Footwear

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an upper and a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region. A first cushioning element is attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region, a second cushioning element is attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the heel region, the second cushioning element being separated from the first cushioning element by a first gap formed in the midfoot region. One or more fluid-filled bladders are each at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and have a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17 / 115,768, filed on December 8, 2020, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 945,826, filed on December 9, 2019. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to sole structures for articles of footwear. Background Art

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] An article of footwear generally includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed of any suitable material to receive, secure and support the foot on the sole structure. The upper may be fitted with laces, straps or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. The bottom of the upper, near the sole of the foot, is attached to the sole structure.

[0006] The sole structure generally includes a layered arrangement extending between the ground and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides wear resistance and adhesion to the ground. The outsole may be made of 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 is generally formed at least in part of a polymer foam material that elastically compresses under an applied load to cushion the foot by reducing ground reaction forces. The midsole may define a bottom surface on a side opposite to the outsole and a footbed on an opposite side, the contour of which may conform to the contour of the sole surface of the foot. The sole structure may also include an insole and / or a sockliner that enhances comfort and is located in a void near the bottom of the upper.

[0007] High-intensity interval training (HIIT) fitness is about alternating between all-out efforts and periods of rest and recovery. The movements are varied—burpees, kettlebell swings, lunges, mountain climbers, pushups, squats, and more—and are sequenced to maximize effort for maximum results. During HIIT fitness classes, athletes typically wear either optimized shock-absorbing shoes or optimized support shoes. Unfortunately, such shoes, while adequate for their intended purpose (i.e., cushioning or support), are not designed to provide both benefits and, therefore, do not perform well during HIIT exercise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a lateral front view of the article of footwear;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a medial front view of the article of footwear;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 an exploded top perspective view of an article of footwear;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 an exploded bottom perspective view of an article of footwear;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a bottom plan view of the article of footwear;

[0015] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The section line 7-7 is taken Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear;

[0016] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The section line 8-8 is taken Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear;

[0017] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 6 The section line 9-9 is taken Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear;

[0018] Fig.10 It is along Figure 6 The section line 10-10 is taken Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear;

[0019] Fig.11 It is along Figure 6 The line 11-11 is intercepted Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear;

[0020] Fig.12 It is along Figure 6 The line 12-12 is intercepted Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear;

[0021] Fig.13is a lateral elevational view of another example of an article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0022] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 a medial front view of the article of footwear;

[0023] Fig.15 yes Fig.13 a bottom plan view of the article of footwear;

[0024] Fig.16 is a lateral elevational view of another example of an article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0025] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 a medial front view of the article of footwear;

[0026] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 a bottom plan view of the article of footwear; and

[0027] Fig.19 yes Fig.16 A top plan view of an article of footwear.

[0028] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0030] The terms used herein are only for describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include" and "have" are inclusive, thus specifying 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 groups thereof. Unless specifically 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 illustrated. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0031] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent to" versus "directly adjacent to," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each element, component, region, layer or part. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0033] One aspect of the present disclosure includes an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper. The article of footwear also includes a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region. The article of footwear also includes a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side shield extending from the upper surface and along a medial side of the upper and a second side shield extending from the upper surface and along a lateral side of the upper. The article of footwear also includes one or more fluid-filled bladders, each bladder being at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate.

[0034] This aspect of the disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the one or more fluid-filled bladders include a first fluid-filled bladder disposed on the inner side and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed on the outer side. In some embodiments, the first end of the plate includes an outer portion and an inner portion, the inner portion being separated from the outer portion by a gap. In some configurations, the first cushioning element includes one or more holes, each hole being configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

[0035] In some examples, each of the plate and the upper is contained between a first side visor and a second side visor. In some configurations, one or more fluid-filled bladders are disposed between the first side visor and the second side visor. In some embodiments, the first side visor and the second side visor include an arch extending from a first end to a second end along respective sides of the article of footwear.

[0036] Optionally, the article of footwear may include a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in the midfoot region of the article of footwear. Here, the article of footwear may include an outsole having a first segment attached to the first cushioning element, a second segment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third segment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders. In some examples, the plate includes one or more upper sockets, each of which receives a first end of one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders, and the outsole includes one or more lower sockets, each of which receives a second end of one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

[0037] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an article of footwear including an upper and a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the top surface. The plate extends from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region. The article of footwear also includes a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side shield defining a first opening formed on an outer side of the first cushioning element and a second shield defining a second opening formed on an inner side of the first cushioning element. The article of footwear also includes one or more fluid-filled bladders, each bladder being at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate.

