Sole structure for an article of footwear

Abstract

An article of footwear includes a sole structure having a chassis, an outsole, and a cushioning element. The chassis extends from a forward end to an aft end and includes a docking portion formed between the forward end and the aft end. The outsole extends from a first end removably coupled to the forward end of the chassis to a second end removably coupled to the aft end of the chassis. The cushioning element is disposed between the chassis and the outsole and includes a first portion removably engaged with the docking portion of the chassis. The sole structure can include a cradle removably disposed between the chassis and the outsole adjacent the cushioning element. The cradle includes an upper frame that receives and surrounds the docking portion and a lower frame that receives and surrounds a portion of the outsole.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 331320, filed May 26, 2021, which in turn claims priority under 35 U.S. SC § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 032662, filed May 31, 2020. The disclosures of these earlier applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to footwear articles, and more specifically to sole structures for footwear articles. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information relating to this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Footwear typically consists of an upper and a sole structure. The upper can be made of any suitable material to receive, secure, and support the foot within the sole structure. The upper may be fitted with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. The bottom of the upper, closest to the foot, is attached to the sole structure.

[0006] The sole construction typically comprises a layered arrangement extending between the ground and the upper. One layer of the sole construction includes the outsole, which provides abrasion resistance and traction with the ground. The outsole can be made of rubber or other materials that impart durability and abrasion resistance, as well as enhanced traction with the ground. Another layer of the sole construction includes the midsole, which is positioned between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed of a polymer foam material that elastically compresses under applied loads to cushion the foot by attenuating ground reaction forces. The midsole may also incorporate fluid-filled bladders to cushion the foot by elastically compressing under applied loads to attenuate ground reaction forces. The sole construction may also include an insole or insole for enhanced comfort located in a gap near the bottom of the upper, and a midsole fabric attached to the upper and positioned between the midsole and the insole or insole.

[0007] A bladder-based midsole typically comprises a bladder formed by two barrier layers of sealed or bonded polymer material. The bladder may contain air and is designed to emphasize a balanced support and cushioning profile for the foot, which relates to the bladder's responsiveness to elastic compression under applied load. Attached Figure Description

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

[0009] Figure 1It is an external front view of a footwear article including the sole structure according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear view of footwear;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of footwear items;

[0012] Figure 4 It is a top view of the sole structure of a footwear article based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the bottom of the shoe sole structure;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Exploded perspective view of the top of the shoe sole structure;

[0015] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 The line 7-7 is cut off Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure;

[0016] Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 The line 8-8 in the middle is cut off Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure;

[0017] Figure 9 It is along Figure 4 Line 9-9 is the cut-off point Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure;

[0018] Figure 10 It is along Figure 4 The line 10-10 is cut from the middle. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure;

[0019] Figure 11 It is along Figure 4 The line 11-11 in the middle is cut off Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure;

[0020] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 An external front view of a footwear article, wherein the footwear article includes another sole structure in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 13 This is a top plan view of a cushioning element for a shoe sole structure based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13Line 14-14 is cut from Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the buffer element;

[0023] Figure 15 It is an external front view of a footwear article including the sole structure according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Rear view of footwear;

[0025] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A top view of footwear items;

[0026] Figure 18 It is a top view of the sole structure of a footwear article based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 An exploded perspective view of the bottom of the shoe sole structure;

[0028] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 Exploded perspective view of the top of the shoe sole structure;

[0029] Figure 21 It is along Figure 18 The line 21-21 in the middle is cut off Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure;

[0030] Figure 22A It is along Figure 18 The line 22-22 in the middle is cut off Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the sole structure, showing the outsole of the sole structure separate from the midsole of the sole structure;

[0031] Figure 22B It is along Figure 18 The line 22-22 in the middle is cut off Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the sole structure, and the outsole of the sole structure attached to the midsole of the sole structure is shown;

[0032] Figure 23 It is along Figure 18 The line 23-23 in the middle is cut off Figure 18 A sectional view of the shoe sole structure; and

[0033] Figure 24 It is along Figure 18 The line 24-24 in the middle is cut off Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure.

[0034] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals denote the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The example configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required, that the example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless specifically identified as an order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring performance in the specific order discussed or illustrated. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0037] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly joined, connected, attached to, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent to” vs. “directly adjacent to,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0038] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish individual elements, components, regions, layers, or parts. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0039] One aspect of this disclosure provides a sole structure for footwear articles having an upper. The sole structure includes: a base extending from a front end to a rear end and including a mating portion formed between the front and rear ends; an outsole extending from a first end removably coupled to the front end of the base to a second end removably coupled to the rear end of the base; and a cushioning element disposed between the base and the outsole, including a first portion removably engaging the mating portion of the base. Embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features.

[0040] In some examples, the sole structure also includes a bracket removably disposed between the base and the outsole, adjacent to the cushioning element. Here, the bracket may include an upper frame that engages with the base and a lower frame that engages with the outsole. Optionally, the upper frame surrounds the mating portion and / or the lower frame surrounds a portion of the outsole. In some embodiments, the outsole includes a support formed between a first end and a second end, and the lower portion of the cushioning element is removably engaged with the support.

[0041] In some configurations, the base includes a support member spaced apart from the mating portion. The support member includes a plurality of first engagement features, and the outer bottom includes a plurality of second engagement features selectively engaging with the first engagement features. Here, the first engagement feature may be one of a pin or a hole, and the second engagement feature may be another of a pin or a hole. Optionally, the pin may include a barb.

[0042] In some examples, the front end of the base includes a first securing means for selectively attaching a first end of the outsole to the base, and the rear end of the base includes a second securing means for selectively attaching a second end of the outsole to the base.

[0043] In another aspect of this disclosure, a sole structure for footwear articles having an upper is provided. The sole structure includes a base having a first portion forming a support member and a second portion defining a recess. The base has a mating portion disposed within the recess. The sole structure also includes an outsole extending from a first end adjacent to the first portion and removably coupled to a second end adjacent to the second portion and removably coupled to a second end of the base. The sole structure further includes a cushioning element disposed within the recess and including an upper portion removably engaging the mating portion and a lower portion removably engaging the outsole.

[0044] In some examples, the sole structure includes a bracket removably disposed between the base and the outsole, adjacent to the cushioning element. Here, the bracket may include an upper frame that engages with the base and a lower frame that engages with the outsole. Optionally, the upper frame surrounds the mating portion and / or the lower frame surrounds a portion of the outsole.

[0045] In some examples, the outsole includes a support formed between a first end and a second end. Here, a first portion of the cushioning element is removably engaged with the support.

[0046] In some examples, the support member includes a plurality of first engagement features, and the outsole includes a plurality of second engagement features selectively engaging with the first engagement features. The first engagement features may be one of a pin or a hole, and the second engagement features may be another of a pin or a hole. Optionally, the pin may include a barb.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first portion of the base includes a first securing means for selectively attaching a first end of the outsole to the base, and the second portion of the base includes a second securing means for selectively attaching a second end of the outsole to the base.

[0048] Details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims.

[0049] refer to Figure 1-4 A footwear article 10 is provided, comprising a sole structure 100 and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100. The footwear article 10 may be divided into one or more regions. These regions may include a forefoot region 12, a midfoot region 14, and a heel region 16. The forefoot region 12 corresponds to the metatarsophalangeal joints (i.e., the "foot") of the foot. The midfoot region 14 may correspond to the arch region of the foot, and the heel region 16 may correspond to the rear of the foot, including the calcaneus. The shoe 10 may also include a front end 18 associated with the foremost point of the forefoot region 12 and a rear end 20 corresponding to the rearmost point of the heel region 16. A longitudinal axis A10 of the shoe 10 extends along the length of the shoe 10 from the front end 18 to the rear end 20, and generally divides the shoe 10 into an outer side 22 and a medial side 24, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown. Therefore, the outer side 22 and the inner side 24 correspond to the opposite sides of the shoe 10, and extend through regions 12, 14, and 16.

