Upper structure for an article of footwear and article of footwear

Abstract

An upper for an article of footwear includes a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot. The first material includes an exterior surface. The upper further includes a first edge at least partially surrounding the void at an uppermost end of the upper and a second edge disposed at a lowermost end of the upper. The upper further includes a first biasing member (i) disposed on the exterior surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the first edge and the second edge. The first biasing member is operable to exert a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge away from the second edge.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 331,099, filed May 26, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 032,666, filed May 31, 2020. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear, and more particularly, to an upper structure for an article of footwear. BACKGROUND

[0004] This section provides background information which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper can be formed from any suitable materials to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper can cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around a foot. A lower portion of the upper, proximate a bottom surface of the foot, is attached to the sole structure.

[0006] The sole structure generally includes a layered construction extending between a ground-engaging surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides wear resistance and traction with the ground. The outsole can be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear resistance, as well as enhanced traction with the ground. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is typically formed at least partially from a polymer foam material that elastically compresses under applied loads to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole can define a bottom surface on a side opposite the outsole, and a footbed on an opposite side that can be contoured to conform to the bottom surface of the foot. The sole structure can also include an insole or sockliner positioned within a void proximate the lower portion of the upper that enhances comfort.

[0007] While conventional uppers and sole structures are sufficient to provide cushioning and support for a foot during use of an article of footwear, footwear manufacturers strive to improve the overall performance and ease of use of articles of footwear. Such efforts are particularly focused on making articles of footwear easier to use for people with limited or impaired mobility in terms of getting a foot into the upper and tightening the upper around a wearer’s foot. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a lateral view of the article of footwear of Figure 1

[0011] Figure 3 is a medial view of the article of footwear of Figure 1

[0012] Figure 4 is a top view of the article of footwear of Figure 1

[0013] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of Figure 1

[0014] Figure 6 is a top exploded view of the article of footwear of Figure 1

[0015] Figure 7 is a bottom exploded view of the article of footwear of Figure 1

[0016] Figure 8 is a side view of a bladder assembly for the article of footwear of Figure 1

[0017] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the bladder assembly of Figure 8

[0018] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a mold shown in an open state, the mold being used to manufacture a fluid-filled chamber for use in the bladder assembly of Figure 8

[0019] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the mold of Figure 10 shown in a closed state, the mold forming a fluid-filled chamber for use in the bladder assembly of Figure 8

[0020] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a mold shown in an open state, the mold being used to manufacture the bladder assembly of Figure 8

[0021] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the mold of Figure 12 shown in a closed state, the mold forming the bladder assembly of Figure 8

[0022] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the mold of Figure 12 in an open state, showing the bladder assembly of Figure 8 ​​​​​​​​​​​​a complete capsule assembly.

[0023] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Example configurations will now be described with reference to the drawings. The example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the example configurations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the example configurations can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and / or operations are not shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example configurations.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" can be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order in which they are described unless explicitly identified as an order dependency. Additional or alternative steps can be employed.

[0026] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, then there are no intervening elements or layers present. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some features, components, or steps can be employed in place of or in conjunction with some other features, components, or steps. The word "or" as used herein encompasses the inclusive or (logical sense) as well as the exclusive or (logical sense). The phrase "associated with" is used interchangeably with the phrase "associated therewith," unless otherwise indicated. The phrase "associated with" or "associated therewith" or "associated" is used to describe a relationship of working cooperation between the associated members.

[0027] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second" and other numerical terminology do not imply a sequence or order. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0028] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a footwear upper for an article of footwear. The footwear upper includes a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot. The first material includes an exterior surface. The footwear upper also includes a first edge at least partially surrounding the void at an uppermost end of the footwear upper and a second edge disposed at a lowermost end of the footwear upper. The footwear upper further includes a first biasing member (i) disposed on the exterior surface of the footwear upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the first edge and the second edge. The first biasing member is operable to exert a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge away from the second edge.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the first biasing member is disposed at one of a medial side and a lateral side of the footwear upper. Here, the first biasing member can be a first fluid-filled chamber. The first fluid-filled chamber can form the exterior surface of the footwear upper and / or can be pressurized. The footwear upper can include a second biasing member disposed at the other of the medial side and the lateral side. The second biasing member can be a second fluid-filled chamber. At least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber can be elongate. At least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber can include a longitudinal axis extending in a direction between an anterior end of the footwear upper and a posterior end of the footwear upper. An article of footwear can incorporate the footwear upper.

[0030] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper includes a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot, the first material including an outer surface. The upper further includes a first edge partially surrounding the void at an uppermost end of the upper on a medial side of the upper. The upper further includes a second edge partially surrounding the void at the uppermost end of the upper on a lateral side of the upper. The upper further includes a first biasing member (i) disposed at the outer surface of the upper on the medial side of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the first edge. The upper further includes a second biasing member (i) disposed at the outer surface of the upper on the lateral side of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the second edge. The first biasing member and the second biasing member are operable to exert a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge and the second edge away from each other.

[0031] This aspect can include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the first biasing member is a first fluid-filled chamber. Here, the second biasing member can be a second fluid-filled chamber. The first fluid-filled chamber can form the outer surface of the upper on the medial side, and the second fluid-filled chamber can form the outer surface of the upper on the lateral side. The first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber can be pressurized. The upper can include a gap disposed between at least one of (i) the first fluid-filled chamber and the first material and (ii) the second fluid-filled chamber and the first material. The first material can be visible through the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber. At least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber can be elongate. At least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber can include a longitudinal axis extending in a direction between an anterior end of the upper and a posterior end of the upper. The article of footwear can incorporate the upper.

[0032] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper includes a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot. The upper further includes a bladder assembly (i) disposed at an outer surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) including a fluid-filled chamber and a flange extending around an outer periphery of the fluid-filled chamber. The flange is formed of a material different from a material of the fluid-filled chamber and secures the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0033] This aspect can include one or more of the following optional features. In some configurations, the flange is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The flange can be stitched to the first material by sewing to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material. Here, the material of the flange can bond to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0034] In some implementations, the flange includes a reinforced section. Here, the reinforced section can include at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange. Optionally, the reinforced section can include at least one aperture that can be operable to receive a fastener to selectively contract the upper. In some examples, the flange includes a first portion attached to the first material and a second portion movable relative to the first material. The bladder assembly can be disposed on a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or an anterior upper portion of the upper.

[0035] In some configurations, the fluid-filled chamber is formed by a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together to define an interior cavity operable to receive a fluid. Here, the fluid can be air. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid can be pressurized. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent. Here, at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. Optionally, one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent, while the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be opaque. Here, the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. The article of footwear can incorporate an upper.

[0036] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper includes a first material defining a cavity operable to selectively receive a foot. The upper further includes a bladder assembly (i) disposed on an exterior surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) including a fluid-filled chamber and a flange extending around a periphery of the fluid-filled chamber. The flange has a greater rigidity than the fluid-filled chamber and secures the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0037] This aspect of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the flange is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The flange can be stitched to the first material by sewing to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material. The material of the flange can bond to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0038] In some examples, the flange includes a reinforced section. Here, the reinforced section can include at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange. Optionally, the reinforced section can include at least one aperture that can be operable to receive a fastener to selectively contract the upper. The flange can include a first portion attached to the first material and a second portion movable relative to the first material. The bladder assembly can be disposed on a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or an anterior upper portion of the upper.

[0039] In some configurations, the fluid-filled chamber is formed by a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together to define an interior cavity operable to receive a fluid. Here, the fluid can be air. Optionally, the fluid can be pressurized. At least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent. At least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent, while the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be opaque. Here, the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. The article of footwear can incorporate a footwear upper.

[0040] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper includes a first material that defines a cavity operable to selectively receive a foot. The upper further includes a bladder assembly that (i) is disposed at an exterior surface of the upper, (ii) is attached to the first material, and (iii) includes a fluid-filled chamber and a flange that (a) extends around a perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber, and (b) secures the fluid-filled chamber to the first material. The fluid-filled chamber and the flange are movable relative to the first material.

