Shoe with fluid-filled bladder

Abstract

An article of footwear has a sole structure that includes a bladder having stacked polymer sheets secured to one another at peripheral bonds and defining a first sealed chamber between first and second polymer sheets, a second sealed chamber between second and third polymer sheets, and a third sealed chamber between third and fourth polymer sheets, each of the first, second, and third sealed chambers holding fluid isolated from one another. Different bonding patterns secure adjacent polymer sheets to one another, resulting in different geometries of the sealed chambers. The sealed chambers are configured to elastically deform (e.g., by pressure, shape, location, and / or size) to provide a desired cushioning experience.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 030244, filed May 27, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a footwear article comprising a sole structure having a fluid-filled bladder. Background Technology

[0004] Footwear typically includes a sole structure configured to sit beneath the wearer's foot to separate it from the ground. The sole structure in athletic shoes is typically configured to provide cushioning, motion control, and / or elasticity. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended as examples rather than limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the bladder used in shoe sole construction.

[0007] Figure 2 It has the following features Figure 1 An external view of footwear with a pouch-like sole structure.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A bottom view of footwear.

[0009] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The line 4-4 in the middle is cut off Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of footwear.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of footwear, with the bladder in the first compression stage.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A close-up view of the outer flange of the capsule.

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of footwear, with the bladder in the second compression stage.

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows the relationship between force and displacement during the first compression stage.

[0014] Figure 9 yes Figure 7The diagram shows the relationship between force and displacement during the second compression stage.

[0015] Figure 10 It is along Figure 2 The line 10-10 is cut off Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of footwear, showing the wedge-shaped component above the ground plane.

[0016] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of footwear under compressive load, showing a wedge-shaped component in contact with the ground plane.

[0017] Figure 12 Is included Figure 2 A perspective view of the support edge in the sole structure.

[0018] Figure 13 It has the following features Figure 1 An external view of another footwear item with a sac-like sole structure.

[0019] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A bottom view of footwear.

[0020] Figure 15 It has the following features Figure 1 An external view of another footwear item with a sac-like sole structure.

[0021] Figure 16 It is an external view of a footwear item having a sole structure that includes a forefoot sac and a heel sac.

[0022] Figure 17 It is along Figure 16 Line 17-17 is the cut-off point Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of footwear.

[0023] Figure 18 It is along Figure 16 The line 18-18 in the middle is cut off Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of footwear.

[0024] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the heel pouch.

[0025] Figure 20 It is in the first compression stage. Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of the heel pouch.

[0026] Figure 21 It is in the second compression stage. Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of the heel pouch.

[0027] Figure 22This is an external view of another footwear item with a sole structure that includes a full-length pouch.

[0028] Figure 23 yes Figure 16 A top view of the forefoot bladder.

[0029] Figure 24 This is a bottom view of the other forefoot bladder.

[0030] Figure 25 It is used in Figure 23 A plan view of the first polymer sheet in the forefoot bladder, which has a pattern of solder resist material.

[0031] Figure 26 It is used in Figure 23 A plan view of the second polymer sheet in the forefoot bladder, which has a pattern of solder resist material.

[0032] Figure 27 It is used in Figure 23 A plan view of the third polymer sheet in the forefoot bladder, which has a pattern of solder resist material.

[0033] Figure 28 It is used in Figure 24 A plan view of the first polymer sheet in the forefoot bladder, which has a pattern of solder resist material.

[0034] Figure 29 It is used in Figure 24 A plan view of the second polymer sheet in the forefoot bladder, which has a pattern of solder resist material.

[0035] Figure 30 It is used in Figure 24 A plan view of the third polymer sheet in the forefoot bladder, which has a pattern of solder resist material.

[0036] Figure 31 This is a bottom view of the alternative bag.

[0037] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 A top view of the capsule.

[0038] Figure 33 It is along Figure 32 The line 33-33 in the middle is cut off Figure 32 A cross-sectional view of the bladder.

[0039] Figure 34 It is shown Figure 33 A cross-sectional view of the capsule under compression.

[0040] Figure 35 It is compressing Figures 33-34 The curve of force versus displacement during the bladder period.

[0041] Figure 36 It is similar to Figure 32 The configuration is a cross-sectional view of a bladder with a higher height.

[0042] Figure 37 It is shown Figure 36 A cross-sectional view of the capsule under compression.

[0043] Figure 38 It is compressing Figures 36-37 The curve of force versus displacement during the bladder period.

[0044] Figure 39 It has the following features Figure 31 An external view of footwear with a pouch-like sole structure.

[0045] Figure 40 yes Figure 39 A bottom view of footwear.

[0046] Figure 41 It is along Figure 39 The line 41-41 in the middle is cut off Figure 39 A cross-sectional view of footwear.

[0047] Figure 42 It is along Figure 39 The line 42-42 in the middle is cut off Figure 39 A cross-sectional view of footwear.

[0048] Figure 43 It has the following features Figure 31 An external view of an alternative footwear item with a pouch-like sole structure.

[0049] Figure 44 This is a bottom view of the alternative forefoot bladder. Detailed Implementation

[0050] This invention generally relates to a footwear article having a sole structure comprising a bladder with multiple discrete fluid-filled chambers. The chambers are configured (e.g., by pressure, shape, position, and / or size) to elastically deform to provide a desired cushioning experience. Bladders of different geometries are described herein, each having at least four stacked polymer sheets. Bladders composed of stacked polymer sheets are generally easier to assemble and require fewer specialized tools. For example, thermoforming molds are not required to form the bladder. Instead, the geometry of the inflatable bladder is primarily due to the placement of a solder resist (e.g., a release ink) between the stacked polymer sheets before they are thermo-pressed together. In other words, adjacent sheets will bond together in areas where no solder resist is present. The location and shape of the joints that hold the sheets together determine the shape and geometry of the bladder and its fluid chambers, whether the fluid chambers are interconnected or isolated, and the cushioning response of the various portions of the bladder.

[0051] In one example, the footwear article includes a sole structure comprising a bladder with stacked polymer sheets, the polymer sheets including a first polymer sheet covering a second polymer sheet, a second polymer sheet covering a third polymer sheet, and a third polymer sheet covering a fourth polymer sheet. In some examples, there may be more than four stacked polymer sheets. The peripheries of the stacked polymer sheets are joined together at peripheral joints to define a peripheral flange. Adjacent polymer sheets are joined together at multiple sets of offset joints to define a first sealing chamber between the first and second polymer sheets, a second sealing chamber between the second and third polymer sheets, and a third sealing chamber between the third and fourth polymer sheets. Each of the first, second, and third sealing chambers maintains fluid isolation from each other.

[0052] The sole structure may include a first outsole component that extends along the inner side of the bladder at its outer ground-facing surface and partially establishes the ground-engaging surface of the sole structure (e.g., the surface that engages with the ground beneath the footwear). The sole structure may also include a second outsole component that is positioned along the outer side of the bladder at its outer ground-facing surface and further defines the ground-engaging surface of the sole structure. When the sole structure is assembled and in an upright position, the bladder is suspended between the first and second outsole components at its ground-facing surface and is completely above the ground-engaging surface. This configuration separates the flexural response of the bladder (e.g., deflection and stress-strain experienced under load) from its compressive response.

[0053] In another example, a footwear article includes a sole structure comprising a bladder having stacked polymer sheets, including a first polymer sheet covering a second polymer sheet, a second polymer sheet covering a third polymer sheet, and a third polymer sheet covering a fourth polymer sheet. The peripheries of the stacked polymer sheets are joined to each other at peripheral joints to define a peripheral flange. The first polymer sheet is joined to the second polymer sheet at a plurality of first point joints, the plurality of first point joints being spaced apart from each other and arranged in an offset row. The first and second polymer sheets surround a first sealing chamber surrounding the first point joints. The second polymer sheet is joined to the third polymer sheet at a plurality of second joints such that the second and third polymer sheets define a second sealing chamber configured as one or more tubular frames. The third polymer sheet is joined to the fourth polymer sheet at a plurality of third joints such that the third and fourth polymer sheets define a third sealing chamber configured as one or more dome-shaped pods projecting from the fourth polymer sheet. Each dome-shaped pod is located below a corresponding tubular frame of the second chamber, and adjacent dome-shaped pods are configured as lobes partially separated by one of the third joints. The first, second, and third sealed chambers keep the fluid isolated from each other. This construction provides a relatively flat, foot-facing, comfortable surface, and the graded compression provides a soft feel due to the load absorption of the relatively large dome-shaped pods.

[0054] In another example, a footwear article includes a sole structure comprising a bladder with stacked polymer sheets, the polymer sheets including a first polymer sheet covering a second polymer sheet, a second polymer sheet covering a third polymer sheet, and a third polymer sheet covering a fourth polymer sheet. The peripheries of the stacked polymer sheets are joined together to define a peripheral flange. The first polymer sheet is joined to the second polymer sheet at a plurality of first joints spaced apart from each other. The first and second polymer sheets surround a first sealing chamber surrounding the plurality of first joints. The second polymer sheet is joined to the third polymer sheet at a plurality of second joints, the plurality of second joints being arranged in a successive closed shape and offset from the plurality of first joints, such that the second and third polymer sheets surround a plurality of second sealing chambers, each second sealing chamber being surrounded by one of the successive closed shapes. The second sealing chambers are located directly below the foot-facing surface of the bladder and directly above the ground-facing surface of the bladder. The third polymer sheet is joined to the fourth polymer sheet at a plurality of third joints, the plurality of third joints being spaced apart from each other and offset from the second joints. Each third joint is located below a corresponding second sealing chamber opposite a corresponding first joint. The third and fourth polymer sheets surround the third sealing chamber, which surrounds the third joint and is located directly below the first sealing chamber. The first and third sealing chambers keep the fluid isolated from each other and from the second sealing chamber. Because the second sealing chamber establishes the entire height of the bladder at the second sealing chamber, the cushioning response of the bladder (e.g., the elastic deformation of the bladder under compressive load) depends largely on the pressure and position of the second sealing chamber and can be adjusted accordingly.