[0038] This aspect of the disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the one or more fluid-filled bladders include a first fluid-filled bladder disposed on the inner side and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed on the outer side. In some embodiments, the first end of the plate includes an outer portion and an inner portion, the inner portion being separated from the outer portion by a gap. In some configurations, the first cushioning element includes one or more holes, each hole being configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

[0039] In some configurations, each of the plate and the upper is contained between a first side visor and a second side visor. In some examples, one or more fluid-filled bladders are disposed between the first side visor and the second side visor. In some embodiments, each of the first side visor and the second side visor includes an arch extending from a first end to a second end along a respective side of the article of footwear.

[0040] In some examples, the article of footwear further includes a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in the midfoot region of the article of footwear. In some examples, the article of footwear includes an outsole having a first segment attached to the first cushioning element, a second segment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third segment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders. Optionally, the plate includes one or more upper sockets, each of which receives a first end of one of the one or more bladders, and the outsole includes one or more lower sockets, each of which receives a second end of one of the one or more bladders.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 , the article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200. The shoe 10 may also include a front end 12 associated with the frontmost point of the shoe 10, and a rear end 14 corresponding to the rearmost point of the shoe 10. Figure 6 As shown, the longitudinal axis A of the shoe 10 10 The shoe 10 extends parallel to the ground from the front end 12 to the rear end 14 along the length of the shoe 10 and generally divides the shoe 10 into a medial side 16 and a lateral side 18. Thus, the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 correspond to opposite sides of the shoe 10, respectively, and extend from the front end 12 to the rear end 14. As used herein, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the front end 12 to the rear end 14, and the lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18.

[0042] The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. These regions may include a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 may be subdivided into a toe portion 20 corresponding to the phalanges. T and the sole of the foot associated with the metatarsal bones of the foot 20 B Midfoot region 22 may correspond to the arch area of ​​the foot, and heel region 24 may correspond to the back of the foot, including the calcaneus bone.

[0043] The upper 100 includes an inner surface defining an interior void 102 configured to accommodate and secure a foot to support on the sole structure 200. The upper 100 may be formed of one or more materials that are stitched or bonded together to form the interior void 102. Suitable materials for the upper 100 may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foams, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and positioned to impart durability, breathability, wear resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

[0044] refer to Figure 5In some examples, the upper 100 includes a midsole fabric having a bottom surface opposite to the sole structure 200 and an opposite top surface of a footbed defining an internal void 102. Stitching or adhesive can secure the midsole fabric to the upper 100. The contour of the footbed 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 or sockliner, which can be disposed on the midsole fabric and located within the internal void 102 of the upper 100 to accommodate the plantar surface of the foot, thereby enhancing the comfort of the footwear article 10. An ankle opening 104 in the heel region 24 can provide an entrance to the internal void 102. For example, the ankle opening 104 can accommodate a foot to secure the foot within the void 102 and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the internal void 102. In some examples, one or more fasteners 106 extend along the upper 100 to adjust the fit of the internal void 102 around the foot and accommodate the entry and exit of the foot.

[0045] refer to Figure 4 , sole structure 200 includes a midsole 202 configured to provide cushioning and responsiveness characteristics, and an outsole 204 configured to provide a ground engaging surface for article of footwear 10. Unlike conventional midsoles formed from a single plate material, midsole 202 of the present example is formed as a composite structure and includes various subcomponents configured to impart desired characteristics to article of footwear 10. For example, midsole 202 includes a rigid or semi-rigid plate 206, a forefoot cushioning element 208, a heel cushioning element 210, and a fluid cushioning device 212 having one or more fluid-filled bladders 214. Similarly, outsole 204 includes a composite structure and includes a toe segment 216 attached to forefoot cushioning element 208 at front end 12, a forefoot segment 218 disposed in forefoot region 20 and attached to fluid cushioning device 212, and a heel segment 220 attached to heel cushioning element 210 at rear end 14.

[0046] Continue to refer Figure 4 , the plate 206 comprises an elastomeric material, such as polyether block amide (PEBA) (e.g., manufactured by Arkema S.A. Brand elastomer). The plate 206 extends from a first end 222 disposed in the forefoot area 20 to a second end 224 disposed in the rear end 14. The plate 206 includes a top surface 225a attached to the midsole cloth of the upper 100 and a bottom surface 225b formed on a side of the plate 206 opposite the top surface 225a. The distance from the top surface 225a to the bottom surface 225b defines the thickness of the plate 206. As shown, the first end 222 of the plate 206 may include a fork-shaped configuration, wherein a gap or crack 226 extends from the first end 222 through the thickness of the plate 206 and partially along the length of the plate 206. Therefore, the gap 226 divides the first end 222 into medial and lateral protrusions 228a, 228b that can bend independently of each other. Figure 5As shown, the inner and outer protrusions 228a, 228b may include sockets 229a, 229b on the bottom surface 225b for engaging and securing the bladder 214 of the fluid cushioning device 212.