[0050] The sole structure 100 includes a midsole 102 and an outsole 104. The midsole 102 is configured to provide cushioning properties to the sole structure 100, and the outsole 104 is configured to provide a ground contact surface for the footwear article 10. Unlike conventional sole structures, the midsole 102 of the sole structure 100 can be compositely formed and includes multiple sub-components for providing a desired form of cushioning and support throughout the sole structure 100. For example, the midsole 102 can be described as including a base 106 and a cushioning element 108, wherein the base 106 is configured to provide an interface for removably attaching the cushioning element 108 to the footwear article 10. The sole structure 100, more specifically, the midsole 102, may also include an interchangeable bracket 110 configured to insert between the base 106 and the outsole 104 in the heel region 16. In addition, the components of the sole structure 100 are provided in a modular configuration, wherein each of the outsole 104, cushioning element 108 and bracket 110 can be selectively attached to the base 106, so that the sole structure 100 can be reconfigured by the user.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 The base 106 of the midsole 102 extends continuously from the front end 18 to the rear end 20. The upper portion of the base 106 includes an insole 112 configured to attach to the upper 200 and provide support and cushioning to the sole of the foot. The lower portion of the base 106 includes a support member 114 formed in the forefoot region 12 and the midfoot region 14, and a recess 116 extending through the midfoot region 14 and the heel region 16. As described below, the support member 114 is configured to provide cushioning along the forefoot region 12, while the recess 116 is configured to receive a pouch 108 and a bracket 110 for supporting the heel region 16 of the upper 200. The base 106 also includes a mating portion 118 projecting from the insole 112 within the recess 116. The mating portion 118 is configured to engage with the pouch 108 to removably secure the pouch 108 within the recess 116 when the sole structure 100 is assembled.

[0052] The insole 112 extends continuously from the front end 18 to the rear end 20 and includes a top side 120 of a base 106 configured to face the upper 200 when the footwear article 10 is assembled. The insole 112 also includes a bottom side 122 formed on the opposite side of the top side 120, wherein the distance between the top side 120 and the bottom side 122 forms the thickness of the insole 112. The insole 112 may include one or more elastic polymeric materials for providing cushioning and support along the sole surface of the foot.

[0053] As shown in the figure, the support member 114 hangs from the bottom side 122 of the insole 112 and defines the bottom surface 124 of the base 106. Here, the support member 114 extends continuously from the front end 18 to the end wall 126 formed in the midfoot region 14. The thickness T of the support member 114 is... 114The recess 116 gradually increases in the direction from the front end 18 to the end wall 126. The recess 116 is defined by a recessed surface 128 that is offset from the bottom surface 124 and extends continuously from the end wall 126 through the rear end 20. In the illustrated example, the recessed surface 128 is defined by the underside 122 of the insole 112. However, in other examples, the recessed surface 128 may be spaced apart from the underside of the insole 112.

[0054] In the illustrated example, support member 114 is shown as a separate component attached to insole 112 on bottom side 122. Therefore, support member 114 may include a different material than insole 112 to provide different cushioning and performance characteristics under base 106. For example, insole 112 may include a material with different stiffness to provide greater cushioning along the sole surface of the foot. In other examples, insole 112 and support member 114 may be formed from the same material and / or may be integrally formed as a single piece.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the bottom surface 124 of the support member 114 may include one or more engagement features 130a configured to mate with corresponding engagement features 130b of the outsole 104 to secure the relative position of the outsole 104 with respect to the base 106 in the forefoot region 12. In the illustrated example, the engagement features 130a of the support member 114 include a plurality of holes configured to receive corresponding pins 130b formed in the outsole 104. Alternatively, the support member 114 may include pins configured to engage corresponding holes formed in the outsole 104.

[0056] The base 106 also includes a first receiving portion 132 for engaging the upper portion of the bracket 110 and a second receiving portion 134 for engaging the lower portion of the bracket 110. The first receiving portion 132 includes a slot 132 extending at the end wall 126 between the insole 112 and the support member 114. In the illustrated example, the slot 132 is formed in the underside 122 of the insole 112. Specifically, the insole 112 may include a boss 123 projecting from the underside 122. When the base 106 is assembled, the support member 114 is attached to the boss 123 such that the slot 132 is formed between the underside 122 and the support member 114. Alternatively, the slot 132 may be formed through the end wall 126 of the support member 114, adjacent to the underside 122 of the insole 112. In the illustrated example, the end wall 126 has a raised profile from the outer side 22 to the inner side 24. Similarly, slot 132 extends along a convex path from outer side 22 to inner side 24 and is configured as a corresponding concave end on the upper part of receiving bracket 110.

[0057] The second receiving portion 134 is formed as a recess 134 in the bottom surface 124 of the end wall 126 adjacent to the support member 114. Here, the recess 134 may include one or more first engagement features 130a configured to engage corresponding second engagement features 130b of the outsole 104 via the bracket 110. For example, a pin 130b of the outsole 104 may extend through the bracket 110 and into a hole 130a formed in the recess 134. Thus, when the sole structure 100 is assembled, the lower portion of the bracket 110 is received within the recess 134 between the base 106 and the outsole 104, and the position of the lower portion of the bracket 110 is fixed relative to the base 106 by the engagement features 130a, 130b.

[0058] Optionally, the sole structure 100 may include a horseshoe-shaped support 138 disposed between the bottom surface 124 of the support member 114 and the outsole 104. When the support 138 is included in the sole structure 100, the bottom surface 124 of the support member 114 may include a corresponding channel 140 for receiving the support 138 within the support member 114. The depth of the channel 140 corresponds to the thickness of the support 138, such that when the sole structure 100 is assembled, the support 138 will be flush with the bottom surface 124. In some examples, the support 138 may be attached to the support member 114 within the channel 140 to provide reinforcement and force dissipation around the periphery of the support member 114. In other examples, the support 138 may be attached to the outsole 104. Here, the support 138 also provides reinforcement and force dissipation along the periphery of the support member 114 and may also minimize peeling or curling at the outer edge of the outsole 104.

[0059] In the heel region 16, the base 106 includes a mating portion 118 extending from the recessed surface 128 (i.e., the underside 122 of the insole 112) into the recess 116. The mating portion 118 is configured to selectively engage the pouch 108 to secure a portion of the pouch 108 when the sole structure 100 is assembled. Specifically, the mating portion 118 abuts the upper portion of the pouch 108 within the recess 116 to restrict lateral and longitudinal movement of the pouch 108 within the recess 116. In the illustrated example, the mating portion 118 includes a support 141 extending from the recessed surface 128 and an upper ridge 142 extending from the central portion of the support 141. The mating portion 118 defines a pair of upper channels 143 extending along opposite sides of the upper ridge 142. The upper ridge 142 is configured to abut with the upper pocket 154a of the pouch 108, while the upper channels 143 receive corresponding padding 162 of the pouch 108. As shown in the figure, the upper ridge 142 has a series of elongated ribs 144, each rib protruding from the upper ridge 142 to a corresponding distal end 146. Each rib 144 extends through the sole structure 100 in a transverse direction (i.e., from the outer side 22 to the inner side 24). The ribs 144 are along the longitudinal axis A of the shoe 10. 10The ribs 144 are arranged in series in the direction of the bladder 108. As described below, the ribs 144 engage with the corresponding recesses formed in the upper part of the bladder 108 to maintain the position of the bladder 108 relative to the base 106.

[0060] The base 106 also includes a pair of fastening devices or attachment points 148a, 148b disposed at opposite ends of the base 106. Specifically, the base 106 includes a front attachment point 148a disposed at the front end 18 and a rear attachment point 148b disposed at the rear end 20. In the illustrated example, the attachment points 148a, 148b are embodied as pins 148a, 148b extending from each of the front end 18 and the rear end 20. As described below, the attachment points 148a, 148b are configured to selectively secure opposite ends of the outsole 104 to the midsole 102, and similarly, are configured to provide a rigid interface between the outsole 104 and the midsole 102 at each end 18, 20.

[0061] In some cases, attachment points 148a, 148b may be formed separately from the base 106 and comprise a different material than the base 106. For example, each of the attachment points 148a, 148b shown is formed as part of a corresponding clip 150a, 150b attached to the top side 120 of the insole 112. Clips 150a, 150b include a toe clip 150a extending around the front end 18 and a heel clip 150b extending around the rear end 20. Here, each clip 150a, 150b, and especially attachment points 148a, 148b, comprises a material with greater rigidity than the material of the insole 112.

[0062] As described above, the elements 112, 114, and 116 of the base 106 include an elastic polymeric material, such as foam or rubber, to impart cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution properties to the wearer's feet. Example elastic polymeric materials used for the base 106 may include materials based on foamed or molded one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures thereof; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures thereof.

[0063] In some aspects, one or more polymers may include olefin homopolymers, olefin copolymers, or mixtures thereof. Examples of olefin polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof. In other aspects, one or more polymers may include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated monofatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0064] In another aspect, one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0065] In another aspect, one or more polymers may include one or more ionomers. In these aspects, ionomers may include polymers having carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups and their salts (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and / or their anhydrides. For example, ionomers may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomers, polystyrene sulfonates, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0066] In another aspect, one or more polymers may include one or more styrene block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0067] In another aspect, one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and / or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethanes and / or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Alternatively, one or more polymers may include one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0068] When the elastic polymer material is a foam polymer material, physical or chemical blowing agents can be used to foam the material. Physical blowing agents change phase to gas based on changes in temperature and / or pressure, while chemical blowing agents form a gas when heated above their activation temperature. For example, chemical blowing agents can be azo compounds, such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and / or isocyanates.

