configured to be received between portions of the perimeter seam 224 that extend along the inner perimeter of the midfoot segments 228b, 230b and the forefoot segments 228c, 230c. Thus, as Figure 8 and 9 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the thickness T of the front foot pad 270 is P The thickness of the perimeter seam 224 corresponds to that of the bottom surface 252 of the inner pad 208 defined by the forefoot pad 270 so that the portion thereof is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the perimeter seam 224. Figure 5 and Figure 12B , the forefoot pad 270 extends from a first end 272 at the forefoot region 12 of the sole structure 200 to a second end 274 in the midfoot region 14. The second end 274 is opposite the distal edge 236 of the web region 222, and more specifically, the distal edge of the tab 248. Because the forefoot pad 270 is configured to be received between the perimeter seams 224 of the bladder 206, the medial and lateral sidewalls 276a, 276b of the forefoot pad 270 are offset inwardly from the lower edge of the interior chamber groove 262, thereby providing a support structure for the forefoot pad 270. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the space between the interior chamber channel 262 and the side walls 276a, 276b of the forefoot pad 270 is configured to receive the perimeter seam 224 therein.

[0089] Continue to refer Figure 12B , the bottom surface 252 of the inner cushion 208 includes an upper recess 278 that is configured to receive a portion of the inflation conduit 242 formed on the top surface of the web region 222. Thus, the upper recess 278 includes: a first portion 280a that is configured to receive the tab 248 and the inlet 244; a second portion 280b that extends from the first portion 280a to an interior portion of the bottom surface 252 and is configured to receive the first segment 246a of the inlet 244; and a third portion 280c that extends from the second portion 280b to a peripheral surface on the inner side 22 and is configured to receive the second segment 246b of the inlet 244.

[0090] Now turn Figure 13A and 13B, the outer pad 210 is configured to cooperate with each of the bladder 206 and the inner pad 208 and to form an upper portion of the midsole 202 along the peripheral region 26 of the sole structure 200. As shown, the outer pad 210 includes a continuously formed sidewall 282 including a top surface 284 and a bottom surface 286, with the bottom surface 286 being disposed on a side of the sidewall opposite the top surface 284. The sidewall 282 also includes an inner peripheral surface 288 and an outer peripheral surface 290, which are disposed on opposite sides of the sidewall relative to each other and each extend from the top surface 284 to the bottom surface 286. The inner peripheral surface 288 defines an aperture 292 that extends through the outer pad 210 and is configured to receive the inner pad 208 therein. Thus, the inner peripheral surface 288 of the outer pad 210 and the outer peripheral surface 254 of the inner pad 208 cooperate with each other so that the cross-sectional profile of the outer peripheral surface 254 is complementary to the cross-sectional profile of the inner peripheral surface 288, as shown in FIG. Figure 6-9 When the sole structure 200 is assembled, the inner peripheral surface 288 of the outer pad 210 opposes the outer peripheral surface 254 of the inner pad 208 to form a continuous upper portion of the midsole 202 .

[0091] like Figure 5-9 As shown, the top surface 284 of the outer pad 210 is curved and defines a portion of the foot bed 106 in the peripheral region 26. Thus, the top surface 284 of the outer pad 210 and the top surface 250 of the inner pad 208 cooperate to define the foot bed 106 of the sole structure 200. Figure 1 As shown, the top surface 284 and the outer peripheral surface 290 of the outer pad 210 cooperate to define a counter 294 that extends around the outer perimeter of the upper 100, whereby the top surface 284 is concave and extends onto the upper 100 to provide lateral support for the foot during side-to-side movement. In the example shown, the height H of the counter 294 is 1 / 8" (H). C The height H of the foot 294 may be variable along the perimeter region 26 to provide a desired amount of lateral support to the upper 100. For example, the height H of the foot 294 may be varied. C It may be larger at the rear end 20 and midfoot region 14 than in the forefoot region 12 and heel region 16 .