[0047] The forefoot cushioning element 208 and the heel cushioning element 210 each include a resilient polymeric material, such as foam or rubber, to impart cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution properties to the wearer's foot. The forefoot cushioning element 208 and the heel cushioning element 210 may include the same or different materials to impart desired performance characteristics to the respective areas of the sole structure 200. Exemplary resilient polymeric materials for the cushioning elements 208, 210 may include materials 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; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or a mixture of the two.

[0048] In some respects, one or more polymers can include olefin homopolymers, olefin copolymers or their mixtures. The example of olefin polymers includes polyethylene, polypropylene and combinations thereof. In other respects, one or more polymers can 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.

[0049] In another aspect, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylates, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0050] In another aspect, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomers. In these aspects, the ionomers may include polymers having carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups and salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and / or their anhydrides. For example, the ionomers may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomers, polystyrene sulfonates, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0051] In further 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.

[0052] 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 for barrier layers. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0053] When the elastic polymer material is a foamed polymer material, a physical foaming agent or a chemical foaming agent can be used to foam the foam material. The physical foaming agent changes phase into a gas based on changes in temperature and / or pressure, and the chemical foaming agent forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical foaming agent can be an azo compound, such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate and / or isocyanate.

[0054] In some embodiments, the foamed polymeric material can be a cross-linked foamed material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based cross-linking agent can be used, such as dicumyl peroxide. In addition, the foamed polymeric 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, etc.

[0055] The elastic polymeric material can be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the elastic polymeric material is a molded elastomer, an uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) can be mixed with an optional filler and a curing package such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package in a Banbury mixer, calendered, shaped, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.

[0056] In another example, when the elastic polymer material is a foam material, the material can be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process. The thermoplastic polymer material can be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system, combined with a physical or chemical blowing agent and an optional cross-linking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions that activate the blowing agent to form a molded foam.

[0057] Optionally, when the resilient polymeric 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., to fuse two or more pieces of foam, to shape the foam, etc.), or both.

[0058] The compression molding process ideally begins with forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming a polymeric material, by forming foam particles or beads, by cutting a foam sheet, etc. The compression molded foam can then be made by placing one or more preforms formed of a foamed polymeric material 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 period of 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.

[0059] Continue to refer Figure 1-5 , the forefoot cushioning element 208 extends from a first end 230 located at the front end 12 to a second end 232 disposed at the midfoot region 22. The forefoot cushioning element 208 includes a top surface 233a attached to the bottom surface 225b of the plate 206 and a bottom surface 233b disposed on the opposite side. The distance from the top surface 233a to the bottom surface 233b defines the thickness of the forefoot cushioning element 208. The forefoot cushioning element 208 includes one or more holes 234a, 234b formed through the entire thickness (i.e., from the top surface 233a to the bottom surface 233b), and the holes 234a, 234b are configured to receive each bladder 214 therein. Therefore, when the sole structure 200 is assembled, the bladder 214 of the fluid cushioning device 212 will be surrounded by the forefoot cushioning element 208.

[0060] The forefoot cushioning element 208 also includes a pair of shields 235a, 235b extending upward from opposite sides of the forefoot cushioning element 208 between the first end 230 and the second end 232. Here, each shield 235a, 235b is configured to extend upward along one of the medial and lateral sides 16, 18 of the upper 100 in a portion of the forefoot region 20 associated with the ball of the foot, thereby providing lateral reinforcement and stability to the side of the upper 100 in this area. In the illustrated example, each shield 235a, 235b is formed as an arch structure extending from a first end 236a, 236b to a second end 237a, 237b along the side of the forefoot cushioning element 208. Here, the arch structure provides the desired lateral stability while still allowing the sole structure 200 to span the ball portion 20 of the forefoot region 20. B Bend appropriately. Figure 2 and 32, visors 235a-235b define lateral openings 238a, 238b that extend from the periphery of forefoot cushioning element 208 and intersect aperture 234 formed through the thickness of forefoot cushioning element 208. Thus, when sole structure 200 is assembled, bladder 214 may be exposed through openings 238a, 238b formed through forefoot cushioning element 208.