[0055] The above-mentioned features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this teaching will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, from the following detailed description of the modes for implementing this teaching.

[0056] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts in all views. Figure 1 The full-length capsule 10 is shown, which includes Figure 2 In the sole structure 12 of the footwear article 14 shown. The sac 10 is referred to as a full-length sac because it includes a forefoot region 16, a midfoot region 18, and a heel region 20. The midfoot region 18 is located between the heel region 20 and the forefoot region 16. As understood by those skilled in the art, the forefoot region 16 is typically located below the toes and metatarsophalangeal joints of the upper foot. The midfoot region 18 is typically located below the arch region. The heel region 20 is typically located below the calcaneus. The sac 10 has a medial side 22 and a lateral side 24, the shape of which is typically consistent with the medial side of the upper foot, and the shape of which is typically consistent with the lateral side of the upper foot. The sac 10 is sized to fit the foot size. As discussed further herein, the sac 10 has four stacked polymer sheets. Adjacent sheets of the four stacked polymer sheets are arranged in a manner as shown in... Figure 1 The surface 28 facing the foot shown and, for example Figure 3 and 4 The opposing ground-facing surfaces 30 are fixed together at multiple sets of point joints arranged in an offset row. The first point joint 26A secures the first polymer sheet 40 to the underlying second polymer sheet 42 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (as shown), and in Figure 1 As can be seen in. Figure 1 Only some point joints 26A and recesses 27 are marked. Point joints 26A create a slightly concave appearance on the surface 28 facing the foot (e.g., at the recess 27), and point joints 26C (e.g.) Figure 4 (As shown) a similarly concave appearance is created on the ground-facing surface 30, but their relatively small size and uniform spacing allow the foot-facing surface 28 and the ground-facing surface 30 to be relatively flat. Figure 4 Only some point joints 26C are marked in the diagram. The four stacked polymer sheets are also joined to each other at a common peripheral flange 32.

[0057] Figure 2 A footwear article 14 is shown, comprising a sac 10 assembled into a sole interlayer within a sole structure 12. The sac 10 serves as a sole interlayer. The sole structure 12 is coupled to an upper 34 to define a cavity 35 for receiving a foot, which receives the foot to support it on the sole structure 12. The upper 34 is shown as a sock-like upper extending beneath the foot (e.g., through a surface 28 facing the foot). Alternatively, the lower portion of the upper 34 may be secured to a midsole fabric covering the sac 10, and / or the insole may be placed over the sac 10 within the cavity 35 for receiving the foot.

[0058] The sole structure 12 also includes an outsole 36 fixed to the ground-facing surface 30, a support edge 37 fixed to the outer periphery 38 of the foot-facing surface 28, and a wedge-shaped member 39 fixed to the ground-facing surface 30 (see...). Figure 3 Each of these is discussed herein. Alternatively, a foam midsole may be fixed at the foot-facing surface 28 between the bladder 10 and the upper 34, and / or at the ground-facing surface 30 between the bladder 10 and the outsole 36. In such embodiments, one or more such midsoles together with the bladder 10 serve as the midsole of the shoe.

[0059] See Figure 4The capsule 10 includes four stacked polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46, including a first polymer sheet 40 covering a second polymer sheet 42, a second polymer sheet 42 covering a third polymer sheet 44, and a third polymer sheet 44 covering a fourth polymer sheet 46. The periphery of each of the four stacked polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 is bonded to the periphery of an adjacent polymer sheet to define a peripheral flange 32. The four stacked polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 may extend together, each extending to the peripheral flange 32 and having an outer periphery at the peripheral flange 32.

[0060] Furthermore, each polymer sheet 40, 42, 44, and 46 is bonded to each adjacent polymer sheet via multiple joints disposed within the peripheral flange 32. In other words, as Figure 6 As shown, the bottom side of the first polymer sheet 40 has an outer peripheral joint 27A at its periphery 40A and 42A, and a first point joint 26A (referred to as the first set of point joints, in...). Figure 4 (Only some of them are shown in the image) are bonded to the top side of the second polymer sheet 42. The bottom side of the second polymer sheet 42 is bonded at its outer perimeters 42A, 44A and at the second point bonding portion 26B (referred to as the second set of point bonding portions, in...). Figure 4 (Only some of them are shown in the diagram) are bonded to the top side of the third polymer sheet 44 via peripheral joint 27B. The bottom side of the third polymer sheet 44 is bonded to the top side of the third polymer sheet 44 via peripheral joint 27C at their outer peripheries 44A and 46A, and at the third point joint 26C (referred to as the third set of point joints, in...). Figure 4 (Only some of them are shown in the diagram) are bonded to the top side of the fourth polymer sheet 46. The bonding portion 27B at the periphery 42A, 44A between the second polymer sheet 42 and the third polymer sheet 44 extends further inward than bonding portions 27A and 27C. Figure 4 and 5 In this document, joints 27A, 27B, and 27C are marked only on one side of bladder 10, but it should be understood that the joints extend around the entire periphery of bladder 10 to seal bladder 10, as described herein. Inflation ports for inflating the chamber of bladder 10 are sealed at the outer periphery of joints 27A, 27B, and 27C after inflation.

[0061] like Figure 1 As best shown, the point joints 26A are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a row extending laterally from the inner side 22 to the outer side 24. Figure 1Only some point joints 26A are marked. Point joints 26A in adjacent rows are offset from each other in the XY plane. In other words, point joints 26A are positioned laterally at the midpoint between a pair of point joints 26A in the row in front of them and a pair of point joints 26A in the row behind them. Point joints 26B and 26C are also spaced apart from each other and arranged in offset rows. Furthermore, the second point joint 26B is laterally offset from the first point joint 26A and the third point joint 26C in the vertical plane (Z plane), as shown... Figure 4 The cross-section is shown. The third joint 26C is vertically aligned with the first joint 26A in the vertical plane.

[0062] Using this arrangement, the first sealing chamber 50 is defined and surrounded by first and second polymer sheets 40, 42. The second sealing chamber 52 is defined and surrounded by second and third polymer sheets 42, 44. The third sealing chamber 54 is defined and surrounded by third and fourth polymer sheets 44, 46. The second sealing chamber 52 is isolated from the first sealing chamber 50 by the second polymer sheet 42, and the third sealing chamber 54 is isolated from the second sealing chamber 52 by the third polymer sheet 44. In the illustrated embodiment, there are only four polymer sheets and three sealing chambers, and the fourth polymer sheet 46 defines the ground-facing surface 30. In other embodiments, there may be more than four stacked polymer sheets forming more than three sealing chambers (e.g., six stacked polymer sheets forming five sealing chambers), with adjacent sheets joined together by multiple rows of point joints, and the point joints at adjacent sheets alternately vertically aligned with each other.

[0063] The first, second, third, and fourth polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 are made of a fluid-impermeable material (such as a gas, which could be air, nitrogen, or another gas). Each of the first, second, and third sealed chambers 50, 52, and 54 keeps the fluid isolated from each of the other sealed chambers 50, 52, and 54. This allows the first sealed chamber 50 to hold the gas at a first predetermined pressure, the second sealed chamber 52 to hold the gas at a second predetermined pressure, and the third sealed chamber 54 to hold the gas at a third predetermined pressure. The pressures can be the same as or different from each other, and can be equal to or higher than ambient pressure.

[0064] The first sealing chamber 50 retains fluid as a first cushioning layer. The first sealing chamber 50 extends over the forefoot region 16, the midfoot region 18, and the heel region 20. The first sealing chamber 50 is the only sealing chamber of the bladder 10 located on and defining the surface 28 facing the foot. Thus, the foot supported on the bladder 10 has a first sealing chamber 50 located below the spread portion of the foot in each of the forefoot region 16, the midfoot region 18, and the heel region 20. Because the first sealing chamber 50 is closer to the foot than any other sealing chambers 52 and 54 formed by the bladder 10, the inflation pressure of the first sealing chamber 50 significantly affects the wearer's perception of the firmness of the bladder 10.

[0065] Figure 1 The dot joint 26A is shown as a small circle, but dot joint 26A, as well as dot joints 26B and 26C, can be other closed shapes, such as squares or triangles. The dot joint 26A is formed in the area not covered by the isolation ink with a pattern of printed isolation ink applied to the bottom side of the first polymer sheet 40 and / or a pattern of printed isolation ink applied to the top side of the second polymer sheet 42. The foot-facing surface 28 also has multiple recesses 27 at the multiple dot joints 26A because when the first sealing chamber 50 expands, each dot joint 26A causes the first polymer sheet 40 to recess towards the dot joint 26A, creating a recess 27. Corresponding recesses 27 are created in the second polymer sheet 42 around where it is constrained to the dot joint 26A. Figure 1 In the figure, only some pits 27 and point joints 26A are indicated by reference numerals. When the first sealing chamber 50 expands, the point joints 26A are used to limit the total distance between the polymer sheets 40 and 42, thereby limiting the height of the first sealing chamber 50.

[0066] A first sealing chamber 50 surrounds each point joint 26A between the first polymer sheet 40 and the second polymer sheet 42, and fluid in the sealing chamber 50 flows around each point joint 26A. A second sealing chamber 52 surrounds each point joint 26B between the second polymer sheet 42 and the third polymer sheet 44, and fluid in the sealing chamber 52 flows around each point joint 26B. A third sealing chamber 54 surrounds each point joint 26C between the third polymer sheet 44 and the fourth sheet 46, and fluid in the sealing chamber 54 flows around each point joint 26C.

[0067] During forward rolling, the dynamic load begins in the heel region 20 and moves forward, allowing the gas in the first sealed chamber 50 to move freely from rear to front, moving freely around the point joint 26A within the first sealed chamber 50. Similarly, the gas in the second sealed chamber 52 moves from rear to front around the point joint 26B, and the gas in the third sealed chamber 54 moves from rear to front around the point joint 26C. Therefore, when the foot compresses the bladder 10 during the initial heel impact and forward rolling, preloading occurs in the midfoot region 18 and the forefoot region 16 due to the gas expelled from the heel region 20, increasing the stiffness of the midfoot region 18 and then increasing the stiffness of the forefoot region 16 during forward rolling. This can advantageously provide a relatively firm support platform for toe lift-off.