[0092] like Figure 13A and 13B As shown, the bottom surface 286 of the outer pad 210 includes an upper chamber groove 296 that extends from a first end 298 on the medial side 22 in the forefoot region 12 and around the heel region 16 to a second end 300 on the lateral side 24 in the forefoot region 12. The upper chamber groove 296 is configured to cooperate with the inner chamber groove 262 of the inner pad 208 to receive and support the upper surface 232b of the fluid-filled chamber 220. Figure 5-10As shown, the surfaces of the upper chamber groove 296 and the inner chamber groove 262 of the outer pad 210 are formed continuously with each other, so that each of the upper chamber groove 296 and the inner chamber groove 262 has the same radius at corresponding positions along the sole structure 200. Figure 13B Each of the first end 298 and the second end 300 of the upper chamber slot is hemispherical and is configured to receive an upper portion of the corresponding end 234a, 234b of the fluid-filled chamber 220.

[0093] Reference Figure 14A and Figure 14B The lower pad 212 includes a top surface 302 and a bottom surface 304 formed on a side of the lower pad 212 opposite the top surface 302 . A peripheral surface 306 extends from the top surface 302 to the bottom surface 304 and defines an outer perimeter of the lower pad 212 .

[0094] The top surface 302 of the lower pad 212 includes a rib 308 that is disposed in the midfoot region 14 and extends laterally across the width of the lower pad 212 from the medial side 22 to the lateral side 24. The rib 308 has the shape of a truncated rectangular pyramid, whereby the height of the rib 308 increases in a direction from the peripheral surface 306 to a peak 310 formed in the center of the lower pad 212. Figure 5 , the peak 310 of the rib 308 is configured to be received within the first portion 280a of the upper recess 278 formed in the bottom surface 252 of the inner pad 208 to secure the tab 248 of the bladder 206 in the recess 278. Therefore, when the sole structure 200 is assembled, the longitudinal position of the rib 308 corresponds to the longitudinal position of the third and fourth transitions 233c, 233d of the bladder 206.

[0095] The ribs 308 effectively divide the lower pad 212 into a forefoot portion 312 and a heel portion 314. Figure 5 、 14A As shown in FIG14B , the thickness T of the lower pad 212 is LC The longitudinal axis A of the article of footwear 10 may be F changes in the direction of the LC The thickness T increases in the direction from the forefoot region 12 to the heel region 16. Therefore, the heel portion 314 of the lower pad 212 can have a greater thickness T than the forefoot portion 312. LC .

[0096] The forefoot portion 312 of the lower pad 212 is configured to be received between the midfoot segments 228b, 230b and the forefoot segments 228c, 230c below the seam 224. Thus, the forefoot portion 312 is opposite and abuts the forefoot pad 270 in the forefoot region 12 of the sole structure 200, whereby the perimeter seam 224 is disposed between the forefoot portion 312 of the lower pad 212 and the bottom surface 252 of the inner pad 208, as shown. Figure 5 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown.

[0097] The heel portion 314 of the lower pad 212 is configured to be received within the lower pocket 240 formed in the heel region 16 of the fluid-filled chamber 220 via the rear section 226 and the heel sections 228a, 230a and the web area 222, as shown. Figure 5-7 Thus, the top surface 284 of the heel portion 314 is opposite and abuts the bottom surface of the web region 222, while the peripheral surface 306 is surrounded by the rear section 226 and the heel sections 228a, 230a. Figure 5-7 As shown, bottom surface 304 of lower pad 212 is spaced apart from ground engaging surface 30 in heel region 16 of the sole structure, whereby bladder 206 and pads 208 , 210 , 212 cooperate to form a trampoline-like sole structure 200 supported by peripheral outsole 216 and fluid-filled chamber 220 .