[0041] This aspect of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the flange is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Here, the flange is stitched to the first material by sewing along a portion of the flange to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material. The material of the flange can bond to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0042] In some configurations, the flange includes a reinforced region. The reinforced region can include at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange. Optionally, the reinforced region can include at least one aperture that can be operable to receive a fastener to selectively constrict the upper. The flange can include a first portion attached to the first material and a second portion spaced apart from the first material, the second portion being movable relative to the first material. The bladder assembly can be disposed at a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or an anterior upper portion of the upper.

[0043] In some implementations, the fluid-filled chamber is formed from a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together to define an interior cavity operable to receive a fluid. Here, the fluid can be air. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid can be pressurized. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent. Here, at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. Optionally, one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent, while the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be opaque. Here, the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. The article of footwear can incorporate a footwear upper.

[0044] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper includes a first material that defines a cavity operable to selectively receive a foot. The upper also includes a bladder assembly that (i) is disposed at an exterior surface of the upper, (ii) is attached to the first material, and (iii) includes a fluid-filled chamber and a flange. The flange (a) extends around an outer perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber, and (b) secures the fluid-filled chamber to the first material. The fluid-filled chamber includes a first region and a second region that are in fluid communication with one another and are connected by a channel having a cross-sectional area that is less than the first region and the second region.

[0045] This aspect of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some configurations, the flange is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Here, the flange can be stitched to the first material by stitching to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material. The material of the flange can bond to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0046] In some implementations, the flange includes a reinforced section. The reinforced section can include at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange. Optionally, the reinforced section can include at least one aperture that is operable to receive a fastener to selectively constrict the upper. The flange can include a first portion that is attached to the first material and a second portion that is movable relative to the first material. The bladder assembly can be disposed at a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or a vamp portion of the upper.

[0047] In some examples, the fluid-filled chamber is formed by a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together to define an interior cavity operable to receive a fluid. Here, the fluid can be air. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid can be pressurized. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent. Here, at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. Optionally, one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent, while the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be opaque. Here, the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. The article of footwear can incorporate a footwear upper.

[0048] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper includes a first material that defines a cavity operable to selectively receive a foot. The upper further includes a bladder assembly that (i) is disposed at an exterior surface of the upper, (ii) is attached to the first material, and (iii) includes a fluid-filled chamber and a flange. The flange (a) extends around a perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber, and (b) secures the fluid-filled chamber to the first material. The fluid-filled chamber is opposite and in contact with the first material.

[0049] This aspect of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the flange is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Here, the flange can be stitched to the first material by sewing along a portion of the flange to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material. The material of the flange can bond to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0050] In some examples, the flange includes a reinforced region. Here, the reinforced region can include at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange. The reinforced region can include at least one aperture operable to receive a fastener to selectively constrict the upper. The flange can include a first portion attached to the first material and a second portion spaced apart from the first material, the second portion movable relative to the first material. The bladder assembly can be disposed at a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or an anterior upper portion of the upper.

[0051] In some configurations, a fluid-filled chamber is formed from a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer that are joined together to define an interior cavity operable to receive a fluid. Here, the fluid can be air. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid can be pressurized. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent. Here, at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. Optionally, one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be substantially transparent, while the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be opaque. The other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can include a graphic. The graphic can be viewable through the first barrier layer. The article of footwear can incorporate a footwear upper.

[0052] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0053] Reference Figures 1-10 An article of footwear 10 is provided that includes a footwear upper 12 and a sole structure 14 attached to the footwear upper 12. The article of footwear 10 can be divided into one or more regions. These regions can include a forefoot region 16, a midfoot region 18, and a heel region 20. The forefoot region 16 can correspond with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones with the phalanges. The midfoot region 18 can correspond with the arch area of the foot, while the heel region 20 can correspond with the rear portion of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. The article of footwear 10 can additionally include a medial side 22 and a lateral side 24, which correspond with opposite sides of the article of footwear 10 and extend through the regions 16, 18, 20.

[0054] The footwear upper 12 includes an interior surface that defines an interior void 26 that receives and secures a foot for support on the sole structure 14. An ankle opening 28 in the heel region 20 can provide access to the interior void 26. For example, the ankle opening 28 can receive a foot to secure the foot within the void 26 and assist with entry and removal of the foot into and out of the interior void 26. In some examples, one or more fasteners 30 extend along the footwear upper 12 to adjust the fit of the interior void 26 around the foot while accommodating entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The footwear upper 12 can include apertures 32, such as eyelets and / or other engagement features, such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners 30. The fasteners 30 can include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener.

[0055] The upper 12 can also include a tongue portion 34 that extends between the interior void 26 and the fastener 30. The upper 12 can be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhered together to form the interior void 26. Suitable materials for the upper 12 can include textiles, foams, leathers, and synthetic leathers. The materials can be selected and positioned to impart durability, breathability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and comfort when a foot is placed within the interior void 26.

[0056] The sole structure 14 is attached to the upper 12 and provides support and cushioning for the article of footwear 10 during use. That is, the sole structure 14 attenuates ground reaction forces that are caused by the article of footwear 10 impacting the ground during use. Accordingly, as described below, the sole structure 14 can incorporate one or more materials having energy-absorbing properties to allow the sole structure 14 to minimize the impact experienced by a user when wearing the article of footwear 10.

[0057] The sole structure 14 can include a midsole 36, an outsole 38, and a fluid-filled chamber 40 that cooperate to provide support and cushioning for the sole structure 14 during use.

[0058] With continued reference to Figures 1-10 , the midsole 36 is shown as extending from a front end 42 of the sole structure 14 to a rear end 44 of the sole structure 14. That is, the midsole 36 extends continuously from the front end 42 to the rear end 44 and between a medial side 46 of the sole structure 14 and a lateral side 48 of the sole structure 14. The midsole 36 can be formed from a material such as a polymer foam. In one configuration, the midsole 36 opposes a strobel 50 of the upper 12 Figure 7 ) and can extend at least partially onto an outer surface 52 of the upper 12 Figure 1 such that the midsole 36 covers the juncture of the upper 12 and the strobel 50.

[0059] The midsole 36, formed from a compliant yet resilient material such as a polymer foam, allows the midsole 36 to attenuate ground reaction forces during use of the article of footwear 10 caused by movement of the article of footwear 10 on the ground. In addition to attenuating forces associated with use of the article of footwear 10, the midsole 36 can be used to attach the outsole 38 and the fluid-filled chamber 40 to the upper 12. Suitable adhesives (not shown) can be used to attach the midsole 36 and the last structure 50. Alternatively, the fluid-filled chamber 40 can be attached to the midsole 36 by directly molding the material of the midsole 36 to the fluid-filled chamber 40. For example, the fluid-filled chamber 40 can be disposed within a cavity of a mold used to form the midsole 36 after the fluid-filled chamber is formed. Thus, when the midsole 36 is formed (i.e., by foaming a polymer material), the material of the midsole 36 bonds to the material of the fluid-filled chamber 40, thereby forming a unitary structure having both the midsole 36 and the fluid-filled chamber 40. Once formed, the midsole 36, including the fluid-filled chamber 40, can be attached to the upper 12, the outsole 38, and / or the last structure 50.

[0060] As noted above, the midsole 36 is formed from a resilient polymeric material, such as a foam or a rubber, to impart cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution characteristics to the wearer's foot. Example resilient polymeric materials for the midsole 36 can include resilient polymeric materials based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)). The one or more polymers can include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and can include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.

[0061] In some aspects, the one or more polymers can include olefin homopolymers, olefin copolymers, or blends thereof. Examples of olefin polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof. In other aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated mono fatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0062] In further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more polyacrylates, such as, for example, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acid acetate, polyacrylic acid methyl ester, polyacrylic acid ethyl ester, polyacrylic acid butyl ester, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof.

[0063] In still further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more ionomers. In these aspects, the ionomers can include polymers having carboxylic acid functionality, sulfonic acid functionality, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and / or anhydrides thereof. For example, the ionomers can include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomers, polystyrene sulfonate, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0064] In further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0065] In further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and / or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., cross-linked polyurethanes and / or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed below for the barrier element of the fluid-filled chamber 40. Alternatively, the one or more polymers can include one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0066] When the elastomeric polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material can be foamed using a physical blowing agent that phase changes into a gas based on a change in temperature and / or pressure, or using a chemical blowing agent that forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent can be an azo compound, such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and / or isocyanate.