[0061] Still refer to Figure 1-5 , heel cushioning element 210 is attached to the bottom surface of plate 206 and extends from a first end 239 in midfoot region 22 to a second end 240 at rear end 14 of sole structure 200. Figure 1-3 As best shown, the first end 239 of the heel cushioning element 210 faces or is opposite the second end 232 of the forefoot cushioning element 208. However, the first end 239 of the heel cushioning element 210 is separated from the second end 232 of the forefoot cushioning element 208 by a gap 242 in the midfoot region 22. Here, the bottom surface of the plate 206 is exposed along the gap 242. The gap provides stability for movements commonly associated with HIIT training exercises, such as the plank position, and allows the foot to flex naturally when pushing into a mountain climber. The first end 239 of the heel cushioning element 210 may include a notch 244 extending in the longitudinal direction of the article of footwear 10, so that the first end 239 is divided into medial and lateral fingers 246a, 246b that are movable independently of each other.

[0062] The fluid cushioning device 212 of the illustrated example includes a pair of bladders 214, each bladder defining a respective chamber for containing a pressurized fluid. The first bladder 214 is disposed on the medial side 16 of the sole structure 200 in the forefoot region 20, and the second bladder 214 is disposed on the lateral side 18 of the sole structure 200 in the forefoot region 20. As described above, each bladder 214 extends through one of the holes 234 formed through the forefoot cushioning element 208, such that the top surface of each bladder 214 is received within one of the receptacles 229a, 229b and attached to the bottom surface 225b of the plate 206, and the bottom surface of each bladder 214 is received by the receptacle of the forefoot segment 218 of the outsole 204.

[0063] Each bladder 214 may include a first barrier element 248a and a second barrier element 248b formed of an elastic material. The chamber of each bladder 214 may receive a tensile element 250 ( Figure 8). Each stretch element 250 may include a series of stretch wires 252 extending between an upper stretch sheet 254 and a lower stretch sheet 254. The upper stretch sheet 254 may be attached to the first barrier element 248a, and the lower stretch sheet 254 may be attached to the second barrier element 248b. In this way, when the bladder 214 receives the pressurized fluid, the stretch wires 252 of the stretch element 250 are in a stretched state. Because the upper stretch sheet 254 is attached to the first barrier element 248a, and the lower stretch sheet 254 is attached to the second barrier element 248b, the stretch wires 252 maintain the desired shape of the bladder 214 when the pressurized fluid is injected into the chamber.

[0064] Continue to refer Figure 4 , the toe segment 216 of the outsole 204 is formed of an elastic material and is disposed at the front end 12 of the sole structure 200. The forefoot segment 218 is disposed in the forefoot region 20 and is formed independently of each of the toe segment 216 and the heel segment 220. As shown, the forefoot segment 218 includes one or more sockets 256a, 256b formed in the top surface, which are configured to receive and secure the lower portion of a corresponding bladder 214. Therefore, the forefoot segment 218 provides a bottom structure for securing the bladder 214. In some cases, the forefoot segment 218 can be formed of a material having greater rigidity than the other segments 216, 220 to impart stability between the independent bladders 214.

[0065] Heel segment 220 extends around heel region 24 and includes a first segment 258a extending along medial side 16, a second segment 258b extending along lateral side 18, and an arcuate third segment 258c extending around rear end 14. As shown, second segment 258b may be longer than first segment 258a.

[0066] Specific reference Figure 13-15 , an article of footwear 10a is provided, which includes an upper 100a and a sole structure 200a attached to the upper 100a. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of components associated with article of footwear 10 relative to article of footwear 10a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the accompanying drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals including letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0067] exist Figure 13-15In the article of footwear of the present invention, the sole structure 200a includes a unitary midsole 202a including a single cushioning element including a foam material extending from the front end 12 to the rear end 14. Here, the sole structure 200a does not include a separate cushioning element or bladder. The midsole 202a includes medial and lateral shields 235c, 235d, which have a narrower profile than the side shields 235a, 235b of the previous example. In this example, the side shields 235c, 235d are formed as solid (i.e., do not include openings) elements along the sides of the midsole 202a. Optionally, the midsole 202a may include arched release channels 270a-270d formed in the peripheral surface of the midsole 202a on the opposite ends of the side shields 235c, 235d to allow the midsole 202a to bend around the side shields 235c, 235d. Thus, sole structure 200a is configured as a simplified, lightweight alternative to sole structure 200. Minimalist sole structure 200a may be ideal for traveling (ie, packing in luggage) and for use in confined areas.