[0098] Continue to refer Figure 14A , the top surface 302 of the heel portion 314 includes a lower recess 316 that is configured to receive a portion of the inflation conduit 242 formed on the bottom surface of the web region 222. Thus, the lower recess 316 includes a first portion 318a that extends from the rib 308 toward the heel region, and a second portion 318b that extends from the first portion 318a to the peripheral surface 306 on the medial side 22 of the lower pad. As shown, the web region 222 is interposed between the inner pad 208 and the lower pad 212 in the heel region 16 of the sole structure 200 to provide enhanced structural integrity between the bladder 206 and the remainder of the sole structure 200.

[0099] refer to Figure 14B , the bottom surface 286 of the lower pad 212 includes a notch 320 formed in the forefoot portion 312. Figure 3-5 , 8 and 9, the notch 320 is configured to receive the inner outsole 214 therein. In the example shown, the depth of the notch 320 is less than the total thickness of the inner outsole 214, whereby the inner outsole 214 protrudes from the notch 320 to define a first portion of the ground engaging surface 30 of the article of footwear 10.

[0100] As described above, each of the inner pad 208, outer pad 210, and lower pad 212 is formed from a resilient polymeric material, such as foam or rubber, to impart cushioning properties, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the wearer's foot. In the illustrated example, the inner pad 208 is formed from a first foam material, the outer pad 210 is formed from a second foam material, and the lower pad is formed from a third foam material. For example, the inner pad 208 and lower pad 212 may be formed from a foam material that provides greater cushioning and impact distribution, while the outer pad 210 is formed from a foam material having greater stiffness to provide increased lateral stiffness around the peripheral region 26 of the upper 100.

[0101] As described above, each of the inner pad 208, outer pad 210, and lower pad 212 is desirably formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as a resilient foam or rubber, to impart cushioning properties, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the wearer's foot. In the example shown, the inner pad 208 is formed of a first resilient polymeric material, the outer pad 210 is formed of a second resilient polymeric material, and the lower pad 212 is formed of a third resilient polymeric material.

[0102] Each cushioning element 208, 210 and 212 can be independently formed by a single integral elastic polymer material 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 the multiple elements to each other. Alternatively, the 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, the 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).

[0103] In some aspects, the compositions of the first, second, and third elastic polymer materials (used in cushioning elements 208, 210, and 212, respectively) can be substantially the same. Similarly, the average physical properties of the first, second, and third elastic polymer materials, such as average density, average stiffness, and / or average hardness, can be substantially the same.

[0104] Alternatively, at least one of the first, second, and third elastic polymer materials may differ in composition, physical properties, or both. For example, inner pad 208 and lower pad 212 may be formed from an elastic polymer material that provides greater cushioning and impact distribution, while outer pad 210 may be formed from an elastic polymer material having greater stiffness to provide increased lateral stiffness to peripheral region 26 of upper 100.

[0105] Exemplary resilient polymeric materials for cushioning elements 208, 210, and 212 may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)). 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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 styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0110] In other aspects, 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., cross-linked polyurethanes and / or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed above with respect to barrier layers 218a, 218b. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] Rotation Reference Figure 15A and Figure 15B , the peripheral outsole 216 includes a top surface 322 and a bottom surface 324, with the bottom surface 324 being formed on a side of the peripheral outsole 216 opposite the top surface 322. The peripheral outsole 216 also includes an inner peripheral edge 325a and an outer peripheral edge 325b, each of which extends between the top surface 322 and the bottom surface 324. The peripheral outsole 216 extends from a first end 326 to a second end 328 and is configured to extend continuously around the peripheral area 26 of the sole structure 200 to provide a first portion of the ground engaging surface 30. Therefore, the inner peripheral edge 325a of the peripheral outsole 216 defines an opening 330 in the interior area 28 of the sole structure 200 for exposing the underpad 212 and the inner outsole 214. The first end 326 of the peripheral outsole 216 includes a toe cap 332, which extends over the front end 18 of the upper 100, as shown. Figure 5 shown.