[0067] In some embodiments, the foamed polymeric material can be a cross-linked foamed material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based cross-linking agent, such as dicumyl peroxide, can be used. Further, the foamed polymeric material can include one or more fillers, such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc, glass fibers, glass powder, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood flour, and the like.

[0068] The elastomeric polymeric material can be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the elastomeric polymeric material is a molded elastomer, the uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) can be mixed with optional fillers and a cure package (e.g., a sulfur-based or peroxide-based cure package) in a Banbury mixer, rolled, shaped, placed in a mold, and then vulcanized.

[0069] In another example, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the material can be foamed during the molding process, such as during injection molding. The thermoplastic polymeric material can be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and mixed 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 a molded foam.

[0070] Optionally, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the foamed material can be a compression molded foam. Compression molding can be used to alter the physical properties of the foam (e.g., density, stiffness, and / or hardness), or to be used to alter the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., fusing two or more pieces of foam, shaping the foam, etc.), or both.

[0071] The compression molding process desirably begins with the formation of one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming a polymeric material, by forming foamed granules or beads, by cutting a foam sheet, etc. The compression molded foam can then be manufactured by placing one or more preforms formed from a foamed polymeric material in a compression mold, and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in the closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and / or pressure is applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient time to alter the preforms by forming a skin layer on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fusing individual foam granules to one another, permanently increasing the density of the foam, or any combination thereof. After the heat and / or pressure is applied, the mold is opened, and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.

[0072] With particular reference to Figure 6 The midsole 36 is shown as including an upper surface 54 opposite the last structure 50, and a peripheral lip 56 that extends substantially continuously around the outer periphery of the midsole 36. As shown in Figure 1 The peripheral lip 56 extends in a direction toward the upper 12 and onto a portion of the upper surface 52 of the upper 12. In this way, once the sole structure 14 is attached to the upper 12, the peripheral lip 56 covers the juncture of the upper 12 and the last structure 50.

[0073] The midsole 36 also includes a bottom surface 58 shaped to cooperatively receive the fluid-filled chamber 40. That is, the bottom surface 58 can include a shape that cooperatively receives a shape of the fluid-filled chamber 40 to ensure secure attachment of the fluid-filled chamber 40 to the midsole 36. For example, the bottom surface 58 can include elongated recesses (none shown) formed therein along the medial side 46 and the lateral side 48 of the sole structure and extending in a direction toward the upper 12. Further, the bottom surface 58 can include an arcuate recess (not shown) disposed along a heel region of the midsole 36, extending in a direction toward the upper 12, receiving a portion of the fluid-filled chamber 40 therein, and in fluid communication with the elongated recesses extending along the medial side 46 and the lateral side 48. In this configuration, the elongated recesses and the arcuate recess can have a substantially concave shape that cooperatively receives a generally convex shape of the portion of the fluid-filled chamber 40.

[0074] The fluid-filled chamber 40 is generally disposed between the midsole 36 and the outsole 38 and cooperates with the midsole 36 to attenuate ground reaction forces associated with use of the article of footwear 10. The fluid-filled chamber 40 can include a first barrier element 60 and a second barrier element 62. The first barrier element 60 and the second barrier element 62 can be formed from a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Specifically, the first barrier element 60 can be formed from a sheet of TPU material and the second barrier element 62 can likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material that are formed Figures 1-3 and Figure 6 The configuration shown defines an interior cavity 64. The first barrier element 60 can be joined to the second barrier element 62 by applying heat and pressure at a periphery of the first barrier element 60 and the second barrier element 62 to define a peripheral seam (not shown). The peripheral seam seals the interior interior cavity 64, thereby defining a volume of the fluid-filled chamber 40.

[0075] As used herein, the term “barrier element” (e.g., barrier elements 60, 62) encompasses single-layer and multi-layer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier elements 60, 62 are made from a single-layer film (a single layer) (e.g., by thermoforming or blow molding). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier elements 60, 62 are made from a multi-layer film (multiple sub-layers) (e.g., by thermoforming or blow molding). In either aspect, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer can be in a range from about 0.2 micrometers to about 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer can be in a range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer can be in a range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

[0076] One or both of the barrier elements 60, 62 can independently be transparent, translucent, and / or opaque. For example, the first barrier element 60 can be transparent, while the second barrier element 62 is opaque. As used herein, the term “transparent” with respect to a barrier element and / or a fluid-filled chamber means that light passes through the barrier element in a substantially straight line, and a viewer can see through the barrier element. In contrast, for an opaque barrier element, light cannot pass through the barrier element, and a viewer cannot see clearly through the barrier element at all. A translucent barrier element is intermediate between a transparent barrier element and an opaque barrier element, as light passes through the translucent element, but some light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the element.

[0077] The barrier elements 60, 62 can each be made from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and / or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In one aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

[0078] As used herein, “polyurethane” refers to a copolymer (including an oligomer) that contains urethane groups (-N(C=0)0-). In addition to the urethane groups, these polyurethanes can contain additional groups, such as ester, ether, urea, allophanate, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidone, isocyanurate, uretdione, carbonate, and the like. In one aspect, one or more polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce a copolymer chain having (-N(C=0)0-) linkages.

[0079] Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), an adduct of TDI with trimethylolpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene 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.

[0080] In certain aspects, the polyurethane polymer chain is produced from a diisocyanate including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatic, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include a polyester-based TPU, a polyether-based TPU, a polycaprolactone-based TPU, a polycarbonate-based TPU, a polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

[0081] In another aspect, the polymer layer can be formed from one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamide), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer), polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, polyacrylimide, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Mixtures of these materials, as well as mixtures with the TPU copolymers described herein, and optionally containing combinations of polyimide and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

[0082] The barrier elements 60, 62 can include two or more sub-layers (multi-layer films), as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,713,141 to Mitchell et al. and U.S. Patent No. 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In embodiments where the barrier elements 60, 62 include two or more sub-layers, examples of suitable multi-layer 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 further embodiments, the barrier elements 60, 62 can each independently include alternating sub-layers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, wherein the total number of sub-layers in each barrier element 60, 62 includes at least four (4) sub-layers, at least ten (10) sub-layers, at least twenty (20) sub-layers, at least forty (40) sub-layers, and / or at least sixty (60) sub-layers.

[0083] The fluid-filled chamber 40 can be produced from the barrier elements 60, 62 using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g., vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, compression molding, heat sealing, casting, low pressure casting, rotational casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In one aspect, the barrier elements 60, 62 can be produced by co-extrusion, followed by vacuum thermoforming, to produce an inflatable fluid-filled chamber that can optionally include one or more valves (e.g., one-way valves) that allow the fluid-filled chamber 40 to be filled with a fluid (e.g., a gas).

[0084] Fluid-filled chambers 40 can be provided in a fluid-filled (e.g., as provided in footwear 10) or unfilled state. Chambers 40 can be filled to contain any suitable fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. In one aspect, the gas can include air, nitrogen (N2), or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, chambers 40 can alternatively include other media, such as beads, beads, ground recycled material, etc. (e.g., foam beads and / or rubber beads). The fluid provided to chambers 40 can result in chambers 40 being pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to chambers 40 can be at atmospheric pressure, such that chambers 40 are not pressurized, but simply contain a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

[0085] Chambers 40 desirably have a low gas transmission rate to maintain their retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, chambers 40 have a gas transmission rate for nitrogen that is at least about ten (10) times lower than the nitrogen gas transmission rate of a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same size. In one aspect, for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on the thickness of barrier elements 60, 62), chambers 40 have a nitrogen transmission rate of 15 cubic centimeters per square meter per day (cm3 / m2 / day) or less. In further aspects, the transmission rate is 10 cm3 / m2 / day or less, 5 cm3 / m2 / day or less, or 1 cm3 / m2 / day or less. · atmospheric pressure · cm3 / m2 / day 3 / m 2 atm · cm3 / m2 / day 3 / m 2 atm · cm3 / m2 / day 3 / m 2 atm · cm3 / m2 / day 3 / m 2 atm · cm3 / m2 / day