[0068] Therefore, the cushioning response of the bladder 10 is related not only to the absorption of vertical impact forces by the bladder 10 through the sealed chambers 50, 52, and 54, which operate in stages as described herein, but also to the forward rolling of the foot from heel to toe. The gas displacement within each chamber 50, 52, and 54 can also be lateral, such as during lateral push-off or landing, or from front to back, such as when jumping and landing on the forefoot region 16 of the bladder 10.

[0069] The selection of the shape, size, and location of the various joints between polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46, as well as the inflation pressure of chambers 50, 52, and 54, provides the desired contour surfaces of the inflatable bladder 10, including a relatively flat foot-facing surface 28 and a ground-facing surface 30. Prior to bonding, polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 are stacked flat sheets extending from each other. Solder resist is applied to the interface surfaces of polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 where bonding is not desired. For example, solder resist may be referred to as a release ink and can be inkjet-printed onto the sheets at selected locations where bonding between adjacent sheets is not desired, according to a programmed pattern. The stacked flat polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 are then thermo-pressed to create joints between adjacent sheets on all adjacent sheet surfaces except where solder resist is applied. No thermoforming mold or radio frequency welding is required to form the bladder 10. In the completed (e.g., fully formed) bladder 10, the areas where solder resist is applied will be located within the internal volumes of the respective sealed chambers 50, 52, and 54.

[0070] Once bonded, polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 remain flat and only take on the outline shape of bladder 10 when chambers 50, 52, and 54 expand through the filling port, after which the filling port is sealed. Therefore, if the inflation gas is removed, and assuming no other components are present in any sealed chambers, and polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 have not yet been bonded to other components, such as outsoles, other midsoles, or uppers, polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 will return to their initial flat state.

[0071] Polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 can be formed from a variety of materials, including polymers capable of elastically retaining fluids such as air or another gas. Examples of polymer materials used for polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. Furthermore, polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 can each be formed from layers of different materials. In one embodiment, each polymer sheet 40, 42, 44, and 46 is formed from a film having one or more thermoplastic polyurethane layers having one or more ethylene and vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) barrier layers that are impermeable to pressurized fluids contained therein, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,082,025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Each polymer sheet 40, 42, 44, and 46 may also be formed of a material comprising alternating layers of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, these layers may comprise ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and a re-polished material of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane. Polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 may also each be a flexible microfilm comprising alternating layers of gas-barrier material and elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable materials for polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 to Rudy, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable materials for polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 include thermoplastic films containing crystalline materials disclosed in Rudy's U.S. Patents 4,936,029 and 5,042,176, and polyurethanes containing polyester polyols disclosed in Bonk et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. When selecting the materials for polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46, engineering properties such as tensile strength, tensile properties, fatigue properties, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent can be considered. The thickness of polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 can be selected to provide these properties.

[0072] Because they are isolated from each other, the sealed chambers 50, 52, and 54 can be filled with gas at the same or different inflation pressures to achieve the desired cushioning response. For example, a discrete third sealed chamber 54, which is closer to the ground than the first sealed chamber 50 during use, can have a lower inflation pressure than the first sealed chamber 50. Each sealed chamber 50, 52, and 54 maintains a predetermined pressure of gas that the chamber inflates to when the bladder 10 is in an unloaded state. The unloaded state is the state in which the bladder 10 is not under steady-state or dynamic load. For example, the unloaded state is the state in which the bladder 10 does not bear any load, such as when it is not worn on the foot. The dynamic compressive load on the bladder 10 is due to the impact of the sole structure 12 with the ground (represented by the ground plane 58) and the corresponding footpad load of the person wearing footwear 14 with the bladder 10 and the opposite ground load. The dynamic compressive load can be absorbed sequentially by the chambers 50, 52, and 54 of the bladder 10 according to the increase in stiffness from minimum to maximum, with higher inflation pressures associated with greater stiffness. Typically, under a given dynamic load, a smaller volumetric chamber will reach its maximum displacement faster than a larger volumetric chamber with the same or lower inflation pressure, thus providing return energy more quickly than a larger volumetric chamber.

[0073] The stiffness of a buffer layer, such as a sealed fluid chamber, is represented by a force-displacement graph under dynamic load. Stiffness is the ratio of the change in compressive load (e.g., force in Newtons) to the displacement of the buffer layer (e.g., displacement in millimeters along the axis of the compressive load). The compressive stiffness of different portions of bladder 10 will depend in part on the relative inflation pressure. Assuming four stacked polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, 46 have the same or one type of material and structure, and the same thickness, a chamber with the same volume and shape as another chamber but with a lower inflation pressure should experience a larger initial displacement under dynamic load, providing a relatively low initial stiffness, followed by a subsequent stage of greater stiffness after reaching its maximum compression. An equal-volume chamber with a larger inflation pressure or a lower-volume chamber with the same inflation pressure should provide a steeper stiffness ramp on the load-displacement curve.

[0074] like Figure 3As shown, the outsole 36 includes a first outsole component 36A extending along the inner side 22 of the pouch 10 at the outer surface 30 facing the ground, and a second outsole component 36B extending along the outer side 24 of the pouch 10 at the outer surface 30 facing the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, outsole components 36A and 36B are integral parts of a single integral outsole 36. Alternatively, outsole components 36A and 36B may each be discrete, independent components of a multi-piece outsole. The first and second outsole components 36A and 36B each partially establish the ground engagement surface 60 of the footwear article 14. When the shoe 14 is configured such that the sole structure 12 is located between the upper 34 and the ground plane 58 (e.g., when the person wearing the shoe 14 is upright), the ground engagement surface 60 engages the ground plane 58, both in an unloaded state and during loading.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the outsole 36 generally surrounds the periphery of the ground-facing surface 30 of the bladder 10 and has a hole 62 in the heel region 20 and holes 64 in the forefoot and midfoot regions 16, 18. A first outsole component 36A can be considered as the portion of the outsole 36 extending along the entire inner side 22 from the forefoot region 16 to the heel region 20, and a second outsole component 36B can be considered as the portion of the outsole 36 extending along the entire outer side 24 from the forefoot region 16 to the heel region 20. Outsole components 36A and 36B fall on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline LM. A lateral member portion 36C of the outsole 36 extends from the first outsole component 36A to the second outsole component 36B, but with a smaller height, and therefore does not extend sufficiently below the bladder 10 to form part of the ground contact surface 60. The lateral member portion 36C separates the holes 62, 64. With this construction of the outsole 36, the bladder 10 is suspended between and across the first outsole component 36A and the second outsole component 36B at the ground-facing surface 30, which is completely above the ground contact surface 60, as... Figure 4 As shown. This is in the case of Figure 4 The heel region 20 shown is real, and it is also real in the forefoot region 16 and midfoot region 18, because the wedge-shaped component 39 does not extend to form part of the ground contact surface 60 when unloaded or even during dynamic load, except under extreme lateral (shear) forces, such as during the dynamic tilt described herein. In other configurations, for example, outsole components 36A, 36B may extend only in the heel region 20, or only in the heel region 20 and midfoot region 18, or only in the forefoot region 16, or only in the forefoot region and midfoot region 18, or only in the heel region 20 and forefoot region 16, such that the suspension state of the bladder 10 is only in one or more of regions 16, 18, and 20, and not in all regions 16, 18, and 20.

[0076] Figure 4The capsule 10 is shown in its initial unloaded state. Figure 5 The bladder 10, representing the first stage of compressive load, is denoted by the load L and reaction load L1 at the outsole 36. The load L and reaction load L1 can represent dynamic compressive loads on the sole structure 12, such as the impact of the sole structure 12 against the ground plane 58 under the footpad load L1 of a person wearing footwear 14 with the bladder 10 and the opposing reaction load L1 of the ground on the sole structure 12. Due to the suspension configuration of the bladder 10 relative to the outsole components 36A, 36B, the bladder 10 also bends like a beam, in addition to moving due to the compression of fluids in chambers 50, 52, and 54. The outsole 36 can also compress under load, affecting the overall stiffness profile of the sole structure 12.

[0077] When designing the bladder 10, by selecting the material of the bladder 10, the inflation pressure of chambers 50, 52, and 54, and the span width W between the outer bottom components 36A and 36B of the suspension bladder 10, the sequence of bending and compression of the bladder 10, as well as any overlap between the bending and compression responses caused by the dynamic compressive load L, can be controlled (i.e., adjusted) as needed. Figure 5 The composite stress-strain beam mechanics of the bending bladder 10 is illustrated, with the foot-facing surface 28 of the bladder 10 subjected to transverse inward compression (as indicated by inward arrow A1) and the ground-facing surface 30 of the bladder 10 subjected to tension (as indicated by bidirectional outward arrow A2). In other words, in the context of… Figure 5 The bending phase, as shown, responds to the compressive load L, and the capsule 10 functions similarly to a semi-rigid composite beam. Figure 8 The graph shows the relationship between force (load L in Newtons) and displacement (e.g., vertical displacement of the bladder 10 in millimeters) represented by portion 102 of the load-displacement curve 100 during the bending of the bladder 10, as per the description of... Figure 5 As the load increases, the bladder 10 deflects further, reducing its width by sequentially compressing the gas in the sealed chambers 50, 52, and 54 according to the increasing pressure. Figure 9 Part 104 of the load-displacement curve during this stage is shown, which indicates that the stiffness of the bladder 10 increases nonlinearly as the load increases.