[0069] In some embodiments, the foam polymer material may be a cross-linked foam material. In these embodiments, peroxide-based cross-linking agents, such as dicumyl peroxide, may be used. Furthermore, the foam polymer material may include one or more fillers, such as pigments, modified or natural clay, modified or unmodified synthetic clay, talc glass fiber, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, etc.

[0070] Elastic polymeric materials can be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the elastic polymeric material is a molded elastomer, the uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) can be mixed in a Banbury internal mixer with optional fillers and curing packages, such as sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing packages, calendered, shaped, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.

[0071] In another example, when the elastic polymeric material is a foam material, it can foam during the molding process, such as injection molding. The thermoplastic polymer material can be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical foaming agent and optionally a crosslinking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions that activate the foaming agent to form molded foam.

[0072] Optionally, when the elastic polymeric material is a foam material, the foam material can be compression molded foam. Compression molding can be used to change the physical properties of the foam (e.g., density, stiffness, and / or hardness), or to change the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., fusing two or more foam sheets to form a foam shape), or both.

[0073] The compression molding process ideally begins with the formation of one or more foam preforms, such as through injection molding and foaming of the polymer material, by forming foam particles or beads, by cutting foam sheets, etc. Compression molded foam can then be manufactured by placing one or more preforms formed from the foam polymer material into a compression mold and applying sufficient pressure to the preforms to compress them within the closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and / or pressure are applied to the one or more preforms within the closed mold for a sufficient time to alter the preforms by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fusing individual foam particles together, permanently increasing the density of the foam, or any combination thereof. After heating and / or applying pressure, the mold is opened, and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.

[0074] Typically, the cushioning element 108 of the sole structure 100 is supported within the heel region 16 of the base 106 and configured to dampen forces associated with impacts in the heel region 16. In the illustrated example, the cushioning element 108 includes an upper portion 152a defining an upper pocket 154a and a lower portion 152b defining a lower pocket 154b. As described in more detail below, the upper portion 152a of the cushioning element 108 is configured to selectively engage with a mating portion 118 of the base 106 to removably secure the position of the cushioning element 108 relative to the base 106, while the lower portion 152b of the cushioning element 108 is configured to selectively engage a portion of the outsole 104 to removably secure the position of the cushioning element 108 relative to the outsole 104. Therefore, when the sole structure 100 is assembled, the relative positions of the outsole 104 and the base 106 can be maintained by engagement with the pocket 108.

[0075] In some examples, the cushioning element 108 may be formed of an elastic polymeric material, such as foam. In the illustrated example, the cushioning element 108 of the midsole 102 is formed as a pocket 108. Here, the upper and lower portions 152a, 152b of the cushioning element 108 are formed by a pair of opposing barrier layers 152a, 152b, which are joined together at discrete locations to define a chamber 156, a connecting region 158, and a peripheral seam 160. In the illustrated configuration, the barrier layers 152a, 152b include a first upper barrier layer 152a and a second lower barrier layer 152b. Alternatively, the chamber 156 may be made of any suitable combination of one or more barrier layers, as described in more detail below.

[0076] In some embodiments, the upper barrier layer 152a and the lower barrier layer 152b cooperate to define the geometry (e.g., thickness, width, and length) of the chamber 156. For example, the connecting region 158 and the peripheral seam 160 may cooperate to define and extend around the chamber 156, thereby sealing fluid (e.g., air) within the chamber 156. Thus, the chamber 156 relates to the region of the buffer element 108 where the inner surfaces of the upper barrier layer 152a and the lower barrier layer 152b are not bonded together and are therefore separated from each other. The thickness T of the bladder 108... 108 It is defined by the distance between the upper and lower blocking layers 152a and 152b.

[0077] like Figure 7 and 10 As shown, the space formed between the opposing inner surfaces of the upper blocking layer 152a and the lower blocking layer 152b defines the internal void of the chamber 156. Similarly, the outer surfaces of the upper and lower blocking layers 152a, 152b define the external contour of the chamber 156. The chamber 156 includes a plurality of segments 162, 164 that cooperate to provide responsive and supportive properties to the midsole 102. In particular, the segments 162, 164 can be described as a pair of pads 162 included on opposing sides of the cushioning element 108, which are connected to each other (i.e., in fluid communication) via one or more conduits 164. When assembled into the sole structure 100, the pads 162 of the chamber 156 are configured to be at least partially exposed along the peripheral edge of the sole structure 100.

[0078] Reference Figure 10 and 13 Each gasket 162 includes a tubular body having a first end 167a and a second end 167b, the second end 167b being disposed at the end of the tubular body opposite to the first end 167a. Gasket 162 includes a longitudinal axis A along its longitudinal axis. 162 An extended circular cross-section. As shown in the figure, the thickness T of the bladder 108 is... 108 Along longitudinal axis A 162The first thickness T from the first terminal 167a 108-1 The second thickness T is continuously increased up to the second terminal 167b. 108-2 Therefore, the thickness of the sac 108 can be described as gradually thinning along the direction from the second terminal 167b to the first terminal 167a.

[0079] like Figure 14 As shown, the first terminal 167a and the second terminal 167b of each pad 162 are generally dome-shaped, and each includes a composite curvature associated with the corresponding upper and lower barrier layers 152a, 152b. For example, the first terminal 167a of each pad 162 is formed at the end of the upper barrier layer 152a where it converges and connects with the lower barrier layer 152b at the peripheral seam 160 to close the front end of the tubular body 166. Still referring to... Figure 14 The second terminal 167b of each pad 162 is formed at the other end of the upper barrier layer 152a where it converges and connects with the lower barrier layer 152b at the peripheral seam 160 to close the opposite ends of the tubular body 166.

[0080] As described above, each pad 162 defines a corresponding longitudinal axis A extending from the first terminal 167a to the second terminal 167b. 162 .like Figure 13 As best shown, the pad 162 is along the longitudinal axis A transverse to the cushioning element 108. 108 The directions are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, when the cushioning element 108 is assembled within the sole structure 100, the pads 162 are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction of the footwear article 10, such that the first of the pads 162 extends along the outer side 22 and the second of the pads 162 extends along the inner side 24. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis A of the pads 162... 162 They converge towards each other along the direction from the rear end 20 to the front end 18, and are aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the footwear item 10. 10 Convergence. Therefore, the lateral distance D1 between the pads 162 is greater at the second terminal 167b than at the first terminal 167a.

[0081] Continue to refer to Figure 13 and 14 The chamber 156 also includes at least one conduit 164 that extends between and fluidly connects the liners 162. In the example shown, the chamber 156 includes a plurality of conduits 164 that connect the tubular bodies 166 of the liners 162 to each other. Each conduit 164 extends along a respective longitudinal axis A. 164 Extending, longitudinal axis A 164 Transverse to the longitudinal axis A of pad 162 162 .like Figure 13 and 14As shown, the conduit 164 includes a first conduit 164 extending between tubular bodies 166 of a liner 162 adjacent to the first terminal 167a, a second conduit 164 extending between tubular bodies 166 of a liner 162 adjacent to the second terminal 167b, and a third conduit 164 disposed between the first and second conduits 164 and connecting the intermediate portion of the tubular bodies 166. Therefore, the first and second conduits 164 are disposed on opposite sides of the third conduit 164.

[0082] like Figure 7 and 14 As best shown, the catheter 164 is defined by the mating of the upper barrier layer 152a and the lower barrier layer 152b. (As illustrated...) Figure 14 As shown, the upper barrier layer 152a and the lower barrier layer 152b are formed to provide a plurality of semi-cylindrical conduits 164, each having a substantially similar third thickness T. 108-3 Its thickness is less than the first thickness T of the pad 162. 108-1 Second thickness T 108-2 The profile of each catheter 164 is substantially defined by an upper blocking layer 152a, which is molded to define the curved upper portion of each catheter 164, while a lower blocking layer 152b is configured as a substantially flat lower portion of each catheter 164. Although the lower blocking layer 152a is initially provided in a substantially flat state, when the chamber 156 is pressurized and the lower blocking layer 152b is biased away from the upper blocking layer 152a, the lower blocking layer 152b can protrude from the connection region 158, as shown. Figure 7 As shown.