[0086] In some embodiments, the upper barrier element 60 and the lower barrier element 62 are formed from respective mold portions, each mold portion defining various surfaces for forming recesses and pinch surfaces that correspond to locations of the peripheral seam when the upper barrier element 60 and the lower barrier element 62 are joined and bonded together. In some embodiments, an adhesive bond joins the upper barrier element 60 and the lower barrier element 62 to form the web area (not shown) and the peripheral seam. In other embodiments, the upper barrier element 60 and the lower barrier element 62 are joined by thermal bonding to form the web area and the peripheral seam. In some examples, one or both of the barrier elements 60, 62 are heated to a temperature that facilitates shaping and fusing. In some examples, the barrier elements 60, 62 are heated prior to being positioned between their respective molds. In other examples, the molds can be heated to elevate the temperature of the barrier elements 60, 62. In some embodiments, the molding process for forming the fluid-filled chamber 40 integrates a vacuum port within the mold portions to remove air such that the upper barrier element 60 and the lower barrier element 62 are drawn into contact with the surfaces of the respective mold portions. In other embodiments, a fluid, such as air, can be injected into the area between the upper barrier element 60 and the lower barrier element 62 such that the increased pressure causes the barrier elements 60, 62 to engage the surfaces of their respective mold portions. The fluid-filled chamber 40 can be identical to the fluid-filled chamber and midsole of U.S. Serial No. 16 / 037,979 as to the construction of the fluid-filled chamber 40 and how the fluid-filled chamber 40 is attached to the midsole 12, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0087] With particular reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the outsole 38 is shown as having a unitary structure that extends from a front end 42 to a rear end 44 and from a medial side 46 to a lateral side 48. The outsole 38 can be formed from a material that provides a degree of wear resistance and traction with the ground surface during use of the article of footwear 10. To this end, the outsole 38 can have traction elements 66 to facilitate gripping the ground surface during use. In one configuration, the outsole 38 extends onto the outer surface of the fluid-filled chamber 40, as shown in Figures 1-3 .

[0088] With particular reference to Figures 1-4The upper 12 extends from a front end 42 to a rear end 44 and from a medial side 46 to a lateral side 48, and includes a bladder assembly 68 disposed at the medial side 22 of the upper 12, a bladder assembly 70 disposed at the lateral side 24 of the upper 12, and a bladder assembly 72 disposed at the tongue portion 34. As described below, the bladder assemblies 68, 70 cooperate to maintain the upper 12 in an upright condition such that the ankle opening 28 is readily accessible. In a similar manner, the bladder assembly 72 is used to maintain a desired shape of the tongue portion 34 to limit its deformation. In this manner, the bladder assemblies 68, 70, 72 maintain a desired shape of the upper 12, including the tongue portion 34, to facilitate use of the article of footwear 10 by reducing the effort required to insert a wearer's foot into the interior void 26.

[0089] With particular reference to Figure 6 and 7 The illustrated bladder assemblies 68, 70 include a fluid-filled chamber 74, a flange or frame 76, and a reinforcement 78. The bladder assemblies 68, 70 are disposed at opposite sides of the upper 12, and provide the same configuration for the upper 12 when viewed from either the medial side 22 or the lateral side 24. Providing the same configuration for the upper 12 at the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 is accomplished by providing bladder assemblies 68, 70 that are mirror images of one another. In this manner, if the bladder assembly 68 is aligned with the bladder assembly 70 such that the bottom edges of each assembly 68, 70 are aligned with one another, the bladder assemblies 68, 70 will be symmetrical about the aligned bottom edges of each assembly 68, 70. Thus, the bladder assemblies 68, 70 include the same components, except for the orientation of the components relative to the upper 12. Accordingly, only one of the bladder assemblies 68, 70 will be described in detail below. That is, the bladder assembly 70 disposed at the lateral side 24 of the upper 12 will be described in detail. The bladder assembly 68 disposed at the medial side 22 of the upper 12 will not be described in detail again, as the bladder assembly 68 disposed at the medial side 22 is identical to the bladder assembly 70 disposed at the lateral side 24, except for the orientation of the components of the bladder assembly 68. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used in the following description and in the drawings to represent the same components of the bladder assembly 70 relative to the bladder assembly 68.

[0090] The fluid-filled chamber 74 includes a first barrier element 80 and a second barrier element 82 that cooperate to define an interior cavity 84. That is, the first barrier element 80 can be attached to the second barrier element 82 at a peripheral seam 86 to seal the interior cavity 84. In this way, a volume of fluid, such as the fluid described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber 40, can be contained within the interior cavity 84 between the first barrier element 80 and the second barrier element 82. Thus, the fluid-filled chamber 74 can be formed in the same process and can be formed from the same material as described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber 40. The only difference between the fluid-filled chamber 74 and the fluid-filled chamber 40 can be the pressure of the fluid contained within the interior cavity 84 of the fluid-filled chamber 74. For example, the fluid-filled chamber 40 is an underfoot chamber and, thus, can contain a higher pressure fluid than the interior cavity 84 of the fluid-filled chamber 74. For example, the fluid-filled chamber 40 can have a pressure between 15-20 psi, while the fluid-filled chamber 74 disposed on the medial side 22 and lateral side 24 of the upper 12 can have a pressure between 3-4 psi.

[0091] In addition to the fluid-filled chamber 74 being at a different pressure than the fluid-filled chamber 40, the fluid-filled chamber 74 can include a different appearance than the fluid-filled chamber 40. For example, while the first barrier element 80 can be formed from the same material as the barrier elements 60, 62 described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber 40, such that the first barrier element 80 is transparent, the second barrier element 82 can include a coating and / or layer that makes the second barrier element 82 translucent or opaque. Further, the second barrier element 82 can additionally or alternatively include a graphic or logo 88 printed thereon. The graphic 88 can be printed on a surface of the barrier element 82 opposite the first barrier element 80, or alternatively can be printed on a surface of the second barrier element 82 opposite the upper 12. Regardless of where the graphic 88 is printed on the second barrier element 82, the graphic 88 can be seen at the exterior surface of the fluid-filled chamber 74, and thus, at the exterior surface of the upper 12, through the first barrier element 80.

[0092] While the second barrier element 82 is described as being translucent or opaque, the second barrier element 82 can be formed of the same material as the first barrier element 80, and thus, the second barrier element 82 can likewise be transparent. Accordingly, as will be described in greater detail below, the upper 12 can be visible through the first barrier element 80 and the second barrier element 82 at the fluid-filled chamber 74. In this configuration, the second barrier element 82 can include a graphic 88 printed thereon in the same manner as described above with respect to printing a graphic 88 on the second barrier element 82 when the second barrier element 82 is translucent or opaque. As with the translucent or opaque second barrier element 82, the graphic 88 can be visible through the first barrier element 80 at the exterior surface of the upper 12. However, in this configuration, not only can the graphic 88 be visible through the first barrier element 80 at the exterior surface of the upper, the exterior surface 52 of the upper 12 can likewise be visible through the transparent first barrier element 80 and the second barrier element 82 at the fluid-filled chamber 74.

[0093] With particular reference to Figure 9 , the shape of the fluid-filled chamber 74 provides a degree of stiffness to the upper 12 such that the ankle opening 28 is maintained in a desired shape. That is, the fluid-filled chambers 74 associated with the bladder assemblies 68, 70 disposed on the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24, respectively, cooperate to bias a portion of the upper 12 disposed on the medial side 22 of the ankle opening 28 away from a portion of the upper 12 disposed on the lateral side 24 of the ankle opening 28 to facilitate entry and exit of a wearer's foot into and out of the interior void 26 through the ankle opening 28. As will be described in greater detail below, the shape of the fluid-filled chamber 74 and the pressure of the fluid contained therein provides this degree of stiffness to the upper 12 and allows the chamber 74 to act as a biasing element that biases the opposing sides of the ankle opening 28 away from one another.

[0094] As Figure 9 shown, the generally elongate shape of the fluid-filled chamber 74 is defined by a first chamber portion 90, a second chamber portion 92, and a third chamber portion 94 generally disposed between the first chamber portion 90 and the second chamber portion 92. As Figure 9As shown, both the first chamber portion 90 and the second chamber portion 92 are larger than the third chamber portion 94. Thus, because the third chamber portion 94 is disposed between the first chamber portion 90 and the second chamber portion 92 along the longitudinal axis of the fluid-filled chamber 74, the third chamber portion 94 acts as a hinge point for the fluid-filled chamber 74. Specifically, the reduced volume of the third chamber portion 94 likewise results in a reduction in the cross-sectional area of the third chamber portion 94 relative to the cross-sectional area of the first chamber portion 90 and the second chamber portion 92. Thus, the reduced area of the third chamber portion 94 provides the fluid-filled chamber 74 with a hinge point, which in turn provides a mechanical effect of increasing the stiffness at the perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber 74.