[0078] With the separation of beam function (bending) and displacement (compression) of the bladder 10 (e.g., depending on the different characteristics of the bladder 10), the compression of the bladder 10 can be used to independently engage elements of the sole structure 12. Support structures such as ramp wedges and / or pressure-mapping surfaces in the outsole 36 or the underlying sole interlayer can be adjusted to engage during deep compression. For example, refer to Figure 10The thickness of the wedge-shaped member 39 increases in the direction from the inner side 22 of the pouch 10 toward the outer side 24, such that the ground-facing surface 70 of the wedge-shaped member 39 is not parallel to the ground plane 58, and lies entirely above the ground contact surface 60 of the sole structure 12 without a threshold compressive load applied to the foot-facing surface 28. For example, once the load reaches a predetermined size, such as Figure 10 As shown in the load LP diagram, the ground-facing surface 70 becomes part of the ground-bonding surface of the sole structure 12, distributing the load over a larger surface area. More specifically, the ground-bonding surface includes surface 60 and surface 70.

[0079] Furthermore, the foot-facing surface 72 of the wedge member 39 can be configured to be approximately parallel to the ground plane 58 in an unloaded state, but not parallel to the ground plane 58 under load LP, such that the reaction force LR of the surface 72 of the wedge member 39 on the bladder 10 (e.g., a force orthogonal to the surface 72) is at an angle to the vertical direction and has a component extending from the outer side 24 toward the inner side 22, the wedge component 39 thus reacting to the outer force (e.g., a force from the inner side 22 toward the outer side 24), for example, reacting to lateral or "tilting" movements.

[0080] Now for reference Figure 12 The support edge 37 is shown separately. Clearly, the support edge 37 is generally U-shaped, comprising an arched heel 37A, an inner arm 37B, and an outer arm 37C. The inner arm 37B extends forward from the heel 37A and terminates at an inner end 74. The outer arm 37C extends forward from the heel 37A and terminates at an outer end 76. Figure 2 , 4 As shown in 5, 7, and 10-11, the support edge 37 is fixed along the outer periphery of the bladder 10 to the foot-facing surface 28 of the bladder 10. In... Figure 7 In the cross-sectional view shown, it is clear that the support edge 37 has three flanges, including an upper outer flange 78, a lower outer flange 80, and an inner flange 82. When assembled in the shoe 14, the upper outer flange 78 extends upward along the outer surface of the upper 34 and is secured thereto. The inner flange 82 extends inward between the upper 34 and the foot-facing surface 28 of the bladder 10 and is secured to both. The lower outer flange 80 is also secured to the bladder 10 and extends downward below the upper 34 along the outer periphery of the bladder 10. The support edge 37 has a recessed lower surface 84 that matches the circular outer surface at the upper periphery of the bladder 10. The inner surfaces 86 of the outsole components 36A and 36B (see...) Figure 7The upper 34 is also circular, fitting with the circular outer periphery of the lower periphery of the bladder 10 to provide support at the outer periphery of the bladder 10 (e.g., along the sidewalls of the bladder 10). Using this construction, the support edge 37 provides lateral support, preventing the upper 34 from shifting laterally relative to the bladder 10. Furthermore, the concave surfaces 84 and 86 of the support edge 37 and the outsole components 36A and 36B largely cover the outer side of the bladder 10 to resist shear forces (lateral forces) acting on the bladder 10.

[0081] Figure 13 This is an external view of another type of footwear 114, which has a sole structure 112 attached to the upper 134. The sole structure 112 includes... Figure 1 The upper 134 may include a strap 134A located in the midfoot area, which surrounds the cavity 35 for receiving the foot from the sides 22, 24 and above. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A bottom view of the footwear item 114. The sole structure 112 includes a foam sole interlayer 190 disposed below and fixed to the pouch 10. Figure 13 As shown, the foam sole interlayer 190 is composed of discrete sole interlayer components 190A, 190B, 190C, 190D, and 190E. Because sole interlayer components 190B and 190D wrap upwards along the outer surface of the upper 34 at the outer and inner sides 24 and 22, respectively, the support edge 37 is discontinuous between the heel portion 37A, the outer arm portion 37C, and the inner arm portion (not shown). In other words, the support edge 37 comprises three separate, independent components: the heel portion 37A, the outer arm portion 37C, and the inner arm portion (not shown).

[0082] The sole structure 112 also includes an outsole 126, which is composed of discrete components 126A, 126B, and 126C located below the foam sole interlayer 190. For example, outsole components 126A, 126B, and 126C are located below the foam sole interlayer components 190A, 190B, and 190C, respectively. Figure 13 As shown. Additional outsole components 126D and 126E are located beneath the midsole components 190D and 190E, respectively. (Reference) Figure 14The midsole component 190E and outsole component 126E (if any) attached thereto can have a smaller thickness than the surrounding midsole components 190A, 190B, 190C, and 190D, such that the bladder 10 is suspended above the ground plane by the midsole components 190A, 190B, 190C, and 190D and the outsole components 126A, 126B, 126C, and 126D below them, to act as a beam during compression of the sole structure 112, similar to that described with respect to sole structure 12. Under sufficient compressive load, the outsole component 126E below the midsole component 190E will contact the ground plane 58, and the midsole component 190E will compress, affecting the stiffness distribution of the sole structure 112. The midsole component 190E is configured to have a circular nodular portion that can be positioned to correspond to a relatively high pressure area in the load pressure map of a typical wearer (which may be based on a database of wearer groups), so that the engagement of the midsole component 190E provides additional cushioning in the part of the foot according to the pressure map.

[0083] Figure 15 Another footwear article 214 is shown, having a sole structure 212 including a bladder 10. The sole structure 212 also includes a foam sole interlayer 290 located beneath the bladder 10, and an outsole 236 located beneath the foam sole interlayer 290 and forming the ground contact surface of the sole structure 212. Both the foam sole interlayer 290 and the outsole 236 are composed of interconnected pod shapes. Similar to sole structures 12 and 112, the pod shapes of the sole interlayer 290 and the outsole 236 can be arranged and configured such that the bladder 10 spans between and over outsole components extending along the inner and outer sides of the bladder 10, allowing the bladder 10 to flex into a beam during compressive loads on the sole structure 212. Like sole structure 112, at least some of the pod shapes of the sole interlayer 290 can correspond to a pressure map of the foot. The foam sole interlayer 290 also extends upward along the outer side of the pouch 10 and extends to the outer surface of the upper 234 at the lower part of the upper 234. The upper 234 may include a lower reinforcement 234A of a relatively rigid material, to which the foam sole interlayer 290 may be bonded.

[0084] Figure 16 Footwear article 314 is shown, which includes a sole structure 312 attached to an upper 334. Sole structure 312 includes a forefoot bladder 310A and a heel bladder 310B, each bladder comprising four stacked polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 as described with respect to bladder 10, but with different bonding patterns to provide first, second, and third sealed chambers of different shapes than the chambers of bladder 10, providing different cushioning responses, as further described herein. A sole midsole 390 and a support edge 337 are also included in sole structure 312 and are discussed further herein.

[0085] It should be understood that the forefoot bursa 310A and the heel bursa 310B can be completely separated and isolated from each other, each bursa having a separate peripheral flange 32 (e.g., Figure 17-18 As shown), the corresponding four polymer sheets are joined together at the peripheral flange 32. For clarity, the four polymer sheets of each bladder 310A, 310B are designated by the same reference numerals, such as polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46, because each can be cut from the same larger sheet, for example, before being joined at the separate peripheral joints. In the assembled shoe, sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 of the forefoot bladder 310A are separated (i.e., detached) from sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46 of the heel bladder 310B.

[0086] More specifically, referring to the heel pouch 310B shown Figure 17 The first polymer sheet 40 is bonded to the second polymer sheet 42 at a plurality of first point bonding portions 326A, the plurality of first point bonding portions 326A being spaced apart from each other and being... Figure 1 The same offset arrangement is shown with respect to point joint 26. A first polymer sheet 40 and a second polymer sheet 42 surround a first sealing chamber 350, which surrounds (and communicates with) the first point joint 326A. Figure 17 Only some point joints 326A are marked. The second polymer sheet 42 is joined to the third polymer sheet 44 at a plurality of second joints 326B, such that the second polymer sheet 42 and the third polymer sheet 44 define a second sealing chamber 352, which is arranged as one or more tubular frames surrounded by the second joints 326B. Figure 17 Only some of the second joints 326B are marked. As used herein, the tubular frame is a sealed chamber extending in a continuously closed shape, such as an annular ring that is circular, trapezoidal, square, triangular, etc. The tubular frames of the second sealed chambers 352 may be isolated from each other or fluidly connected to each other, as per [reference to...]. Figure 26 and 29 Further discussion. The second polymer sheet 42 separates the first sealing chamber 350 from the second sealing chamber 352.

[0087] The joint 326C between the third polymer sheet 44 and the fourth polymer sheet 46 surrounds one or more closed shapes, each closed shape being interconnected or fluidly isolated from each other, and forming part of the third sealing chamber 354. The joint 326C may be referred to as a plurality of third joints or third junctions. When the third sealing chamber 354 expands, each closed shape has a lower dome-shaped surface 355 (in... Figure 18 (Only one is marked in the text). Therefore, each part of the third sealing chamber 354 can be referred to as a dome-shaped pod. For example, in Figure 17The image shows two dome-shaped pods 354A and 354B of a third sealing chamber 354. The third sealing chamber 354 and each of its dome-shaped pods 354A and 354B are fluidly isolated from the first sealing chamber 350 and the second sealing chamber 352. The dome-shaped pods of the third sealing chamber 354 may also be fluidly isolated from each other, or some may be fluidly connected to each other, as shown in the diagram. Figure 27 and 30 As discussed, in this way, in addition to the first and second sealing chambers 350, 352 holding fluid at different predetermined fluid pressures, each dome-shaped pod of the third sealing chamber 354 can also hold fluid at different fluid pressures, or, if connected by channels, hold fluid at the same fluid pressure. For example, dome-shaped pod 354A can have a different fluid pressure than dome-shaped pod 354B, or in some embodiments, they can be interconnected by channels such that they have the same fluid pressure.