[0118] The first end 326 of the peripheral outsole 216 further includes a flange 334 that extends inwardly from the inner peripheral edge 325a of the peripheral outsole 216, opposite the toe cap 332. Figure 5 As shown, when sole structure 200 is assembled, flange 334 is received within recess 277 formed adjacent first end 272 of forefoot pad 270, whereby flange 334 is opposite first end 272 of forefoot pad 270 of inner pad 208 and interposed between inner pad 208 and lower pad 212 in forefoot region 12. Thus, flange 334 functions to secure first end 326 of peripheral outsole 216 to sole structure 200 in forefoot region 12.

[0119] Continue to refer Figure 15A, the top surface 322 of the perimeter outsole 216 defines a bottom conduit channel 336 that extends continuously from a first end 337a on the medial side 22 of the forefoot region 12 and around the heel region 16 to a second end 337b on the lateral side 24 of the forefoot region 12. Thus, the bottom conduit channel 336 is configured to receive the entire length of the lower surface 232b of the fluid-filled chamber 220, from the first end 334a to the second end 334b. Figure 5-9 As shown, the portion of the outer peripheral edge 325b that limits the bottom conduit passage 336 is configured to abut the bottom surface of the peripheral seam 224 of the bladder 206 along the outer perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber 220. Thus, the outer peripheral edge 325b of the peripheral outsole 216 and the peripheral seam 224 are substantially continuous, such that the peripheral seam 224 is indistinguishable from the outer peripheral edge 325b. The inner peripheral edge 325a extends upward along the fluid-filled chamber 220 and is disposed between the fluid-filled chamber 220 and the lower pad 212. Thus, when the sole structure 200 is assembled, the inner peripheral edge 325a is concealed within the sole structure 200.

[0120] Bottom surface 324 of perimeter outsole 216 includes a plurality of traction elements 338 formed thereon to improve engagement between the ground and sole structure 200. In the example shown, traction elements 338 are formed as elongated ribs 338 that extend continuously along bottom surface 324 of perimeter outsole 216.

[0121] Reference Figure 2-5 , the inner outsole 214 has a top surface 340 and a bottom surface 342 formed on a side opposite to the top surface 340. The peripheral surface 344 extends from the top surface 340 to the bottom surface 342 and defines the peripheral contour of the inner outsole 214. As provided above, the inner outsole 214 is configured to be arranged within the notch 320 of the lower pad 212 when the sole structure 200 is assembled. Therefore, the peripheral contour of the inner outsole 214 corresponds to the peripheral contour of the notch 320. Figure 3-5 As shown in FIG, bottom surface 342 of inner outsole 214 includes a plurality of traction elements 346 formed thereon. In the example shown, traction elements 346 are elongated ribs 346 extending in a direction from medial side 22 to lateral side 24. The thickness of ribs 346 can taper from the center of inner outsole 214 to peripheral region 26, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 and 9 As shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0122] Inner outsole 214 and perimeter outsole 216 are formed of a resilient material configured to impart wear resistance and traction to sole structure 200. In the example shown, perimeter outsole 216 is formed of a first material having a higher hardness than inner outsole 216. For example, perimeter outsole 216 may be formed of a rubber material having a first hardness, while inner outsole 214 is formed of a foam material having a second hardness that is less than the first hardness.