[0095] The increased stiffness provided by the third chamber portion 94 is at least partially caused by the upper edge 96 and the lower edge 98 extending along the first chamber portion 90, the second chamber portion 92, and the third chamber portion 94 on opposite sides of the fluid-filled chamber 74. Because of the reduced cross-sectional area of the third chamber portion 94, the effective length of the upper edge 96 and the lower edge 98 is longer than the upper edge and the lower edge of a chamber having a single chamber portion that includes a constant cross-sectional area. That is, because of the reduced cross-sectional area of the third chamber portion 94, the upper edge 96 and the lower edge 98 need to extend at the third chamber portion 94 in a direction toward one another as the upper edge 96 and the lower edge 98 extend along the first chamber portion 90 and the second chamber portion 92. Thus, the effective length of the upper edge 96 and the lower edge 98 is increased.

[0096] The upper edge 96 and the lower edge 98 are formed by a portion of the perimeter seam 86 disposed adjacent to the interior cavity 84. That is, the upper edge 96 and the lower edge 98 are formed by joining the material of the first barrier element 80 and the material of the second barrier element 82 proximate to the interior cavity 84 of the fluid-filled chamber 74. As such, the perimeter seam 86 includes a greater stiffness than the first barrier element 80 and the second barrier element 82 alone, and as such, provides the fluid-filled chamber 74 with a degree of stiffness around the perimeter of the interior cavity 84. Increasing the effective length of the upper edge 96 and the lower edge 98 further increases the overall stiffness of the fluid-filled chamber 74, and as such, has a mechanical effect of stiffening a portion of the upper 12 at the location of the bladder assembly 68, 70.

[0097] As described above, the fluid-filled chamber 74 is formed by the first barrier element 80 and the second barrier element 82, which can be of the same material as described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber 40. Thus, the first barrier element 80 and the second barrier element 82 can be formed of a TPU material that is relatively flexible and pliable. While the perimeter seam 86 joins the material of the first barrier element 80 and the material of the second barrier element 82, and as such, provides a degree of rigidity to the fluid-filled chamber 74, the flange 76 can be attached to the fluid-filled chamber 74 at the perimeter seam 86 to further provide increased rigidity to the fluid-filled chamber 74.

[0098] The frame 76 can be formed of a different material than the material of the first barrier element 80 and the second barrier element 82 in order to provide a degree of rigidity to the bladder assemblies 68, 70. For example, the frame 76 can be formed of a polyurethane (PU) material that is injected with a reinforcing fabric. For example, the frame 76 can be formed of a PU layer that is attached to the reinforcing fabric by a hot melt material. That is, the PU material of the frame 76 can be attached to the TPU material of the first barrier element 80 by a hot melt adhesive. The fabric associated with the flange 76 can be attached to the side of the fluid-filled chamber 74 opposite the PU material, and as such, can be attached to the material of the second barrier element 82 via a hot melt adhesive. In this regard, the perimeter seam 86 is disposed substantially between the PU material of the frame 76 and the reinforcing fabric of the flange 76 via the hot melt adhesive.

[0099] As Figure 9 shown, the flange 76 includes a shape similar to the fluid-filled chamber 74, but is larger than the perimeter seam 86. Thus, when the PU material of the frame 76 is attached to the material of the first barrier element 80 at the perimeter seam 86 and the reinforcing fabric is attached to the material of the second barrier element 82 at the perimeter seam 86, the PU material of the frame 76 is attached to the reinforcing fabric of the frame 76 via the hot melt adhesive at the perimeter seam 86 in a region spaced apart from the outer perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber 74. Thus, the perimeter seam 86 is hidden by the reinforcing fabric and the joined PU material at the outer edge of the perimeter seam 86. In other words, the reinforcing fabric and the joined PU material of the frame 76 completely surround and encapsulate the perimeter seam 86 at the outer edge of the perimeter seam 86, thereby preventing the outer edge of the perimeter seam 86 from being seen at the outer surface 52 of the upper 12.

[0100] As Figure 6As shown, the frame 76 includes a body 100 that defines a chamber aperture 102, attachment apertures 104, and fastener apertures 106. The chamber aperture 102 includes a shape that is similar to the shape of the first chamber portion 90, the second chamber portion 92, and the third chamber portion 94. The shape of the chamber aperture 102 defined by the body 100 allows the first chamber portion 90, the second chamber portion 92, and the third chamber portion 94 to extend from an outer surface 108 of the body 100 when the internal cavity 84 is pressurized. Thus, the chamber aperture 102 includes a shape that is substantially the same as the combined shape of the first chamber portion 90, the second chamber portion 92, and the third chamber portion 94, but is sized to accommodate the first chamber portion 90, the second chamber portion 92, and the third chamber portion 94 extending therethrough once pressurized.

[0101] The attachment apertures 104 are disposed proximate to a bottom edge 110 of the body 100 and extend through the thickness of the body 100. The attachment apertures 104 are spaced apart from one another along the bottom edge 110 and are used to help attach the frame 76 to the upper 12, and thus the fluid-filled chamber 74 to the upper 12, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0102] The fastener apertures 106 are formed through the thickness of the body 100 on a side of the chamber aperture 102 opposite the attachment apertures 104. When the frame 76 is attached to the upper 12, the fastener apertures 106 are aligned with the apertures 32 of the upper 12 to allow the fasteners 30 to extend through the apertures 32 of the upper and the fastener apertures 106 of the frame 76.

[0103] The reinforcement 78 is attached to the body 100 of the frame 76 proximate to the fastener apertures 106. In particular, the reinforcement 78 includes a series of fastener apertures 112 that are aligned with some of the fastener apertures 106 of the body 100. Thus, when the reinforcement 78 is attached to the body 100 and the fastener apertures 112 of the reinforcement 78 are aligned with the corresponding fastener apertures 106 of the body 100, the fastener apertures 112 of the reinforcement 78 are likewise aligned with the corresponding apertures 32 of the upper 12. Thus, with the fastener apertures 112 aligned with the fastener apertures 106 of the body 100, the fasteners 30 inserted into the apertures 32 of the upper 12 are likewise inserted into and received by the fastener apertures 106 of the body 100 and the fastener apertures 112 of the reinforcement 78.

[0104] The reinforcement 78 can be formed of a different material than the flange 76 and / or the fluid-filled chamber 74. Alternatively, the reinforcement 78 can be formed of a similar or identical material as the frame 76 or the fluid-filled chamber 74, but include a greater thickness than the perimeter seam 86 of the frame 76 or the fluid-filled chamber 74. Regardless of the material used to form the reinforcement 78 and the thickness of the reinforcement 78, the reinforcement 78 is attached to the body 100 proximate the fastener hole 106 to reinforce the fastener hole 106. Thus, the reinforcement 78 can include a greater rigidity than the material forming the frame 76.

[0105] With particular reference to Figure 6 The bladder assembly 72 shown includes a fluid-filled chamber 114 and a flange or frame 116. As with the bladder assemblies 68, 70, the bladder assembly 72 can be formed of a first barrier element 118 and a second barrier element 120. The first barrier element 118 and the second barrier element 120 can be identical to the first barrier element 80 and the second barrier element 82, respectively, of the fluid-filled chamber 74 in terms of material, material properties, and method of forming the fluid-filled chamber 114. For example, the first barrier element 118 can be transparent, while the second barrier element 120 can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Further, as with the second barrier element 82 of the fluid-filled chamber 74, the second barrier element 120 can include graphics 122 visible through the first barrier element 118. As with the fluid-filled chamber 74, the fluid-filled chamber 114 can be formed by the methods described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber 40, and can be formed of the materials discussed above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber 40.