[0083] Reference Figure 7 and 13 A connecting region 158 is formed at the junction of the upper barrier layer 152a and the lower barrier layer 152b, and extends and connects them between each segment 162, 164 of the chamber 156. Specifically, the connecting region 158 includes a front portion extending and connecting the first ends 167a of the respective liners 162, and defining a first terminal edge at the front end of the buffer element 108. The rear portion of the connecting region 158 extends and connects the second ends 167b of the liners 162, and forms a second terminal edge at the rear end of the buffer element 108. A middle portion of the connecting region 158 extends and connects the adjacent conduits 164 and liners 162. Therefore, the middle portion of the connecting region 158 can be completely surrounded by the chamber 156. In the example shown, the connecting region 158 is relative to the total thickness T of the bladder 108. 108 It is set vertically in the middle.

[0084] In the illustrated example, the connecting region 158 of chamber 156 and the padding 162 cooperate to define an upper pocket 154a on a first side of the cushioning element 108 associated with the upper blocking layer 152a. Here, a conduit 164 may be disposed within the upper pocket 154a to form an alternating series of protrusions and recesses along the length of the upper pocket 154a. As described above, when the sole structure 100 is assembled, the base 106 may include one or more features configured to mate with the upper pocket 154a. For example, the ribs 144 of the upper ridge 142 are configured to be received between adjacent conduits 164 within the upper pocket 154a. Thus, the sides of the ribs 144 have a profile corresponding to the shape of the conduits 164. In the illustrated example, the sides of the ribs 144 are recessed and configured to receive convex protrusions formed by the conduits 164.

[0085] As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layers 152a, 152b) includes single-layer and multi-layer films. In some embodiments, one or both of barrier layers 152a, 152b are made of a single-layer film (monolayer) (e.g., thermoformed or blow-molded). In other embodiments, one or both of barrier layers 152a, 152b are made of a multi-layer film (multiple sublayers) (e.g., thermoformed or blow-molded). In any aspect, each layer or sublayer may have a film thickness of about 0.2 micrometers to about 1 millimeter. In a further embodiment, the film thickness of each layer or sublayer may range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In yet another embodiment, the film thickness of each layer or sublayer may range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

[0086] One or both of the barrier layers 152a and 152b can be independently transparent, translucent, and / or opaque. For example, the upper barrier layer 152a can be transparent, while the lower barrier layer 152b is opaque. As used herein, the term "transparent" for barrier layers and / or fluid-filled chambers means that light passes through the barrier layer substantially in a straight line, and an observer can see through the barrier layer. In contrast, with an opaque barrier layer, light cannot pass through the barrier layer, and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer because light passes through the translucent layer, but some light is scattered, making it impossible for an observer to see clearly through the layer.

[0087] Both barrier layers 152a and 152b can be made of an elastomeric material comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers and / or one or more crosslinkable polymers. On one hand, the elastomeric material may include one or more thermoplastic elastomer materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, etc.

[0088] As used herein, "polyurethane" refers to copolymers (including oligomers) containing urethane groups (-N(C=O)O-). In addition to urethane groups, these polyurethanes may contain other groups such as esters, ethers, ureas, urethane esters, biuret, carbodiimides, azolealkyl groups, isocyanurates, diuretes, carbonates, etc. On one hand, one or more polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (-N(C=O)O-) bonds.

[0089] Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), the adduct of TDI and trimethylolpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3'-dimethyldiphenyl 1,4,4'-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4'-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chain is substantially free of aromatic groups.

[0090] In certain aspects, the polyurethane polymer chain is produced from diisocyanates, including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatic compounds, and combinations thereof. On the other hand, thermoplastic TPUs may include polyester-based TPUs, polyether-based TPUs, polycaprolactone-based TPUs, polycarbonate-based TPUs, polysiloxane-based TPUs, or combinations thereof.

[0091] On the other hand, the polymer layer can be formed from one or more of the following materials: EVOH copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, polyacrylamide, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas permeability. Mixtures of these materials, as well as mixtures of TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimide and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

[0092] Barrier layers 152a, 152b may comprise two or more sublayers (multilayer films), such as those shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where barrier layers 152a, 152b comprise two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,582,786 to Bonk et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, barrier layers 152a, 152b may each independently comprise alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, wherein the total number of sublayers in each barrier layer 152a, 152b includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and / or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

[0093] Chamber 156 can be produced from barrier layers 152a, 152b using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g., vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum forming, rotational molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, rotational casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, etc. On one hand, barrier layers 152a, 152b can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce expandable chamber 156, which may optionally include one or more valves (e.g., check valves) that allow chamber 156 to be filled with fluid (e.g., gas).

[0094] Chamber 156 may be provided in a fluid-filled state (e.g., as provided in shoe 10) or an unfilled state. Chamber 156 may be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid. In one aspect, the gas may include air, nitrogen (N2), or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, chamber 156 may alternatively include other media, such as spheres, beads, ground recycled materials, etc. (e.g., foam beads and / or rubber beads). The fluid supplied to chamber 156 may cause chamber 156 to be pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid supplied to chamber 156 may be at atmospheric pressure, such that chamber 156 is not pressurized, but simply contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

[0095] Chamber 156 ideally has a low gas permeability to maintain the gas pressure it retains. In some embodiments, the gas permeability of chamber 156 to nitrogen is at least about ten (10) times lower than that of a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same size. On the one hand, for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on the thickness of barrier layers 152a, 152b), chamber 156 has a pressure of 15 cubic centimeters per square meter per atmosphere per day (cm²). 3 / m 2• Atmospheric pressure (days) or less nitrogen permeability. Otherwise, the permeability is 10 cm. 3 / m 2 Atmospheric pressure or less, 5cm 3 / m 2 • Atmospheric pressure • Days or less or 1 cm 3 / m 2 Atmospheric pressure or less.

[0096] In some embodiments, the upper barrier layer 152a and the lower barrier layer 152b are formed by respective mold portions, each defining various surfaces for forming recessed and contracted surfaces corresponding to locations where a connecting region 158 and / or a peripheral seam 160 are formed when the upper barrier layer 152a and the lower barrier layer 152b are joined and bonded together. In some embodiments, an adhesive bond connects the upper barrier layer 152a and the lower barrier layer 152b to form the connecting region 158 and the peripheral seam 160. In other embodiments, the upper barrier layer 152a and the lower barrier layer 152b are thermally bonded to form the connecting region 158 and the peripheral seam 160. In some examples, one or both of the barrier layers 152a and 152b are heated to a temperature favorable for forming and fusion. In some examples, the barrier layers 152a and 152b are heated before being positioned between their respective molds. In other examples, the molds may be heated to increase the temperature of the barrier layers 152a and 152b. In some embodiments, the molding process for forming the fluid-filled chamber 156 incorporates a vacuum port within the mold portion to remove air, causing the upper and lower barrier layers 152a, 152b to be drawn into contact with their respective mold portions. In other embodiments, a fluid, such as air, may be injected into the region between the upper and lower barrier layers 152a, 152b, causing an increase in pressure that leads to the barrier layers 152a, 152b engaging with the surfaces of their respective mold portions.

[0097] The bracket 110 of the sole structure 100 includes a pair of frames 168a, 168b, which are spaced apart from and connected by at least one flexure 170. In the illustrated example, each frame 168a, 168b extends from a first end 172a, 172b to a corresponding second end 174a, 174b. The upper frame 168a and the lower frame 168b are connected to each other at the second ends 174a, 174b by the flexure 170, while the first ends 172a, 172b of the bracket 110 are independent of each other. Therefore, the frames 168a, 168b are movable relative to each other by flexing or bending the flexure 170 between the second ends 174a, 174b of the frames 168a, 168b.

[0098] like Figure 5 and 6As best shown, each frame 168a, 168b includes openings 176a, 176b formed through the thickness of the frames 168a, 168b. As described in more detail below, openings 176a, 176b are configured to receive corresponding portions of the midsole 102 and outsole 104 to secure the bracket 110 within the sole structure 100. For example, opening 176a in the upper frame 168a is configured to receive the mating portion 118 of the base 106 therein. More specifically, the outer periphery of the upper opening 176a corresponds to the outer periphery of the adjacent portion 141 of the mating portion 118, such that when the sole structure 100 is assembled, the mating portion 118 mates with the upper opening 176a. Therefore, the movement of the bracket 110 relative to the base 106 in the lateral (i.e., left-right) and longitudinal (i.e., front-back) directions is limited by the engagement of the mating portion 118 with the upper opening 176a. Similarly, as described below, a portion of the outsole 104 mates with the opening 176b of the lower frame 168b to secure the relative lateral and longitudinal positions of the outsole 104 and the bracket 110.