[0068] The upper 100a of the article of footwear 10a may include an arched curved region 130a, 130b that partially surrounds the side shields 235c, 235d. As shown, the curved regions 130a, 130b each extend from a first release channel 130a, 130c at the front end of one of the side shields 235c, 235d to a second release channel 130b, 130d formed at the front end of the corresponding side shield 235c, 235d. Thus, the upper 100a cooperates with the release channels 170a-170d to provide flexibility along the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.

[0069] Specific reference Figure 16-19 , an article of footwear 10b is provided, which includes an upper 100b and a sole structure 200b attached to the upper 100b. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of components associated with article of footwear 10 relative to article of footwear 10b, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the accompanying drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals including letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0070] refer to Figure 16-19 , another example of an article of footwear 10b according to the principles of the present invention is configured for use with a bicycle. Upper 100b includes a translucent mesh material extending over forefoot region 20 and along lateral side 18 of midfoot region 22. Upper 100b also includes forefoot strap 108 and midfoot strap 110, each extending from medial side 16 to lateral side 18 on upper 100b.

[0071] The forefoot strap 108 includes a medial forefoot strap 112 attached at a bite line formed between the upper 100b and the sole structure 200b on the medial side 16 and a lateral forefoot strap 114 attached at a bite line on the lateral side 18. Each forefoot strap 112, 114 includes a fixed end 116, 118 attached at the bite line and a free end operable to adjustably attach to the free end of the other forefoot strap 112, 114. As shown, the fixed ends 116, 118 of the forefoot straps 112, 114 are flared (i.e., increase in width in a direction toward the bite line) and include an arch reinforcement strip 120 attached to or embedded in the fixed ends 116, 118. Thus, the fixed ends 116, 118 of the forefoot strap 108 may function similarly to the visors 235a, 235b described above to provide lateral stability along the ball of the foot region while also allowing the upper to flex or bend along the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.

[0072] The midfoot strap 110 includes a medial midfoot strap 122 and a lateral midfoot strap 124 that cooperate to extend over the upper 100b adjacent the ankle opening 104. Fig.17 and 19 As shown, the medial midfoot strap 122 is integrally formed with the upper 100b. Thus, the medial midfoot strap 122 extends along the medial side of the shoe and defines a medial quarter panel and a medial heel panel. When the medial midfoot strap 122 is attached to the lateral midfoot strap 124, the medial midfoot strap 122 can be pulled to the instep area of ​​the foot to adjust the size of the upper 100b and the ankle opening 104. Here, the lateral midfoot strap 124 includes a fixed end 126 attached to the upper 100b at the lateral side 18 of the ankle opening 104 and a second end configured to be adjustably attached to the medial midfoot strap 122.

[0073] The sole structure 200b includes a forefoot plate 260 and a heel plate 262 attached to the upper 100b. The forefoot plate 260 includes a coupler 264 with an SPD and triangular cleats. The forefoot plate 260 also includes a plurality of ventilation holes 266 formed through the thickness of the forefoot plate 260 and communicating with the interior void 102 of the upper 100 to provide ventilation to the plantar surface of the foot within the upper 100b. Each of the forefoot plate 260 and the heel plate 262 includes a resilient spike 268 to provide traction during walking.

[0074] The use of a fluid-filled bladder with stretch members in the forefoot not only creates a dynamic aesthetic, but also helps provide impact protection and responsiveness. The fluid-filled cushioning unit—a two-unit system under the forefoot—doesn't work alone. A flat plate from the heel to the forefoot helps the foot roll forward and prepares the foot for most upright HIIT movements. The upper is carefully designed to support lateral movements, such as skating and side lunges.

[0075] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations of the above-described sole structures and articles of footwear.

[0076] Item 1: An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region; a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side shield extending from the upper surface and along an inner side of the upper and a second side shield extending from the upper surface and along an outer side of the upper; and one or more fluid-filled bladders, each bladder being at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate.

[0077] Clause 2: The article of footwear of clause 1, wherein the one or more fluid-filled bladders include a first fluid-filled bladder disposed medially and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed laterally.

[0078] Clause 3: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end of the plate includes a lateral portion and a medial portion separated from the lateral portion by a gap.

[0079] Clause 4: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first cushioning element comprises one or more apertures, each aperture being configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

[0080] Clause 5: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the plate and the upper is contained between a first side visor and a second side visor.