[0106] The first barrier element 118 and the second barrier element 120 can be formed generally elliptical and can be attached to one another at a perimeter seam 124. Once the first barrier element 118 and the second barrier element 120 are attached to one another at the perimeter seam 124, an interior cavity 126 of the fluid-filled chamber 114 is defined. The interior cavity 126 can receive a pressurized fluid in a similar manner as the interior cavity 84 of the fluid-filled chamber 74. As with the fluid-filled chamber 74, the interior cavity 126 of the fluid-filled chamber 114 can receive any of the fluids described with respect to the fluid-filled chamber 40. Further, the pressure of the fluid-filled chamber 14 within the interior cavity 126 can be substantially similar to the pressure of the fluid-filled chamber 74. Thus, in a similar manner as the fluid-filled chamber 74, the pressure of the fluid-filled chamber 114 can be less than the pressure of the fluid-filled chamber 40.

[0107] Frame 116 includes a similar shape to fluid-filled chamber 114. In particular, frame 116 includes a body 128 having a hole 130 formed therethrough. Hole 130 includes a shape similar to the shape of first barrier element 118 that defines interior cavity 126. In particular, fluid-filled chamber 114 includes a chamber portion 132 defined by first barrier element 118, whereby chamber portion 132 cooperates with a portion of second barrier element 120 to define interior cavity 126. Chamber portion 132 includes a substantially convex outer surface that protrudes from body 128 of frame 116 at hole 130. As Figure 6 shown, each of chamber portion 132 of fluid-filled chamber 114 and hole 130 of frame 116 includes a generally oval shape. While chamber portion 132 and hole 130 are described and shown as including an oval shape, these elements can include any shape, including but not limited to a circular, square, or rectangular shape.

[0108] Frame 116 includes the same construction as frame 76 of bladder assemblies 68, 70 in terms of materials and material properties. For example, frame 116 includes a PU portion that forms an outer surface of tongue portion 34 when bladder assembly 72 is attached to tongue portion 34, and frame 116 includes a reinforcing fabric attached to the PU layer. The reinforcing fabric is attached to second barrier element 120 in the area between second barrier element 120 and the outer surface of tongue portion 34. In particular, the reinforcing fabric is attached to second barrier element 120 at peripheral seam 124, and as such, the reinforcing fabric is disposed between second barrier element 120 and the outer surface of tongue portion 34 at peripheral seam 124 when bladder assembly 72 is attached to tongue portion 34.

[0109] As described above with respect to frame 76 and fluid-filled chamber 74, frame 116 of bladder assembly 72 includes a PU layer attached to first barrier element 118 at peripheral seam 124 and a reinforcing fabric attached to second barrier element 120 at peripheral seam 124. Further, frame 116 is larger than peripheral seam 124, and thus extends beyond the outer peripheral edge of peripheral seam 124. In this area, the PU layer is directly bonded to the reinforcing fabric such that peripheral seam 124 is hidden from view at its peripheral edge. The construction of frame 116 in the area at peripheral seam 124 and outside the peripheral area of peripheral seam 124 is the same as the construction of frame 76 in the area of peripheral seam 86 of fluid-filled chamber 74 and outside the peripheral area of peripheral seam 86. As such, the PU layer is attached to first barrier element 118 by a hot melt adhesive, and the reinforcing fabric is attached to second barrier element 120 by a hot melt adhesive. Similarly, the PU layer is attached to the reinforcing fabric in the area outside peripheral seam 124 by a hot melt adhesive disposed between the PU layer and the reinforcing fabric.

[0110] As Figures 1 to 4As shown, the bladder assembly 72 can be received by a hole 134 formed in the tongue portion 34. The hole 134 formed through the tongue portion 34 includes a similar shape as the fluid-filled chamber 114 and the frame 116. As such, the hole 134 includes a generally oval shape that accommodates the generally oval shape of the fluid-filled chamber 114. Because the hole 134 is formed through the thickness of the tongue portion 34, the interior cavity 126 of the upper 12 can be visible through the first barrier element 118 and the second barrier element 120 of the fluid-filled chamber 114 through the tongue portion 34 when the second barrier element 120 is formed from a transparent material.

[0111] With specific reference Figure 1 to the figures, the bladder assemblies 68, 70, 72 are shown attached to different portions of the upper 12. That is, the bladder assembly 68 is attached to the medial side 22 of the upper 12, the bladder assembly 70 is attached to the lateral side 24 of the upper 12, and the bladder assembly 72 is attached to the tongue portion 34 of the upper 12. Each of the bladder assemblies 68, 70, 72 can be attached to the different portions of the upper 12 by a stitch 136 and / or by a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the bladder assemblies 68, 70, 72 can be heated to a sufficient temperature to cause a portion of the frame 76, 116 to flow and fuse with the material of the upper 12. Although the bladder assemblies 68, 70, 72 can be attached to the different areas of the upper 12 by any of the aforementioned methods, the bladder assemblies 68, 70, 72 will be described and shown below as being attached to the upper 12 by the stitches 136.

[0112] With specific reference Figure 2 to the figures, and Figure 1 the bladder assembly 70 is shown attached to the upper 12 at the lateral side 24 by a stitch 136. Specifically, the stitch 136 is inserted through the material of the frame 116 and engages the material of the upper 112 such that the bladder assembly 70 is positioned opposite and in contact with the exterior surface 52 of the upper 12. The stitch 136 extends from a first end 138 disposed proximate the ankle opening 28 and continuously extends from the first end 138 to a second end 140 disposed proximate the base of the tongue portion 34, as shown in Figure 4 Specifically, the stitch 136 continuously extends from the first end 138 around the outer perimeter of the frame 76 along the bottom edge 110 until terminating at the second end 140. As such, the upper perimeter edge 142 of the frame 76 can be displaced relative to the material forming the upper 12 in the area between the base of the tongue portion 34 and the ankle opening 28.

[0113] The gap 144( Figure 1A gap 144 is formed between the outer surface 52 of the upper 12 and the bladder assembly 70 at the medial side 22. The gap 144 allows access to the area between the bladder assembly 70 and the outer surface 52 of the upper 12 and allows relative movement between these elements so that the bladder assembly 70 can be selectively moved toward and away from the outer surface 52 of the upper 12. Likewise, the upper 12 can be selectively moved toward and away from the bladder assembly 70 in the area of the peripheral edge 142 and the gap 144.

[0114] As noted above, the fluid-filled chamber 74 can be formed by the transparent barrier elements 80, 82. Thus, the outer surface 52 of the upper 12 can be visible through the barrier elements 80, 82 at the medial side 22. If the second barrier element 82 is formed of a translucent material, the translucent material can cooperate with the outer surface 52 of the upper 12 to provide a desired appearance (i.e., color) at the medial side 22 as viewed through the first barrier element 80. As noted above, the bladder assembly 68 attached to the upper 12 at the medial side 22 is a mirror image of the bladder assembly 70 disposed at the lateral side 24. The bladder assembly 68 is otherwise identical to the bladder assembly 70 and is attached to the upper 12 in the same manner as the bladder assembly 70. Thus, the bladder assembly 68 and its attachment to the upper 12 are not described in further detail.

[0115] The bladder assembly 72 is attached to the tongue portion 34 of the upper 12 by stitching 136. The stitching 136 extends through the frame 116 and around the entire periphery of the frame 116, as best shown in Figures 10 to 14

[0116] In operation, the fluid-filled chamber 74 associated with the bladder assemblies 68, 70, respectively, functions to provide a degree of rigidity to the upper 12. That is, the fluid-filled chamber 74 and the frame 76 cause the material of the upper 12 forming the ankle opening 28 at the medial side 22 to move in a direction away from the material forming the ankle opening 28 at the lateral side 24. The fluid-filled chamber 74 and the frame 76 likewise cause the material of the upper 12 forming the ankle opening 28 at the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 to move in a direction away from the outsole 38. In this manner, the fluid-filled chamber 74 and the frame 76 of the bladder assemblies 68, 70 exert a force on the material forming the upper 12 at the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 to maintain the ankle opening 28 in a substantially open condition. Likewise, the fluid-filled chamber 114 associated with the bladder assembly 72 biases the tongue portion 34 into an extended condition, thereby stiffening the tongue portion 34 and increasing the force required to flex the tongue portion 34.