[0099] In addition to or as an alternative to openings 176a, 176b, the first ends 172a, 172b of frames 168a, 168b may also selectively engage the base 106 and / or the outsole 104 to secure the position of the bracket 110. In the illustrated example, the first end 172a of the upper frame 168a is configured to be received within a slot 132 formed between the insole 112 and the support member 114. The first end 172a may include a pair of protrusions 178a, 178b formed on opposite sides of the upper frame 168a, which are inserted into corresponding portions of the slot 132 on opposite sides of the boss 123 and / or the support member 114. Therefore, when the first end 172a of the upper frame 168a engages with the slot 132, the middle portion of the boss 123 and / or the support member 114 will be received between the protrusions 178a and 178b, such that the protrusions 178a and 178b restrict the lateral movement of the first end 172a of the upper frame 168a.

[0100] In some cases, the convex angles 178a and 178b may widen or increase in width in the direction toward their ends. Specifically, the inner edges of the convex angles 178a and 178b that face or oppose each other converge, such that the distance between the convex angles 178a and 178b decreases in the direction toward the first end 172a. For example... Figure 5As shown, portions of the slots 132 corresponding to the protrusions 178a and 178b also extend inward and partially surround the middle portion of the boss 123. Therefore, when the protrusions 178a and 178b are inserted into the slots 132, the ends of the protrusions 178a and 178b can provide a "click" engagement with the slots 132, such that the protrusions 178a and 178b extend inward around the middle portion of the boss 123 to restrict the first end 172a of the upper frame 168a from being pulled out of the slots 132.

[0101] On the lower frame 168b, a first end 172b is configured to be received and secured within a second receiving portion 134 formed in the bottom surface 124 of the support member 114. As shown, the first end 172b includes a pair of holes 180 configured to receive a pin 130b passing through the outsole 104 when the sole structure 100 is assembled. Thus, the first end 172b of the lower frame 168b is positioned between the support member 114 and the outsole 104, and the position of the first end 172b is secured by the engagement of engagement features 130a, 130b. In other examples, the first end 172b of the lower frame 168b may include one or more engagement features 130a, 130b for direct engagement with the support member 114.

[0102] refer to Figure 5 The outsole 104 includes a ground engagement element 182 and a pair of fasteners 184a, 184b disposed at opposite ends of the ground engagement element 182. The outsole 104 can be described as including an inner surface 186 and an outer surface 188 formed on opposite sides of the inner surface 186. Typically, when the footwear article 10 is assembled, the inner surface 186 is configured to face the midsole 102 and the upper 200, while the outer surface 188 forms the exterior of the sole structure 200.

[0103] When the outsole 104 is attached to the sole structure 100, the ground engagement element 182 of the outsole 104 is configured to extend from the front end 18 to the rear end 20. As described below, the inner surface 186 of the ground engagement element 182 includes various features for engaging and securing the outsole 104 to the midsole 102. The outer surface 188 of the ground engagement element 182 may include one or more ground engagement features (e.g., protrusions, studs, slits) to form a desired tread pattern on the exterior of the sole structure 100. Because the outsole 104 is interchangeable, different versions of the outsole 104 may have different tread patterns depending on the intended use of the shoe. For example, an outsole 104 having a first tread pattern ( Figure 1 It can be used on hard or solid surfaces (such as wood, concrete), and has a second tread pattern on the outsole 104a. Figure 12 It can be used on soft or gentle surfaces (such as soil and grass).

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, the outsole 104 includes a support 190 disposed on the inner surface 186 of the ground contact element 182 in the heel region 16. The support 190 is configured to receive the lower portion 152b of the pouch 108 therein when the sole structure 100 is assembled. Thus, the support 190 of the outsole 104 and the mating portion 118 of the base 106 cooperate to removably secure the pouch 108 within the sole structure 100. As shown, the support 190 includes a pair of lower channels 192, each configured to receive a pad 162 therein. The support 190 may also include a lower ridge 193 disposed between the channels 192, configured to be received within the lower pocket 154b of the pouch 108 when the sole structure 100 is assembled. In the illustrated example, the support 190 is integrally formed as part of the ground contact element 182 of the outsole 104. However, in other examples, the support 190 may be formed separately from the ground contact element 182 and / or comprise a different material than the ground contact element 182.

[0105] As described above, the ground engagement element 182 of the outsole 104 also includes a plurality of engagement features 130a, 130b configured to selectively engage corresponding engagement features 130a, 130b formed in the support member 114 of the base 106. In the illustrated example, the ground engagement element 182 includes a plurality of pins 130b extending from an inner surface 186 in a portion of the ground engagement element 182, configured to be disposed within the forefoot region 12. Optionally, the pins 130b may include a plurality of annular ribs or barbs 194 arranged in series along the length of each pin 130b. The ribs or barbs 194 are configured to prevent the pins 130b from disengaging from holes 130a formed in the bottom surface 124 of the support member 114.

[0106] As described above, the outsole 104 includes a pair of fasteners 184a, 184b extending from opposite ends of the ground engagement element 182. In the illustrated example, each fastener 184a, 184b includes a protrusion 184a, 184b projecting from one end of the ground engagement element 182, wherein the protrusions 184a, 184b and the ground engagement element 182 are integrally formed with each other. Typically, each protrusion 184a, 184b is configured to selectively attach to a corresponding attachment point 148a, 148b of the base 106. In the illustrated example, the attachment points 148a, 148b are embodied as pins 148a, 148b, and the protrusions 184a, 184b include corresponding sockets or holes 196a, 196b configured to mate with the pins 148a, 148b to secure the outsole 104 to the base 106. Specifically, the heads of pins 148a and 148b are pressed through holes 196a and 196b to attach protrusions 184a and 184b to each clip 150a and 150b of base 106.

[0107] Optionally, one or both of the protrusions 184a and 184b may include a retainer 198 configured to hold the protrusions 184a and 184b against the upper 200 when the sole structure 100 is assembled. For example, one or both of the protrusions 184a and 184b may include fasteners, such as hook and loop fabric, configured to attach to corresponding fasteners on the upper 200 to secure the protrusions 184a and 184b to the upper 200.

[0108] The upper 200 is attached to the sole structure 100 and includes an inner surface defining an internal cavity 202 configured to receive and secure the foot for support on the sole structure 100. The upper 200 can be formed of one or more materials stitched or bonded together to form the internal cavity. Suitable materials for the upper include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. Materials can be selected and positioned to impart durability, breathability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

[0109] As described above, the footwear article 10, particularly the sole structure 100 of this disclosure, is configured as a modular structure, whereby the components of the sole structure 100 are removably attached to each other, allowing one or more components to be easily interchanged with corresponding components having different characteristics. For example, the outsole 104, the bladder 108, or the support 110 ( Figure 1 One or more of them can be removed from the base 106 and replaced with alternative outer bottoms 104a, bladders 108a, or brackets 110a with different characteristics. Figure 12 )replace.

[0110] In use, as described above, the sole structure 100 is assembled by initially engaging the pouch 108 and the bracket 110 with the base 106. Specifically, the first end 172a of the upper frame 168a of the bracket 110 is inserted into the slot 132, and the upper frame 168a is positioned against the recessed surface 128 such that the mating portion 118 is received through the opening 176a of the upper frame 168a. Simultaneously, the first end 172b of the lower frame 168b is positioned within the recess 134 in the support member 114.

[0111] With the bracket 110 attached to the base 106, the bladder 108 can engage with the docking portion 118 by inserting it into the opening 176b formed in the lower frame 168b of the bracket. Here, the upper pouch 154a formed by the upper portion 152a of the bladder 108 engages with the docking portion 118 of the base 106, such that ribs 144 are accommodated between the conduits 164 of the bladder 108, and a liner 162 is accommodated within the channel 143. Here, the engagement of the channel 143 and the liner 162 fixes the lateral position of the bladder 108, while the engagement of the ribs 144 and the conduits 164 fixes the longitudinal position of the bladder 108.

[0112] With the pouch 108 engaged with the mating portion 118, the outsole 104 is attached to the midsole 102 to secure the pouch 108 and the bracket 110 within the recess 116. Here, the first fastener 184a is attached to the front end 18 by inserting a first pin 148a through a hole 196a. The outsole 104 is secured to the support member 114 by inserting a barbed pin 130b formed on the inner surface 186 of the outsole 104 into a hole 130a formed in the bottom surface 124 of the support member 114. In the heel region 16, a bracket 190 provided on the inner surface 186 of the outsole 104 engages with the lower portion 152b of the pouch 108, such that the lower ridge 193 is received within the lower pocket 154b, and the padding 162 is received within the channel 192. The outer bottom 104 is secured to the rear end 20 by inserting the second pin 148b through the hole 196b formed in the second fastener 184b.