[0088] For the sake of clarity, Figure 18 The forefoot bladder 310A is shown using the same reference numerals as those used to describe the first, second, and third sealing chambers 350, 352, and 354 of the heel bladder 310B, although it will be understood that the forefoot bladder 310A may be a separate bladder, with the first, second, and third chambers each isolated from the first, second, and third sealing chambers of the heel bladder 310B. In the cross-section shown, the third sealing chamber 354 of the forefoot bladder 310A has four dome-shaped pods 354C, 354D, 354E, and 354F. Figure 18 Only some joints 326A, 326B, and 326C of the forefoot bladder 310A are marked, and are configured relative to Figure 17 A similar joint with the same reference numerals is described in the heel pouch 310B.

[0089] Because the joint 326A is a point joint, the first sealing chamber 350 extends throughout the entire XY plane of the bladder 310B and provides a foot receiving surface. Figure 17 As shown, due to the relatively wide spacing between the third joints 326C, a plurality of first point joints 326A and a plurality of second joints 326B are positioned above a single dome-shaped pod 354A or 354B defined by the second sealing chamber 354. This contributes to the relatively large height of each dome-shaped pod forming the third sealing chamber 354, enabling them to provide relatively large displacement under compressive loads, thereby creating a relatively soft cushioning feel underfoot.

[0090] In one embodiment, the third sealing chamber 354 (e.g., its dome-shaped pod) may have a lower inflation pressure than the first sealing chamber 350, which in turn has a lower inflation pressure than the second sealing chamber 352. The system provides a graded response based on the compression of the soft, large-volume dome-shaped pod of the third sealing chamber 354, followed by compression of the first sealing chamber 350, and the convergence of the compressed first and third sealing chambers 350, 354 at a higher pressure in the second sealing chamber 352, which serves as an internal frame providing stability. The relatively large displacement of the dome-shaped pod of the third sealing chamber 354 controls the graded response, resulting in a soft and resilient travel profile.

[0091] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the heel pouch 310B, for the purpose of simplifying the description of the graded response, showing only a dome-shaped pod 354G passing through the third sealing chamber 354. The dome-shaped pod 354G can be, for example... Figure 16 The final dome-shaped pod shown. Figure 19 The heel pouch 310B is shown in an unloaded state. Figure 20 The heel pouch 310B under load L in the first stage of compression is shown, along with the reaction load L1 at ground plane 58. The first stage of compression is largely controlled by the compression of the dome-shaped pod 354G. The curve of force (load L) versus displacement (e.g., the vertical displacement of the pod 10) will be linear, similar to... Figure 8 The curve, but may have a lower slope reflecting the large available vertical displacement and the relatively low pressure of the dome-shaped pod 354G. Figure 21 yes Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of the heel bladder 310B in the second stage of compression under an increased load L. As the first sealing chamber 350 and subsequently the relatively high-pressure (and therefore rigid) second sealing chamber 352 begin to compress, the load-displacement curve will show a pattern similar to... Figure 8 The nonlinearity of part 104 of the curve increases.

[0092] Refer again Figure 17 The sole structure 312 includes a heel outsole 336B, which extends only along the ground-facing surface 355 (e.g., the lower dome-shaped surface) of the heel pouch 310B. Similarly, as Figure 18 As shown, the sole structure 312 includes a forefoot outsole 336A that extends only along the ground-facing surface 355 (e.g., the lower dome-shaped surface 355) of the forefoot pod 310A. The outsoles 336A and 336B line and largely enclose the lower dome-shaped surface 355 of the dome-shaped pod of the third sealed chamber 354 of the two pods 310A and 310B, providing stability to the relatively high-profile dome-shaped pod, for example, in the lateral direction.

[0093] like Figure 16-18 As shown, the dome-shaped pod of the third sealing chamber 354 of the heel bladder 310B is higher than the dome-shaped pod of the forefoot bladder 310A. This provides both greater displacement to more softly absorb heel impact loads, such as during heel strike, and facilitates the heel-to-toe drop in height of the footwear article 314. To increase forefoot cushioning, the foam sole interlayer 390 covers only the forefoot bladder 310A (e.g., not the heel bladder 310B) and extends along the foot-facing surface 28 of the bladder 310A. Figure 18 As best shown, the foam sole interlayer 390 partially covers the outer periphery of the bladder 310A, further helping the forefoot outsole 336A to provide lateral stability (e.g., under lateral or sideways forces, such as during tilting).

[0094] like Figure 16-18 As shown, the support edge 337 is fixed to the foot-facing surface 28 of the heel sac 310B along the outer periphery of the sac 310B in the heel region 20, and also fixed to the sole interlayer 390 along the outer periphery of the midfoot region 18 and forefoot region 16 of the forefoot sac 310A. The upper 334 is fixed to the support edge 337 and covers the sole interlayer 390 in the midfoot region 18 and forefoot region 16, and directly covers the foot-facing surface 28 of the heel sac 310B in the heel region 20.

[0095] Figure 22 An external view of another footwear article 414 with a sole structure 412 including a full-length bladder 410 is shown. The bladder 410 is configured similarly to bladders 310A and 310B, but as a single bladder, comprises four stacked polymer sheets having binding and sealing chambers as described with respect to bladders 310A and 310B, including a dome-shaped pod of a third sealing chamber. Similar to outsoles 336A and 336B, outsole 436 liner and covers the lower dome-shaped surface of the bladder 410. Because the bladder 410 is full-length, a foam sole interlayer 490 covers the entire foot-facing surface of the bladder 410. The foam sole interlayer 490 is configured with a dome-shaped portion that matches the lower dome-shaped lower surface of the pod of the third sealing chamber. Due to the relatively high profile of the foam sole interlayer 490, a support edge is not included in the sole structure 412. An upper 434 is attached to the foam sole interlayer 490. The upper 434 may include a lower reinforcement 434A of a relatively rigid material, to which the sole interlayer 490 may be bonded.

[0096] Figure 23 This is a bottom view of the forefoot bladder 310A, its structure and related... Figure 16 and 18The same as described in the front foot bladder 310A. As is evident in the bottom view, the adjacent dome-shaped pods of the third sealing chamber 354 are configured as lobes partially separated by one of the third joints 326C. For example, adjacent dome-shaped pods 354E and 354F are lobes separated by the third joint 326C and have end portions 357 extending toward the end portions 357 of the lobes of an adjacent pair of dome-shaped pods 354H and 354J, which are also partially separated by the third joint 326C. The same applies to adjacent dome-shaped pods 354C and 354D configured as petals, adjacent dome-shaped pods 354K and 354L configured with petals extending toward the ends of the petals of dome-shaped pods 354C and 354D, adjacent dome-shaped pods 354M and 354N configured as petals, and adjacent dome-shaped pods 354P and 354Q configured with petals extending toward the ends of the petals of dome-shaped pods 354M and 354N. Figure 23 As shown, in the third sealing chamber 354, only two dome-shaped pods 354C and 354K extend along the inner side 22 of the sac in the front foot region 16, while four dome-shaped pods 354M, 354P, 354F and 354J extend along the outer side 24 of the sac 10 in the front foot region 16.

[0097] Figure 25-27 The undersides of the first polymer sheet 40, the second polymer sheet 42, and the third polymer sheet 44 are shown, each with a solder resist ink pattern printed on it to form the joint of the forefoot bladder 310A. During hot pressing, adjacent sheets bond together in all areas except for the solder resist ink pattern. For example, the solder resist ink pattern 91 on the underside of the first polymer sheet 40 leaves multiple dots 92 not covered by the solder resist ink 91. The area of ​​sheet 40 at dots 92 becomes the area of ​​the first dot joint 326A. Only a single filling port P1 is needed to inflate the first sealing chamber 350, as shown in the diagram.

[0098] Reference Figure 26 The pattern of solder resist ink 91 on the bottom side of the second polymer sheet 42 forms the tubular frame of the second sealing chamber 352 established by the second joint 326B. From Figure 25 As can be seen, all the frame parts of the pattern are connected by connector 91A, which becomes a channel for connecting the tubular frame of the second sealing chamber 352 and allows a single filling port P2 to be used to inflate the entire second sealing chamber 352.

[0099] Figure 27 It shows the generation of information about Figure 23 The description depicts a pattern of solder resist ink 91 for twelve dome-shaped pods 354C-354Q. (As shown) Figure 23As shown, the printed connector 91B connecting the dome-shaped pods is located in the area of ​​the sheet 44 that becomes a channel 329, which allows fluid communication between the connected dome-shaped pods of the third sealing chamber 354. Thus, only a single filling port P3 is needed to inflate the entire third sealing chamber 354 (e.g., all the dome-shaped pods). Therefore, the four dome-shaped pods 354M, 354P, 354F, and 354J extending along the outer side 24, the two dome-shaped pods 354K and 354C extending along the inner side 22, and the other six dome-shaped pods 354D, 354L, 354N, 354Q, 354E, and 354H are all fluidly connected to each other and can be filled through a single filling port P3 extending from the dome-shaped pod 354H. After inflation, the filling ports P1, P2, and P3 are sealed closed at the peripheral flange of the bladder 310A.

[0100] Figure 24 This is a bottom view of the forefoot bladder 510, which has the same structure as the forefoot bladder 310A, but uses solder resist ink 91 with a different pattern on the second polymer sheet 42 and the third polymer sheet 44, such as... Figure 29 and 30 As shown, this makes the second sealing chamber along the outer side 24 (constructed similarly) Figure 17 The second sealed chamber 352 and in Figure 24 The tubular frames above the dome-shaped pods shown are isolated from each other, and the dome-shaped pods of the third sealing chamber 354 extending along the side 24 are also isolated from each other. Therefore, five filling ports P2 are needed to inflate the tubular frames of the second sealing chamber 352, and six filling ports P3 are needed to inflate the dome-shaped pods of the third sealing chamber 354. Figure 28 The same pattern of solder resist ink 91, used for the forefoot bladder 310A, is shown applied to the first polymer sheet 40. Also... Figure 30 As shown, one of the third joints 326C (designated 326C1 for clarity) extends between the pattern of solder resist ink 91 for the dome-shaped pod extending along the inner side 22 and the pattern of solder resist ink 91 for the dome-shaped pod extending along the outer side 24, and separates them. The separation of the inner dome-shaped pod from the outer dome-shaped pod increases the lateral flexibility of the pod 510.