[0081] Clause 6: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more fluid-filled bladders are disposed between the first side shield and the second side shield.

[0082] Clause 7: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the first side shield and the second side shield comprises an arch extending from a first end to a second end along a respective side of the article of footwear.

[0083] Clause 8: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in the midfoot region of the article of footwear.

[0084] Clause 9: The article of footwear of Clause 8, further comprising an outsole having a first segment attached to the first cushioning element, a second segment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third segment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

[0085] Clause 10: The article of footwear of clause 9, wherein the plate includes one or more upper sockets, each upper socket receiving a first end of one of the one or more bladders, and the outsole includes one or more lower sockets, each lower socket receiving a second end of one of the one or more bladders.

[0086] Item 11: An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region; a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side shield defining a first opening formed on an outer side of the first cushioning element and a second side shield defining a second opening formed on an inner side of the first cushioning element; and one or more fluid-filled bladders, each bladder being at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate.

[0087] Clause 12: The article of footwear of clause 11, wherein the one or more fluid-filled bladders include a first fluid-filled bladder disposed medially and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed laterally.

[0088] Clause 13: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end of the plate includes a lateral portion and a medial portion separated from the lateral portion by a gap.

[0089] Clause 14: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first cushioning element comprises one or more apertures, each aperture configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

[0090] Clause 15: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the plate and the upper is contained between a first side visor and a second side visor.

[0091] Clause 16: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more fluid-filled bladders are disposed between the first side shield and the second side shield.

[0092] Clause 17: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the first side shield and the second side shield comprises an arch extending from a first end to a second end along a respective side of the article of footwear.

[0093] Clause 18: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in the midfoot region of the article of footwear.

[0094] Clause 19: The article of footwear of Clause 18, further comprising an outsole having a first segment attached to the first cushioning element, a second segment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third segment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

[0095] Clause 20: The article of footwear of clause 19, wherein the plate includes one or more upper sockets, each upper socket receiving a first end of one of the one or more bladders, and the outsole includes one or more lower sockets, each lower socket receiving a second end of one of the one or more bladders.

[0096] 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. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising: vamp; a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region; a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side visor extending from the upper surface and along a medial side of the upper and a second side visor extending from the upper surface and along a lateral side of the upper; one or more fluid-filled bladders, each bladder at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate; as well as a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in the midfoot region of the article of footwear, Wherein the first cushioning element comprises one or more apertures, each aperture being configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders, and wherein a bottom surface of the plate is exposed along the gap.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more fluid-filled bladders include a first fluid-filled bladder disposed on the inside and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed on the outside.

3. An article of footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first end of the plate includes an outer portion and an inner portion, the inner portion being separated from the outer portion by a gap.

4. The article of footwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each of the plate and the upper is received between the first and second side visors.

5. The article of footwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The one or more fluid-filled bladders are disposed between the first side shield and the second side shield.

6. The article of footwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each of the first and second side visors includes an arch extending from a first end to a second end along a respective side of the article of footwear.

7. The article of footwear according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an outsole having a first segment attached to the first cushioning element, a second segment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third segment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

8. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein: The plate includes one or more upper receptacles each receiving a first end of one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders, and the outsole includes one or more lower receptacles each receiving a second end of one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

9. An article of footwear comprising: vamp; a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region; a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in a forefoot region and including a first side visor defining a first opening formed on an outer side of the first cushioning element and a second side visor defining a second opening formed on an inner side of the first cushioning element; one or more fluid-filled bladders, each bladder at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate; as well as a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in the midfoot region of the article of footwear, Wherein the first cushioning element comprises one or more apertures, each aperture being configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders, and wherein a bottom surface of the plate is exposed along the gap.

10. The article of footwear according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more fluid-filled bladders include a first fluid-filled bladder disposed on the inside and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed on the outside.

11. The article of footwear according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The first end of the plate includes an outer portion and an inner portion, the inner portion being separated from the outer portion by a gap.

12. The article of footwear according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the plate and the upper is received between the first and second side visors.

13. The article of footwear according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The one or more fluid-filled bladders are disposed between the first side shield and the second side shield.

14. The article of footwear according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: Each of the first and second side visors includes an arch extending from a first end to a second end along a respective side of the article of footwear.

15. The article of footwear according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising an outsole having a first segment attached to the first cushioning element, a second segment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third segment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

16. The article of footwear according to claim 15, wherein: The plate includes one or more upper receptacles each receiving a first end of one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders, and the outsole includes one or more lower receptacles each receiving a second end of one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders.

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