[0113] In use, the outsole 104 can be disassembled by pulling any of the fasteners 184a and 184b to detach them from the pins 148a and 148b. Then, any of the outsole 104, cushioning element 108, and / or bracket 110 can be replaced with different outsole 104a, cushioning element 108a, and / or bracket 110a to alter the characteristics of the sole structure 100.

[0114] Specific reference Figure 15-24 A footwear article 10a is provided, which includes a sole structure 100a and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100a. Given the fundamental structural and functional similarities between parts related to the footwear article 10a and the footwear article 10a, similar reference numerals are used in the following text and figures to identify similar parts, while similar reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those parts that have been modified.

[0115] The sole structure 100a includes a midsole 102a and an outsole 104a. The midsole 102a is configured to provide cushioning properties to the sole structure 100a, and the outsole 104a is configured to provide a ground contact surface for the footwear article 10a. Unlike conventional sole structures, the midsole 102a of the sole structure 100a can be compositely formed and includes multiple sub-components for providing the desired form of cushioning and support throughout the sole structure 100a. For example, the midsole 102a can be described as including a base 106a and a cushioning element 108, wherein the base 106a is configured to provide an interface for removably attaching the cushioning element 108 to the footwear article 10a. The sole structure 100a, more specifically, the midsole 102a, may also include an interchangeable bracket 110a configured to insert between the base 106a and the outsole 104a in the heel region 16. In addition, the components of the sole structure 100a are provided in a modular configuration, wherein each of the outsole 104a, cushioning element 108 and bracket 110a can be selectively attached to the base 106a, so that the sole structure 100a can be reconfigured by the user.

[0116] refer to Figure 15 The base 106a of the midsole 102a extends continuously from the front end 18 to the rear end 20. The upper portion of the base 106a includes an insole 112a configured to attach to the upper 200 and provide support and cushioning to the sole of the foot. The lower portion of the base 106a includes a support member 114a formed in the forefoot region 12 and the midfoot region 14, and a recess 116a extending through the midfoot region 14 and the heel region 16. As described below, the support member 114a is configured to provide cushioning along the forefoot region 12, while the recess 116a is configured to receive a sac 108 and a bracket 110a for supporting the heel region 16 of the upper 200. The base 106a also includes a mating portion 118a projecting from the insole 112a within the recess 116a. The docking portion 118a is configured to dock with the bladder 108 to removably fix the position of the bladder 108 within the recess 116a when the sole structure 100a is assembled.

[0117] The insole 112a extends continuously from the front end 18 to the rear end 20 and defines a top side 120 of the base 106a, configured to face the upper 200 when the footwear article 10a is assembled. The insole 112a also includes a bottom side 122a formed on the opposite side of the top side 120, wherein the distance between the top side 120 and the bottom side 122a forms the thickness of the insole 112a. The insole 112a may include one or more elastic polymeric materials for providing cushioning and support along the sole surface of the foot, as discussed above regarding insole 112.

[0118] As shown in the figure, the support member 114a hangs from the bottom side 122a of the insole 112a and defines the bottom surface 124a of the base 106a. Here, the support member 114a extends continuously from the front end 18 to the end wall 126 formed in the midfoot region 14. The thickness T of the support member 114a is... 114a It gradually increases along the direction from the front end 18 to the end wall 126. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the bottom surface 124a of the support member 114a may include one or more holes 130a configured to engage with corresponding pins 130d of the outsole 104a to fix the relative position of the outsole 104a with respect to the base 106a in the front foot region 12.

[0119] The recess 116a is defined by a recessed surface 128, which is offset from the bottom surface 124a and extends continuously from the end wall 126 through the rear end 20. In the illustrated example, the recessed surface 128 is defined by the underside 122a of the insole 112a. However, in other examples, the recessed surface 128 may be spaced apart from the underside of the insole 112a.

[0120] In the illustrated example, support member 114a is shown as a separate component attached to insole 112a on bottom side 122a. Therefore, support member 114a may include a different material than insole 112a to provide different cushioning and performance characteristics under base 106a. For example, insole 112a may include a material with a different stiffness to provide greater cushioning along the sole surface of the foot. In other examples, insole 112a and support member 114a may be formed from the same material and / or may be integrally formed as a single piece.

[0121] The base 106a also includes a first receiving portion 132 for engaging the upper part of the bracket 110a and a second receiving portion 134a for engaging the lower part of the bracket 110a. The first receiving portion 132 includes a slot 132 extending between the insole 112a and the support member 114a at the end wall 126. In the illustrated example, the slot 132 is formed along the bottom side 122a of the insole 112a. Specifically, the insole 112a may include a boss 123 projecting from the bottom side 122a. When the base 106a is assembled, the support member 114a is attached to the boss 123 such that the slot 132 is formed between the bottom side 122a and the support member 114a. Alternatively, the slot 132 may be formed through the end wall 126 of the support member 114a, adjacent to the bottom side 122a of the insole 112a. In the illustrated example, the end wall 126 has a raised profile from the outer side 22 to the inner side 24. The slot 132 extends along a convex path from the outer side 22 to the inner side 24 and is configured to receive the corresponding concave end of the upper part of the receiving bracket 110a.

[0122] The sole structure 100a may include a plate or support 138a disposed between the bottom surface 124a of the support member 114a and the outsole 104a. Unlike the supports 138 described above that are embedded along the periphery of the support member 114, the support 138a in this example is formed as a plate 138a, which is disposed adjacent to and covers the bottom surface 124a of the support member 114a. As shown, the support 138a includes a plurality of second engagement features 130c configured to receive and secure pins 130d formed on the outsole 104. The engagement features 130c of the plate 138 may include one or more protrusions 137 extending radially outward from the periphery of the hole 130c. In the illustrated example, each engagement feature 130c includes a pair of protrusions 137 extending from opposite sides of the hole 130c, such that the protrusions 137 are radially opposite each other. During the assembly of the sole structure 100a, when the pin 130d is pressed through the hole 130c of the plate 138a and enters the hole 130a of the support member 114, the protrusion 137 can adapt to the deformation of the elastic pin 130d of the outsole 104a.

[0123] Continue to refer to Figure 19 In this example, the second receiving portion 134a is formed in the plate 138a, rather than in the supporting member 114a. Therefore, as Figure 19 As shown, plate 138a includes a notch 134a configured to receive the terminal 172c of bracket 110a. Here, notch 134a may include one or more holes 130c configured to receive corresponding pins 130d of the outer bottom 104a through bracket 110a. For example, pins 130d of the outer bottom 104a may extend through bracket 110a and into holes 130c formed in notch 134a.

[0124] In addition to the hole 130c, the plate 138a may also include an elongated slot 139 formed through the thickness of the plate 138a. As discussed in more detail below, the slot 139 is configured to receive a protrusion or lip 173 extending from the lower first end 172c of the bracket 110a. Thus, when the sole structure 100a is assembled, the lower portion of the bracket 110a is received within a recess 134a of the plate 138a between the base 106a and the outsole 104a, and the position of the lower portion of the bracket 110a is fixed relative to the base 106a by the interface between the engaging features 130a, 130c, 130d and the slot 139 and the lip 173. Figure 21 ).

[0125] In the heel region 16, the base 106a includes a mating portion 118a extending from the recessed surface 128 (i.e., the underside 122a of the insole 112a) into the recess 116a. The mating portion 118a is configured substantially similar to the mating portion 118 previously described with respect to the footwear article 10. However, the mating portion 118a of this example has an adjacent portion 141a with a reduced height, such that the mating portion 118a protrudes less from the recessed surface 128 than the mating portion 118. The base 106a also includes a pair of fastening devices or attachment points 148a, 148b disposed at opposite ends of the base 106a. As previously described, the attachment points 148a, 148b are each formed as part of a corresponding clip 150a, 150b attached to the top side 120 of the insole 112a.

[0126] The bracket 110a of the sole structure 100a includes an upper frame 168a and a lower frame 168b, which are spaced apart from and connected by at least one flexure 170. In the illustrated example, each frame 168a, 168c extends from a first end 172a, 172c to a corresponding second end 174a, 174b. The upper frame 168a and the lower frame 168c are connected to each other at the second ends 174a, 174b by the flexure 170, while the first ends 172a, 172c of the bracket 110a are independent of each other. Therefore, the frames 168a, 168c are movable relative to each other by flexing or bending the flexure 170 between the second ends 174a, 174b of the frames 168a, 168c.