[0101] Figure 31 This is a bottom view of the alternative capsule 610, which is composed of four stacked polymer sheets that are joined together at a peripheral joint that forms a peripheral flange and at an additional joint as described herein. Figure 31 The fourth polymer sheet 46 is shown; it is a film and defines the ground-facing surface 30. Figure 32 yes Figure 31 A top view of the sac 610 is shown, and the top sheet is a first polymer sheet 40 defining the surface 28 facing the foot. (See attached image.) Figures 31-32As shown, the bladder 610 is symmetrical at the top and bottom and includes a plurality of second sealing chambers 652, which are located directly below the foot-facing surface 28 of the bladder 610 and also directly above the ground-facing surface 30 of the bladder 610. In other words, there is no sealing chamber between the second sealing chambers 652 and the foot-facing surface 28, and there is no sealing chamber between the second sealing chambers 652 and the ground-facing surface 30. The second sealing chambers 652 are laterally surrounded by a first sealing chamber 650, which is also located below a portion of the foot-facing surface 28, and a third sealing chamber 654, which is located above a portion of the ground-facing surface 30 directly below the first sealing chamber 650. Figure 31 and 32 In the figure, only some parts of the second sealing chamber 652 and the first and third sealing chambers 650 and 654 are indicated by reference numerals.

[0102] Figure 33 It is along Figure 32 The line 33-33 in the middle is cut off Figure 32 A cross-sectional view of the bladder. Figure 33 Four stacked polymer sheets 40, 42, 44 and 46 are shown, including a first polymer sheet 40 covering the second polymer sheet 42 and a first polymer sheet 40 bonded to the second polymer sheet 42 at a first joint 626A. Figure 41 and 42 Provided when assembled in Figure 39 An additional sectional view of the bladder 610 within the sole structure 612 of the footwear article 614 shown. (See attached image.) Figure 41 and 42 As shown, there are actually multiple first joint portions 626A spaced apart from each other, and the first polymer sheet 40 and the second polymer sheet 42 surround a first sealing chamber 650 that laterally surrounds the multiple first joint portions 626A. The shape of the first sealing chamber 650 in the XY plane is as follows: Figure 31 and 32 The best example is shown in the image.

[0103] Refer again Figure 33 The second polymer sheet 42 covers the third polymer sheet 44 and is bonded to the third polymer sheet 44 at a plurality of second joints 626B. The plurality of second joints 626B are arranged in a continuous closed shape and offset from a plurality of first joints 626A, such that the second polymer sheet 42 and the third polymer sheet 44 surround a plurality of second sealing chambers 652. Figure 33 (Only one is shown in the image), each second sealing chamber is surrounded by one of the continuous closed shapes of the second joint 626B and is located directly below the foot-facing surface 28 of the bladder 610 and directly above the ground-facing surface 30. Above the second sealing chamber 652 are two pieces (pieces 40 and 42) of thickness, and below the second sealing chamber 652 are two pieces (pieces 44 and 46) of thickness.

[0104] The third polymer sheet 44 covers the fourth polymer sheet 46 and is bonded to the fourth polymer sheet 46 at the third bonding portion 626C. For example... Figure 41 and 42 As shown, there are actually multiple third joints 626C, spaced apart from each other and offset from the second joint 626B, each located below a corresponding second sealing chamber 652 opposite to a corresponding first joint 626A. Third polymer sheets 44 and fourth polymer sheets 46 surround a third sealing chamber 654, which surrounds the third joints 626C and is located directly below the first sealing chamber 650. The first and third sealing chambers 650, 654 maintain fluid isolation from each other and from the second sealing chamber 652. Figure 31 and 32 As best shown, the first and third sealing chambers 650 and 654 are a network of tubular air channels that provide a structural framework for the nested lattice volume array of the second sealing chamber 652.

[0105] When chambers 650, 652, and 654 are inflated, the double thickness on the second sealing chamber 652 tightens the bladder 610 on the second sealing chamber 652, similar to the taut drum surfaces above and below the second sealing chamber 652, respectively, on the foot-facing surface 28 and the ground-facing surface 30. This tightening helps to structurally stabilize the bladder 610, including under shear forces, and allows the foot-facing and ground-facing surfaces 28 and 30 to be relatively flat. Furthermore, since each second sealing chamber 652 can be fluid-isolated from all other chambers, the second sealing chambers 652 can have different inflation pressures, such as inflation pressures corresponding to different pressure zones on the foot pressure diagram. Because the second sealing chamber 652 functions on both the foot-facing surface 28 and the ground-facing surface 30 (e.g., there is no other sealing chamber between the second sealing chamber 652 and those surfaces 28, 30), the cushioning response of the bladder 610 is rapid and stepless, depending on the height of the second sealing chamber 652 (and thus the total displacement available), and the inflation pressure of the second sealing chamber 652 and the first and third sealing chambers 650, 654, which the second sealing chamber 652 also reacts to when under compressive load. The aerodynamics of the frame provided by the surrounding first and third sealing chambers 650, 654 is separate from the aerodynamics affecting the surface tension on the second sealing chamber 652. In other words, each depends largely only on the inflation pressure of the respective chamber.

[0106] Drum-like surface tension is used to constrain the expansion pressure within each second sealed chamber 652 and amplify its effect, resulting in a rapid response similar to that of a trampoline. Each second sealed chamber 652 can be calibrated in terms of size, pressure, and fluid connectivity (or non-connectivity) with other second sealed chambers 652 to produce a mapped load response. This mapping can be used to generate specific pressure levels to achieve functions such as tilting (e.g., establishing greater pressure in the second sealed chamber 652 closer to the outer 24 or inner 22 of the bladder 610 than in the second sealed chamber closer to the center) and / or transition dynamics (e.g., heel-to-toe transition with fluid displacement as described above). The configuration of the bladder 610 compresses in stages across the x,y plane (e.g., toward the ground plane 58) in the Z direction, with only one stage at each unit (e.g., at each second sealed chamber 652).

[0107] The proportions (height to width ratio) of the second sealed chambers 652, along with their inflation pressure, have a considerable impact on walking characteristics. For example, Figure 33 The image shows the capsule 610 in an unloaded state, while Figure 34 A bladder 610 under a compressive load L is shown, wherein the ground plane 58 has a reaction load L1 on the bladder 610. Figure 35 It is compressing Figures 33-34 The load versus displacement curve of the bladder is shown. The load versus displacement curve 100A indicates that the stiffness of the bladder 610 increases immediately and nonlinearly with increasing load (e.g., in a single stage). Figure 36 The bladder 610A in an unloaded state is shown. The bladder 610A has the same construction as the bladder 610, except that the dimensions of the joint make the height H2 of the bladder 610A (e.g., at its second sealing chamber 652 (one is shown)) greater than the height H1 of the bladder 610, for example at its second sealing chamber 652. Heights H1 and H2 are measured when the bladder 610 is in an unloaded state. Figure 38 The image shows the 610A capsule (in Figure 37 The figure shown is a force versus displacement curve during compression (as shown in Figure 100B). Under a given load, the higher height provides a larger displacement (deflection in the Z direction), resulting in a more gradually increasing nonlinear stiffness than that of the capsule 610.

[0108] Figure 39 This is an exterior view of footwear item 614, which includes... Figure 31 The sole structure 612 of the bladder 610 includes a foam sole interlayer 690 that covers the entire foot-facing surface 28 of the bladder 610 and is attached to the upper 634. Figure 39 As shown, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the bladder 610 is exposed beneath the foam sole interlayer 690.

[0109] Figure 40 yes Figure 39 A bottom view of footwear item 614. As shown, a foam sole interlayer 690 wraps around the outer peripheral surface of the pouch 610 (e.g., the periphery of the pouch 610) on the inner side 22 and outer side 24, and extends across the ground-facing surface 30 beneath the pouch 610 in the midfoot region 18 of the pouch 610. This portion of the foam sole interlayer 690 may be referred to as the midfoot wrap 690A. The foam sole interlayer 690 also includes a portion surrounding and beneath the front portion of the ground-facing surface 30 of the pouch 610 in the forefoot region 16. This portion of the foam sole interlayer 690 may be referred to as the toe cap 690B. Return to Reference Figure 39 The foam sole interlayer 690 extends upward along the inner side (not shown) and outer side 24 of the upper 634 to form the sidewall portion 690C of the foam sole interlayer 690, and along the rear of the upper 634 in the heel region 20 to form the heel underside portion 690D of the foam sole interlayer 690.

[0110] The sole structure 612 has a multi-piece outsole 636, including a heel outsole component 636A, a first outsole component 636B extending along the inner side 22 of the bladder at the ground-facing surface 30, and a second outsole component 636C extending along the outer side 24 of the bladder 610 at the ground-facing surface 30. Outsole components 636A, 636B, and 636C establish a surface 60 of the sole structure 612 that engages with the ground plane 58. (Reference) Figure 41 and 42 The heel outsole component 636A and the first and second outsole components 636B and 636C are attached to and cover the ground-facing surface 30 of the bladder 610, and even extend upwards and attach to the outer peripheral surface of the bladder 610 above the peripheral flange 32, but remain below the midsole 690 or upper 634 and are not connected to the midsole 690 or upper 634, so that the outsole components 636A, 636B and 636C are separated from the midsole 690 and “float” with the bladder 610. This configuration of the outsole components 636A, 636B and 636C allows the outsole components 636A, 636B and 636C to support the bladder 610 without constraining the pneumatics of the second sealing chamber 652 or the first sealing chamber 650 under compression. Similar to... Figure 4 The suspension bladder 10, bladder 610 can be slightly suspended between the first outsole component 636B and the second outsole component 636C at the ground-facing surface 30, and is completely above the ground-contact surface 60 of the first and second outsole components 636B, 636C, as shown. Figure 42 As shown. This separation of the outsole components 636B and 636C allows the bladder 610 to compress under tilt loads without excessive constraint from the outsole components 636B and 636C, and may reduce the shear forces on the outsole components 636B and 636C.