[0117] ​The forces exerted on the medial side 22 and lateral side 24 by the bladder assemblies 68, 70, respectively, and the force exerted on the tongue portion 34 by the bladder assembly 72, are created by providing the fluid-filled chambers 74, 114 with a slightly rigid frame or flange 76, 116, respectively. The rigid nature of these elements 76, 116 causes the material of the upper 12 in the area of the bladder assemblies 68, 70, 72 to be in tension, which in turn helps to maintain the opening to the interior void 26 of the upper 12 at the ankle opening 28. For example, the bladder assemblies 68, 70 disposed on the medial side 22 and lateral side 24, respectively, of the upper 12 cause the material of the upper 12 forming the ankle opening 28 to move in directions away from one another. Specifically, the material of the upper 12 forming the ankle opening 28 at the medial side 28 moves in a direction away from the material of the upper 12 forming the ankle opening 28 at the lateral side 24, and the material of the upper 12 forming the ankle opening 28 at the lateral side 24 moves in a direction away from the material of the upper 12 forming the ankle opening 28 at the medial side 22. In this way, the ankle opening 28 is maintained in an open state, facilitating the insertion and removal of the wearer’s foot into and out of the interior void 26 of the upper 12.

[0118] With particular reference to Figure 11 The method of forming the bladder assemblies 68, 70 will be described in detail. While the method will be described in connection with forming the bladder assemblies 68, 70, the same method can be used to form the bladder assembly 72.

[0119] In a first step, the mold 146 can be moved to an open state to expose the one or more cavities 148. At this point, a first sheet of TPU material and a second sheet of TPU material forming the first barrier element 80 and the second barrier element 82, respectively, can be inserted into the mold 146. Once the TPU sheets are inserted into the mold 146, the mold 146 can be moved to a closed state, as shown in Figure 12 In this position, heat and / or pressure can be applied to the TPU sheets within the mold 146 at the perimeter seam 86. In this way, the fluid-filled chamber 74 can be formed for later use in forming the complete bladder assembly 68, 70. The fluid-filled chamber 74 can then be filled with fluid at a desired pressure either within the mold 146 or after the fluid-filled chamber 74 is removed from the mold 146.

[0120] After the fluid-filled chamber 74 is formed and pressurized, the fluid-filled chamber 74 can be inserted into a mold 150 for attachment to the frame 76. That is, as shown in Figure 14As shown, when the mold 150 is in the open state, the fluid-filled chamber 74 can be inserted into the cavity 152 of the mold 150. Prior to inserting the fluid-filled chamber 74 into the cavity 152, a piece of reinforcing fabric and hot melt adhesive can first be inserted into the cavity 152 for attachment to the fluid-filled chamber 74. At this point, the fluid-filled chamber 74 can be inserted into the cavity 152, over the hot melt adhesive, and the mold 150 can be closed. After the reinforcing fabric, hot melt adhesive, and fluid-filled chamber 74 are inserted, the PU material can be injected into the cavity 152. Further, when the mold 150 is in the closed state, the material forming the reinforcement 78 can also be injected into the cavity 152.

[0121] While the PU material and the material forming the reinforcement 78 are described as being injected into the cavity 152 when the mold 150 is in the closed state, these elements can be formed as separate elements and layered on top of the fluid-filled chamber 74 prior to the mold 150 moving to the closed state. Regardless of whether the reinforcement 78 and the PU material are formed into a final shape prior to being inserted into the mold 150, when the fluid-filled chamber 74 and the material forming the frame 76 are inserted into the cavity 152 and the mold 150 is in the closed state, heat and / or pressure are applied within the mold 150 at the cavity 152, thereby bonding the materials of the fluid-filled chamber, the frame 76, and the reinforcement 78 together.

[0122] Once the materials of the fluid-filled chamber 74, the frame 76, and the reinforcement 78 are bonded together, the mold 150 can move to the open state ​ ), and the completed bladder assembly 68, 70 can be removed from the mold 150. After the bladder assembly 68, 70 is formed, the bladder assembly 68, 70 can be attached to the upper 12 in the manner described above.

[0123] The following clauses provide example constructions of the upper of the above-described article of footwear.

[0124] Clause 1 : An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot, the first material including an exterior surface, a first edge at least partially surrounding the void at an uppermost end of the upper, a second edge disposed at a lowermost end of the upper, and a first biasing member disposed (i) on the exterior surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the first edge and the second edge, the first biasing member operable to exert a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge away from the second edge.

[0125] Clause 2: The upper of clause 1, wherein the first biasing member is disposed at one of a medial side and a lateral side of the upper.

[0126] Clause 3: The upper of Clause 2, wherein the first biasing member is a first fluid-filled chamber.

[0127] Clause 4: The upper of Clause 3, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber forms an outer surface of the upper.

[0128] Clause 5: The upper of Clause 3, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is pressurized.

[0129] Clause 6: The upper of Clause 3, further comprising a second biasing member disposed at the other of the medial side and the lateral side.

[0130] Clause 7: The upper of Clause 6, wherein the second biasing member is a second fluid-filled chamber.

[0131] Clause 8: The upper of Clause 7, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber is elongate.

[0132] Clause 9: The upper of Clause 8, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber includes a longitudinal axis extending in a direction between an anterior end of the upper and a posterior end of the upper.

[0133] Clause 10: An article of footwear comprising the upper of any of the preceding clauses.

[0134] Clause 11: An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot, the first material including an outer surface, a first edge of an upper most portion of the upper medially of the upper partially enclosing the void, a second edge of an upper most portion of the upper laterally of the upper partially enclosing the void, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member, the first biasing member (i) disposed on the outer surface of the upper medially of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the first edge, the second biasing member (i) disposed on the outer surface of the upper laterally of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the second edge, the first biasing member and the second biasing member operable to exert a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge and the second edge away from one another.

[0135] Clause 12: The upper of Clause 11, wherein the first biasing member is a first fluid-filled chamber.

[0136] Clause 13: The upper of Clause 12, wherein the second biasing member is a second fluid-filled chamber.

[0137] Clause 14: The upper of Clause 13, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber forms an outer surface of the upper at the medial side and the second fluid-filled chamber forms an outer surface of the upper at the lateral side.

[0138] Clause 15: The upper of Clause 13, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber are pressurized.

[0139] Clause 16: The upper of Clause 13, further comprising a gap disposed between at least one of (i) the first fluid-filled chamber and the first material and (ii) the second fluid-filled chamber and the first material.

[0140] Clause 17: The upper of Clause 13, wherein the first material is visible through the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber.

[0141] Clause 18: The upper of Clause 13, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber is elongate.

[0142] Clause 19: The upper of Clause 18, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber includes a longitudinal axis that extends in a direction between an anterior end of the upper and a posterior end of the upper.

[0143] Clause 20: An article of footwear comprising the upper of any of the preceding clauses.

[0144] Clause 21: An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot, and a bladder assembly, the bladder assembly (i) disposed at an outer surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) including a fluid-filled chamber and a flange extending around an outer periphery of the fluid-filled chamber, the flange formed of a material different from a material of the fluid-filled chamber and securing the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0145] Clause 22: The upper of Clause 21, wherein the flange is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0146] Clause 23: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange is stitched to the first material by stitching to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0147] Clause 24: The upper of Clause 23, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0148] Clause 25: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0149] Clause 26: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a reinforcement zone.

[0150] Clause 27: The upper of Clause 26, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange.

[0151] Clause 28: The upper of Clause 26, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one aperture operable to receive a fastener to selectively constrict the upper.

[0152] Clause 29: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a first portion attached to the first material and a second portion movable relative to the first material.

[0153] Clause 30: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder assembly is disposed at a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or an anterior upper portion of the upper.

[0154] Clause 31 : The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid-filled chamber is formed by a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together to define an interior cavity operable to receive a fluid.

[0155] Clause 32: The upper of Clause 31, wherein the fluid is air.

[0156] Clause 33: The upper of Clause 31, wherein the fluid is pressurized.

[0157] Clause 34: The upper of Clause 31, wherein the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are substantially transparent.

[0158] Clause 35: The upper of Clause 34, wherein at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0159] Clause 36: The upper of Clause 35, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0160] Clause 37: The upper of Clause 31, wherein one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is substantially transparent and the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is opaque.

[0161] Clause 38: The upper of Clause 37, wherein the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0162] Clause 39: The upper of Clause 38, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0163] Clause 40: An article of footwear comprising the upper of any of the preceding clauses.