[0127] like Figure 19 and 20 As best shown, each frame 168a, 168c includes openings 176a, 176b formed through the thickness of the frames 168a, 168c. As described in more detail below, openings 176a, 176b are configured to receive corresponding portions of the midsole 102a and outsole 104a to secure the bracket 110a within the sole structure 100a. For example, opening 176a in the upper frame 168a is configured to receive the mating portion 118a of the base 106a therein. More specifically, the outer contour of the upper opening 176a corresponds to the outer contour of the adjacent portion 141a of the mating portion 118a, such that when the sole structure 100a is assembled, the mating portion 118a engages with the upper opening 176a. Therefore, the movement of the bracket 110a relative to the base 106a in the lateral (i.e., left-right) and longitudinal (i.e., front-back) directions is limited by the engagement of the mating portion 118a with the upper opening 176a. Similarly, as described below, a portion of the outsole 104a mates with the opening 176b of the lower frame 168c to secure the relative lateral and longitudinal positions of the outsole 104a and the bracket 110a.

[0128] In addition to or as an alternative to openings 176a and 176b, the first ends 172a and 172c of frames 168a and 168c may also selectively engage the base 106a and / or the outsole 104a to secure the position of the bracket 110a. In the illustrated example, the first end 172a of the upper frame 168a is configured to be received within a slot 132, as previously described. On the lower frame 168c, the first end 172c is configured to be received and secured within a second receiving portion 134a formed in the plate 138a. As shown, the first end 172c includes a pair of holes 180 configured to receive a pin 130d passing through the outsole 104a when the sole structure 100a is assembled. Furthermore, the first end 172c of the lower plate 168c includes an elongated lip 173 projecting from the upper edge of the first end 172c. An elongated lip 173 is configured to insert through a slot 139, which passes through a plate 138a formed within a notch 134a. When the sole structure 100a is assembled, the lip 173 is inserted through the slot 139 and received between the plate 138a and the bottom surface 124a of the support member 114a.

[0129] refer to Figure 20 The outsole 104a includes a ground engagement element 182 and a pair of fasteners 184c, 184d disposed at opposite ends of the ground engagement element 182. The outsole 104a can be described as including an inner surface 186 and an outer surface 188 formed on opposite sides of the inner surface 186. Typically, when the footwear article 10a is assembled, the inner surface 186 is configured to face the midsole 102a and the upper 200, while the outer surface 188 forms the exterior of the sole structure 100.

[0130] When the outsole 104a is attached to the sole structure 100a, the ground engagement element 182 of the outsole 104a is configured to extend from the front end 18 to the rear end 20. As described below, the inner surface 186 of the ground engagement element 182 includes various features for engaging and securing the outsole 104a to the midsole 102a. The outer surface 188 of the ground engagement element 182 may include one or more ground engagement features (e.g., protrusions, studs, slits) to form a desired tread pattern on the exterior of the sole structure 100a. Because the outsole 104a is interchangeable, different versions of the outsole 104a may have different tread patterns depending on the intended use of the shoe.

[0131] like Figure 20As shown, the outsole 104a includes a bracket 190 disposed on the inner surface 186 of the ground contact element 182 in the heel region 16. The bracket 190 is configured to receive the lower portion 152b of the pouch 108 therein when the sole structure 100a is assembled. Thus, the bracket 190 of the outsole 104a and the mating portion 118a of the base 106a cooperate to removably secure the pouch 108 within the sole structure 100a. As shown, the bracket 190 includes lower channels 192, each configured to receive a pad 162 therein. The bracket 190 may also include a lower ridge 193 disposed between the channels 192, which is configured to be received within the lower pocket 154b of the pouch 108 when the sole structure 100a is assembled. In the illustrated example, the bracket 190 is integrally formed as part of the ground contact element 182 of the outsole 104a. However, in other examples, the bracket 190 may be formed separately from the ground engagement element 182 and / or comprise a different material than the ground engagement element 182.

[0132] As described above, the ground engagement element 182 of the outsole 104a also includes a plurality of engagement features 130d configured to selectively engage corresponding engagement features 130a, 130c formed in the support member 114a and the plate 138a. In the illustrated example, the ground engagement element 182 includes a plurality of pins 130d extending from an inner surface 186 in a portion of the ground engagement element 182 and configured to be disposed within the forefoot region 12.

[0133] Optionally, each pin 130d in this example includes an open barb 194a disposed at the distal end of the pin 130d. The barb 194a is configured to prevent the pin 130d from disengaging from holes 130a, 130c formed in the support member 114a and the plate 138. Figure 22A and 22B As shown, each barb 194a opens from a small diameter at the distal end of the pin 130d towards a large diameter at the middle portion of the pin 130d. Here, the small diameter of the barb 194a can be smaller than the diameter of the hole 130c formed in the plate 138a, while the large diameter of the barb 194a is larger than the diameter of the hole 130c. Therefore, the small diameter allows each pin 130d to be aligned within the hole 130c. Figure 22A As shown, the bottom side of plate 138a can be chamfered or rounded around the circumference of hole 130c to further facilitate alignment between pin 130d and hole 130c. When outsole 104a is mounted on sole structure 100a ( Figure 22B The barb 194a is fully pushed through the hole 130c, and the large diameter of the barb abuts against the plate 138a to retain the pin 130d within the holes 130a and 130c. Optionally, the distal end of the pin 130d may include a protrusion 195 formed across the width of the pin 130d, which allows the barb 194a to flex radially inward as it passes through the hole 130c.

[0134] As described above, the outsole 104a includes a pair of fasteners 184c, 184d extending from opposite ends of the ground engagement element 182. In the illustrated example, each of the fasteners 184c, 184d includes a protrusion 184c, 184d attached to an end of the ground engagement element 182. In this example, each protrusion 184c, 184d includes a first material, and the ground engagement element includes a second material. For example, the protrusions 184c, 184d may include a material having a different modulus of elasticity than the ground engagement element 182 to facilitate stretching of the protrusions 184c, 184d at the end of the base 106a. In other examples, the ground engagement element 182 may include a material configured to provide more advantageous ground engagement properties (i.e., adhesion, abrasion resistance, hardness).

[0135] Typically, each protrusion 184c, 184d is configured to selectively attach to a corresponding attachment point 148a, 148b of the base 106a. In the illustrated example, attachment points 148a, 148b are represented as pins 148a, 148b, and protrusions 184c, 184d include corresponding sockets or holes 196a, 196b configured to mate with pins 148a, 148b to secure the outer bottom 104a to the base 106a. Specifically, the heads of pins 148a, 148b are pressed through holes 196a, 196b to attach protrusions 184c, 184d to each clip 150a, 150b of the base 106a. Optionally, each hole 196a, 196b may include an annular reinforcing rib 197 extending circumferentially around the hole 196a, 196b to provide increased strength, thereby preventing tearing during the insertion and removal of pins 148a, 148b through the holes 196a, 196b. In the illustrated example, each protrusion 184c, 184d includes a series of holes 196a, 196b, which allows the outsole 104a to accommodate bases, brackets, and cushioning elements of different sizes. For example, by attaching a different one of the holes 196a, 196b to pins 148a, 148b, the outsole 104a can accommodate brackets and / or cushioning elements of different thicknesses.

[0136] Optionally, one or both of the protrusions 184c and 184d may include a retainer 198 configured to hold the protrusions 184c and 184d against the upper 200 when the sole structure 100a is assembled. For example, one or both of the protrusions 184c and 184d may include fasteners, such as hook and loop fabric, configured to attach to corresponding fasteners on the upper 200 to secure the protrusions 184c and 184d to the upper 200.

[0137] As described above, the footwear article 10a, and particularly the sole structure 100a of this disclosure, is configured as a modular structure, whereby the components of the sole structure 100a are removably attached to each other, allowing one or more components to be easily interchanged with corresponding components having different characteristics. For example, one or more of the outsole 104a, bladder 108, or bracket 110a can be removed from the base 106a and replaced with alternative outsoles, bladders, or brackets having different characteristics.

[0138] In use, as described above, the sole structure 100a is assembled by initially engaging the pouch 108 and the bracket 110a with the base 106a. To attach the bracket 110a, a lip 173 formed on the first end 172c of the lower frame 168c extends at an angle (i.e., the second ends 174a, 174b of the bracket 110a are angled away from the recessed surface 128) into the slot 139 of the plate and is inserted through the slot 139 of the plate 138. As the lip 173 is inserted into the slot 139, the bracket 110a rotates upward about the lip 173 into the recess 116a, such that the first end 172a of the upper frame 168a of the bracket 110a is inserted into the slot 132, and the upper frame 168a is positioned against the recessed surface 128. Therefore, the mating portion 118a is received through the opening 176a of the upper frame 168a.