[0111] like Figure 42 As best shown, in the forefoot region 16 of the bladder 610, the height of the bladder 610 increases from the inner side 22 to the outer side 24. For example, the height H3 of the bladder 610 near the inner side 22 is less than the height H4 near the outer side 24. Conversely, the height of the foam midsole 690 decreases from the inner side 22 to the outer side 24 in the forefoot region 16 of the bladder 610, and best shown, the height H5 near the inner side 22 is greater than the height H6 near the outer side 24. The height variations of the bladder 610 and the foam midsole 690 are not absolute, as there may be some exceptions in the relative height between the outer side 24 and the inner side 22 (e.g., in...). Figure 42 The first and third sealed chambers 650 and 654 are shown in the center of the stack. Conversely, relative height represents a general, overall increase or decrease. Utilizing these height gradients, the interface between the foot-facing surface 28 of the bladder 610 and the bottom surface 691 of the sole interlayer 690 is slightly inclined relative to the ground plane 58 (similar to...). Figure 10-11 The surface 72 of the wedge-shaped component 39 is such that the reaction force of the sac 610 on the foot-facing surface 28 (e.g., a force orthogonal to the relatively flat foot-facing surface 72) is at an angle to the vertical direction and has a component extending from the outer side 24 toward the inner side 22, so that the sac 610 reacts to lateral forces (e.g., a force from the inner side 22 toward the outer side 24), such as reacting to lateral or "tilting" movements.

[0112] Figure 43 This is an exterior view of the alternative footwear item 714, which has including Figure 31 The sole structure 712 of the bladder 610 includes a support edge 737 similar to the support edge 37, but extending only in the heel region 20. A foam sole interlayer 790 extends on the foot-facing surface 28 of the bladder 610, upwards to the side of the upper 734, and below the bladder 610, has a slit 792 between the upper portion 790A and the lower portion 790B of the sole interlayer 790, so that the sole interlayer 790 does not excessively restrict the aerodynamics of the bladder 610. The outsole 736 includes first and second outsole components 736A, 736B located below the bladder 610 and the sole interlayer 790. The first and second outsole components 736A, 736B are also separated from each other by the slit 792, thereby not restricting the aerodynamics of the bladder 610.

[0113] Figure 44 This is a bottom view of the optional forefoot bladder 810, which includes four stacked polymer sheets 40, 42, 44, and 46. Figure 44Only the fourth polymer sheet 46 at the bottom is shown, and it has first, second, and third sealing chambers 650, 652, and 654 described relative to the bladder 610. It is evident from the tubular frame of the third sealing chamber 654 disposed on the ground-facing surface 30 (and the first sealing chamber 650 disposed below the third sealing chamber 654 and its mirror image) that both the first and third sealing chambers 650 define the entire outer ring of the bladder 610 inside the peripheral flange 32. The outer ring is indicated by a portion of the third sealing chamber 654 designated 654A. In other words, the stacked first and third sealing chambers 650 and 654 completely surround and are positioned between all the second sealing chambers 652 and the peripheral flange 32. Channels 829 (some of which are labeled) interconnect the individual second sealing chambers 652, allowing the drum-shaped second sealing chambers 652 to be in fluid communication with each other.

[0114] The following terms provide exemplary constructions of footwear articles disclosed herein.

[0115] Clause 1. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure including a bladder having stacked polymer sheets, the polymer sheets including a first polymer sheet, a second polymer sheet, a third polymer sheet, and a fourth polymer sheet, the first polymer sheet covering the second polymer sheet, the second polymer sheet covering the third polymer sheet, and the third polymer sheet covering the fourth polymer sheet; wherein the peripheries of the stacked polymer sheets are joined to each other at peripheral joints to define a peripheral flange; wherein adjacent polymer sheets in the stack are joined to each other at multiple sets of offset point joints to define a first sealing chamber between the first and second polymer sheets, a second sealing chamber between the second and third polymer sheets, and a third sealing chamber between the third and fourth polymer sheets, each of the first, second, and third sealing chambers maintaining fluid isolation from each other; the sole structure further comprising a first outsole member extending along the inner side of the bladder at an outer ground-facing surface of the bladder and partially establishing a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure, and a second outsole member extending along the outer side of the bladder at an outer ground-facing surface and further defining a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure; and wherein the bladder is suspended between the first outsole member and the second outsole member at an outer ground-facing surface completely above the ground-engaging surface.

[0116] Clause 2. Footwear articles as described in Clause 1, wherein the offset point joint comprises: a first point joint arranged in a row and at which a first polymer sheet is bonded to a second polymer sheet; a second point joint arranged offset from the row of the first point joints and at which a second polymer sheet is bonded to a third polymer sheet; and a third point joint arranged vertically aligned with the row of the first point joints and at which a third polymer sheet is bonded to a fourth polymer sheet.

[0117] Clause 3. Footwear articles as described in any of Clauses 1-2, wherein: the sole structure further includes a wedge-shaped member on the ground-facing surface of the outer part of the bladder fixed between the first outsole part and the second outsole part; the thickness of the wedge-shaped member increases in the direction from the inside of the bladder toward the outside of the bladder, such that when the sole structure is unloaded, the ground-facing surface of the wedge-shaped member is not parallel to the ground plane on which the sole structure rests, and is entirely above the ground-joining surface of the sole structure.

[0118] Clause 4. A footwear article as described in any of Clauses 1-3, wherein the first polymer sheet defines the foot-facing surface of the bladder, and the footwear article further includes: a support edge fixed to the foot-facing surface of the bladder along the outer periphery of the bladder; and an upper; wherein an outer flange of the support edge extends upward along the outer surface of the upper and is fixed thereto, and an inner flange of the support edge extends inward between the upper and the bladder and is fixed thereto.

[0119] Clause 5. Footwear articles as described in any of Clauses 1-4 further include: a foam sole interlayer attached to the bladder and disposed below the bladder and above the first outsole component and the second outsole component; an upper covering the bladder; and wherein the foam sole interlayer extends upward along the outer surface of the upper.

[0120] Clause 6. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure including a bladder having stacked polymer sheets, the polymer sheets including a first polymer sheet, a second polymer sheet, a third polymer sheet, and a fourth polymer sheet, the first polymer sheet covering the second polymer sheet, the second polymer sheet covering the third polymer sheet, and the third polymer sheet covering the fourth polymer sheet; wherein the peripheries of the stacked polymer sheets are joined to each other at peripheral joints to define a peripheral flange; wherein the first polymer sheet is joined to the second polymer sheet at a plurality of first point joints, the plurality of first point joints being spaced apart from each other and arranged in an offset row, the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet surrounding a first sealing chamber around the first point joints; The second polymer sheet is bonded to the third polymer sheet at a plurality of second point joints, such that the second and third polymer sheets define a second sealing chamber configured as one or more tubular frames; and the third polymer sheet is bonded to the fourth polymer sheet at a plurality of third joints, such that the third and fourth polymer sheets define a third sealing chamber, the third sealing chamber being configured as a dome-shaped pod protruding from the fourth polymer sheet, each dome-shaped pod being located below a corresponding tubular frame of the second sealing chamber, and adjacent dome-shaped pods being configured as lobes partially separated by one of the third joints, and each of the first, second and third sealing chambers is fluid-retainingly isolated from each other.

[0121] Clause 7. Footwear articles as in Clause 6, wherein a plurality of first point joints are positioned above a single dome-shaped pod.

[0122] Clause 8. Footwear articles as in any of Clauses 6-7, wherein the dome-shaped pods are arranged such that the ends of the lobes of a pair of adjacent dome-shaped pods extend toward the ends of the lobes of another pair of adjacent dome-shaped pods.

[0123] Clause 9. Footwear articles as in Clause 6, wherein: the pouch includes a forefoot area, wherein only two dome-shaped pods extend along the inside of the pouch and only four dome-shaped pods extend along the outside of the pouch; and one of the third joints extends between and separates the dome-shaped pods extending along the inside of the pouch and the dome-shaped pods extending along the outside of the pouch.

[0124] Clause 10. Footwear articles as in Clause 9, wherein the dome-shaped pods extending along the outer side of the pouch are each fluidly isolated from one another.

[0125] Clause 11. Footwear articles as in Clause 9, wherein the pouch defines a filling opening, and the dome-shaped pods extending along the outer side of the pouch and the dome-shaped pods extending along the inner side of the pouch are fluidly connected to each other and can be filled through the filling opening.

[0126] Clause 12. Footwear articles as described in any of Clauses 6-11 also include an outsole extending along the ground-facing surface of the pouch.

[0127] Clause 13. Footwear articles as described in any of Clauses 6-11 also include a foam sole interlayer that covers the bladder and extends along the foot-facing surface of the bladder.

[0128] Clause 14. Footwear articles as described in Clause 13, wherein the foam sole interlayer covers only the forefoot and midfoot areas of the bladder, and the footwear article further includes: a support edge that is fixed to the foot-facing surface of the bladder along the outer periphery of the bladder in the heel area of ​​the bladder, and fixed to the foam sole interlayer along the outer periphery of the foam sole interlayer in the midfoot and forefoot areas; and an upper that is fixed to the support edge and covers the foam sole interlayer in the midfoot and forefoot areas, and covers the foot-facing surface of the bladder in the heel area.