[0123] As shown, when sole structure 200 is assembled, bottom surface 304 of lower pad 212 is spaced apart from ground-engaging surface 30 defined by outsoles 214, 216. As described above, inner outsole 214 is joined to indentations 320 formed in bottom surface 304 of lower pad 212 in forefoot region 12 and cooperates with perimeter outsole 216 to define ground-engaging surface 30 of sole structure 200 in forefoot region 12. Thus, lower pad 212 and fluid-filled chamber 220 of bladder 206 cooperate to provide support across forefoot region 12. In contrast, heel region 16 of sole structure 200 is entirely supported by fluid-filled chamber 220, whereby heel portion 314 of lower pad 212 is spaced apart from ground-engaging surface 30 and cooperates with web region 222 to provide a trampoline-like structure. Thus, in use, sole structure 200 is configured to provide increased shock absorption in heel region 16 by allowing forces associated with initial ground contact in the heel region to be received and distributed by fluid-filled chamber 220. As the foot rolls forward into forefoot region 12, ground impact forces are more evenly distributed within fluid-filled chamber 206 and pads 210, 212, 214. Furthermore, by forming pads 210, 212, 214 as separate subcomponents, the performance characteristics of sole structure 200 can be more finely tuned to accommodate varying forces associated with different regions 12, 14, 16, 26, 28 of sole structure 200. For example, inner pad 208 can be formed of a first material for absorbing shock, outer pad 210 can be formed of a second material for providing responsiveness and support, and lower pad 212 can be formed of a third material for providing a desired level of longitudinal stiffness.

[0124] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations for the above-described articles of footwear or sole structures for articles of footwear.

[0125] Clause 1: A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising a heel region, a midfoot region, a forefoot region, an interior region, and a perimeter region. The sole structure includes a bladder having a chamber, the chamber comprising: an arch segment extending around the heel region; a first segment extending from the arch segment along the perimeter region on a medial side of the sole structure to a first end in the forefoot region; and a second segment spaced apart from the first segment across a width of the sole structure and extending from the arch segment along the perimeter region on a lateral side of the sole structure to a second end in the forefoot region. A perimeter outsole is connected to the chamber and extends continuously along the chamber, defining a first portion of a ground-engaging surface of the article of footwear, the perimeter outsole defining an opening in the interior region of the sole structure. A first pad is disposed between the first and second segments and has a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface being formed on a side of the first pad opposite the first top surface, the first bottom surface being exposed through the opening of the perimeter outsole and spaced apart from the ground-engaging surface.

[0126] Item 2: The sole structure according to Item 1 further includes a second pad, which is arranged between the first section and the second section and has a second top surface and a second bottom surface, the second bottom surface is formed on the side of the second pad opposite to the second top surface, and the second bottom surface is opposite to the first top surface of the first pad.

[0127] Item 3: The sole structure according to Item 2 further includes a third pad, the third pad having a third top surface and a third bottom surface, the third bottom surface being formed on a side of the third pad opposite to the third top surface, the third bottom surface being opposite to the chamber, and the third top surface being continuous with the second top surface of the second pad.

[0128] Clause 4: The sole structure of clause 1, further comprising an inner outsole attached to the first bottom surface of the first pad and defining a second portion of the ground engaging surface of the sole structure.

[0129] Clause 5: The sole structure of clause 4, wherein the inner outsole is formed of a different material than the peripheral outsole.

[0130] Clause 6: The sole structure of clause 1, wherein the thickness of the chamber tapers continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region at a first rate and tapers from the midfoot region to the forefoot region at a second rate.

[0131] Clause 7: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the bladder further includes a web region formed in the heel area and extending between the first segment and the second segment.

[0132] Clause 8: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the first pad has a greater thickness in the heel region than in the forefoot region.

[0133] Clause 9: A sole structure for an article of footwear having a heel region, a midfoot region, a forefoot region, an interior region, and a peripheral region. The sole structure includes a bladder having a chamber that extends continuously along the peripheral region from a first terminal end in the forefoot region on a medial side of the sole structure, and around the heel region, to a second terminal end in the forefoot region on a lateral side of the sole structure. A peripheral outsole extends continuously and completely around the peripheral region of the sole structure and is attached to a bottom surface of the bladder to define a first portion of a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure, the peripheral outsole defining an opening in the interior region of the sole structure. A first pad extends between the first and second terminal ends of the chamber and has a first top surface and a first bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the first pad from the first top surface, the first pad being spaced apart from the ground-engaging surface by a first distance in the forefoot region and a second distance different from the first distance in the heel region.

[0134] Clause 10: The sole structure of Clause 9, further comprising a second pad extending between the first and second terminal ends of the chamber and having a second top surface and a second bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the second pad from the second top surface, the second bottom surface being opposite the first top surface of the first pad.