[0139] With the bracket 110a attached to the base 106a, the bladder 108 can engage with the mating portion 118a by inserting it into the opening 176b formed in the lower frame 168c of the bracket. Here, the upper pouch 154a formed by the upper portion 152a of the bladder 108 engages with the mating portion 118a of the base 106a, such that the rib 144 is accommodated between the conduits 164 of the bladder 108, and the liner 162 is accommodated within the channel 143. Here, the engagement of the channel 143 and the liner 162 fixes the lateral position of the bladder 108, while the engagement of the rib 144 and the conduit 164 fixes the longitudinal position of the bladder 108.

[0140] With the bladder 108 engaged with the mating portion 118a, the outsole 104a is attached to the midsole 102a to secure the bladder 108 and the bracket 110a within the recess 116a. Here, the first fastener 184c is attached to the front end 18 by inserting the first pin 148a through the hole 196a of the first fastener 184c. The outsole 104a is secured to the support member 114a by inserting the barbed pin 130d formed on the inner surface 186 of the outsole 104a into the hole 130c through the plate 138a and into the hole 130a formed in the bottom surface 124a of the support member 114a. In the heel region 16, the bracket 190 provided on the inner surface 186 of the outsole 104a engages with the lower portion 152b of the bladder 108, such that the lower ridge 193 is received within the lower pocket 154b, and the padding 162 is received within the channel 192. The outer bottom 104a is secured to the rear end 20 by inserting the second pin 148b through the hole 196b formed in the second fastener 184d.

[0141] During use, the outsole 104a can be removed by pulling any of the fasteners 184c and 184d, disengaging them from pins 148a and 148b. Then, any of the outsole 104a, cushioning element 108a, and / or bracket 110a can be replaced with different outsole 104a, cushioning element 108a, and / or bracket 110a to alter the characteristics of the sole structure 100a.

[0142] The following terms provide exemplary configurations of the aforementioned footwear articles, the pouches of footwear articles, or the sole structures of footwear articles.

[0143] Clause 1: A sole structure for footwear articles having an upper, the sole structure comprising: a base extending from a front end to a rear end and including a mating portion formed between the front end and the rear end; an outsole extending from a first end removably coupled to the front end of the base to a second end removably coupled to the rear end of the base; and a cushioning element disposed between the base and the outsole, and including a first portion removably engaged with the mating portion of the base.

[0144] Clause 2: The sole structure of Clause 1 also includes a bracket that is removably disposed between the base and the outsole, adjacent to the cushioning element.

[0145] Clause 3: The sole structure of Clause 2, wherein the bracket includes an upper frame that engages with the base and a lower frame that engages with the outsole.

[0146] Clause 4: The sole structure of Clause 3, wherein the upper frame surrounds the mating section.

[0147] Clause 5: The sole construction of Clause 3 or 4, wherein the lower frame surrounds a portion of the outsole.

[0148] Clause 6: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein the outsole includes a support formed between a first end and a second end, and the lower portion of the cushioning element is removably engaged with the support.

[0149] Clause 7: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the base includes a support member spaced apart from the mating portion, the support member includes a plurality of first engagement features, and the outsole includes a plurality of second engagement features selectively engaged with the first engagement features.

[0150] Clause 8: The sole construction of Clause 7, wherein the first engagement feature is one of the pins or holes and the second engagement feature is the other of the pins or holes.

[0151] Clause 9: The sole construction of Clause 8, wherein the pin includes a barb.

[0152] Clause 10: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein the front end of the base includes a first securing device for selectively attaching a first end of the outsole to the base, and the rear end of the base includes a second securing device for selectively attaching a second end of the outsole to the base.

[0153] Clause 11: A sole structure for footwear articles having an upper, the sole structure comprising: a base including a first portion forming a support member and a second portion defining a recess, the base having a mating portion disposed within the recess; an outsole extending from a first end adjacent to the first portion and removably coupled to a second end adjacent to the second portion and removably coupled to the base; and a cushioning element disposed within the recess and including an upper portion removably engaging the mating portion and a lower portion removably engaging the outsole.

[0154] Clause 12: The sole structure of Clause 11 also includes a bracket that is removably disposed between the base and the outsole, adjacent to the cushioning element.

[0155] Clause 13: The sole structure of Clause 12, wherein the bracket includes an upper frame that engages with the base and a lower frame that engages with the outsole.

[0156] Clause 14: The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein the upper frame surrounds the mating section.

[0157] Clause 15: The sole construction of Clause 13 or 14, wherein the lower frame surrounds a portion of the outsole.

[0158] Clause 16: The sole construction of any one of Clauses 11-15, wherein the outsole includes a support formed between a first end and a second end, and a first portion of the cushioning element is removably engaged with the support.

[0159] Clause 17: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 11-16, wherein the support member includes a plurality of first engagement features and the outsole includes a plurality of second engagement features selectively engaged with the first engagement features.

[0160] Clause 18: The sole construction of Clause 17, wherein the first engagement feature is one of the pins or holes and the second engagement feature is the other of the pins or holes.

[0161] Clause 19: The sole construction of Clause 18, wherein the pin includes a barb.

[0162] Clause 20: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 11-19, wherein a first portion of the base includes a first securing device for selectively attaching a first end of the outsole to the base, and a second portion of the base includes a second securing device for selectively attaching a second end of the outsole to the base.

[0163] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A sole structure for footwear articles having an upper, the sole structure comprising: A base that extends from the front end to the rear end and includes a mating portion formed between the front end and the rear end; Outsole, which extends from a first end removably attached to the front end of the base to a second end removably attached to the rear end of the base; A cushioning element is disposed between a base and an outer bottom, and includes a first portion that removably engages with a mating portion of the base; as well as A bracket, arranged between a base and an outer bottom, adjacent to a cushioning element, includes an upper frame that engages with the base and a lower frame that engages with the outer bottom, the upper frame and the lower frame being spaced apart and connected by at least one flexural portion. The base includes a first fixing device at its front end for selectively attaching the first end of the outer sole to the base, and a second fixing device at its rear end for selectively attaching the second end of the outer sole to the base.

2. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is removably disposed between the base and the outsole, adjacent to the cushioning element.

3. The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein, The upper frame surrounds the docking section.

4. The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein, The lower frame surrounds a portion of the outer sole.

5. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein, The outsole includes a support formed between the first end and the second end, and the lower portion of the cushioning element is removably engaged with the support.

6. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein, The base includes a support member spaced apart from the docking portion, the support member including a plurality of first engagement features, and the outer bottom including a plurality of second engagement features selectively engaging with the first engagement features.

7. The sole structure according to claim 6, wherein, The first engagement feature is one of the pins or holes, and the second engagement feature is the other of the pins or holes.

8. The sole structure according to claim 7, wherein, The pin includes a barb.

9. A sole structure for footwear articles having an upper, the sole structure comprising: A base comprising a first portion forming a support member and a second portion defining a recess, the base having a mating portion disposed within the recess; Outsole, which extends from a first end of the base adjacent to a first portion to a second end of the base adjacent to a second portion; A cushioning element is disposed within a recess and includes an upper portion removably engaged with a mating portion and a lower portion removably engaged with an outsole. as well as A bracket, disposed between a base and an outer bottom, adjacent to a cushioning element, includes an upper frame engaged with the base and a lower frame engaged with the outer bottom, the upper and lower frames being spaced apart and connected by at least one flexure.

10. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the bracket is removably disposed between the base and the outsole, adjacent to the cushioning element.

11. The sole structure according to claim 10, wherein, The upper frame surrounds the docking section.

12. The sole structure according to claim 10, wherein, The lower frame surrounds a portion of the outer sole.

13. The sole structure according to claim 9, wherein, The outsole includes a support formed between the first end and the second end, and a first portion of the cushioning element is removably engaged with the support.

14. The sole structure according to claim 9, wherein, The support member includes a plurality of first engagement features, and the outsole includes a plurality of second engagement features that selectively engage with the first engagement features.

15. The sole structure according to claim 14, wherein, The first engagement feature is one of the pins or holes, and the second engagement feature is the other of the pins or holes.

16. The sole structure according to claim 15, wherein, The pin includes a barb.

17. The sole structure according to claim 9, wherein, The first part of the base includes a first fixing device for selectively attaching a first end of the outsole to the base, and the second part of the base includes a second fixing device for selectively attaching a second end of the outsole to the base.

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