[0129] Clause 15. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure including a bladder having stacked polymer sheets, the polymer sheets including a first polymer sheet, a second polymer sheet, a third polymer sheet, and a fourth polymer sheet, the first polymer sheet covering the second polymer sheet, the second polymer sheet covering the third polymer sheet, and the third polymer sheet covering the fourth polymer sheet; wherein the peripheries of the stacked polymer sheets are joined to each other at peripheral joints to define a peripheral flange; wherein the first polymer sheet is joined to the second polymer sheet at a plurality of spaced-apart first joints, the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet surrounding a first sealing chamber surrounding the plurality of first joints; wherein the second polymer sheet is joined to the third polymer sheet at a plurality of second joints, the plurality of second joints being in a continuously closed form. The first polymer sheet is arranged and offset from the second polymer sheet, such that the second polymer sheet and the third polymer sheet surround the second sealing chamber, each of the second sealing chambers being surrounded by one of a series of closed shapes and located directly below the foot-facing surface of the bladder and directly above the ground-facing surface of the bladder; wherein the third polymer sheet is bonded to the fourth polymer sheet at the third polymer sheet, the third polymer sheets being spaced apart from each other and offset from the second polymer sheets, and each third polymer sheet being located below a corresponding second sealing chamber opposite to a corresponding first polymer sheet, the third polymer sheet and the fourth polymer sheet surrounding the third sealing chamber and located directly below the first sealing chamber; and wherein the first sealing chamber and the third sealing chamber maintain fluid isolation from each other and from the second sealing chamber.

[0130] Clause 16. Footwear articles as in Clause 15, wherein the first sealing chamber and the third sealing chamber define the entire outer ring of the bladder within the outer flange.

[0131] Clause 17. A footwear article as described in any of Clauses 15-16, wherein a first polymer sheet defines a foot-facing surface of the bladder; and the sole structure further includes a first outsole member extending along the inner side of the bladder at the ground-facing surface of the bladder and a second outsole member extending along the outer side of the bladder at the ground-facing surface of the bladder, the first and second outsole members establishing a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure.

[0132] Clause 18. Footwear articles as described in Clause 17, wherein a first outsole component and a second outsole component are bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the bladder, and the footwear article further includes: a foam sole interlayer covering the bladder; wherein a portion of the outer peripheral surface is exposed beneath the foam sole interlayer.

[0133] Clause 19. Footwear articles as in Clause 18, wherein the sole interlayer wraps around the outer periphery of the bladder on the inner and outer sides, extends beneath the bladder, and crosses the ground-facing surface of the bladder in the midfoot area of ​​the bladder.

[0134] Clause 20. Footwear articles as described in Clause 15 further include: a foam sole interlayer covering the bladder; wherein the height of the bladder increases from the inside to the outside of the bladder in the forefoot region of the bladder; and wherein the height of the sole interlayer decreases from the inside to the outside of the bladder in the forefoot region of the bladder.

[0135] To aid in and clarify the description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply throughout the specification (including the claims). Furthermore, all references mentioned are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0136] "Footwear articles", "footwear products" and "footwear" can be considered as machines and manufacturers. Assembled, wearable footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and discrete components of footwear articles (e.g., midsole, outsole, upper components, etc.) are considered and referred to herein, in either the singular or plural, as "footwear articles" before being finally assembled into wearable footwear articles.

[0137] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one item. Multiple such items may exist unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. All numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless explicitly or clearly indicated by the context (including the appended claims), shall be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually precedes the numerical value. “About” indicates that the numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (the value is close to exact; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” cannot be understood in its ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein at least indicates variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using these parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a range shall be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that range and further subdivisions of the range.

[0138] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed where possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used herein, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any” is to be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including “any one” of the referenced items. The term “any” is to be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any one” of the referenced claims.

[0139] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used in the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0140] The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction that extends along the length of a component. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot and heel areas. The terms "forward" or "front" refer to the general direction from the heel area toward the forefoot area, and the terms "backward" or "rear" refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot area toward the heel area. In some cases, a component may be identified by a longitudinal axis and the forward and backward longitudinal directions along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as the front-back direction or axis.

[0141] The term "lateral" refers to the direction that extends along the width of a component. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the outer and inner sides of the shoe. The lateral direction or axis can also be referred to as the side direction or axis, or the middle outer direction or axis.

[0142] The term "vertical" refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the horizontal and vertical directions. For example, when the sole of a shoe is laid flat on the ground, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to various parts of the sole. The term "upwards" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a part, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downwards" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the bottom of a part, opposite to the upwards direction, and can generally refer to the bottom of the sole structure of footwear articles.

[0143] The term "interior" in footwear articles, such as shoes, refers to the space occupied by the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The term "inner side" of a component refers to the side or surface of a component in an assembled footwear article that faces (or will face) the interior of the footwear component or article. The term "outer side" or "outer side" of a component refers to the side or surface of a component in an assembled shoe that is away from (or will face) the interior of the shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the inner side and the interior of a component in an assembled footwear article. Similarly, other components may be located between the outer side of a component and the exterior of the assembled footwear article. Furthermore, the term "inward" refers to a direction toward the interior of a footwear component or article (e.g., a shoe), and the term "outward" refers to a direction toward the exterior of a footwear component or article (e.g., a shoe). Additionally, the term "proximal" refers to a direction closer to the center of a footwear component, or, when the user wears the footwear article, a direction closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the footwear article. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to the relative position away from the center of a footwear component, or the relative position away from the foot when the foot is inserted into the footwear. Therefore, the terms "proximal" and "distal" can be understood as providing generally opposite terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0144] While various embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of these embodiments. Unless specifically limited, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in lieu of any other feature or element in any other embodiment. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, various modifications and variations may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0145] While various models for implementing many aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this teaching relates will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing this teaching within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that everything contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings be construed as illustrative and exemplary alternative embodiments of the entire scope, and those skilled in the art will recognize that these alternative embodiments are implied by the included content, are structurally and / or functionally equivalent, or otherwise apparent, and are not limited to those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described.

Claims

1. A type of footwear, comprising: The sole structure includes a pocket with stacked polymer sheets, the polymer sheets including a first polymer sheet, a second polymer sheet, a third polymer sheet and a fourth polymer sheet, the first polymer sheet covering the second polymer sheet, the second polymer sheet covering the third polymer sheet, and the third polymer sheet covering the fourth polymer sheet; In this configuration, the outer edges of the stacked polymer sheets are joined together at the outer edge joint to define the outer edge flange. In this arrangement, adjacent polymer sheets in the stacked polymer sheets are joined together at multiple sets of offset point joints to define a first sealing chamber between the first and second polymer sheets, a second sealing chamber between the second and third polymer sheets, and a third sealing chamber between the third and fourth polymer sheets, each of the first, second, and third sealing chambers keeping fluid isolated from each other; The sole structure also includes a first outsole component that extends along the inside of the bladder at the ground-facing surface of the bladder and partially establishes the ground-engaging surface of the sole structure, and a second outsole component that extends along the outside of the bladder at the ground-facing surface and further defines the ground-engaging surface of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a wedge-shaped component on the ground-facing surface of the outer part of the bladder fixed between the first outsole component and the second outsole component; The thickness of the wedge-shaped component increases from the inside of the bladder towards the outside, such that when the sole structure is unloaded, the ground-facing surface of the wedge-shaped component is not parallel to the ground plane on which the sole structure rests, and is entirely above the ground-contact surface of the sole structure; and The bladder is suspended between the first and second outsole components on the outer surface facing the ground, which is completely above the ground contact surface.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The offset point joint includes: A first point of connection, which are arranged in a row and at the first point of connection the first polymer sheet is bonded to the second polymer sheet; A second point of connection, which is arranged offset from the first point of connection in a row, and at the second point of connection, the second polymer sheet is bonded to the third polymer sheet; and The third point of connection is arranged in a row vertically aligned with the row of the first point of connection, and at the third point of connection, the third polymer sheet is bonded to the fourth polymer sheet.

3. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The first polymer sheet defines the foot-facing surface of the pouch, and the footwear article further includes: Support edges fixed along the outer periphery of the sac to the foot-facing surface of the sac; and vamp; The outer flange of the support edge extends upward along the outer surface of the shoe upper and is fixed thereto, while the inner flange of the support edge extends inward between the shoe upper and the pouch and is fixed thereto.

4. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: A foam sole interlayer is fixed to the bladder and disposed below the bladder and above the first outsole component and the second outsole component; The upper of the shoe is covered with a pouch; and The foam sole interlayer extends upwards along the outer surface of the shoe upper.

5. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The first outsole component and the second outsole component are integral parts of a single integral outsole.

6. The footwear article according to claim 5, wherein, The single integral outsole surrounds the periphery of the ground-facing outer surface of the bladder.

7. The footwear article according to claim 6, wherein, The single integral outsole has holes in the heel area of ​​the footwear and holes in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear.

8. The footwear article according to claim 7, wherein, The single integral outsole includes a lateral member portion that connects the first outsole component and the second outsole component, and separates the hole in the heel region from the hole in the forefoot region.

9. The footwear article according to claim 8, wherein, The lateral member portion has a smaller height than the first outsole component and the second outsole component.

10. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein, The transverse member portion does not form part of the ground bonding surface.

11. The footwear article according to claim 1, further comprising: The shoe upper covering the pouch; as well as A foam sole interlayer is fixed to the bladder between the bladder and the upper, and / or fixed to the bladder at the ground-facing surface of the bladder.

12. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The first polymer sheet defines the foot-facing surface of the pouch, and the footwear article further includes: Supporting edges, which are fixed along the outer periphery of the bladder to the foot-facing surface of the bladder; The supporting edge includes an arc-shaped heel, an inner arm extending forward from the arc-shaped heel and terminating at an inner end, and an outer arm extending forward from the arc-shaped heel and terminating at an outer end.

13. The footwear article according to claim 12, further comprising: vamp; The supporting edge includes an upper outer flange, a lower outer flange, and an inner flange; and The upper outer flange extends upward along the outer surface of the shoe upper and is fixed thereto; the inner flange extends inward between the shoe upper and the foot-facing surface of the bladder and is fixed to both; and the lower outer flange extends downward below the shoe upper along the outer periphery of the bladder and is fixed thereto.

14. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The bladder extends in the heel area, midfoot area, and forefoot area of ​​the footwear.

15. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The first polymer sheet defines the foot-facing surface of the bladder extending into the heel, midfoot, and forefoot regions of the footwear article, and the first sealing chamber is the only sealing chamber in the bladder located on the foot-facing surface.

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