[0135] Clause 11 : The sole structure of Clause 10, further comprising a third pad having a third top surface and a third bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the third pad from the third top surface, the third bottom surface being opposite the chamber and the third top surface being continuous with the second top surface of the second pad.

[0136] Clause 12: The sole structure of Clause 9, further comprising an interior outsole attached to the first bottom surface of the first pad and defining a second portion of the ground-engaging surface of the sole structure.

[0137] Clause 13: The sole structure of Clause 12, wherein the interior outsole is formed of a different material than the peripheral outsole.

[0138] Clause 14: The sole structure of Clause 9, wherein a thickness of the chamber tapers continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region at a first rate and from the midfoot region to the forefoot region at a second rate.

[0139] Clause 15: The sole structure of Clause 9, wherein the bladder further comprises a web region formed in the heel region and extending between the medial side of the chamber and the lateral side of the chamber.

[0140] Clause 16: The sole structure of clause 9, wherein the thickness of the first pad is greater in the heel region than in the forefoot region.

[0141] Clause 17: An article of footwear comprising a sole structure. The sole structure includes a bladder having a chamber, the chamber comprising (i) an arch segment extending around a heel region of the sole structure, (ii) a first segment in fluid communication with the arch segment and extending from the arch segment along a peripheral region of the sole structure on a medial side of the sole structure to a first end in the forefoot region of the sole structure, and (iii) a second segment in fluid communication with the arch segment, spaced apart from the first segment across a width of the sole structure, and extending from the arch segment along the peripheral region on a lateral side of the sole structure to a second end in the forefoot region. A peripheral outsole is connected to the chamber and extends continuously along the chamber and defines a first portion of a ground-engaging surface of the article of footwear, the peripheral outsole defining an opening in an interior region of the sole structure. A first pad is disposed between the first and second segments and has a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface being formed on a side of the first pad opposite the first top surface, the first bottom surface being exposed through the opening of the peripheral outsole and spaced apart from the ground-engaging surface.

[0142] Clause 18: The article of footwear according to Clause 17, wherein at least one of the first section and the second section is elongated.

[0143] Clause 19: The article of footwear according to clause 17, wherein at least one of the first section and the second section tapers in a direction away from the arch section toward the forefoot region.

[0144] Clause 20: The article of footwear of clause 17, further comprising an inner outsole attached to the first bottom surface of the first pad and defining a second portion of the ground engaging surface of the sole structure.

[0145] 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 sole structure for an article of footwear having a heel region, a midfoot region, a forefoot region, an interior region, and a perimeter region, the sole structure comprising: a bladder having a chamber comprising: an arch segment extending around the heel region; a first segment extending from the arch segment along the perimeter region on a medial side of the sole structure to a first end in the forefoot region; and a second segment spaced apart from the first segment across a width of the sole structure and extending from the arch segment along the perimeter region on a lateral side of the sole structure to a second end in the forefoot region; a perimeter outsole connected to and extending continuously along the chamber and defining a first portion of a ground engaging surface of the article of footwear, the perimeter outsole defining an opening in an interior region of the sole structure; a first mat disposed between the first section and the second section and having a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface being formed on a side of the first mat opposite the first top surface, the first bottom surface being exposed through the opening of the peripheral outsole and spaced apart from the ground engaging surface; and a second pad disposed between the first section and the second section and having a second top surface and a second bottom surface, the second bottom surface being formed on a side of the second pad opposite to the second top surface, the second bottom surface being opposite to the first top surface of the first pad; wherein the bladder further includes a web region formed in the heel area and extending between the first section and the second section, the web region cooperating with the heel section of the bladder to define upper and lower pockets for receiving portions of the first and second pads, respectively.

2. The sole structure according to claim 1 , further comprising a third pad, the third pad having a third top surface and a third bottom surface, the third bottom surface being formed on a side of the third pad opposite to the third top surface, the third bottom surface being opposite to the chamber, and the third top surface being continuous with the second top surface of the second pad.

3. The sole structure of claim 1 , further comprising an inner outsole attached to the first bottom surface of the first pad and defining a second portion of the ground engaging surface of the sole structure.

4. The sole structure according to claim 3, wherein: The inner outsole is formed of a different material than the peripheral outsole.

5. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the chamber tapers continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region at a first rate and tapers from the midfoot region to the forefoot region at a second rate.

6. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the first pad is greater in the heel area than in the forefoot area.

7. A sole structure for an article of footwear having a heel region, midfoot and forefoot regions, an interior region, and a perimeter region, the sole structure comprising: a bladder having a chamber that extends continuously along a peripheral region from a first end in the forefoot region on the medial side of the sole structure and around the heel region to a second end in the forefoot region on the lateral side of the sole structure; a perimeter outsole extending continuously and completely around a perimeter region of the sole structure and attached to a bottom surface of the bladder to define a first portion of a ground engaging surface of the sole structure, said perimeter outsole defining an opening in an interior region of said sole structure; a first pad extending between the first and second ends of the chamber and having a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface being formed on a side of the first pad opposite the first top surface, the first pad being spaced a first distance from the ground engaging surface in the forefoot region and a second distance from the ground engaging surface in the heel region that is different than the first distance; and a second pad extending between the first and second ends of the chamber and having a second top surface and a second bottom surface, the second bottom surface being formed on a side of the second pad opposite the second top surface, the second bottom surface being opposite the first top surface of the first pad; wherein the bladder further includes a web area formed in the heel area and extending between a first section of the bladder on the medial side of the sole structure and a second section on the lateral side of the sole structure, the web area cooperating with the section of the bladder in the heel area to define upper and lower pockets for receiving portions of the first and second pads, respectively.

8. The sole structure according to claim 7 , further comprising a third pad, the third pad having a third top surface and a third bottom surface, the third bottom surface being formed on a side of the third pad opposite to the third top surface, the third bottom surface being opposite to the chamber, and the third top surface being continuous with the second top surface of the second pad.

9. The sole structure of claim 7, further comprising an inner outsole attached to the first bottom surface of the first pad and defining a second portion of the ground engaging surface of the sole structure.

10. The sole structure according to claim 9, wherein: The inner outsole is formed of a different material than the peripheral outsole.

11. The sole structure according to claim 7, wherein: The thickness of the chamber tapers continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region at a first rate and tapers from the midfoot region to the forefoot region at a second rate.

12. The sole structure according to claim 7, wherein: The thickness of the first pad is greater in the heel area than in the forefoot area.

13. An article of footwear comprising a sole structure, the sole structure comprising: A bladder having a chamber comprising: an arch section extending around a heel region of the sole structure; a first segment in fluid communication with the arch segment and extending from the arch segment along a perimeter region of the sole structure on a medial side of the sole structure to a first end in a forefoot region of the sole structure; and a second segment in fluid communication with the arch segment, spaced apart from the first segment across a width of the sole structure, and extending along the perimeter region from the arch segment to a second end in the forefoot region on a lateral side of the sole structure; a perimeter outsole connected to and extending continuously along the chamber and defining a first portion of a ground engaging surface of the article of footwear, the perimeter outsole defining an opening in an interior region of the sole structure; a first mat disposed between the first section and the second section and having a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface being formed on a side of the first mat opposite the first top surface, the first bottom surface being exposed through the opening of the peripheral outsole and spaced apart from the ground engaging surface; and an inner outsole attached to the first bottom surface of the first pad and defining a second portion of the ground engaging surface of the sole structure; Wherein, the inner outsole and the peripheral outsole are formed separately.

14. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein: At least one of the first segment and the second segment is elongated.

15. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein: At least one of the first section and the second section tapers in a direction away from the arch section toward the forefoot region.

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