[0164] Clause 41: An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot, and a bladder assembly (i) disposed at an outer surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) including a fluid-filled chamber and a flange extending around an outer periphery of the fluid-filled chamber, the flange having a greater rigidity than the fluid-filled chamber and securing the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0165] Clause 42: The upper of Clause 41, wherein the flange is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0166] Clause 43: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange is stitched to the first material by stitching to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0167] Clause 44: The upper of Clause 43, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0168] Clause 45: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0169] Clause 46: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a reinforcement zone.

[0170] Clause 47: The upper of Clause 46, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange.

[0171] Clause 48: The upper of Clause 46, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one aperture operable to receive a fastener to selectively constrict the upper.

[0172] Clause 49: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a first portion attached to the first material and a second portion movable relative to the first material.

[0173] Clause 50: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder assembly is disposed at a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or an anterior upper portion of the upper.

[0174] Clause 51 : The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid-filled chamber is formed by a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together to define an interior void operable to receive a fluid.

[0175] Clause 52: The upper of Clause 51, wherein the fluid is air.

[0176] Clause 53: The upper of Clause 51, wherein the fluid is pressurized.

[0177] Clause 54: The upper of Clause 51, wherein the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are substantially transparent.

[0178] Clause 55: The upper of Clause 54, wherein at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0179] Clause 56: The upper of Clause 55, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0180] Clause 57: The upper of Clause 51, wherein one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is substantially transparent and the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is opaque.

[0181] Clause 58: The upper of Clause 57, wherein the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0182] Clause 59: The upper of Clause 58, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0183] Clause 60: An article of footwear comprising the upper of any of the preceding clauses.

[0184] Clause 61 : An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising a first material defining a space operable to selectively receive a foot, and a bladder assembly (i) disposed at an outer surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) including a fluid-filled chamber and a flange (a) extending around an outer periphery of the fluid-filled chamber, and (b) securing the fluid-filled chamber to the first material, the fluid-filled chamber and the flange being movable relative to the first material.

[0185] Clause 62: The upper of Clause 61, wherein the flange is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0186] Clause 63: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange is stitched to the first material by being stitched along a portion of the flange to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0187] Clause 64: The upper of Clause 63, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0188] Clause 65: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0189] Clause 66: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a reinforcement zone.

[0190] Clause 67: The upper of Clause 66, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange.

[0191] Clause 68: The upper of Clause 66, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one aperture operable to receive a fastener to selectively constrict the upper.

[0192] Clause 69: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a first portion attached to the first material and a second portion spaced apart from the first material, the second portion being movable relative to the first material.

[0193] Clause 70: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder assembly is disposed at a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or an anterior upper portion of the upper.

[0194] Clause 71 : The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid-filled chamber is formed by a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together to define an interior void operable to receive a fluid.

[0195] Clause 72: The upper of Clause 71, wherein the fluid is air.

[0196] Clause 73: The upper of Clause 71, wherein the fluid is pressurized.

[0197] Clause 74: The upper of Clause 71, wherein the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are substantially transparent.

[0198] Clause 75: The upper of Clause 74, wherein at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0199] Clause 76: The upper of Clause 75, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0200] Clause 77: The upper of Clause 71, wherein one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is substantially transparent and the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is opaque.

[0201] Clause 78: The upper of Clause 77, wherein the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0202] Clause 79: The upper of Clause 78, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0203] Clause 80: An article of footwear comprising the upper of any of the preceding clauses.

[0204] Clause 81 : An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising a first material defining a space operable to selectively receive a foot, and a bladder assembly (i) disposed at an outer surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) including a fluid-filled chamber and a flange, the flange (a) extending around an outer perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber, and (b) securing the fluid-filled chamber to the first material, the fluid-filled chamber including a first region and a second region in fluid communication with one another and joined by a channel having a cross-sectional area less than the first region and the second region.

[0205] Clause 82: The upper of Clause 81, wherein the flange is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0206] Clause 83: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange is stitched to the first material by stitching to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0207] Clause 84: The upper of Clause 83, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0208] Clause 85: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0209] Clause 86: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a reinforcement zone.

[0210] Clause 87: The upper of Clause 86, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange.

[0211] Clause 88: The upper of Clause 86, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one aperture operable to receive a fastener to selectively constrict the upper.

[0212] Clause 89: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a first portion attached to the first material and a second portion movable relative to the first material.

[0213] Clause 90: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder assembly is disposed at a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or an anterior upper portion of the upper.

[0214] Clause 91: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid-filled chamber is formed from a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together to define an interior cavity operable to receive a fluid.

[0215] Clause 92: The upper of Clause 91, wherein the fluid is air.

[0216] Clause 93: The upper of Clause 91, wherein the fluid is pressurized.

[0217] Clause 94: The upper of Clause 91, wherein the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are substantially transparent.

[0218] Clause 95: The upper of Clause 94, wherein at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0219] Clause 96: The upper of Clause 95, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0220] Clause 97: The upper of Clause 91, wherein one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is substantially transparent, and the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is opaque.

[0221] Clause 98: The upper of Clause 97, wherein the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0222] Clause 99: The upper of Clause 98, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0223] Clause 100: An article of footwear comprising the upper of any of the preceding clauses.

[0224] Clause 101: An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot, and a bladder assembly, the bladder assembly (i) disposed at an outer surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) including a fluid-filled chamber and a flange, the flange (a) extending around an outer periphery of the fluid-filled chamber, and (b) securing the fluid-filled chamber to the first material, the fluid-filled chamber opposite and in contact with the first material.

[0225] Clause 102: The upper of Clause 101, wherein the flange is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0226] Clause 103: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange is stitched to the first material by being stitched along a portion of the flange to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0227] Clause 104: The upper of Clause 103, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0228] Clause 105: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a material of the flange is bonded to the first material to attach the fluid-filled chamber to the first material.

[0229] Clause 106: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a reinforcement zone.

[0230] Clause 107: The upper of clause 106, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one of a different thickness and a different material than the flange.

[0231] Clause 108: The upper of clause 106, wherein the reinforcement zone includes at least one aperture operable to receive a fastener to selectively constrict the upper.

[0232] Clause 109: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flange includes a first portion attached to the first material and a second portion spaced apart from the first material, the second portion being movable relative to the first material.

[0233] Clause 110: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder assembly is disposed at a medial side of the upper, a lateral side of the upper, or an anterior upper portion of the upper.

[0234] Clause 111: The upper of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid-filled chamber is formed by a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together to define an interior void operable to receive a fluid.

[0235] Clause 112: The upper of clause 111, wherein the fluid is air.

[0236] Clause 113: The upper of clause 111, wherein the fluid is pressurized.

[0237] Clause 114: The upper of clause 111, wherein the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are substantially transparent.

[0238] Clause 115: The upper of clause 114, wherein at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0239] Clause 116: The upper of clause 115, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0240] Clause 117: The upper of clause 111, wherein one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is substantially transparent and the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer is opaque.

[0241] Clause 118: The upper of Clause 117, wherein the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer includes a graphic.

[0242] Clause 119: The upper of Clause 118, wherein the graphic is visible through the first barrier layer.

[0243] Clause 120: An article of footwear comprising the upper of any of the preceding clauses.

[0244] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of explanation and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable with each other, and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration can also be varied in a number of ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: A first material, the first material defining a cavity operable to selectively receive a foot, the first material including an outer surface; A first edge, the first edge at least partially surrounding the cavity at the uppermost end of the shoe upper; A second edge is provided at the bottommost end of the shoe upper; and A first biasing member is (i) disposed on the outer surface of the shoe upper, (ii) attached to the first material, (iii) spaced apart from the first edge and the second edge, and (iv) includes a first chamber portion, a second chamber portion, and a third chamber portion smaller than the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion, and extends between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion to form a hinge point of a first fluid-filled chamber. The first biasing member is operable to apply a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge away from the second edge.

2. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein, The first biasing member is disposed on one of the inner and outer sides of the shoe upper.

3. The shoe upper according to claim 2, wherein, The first biasing member is a first fluid-filled chamber.

4. The shoe upper according to claim 3, wherein, The first fluid-filled chamber forms the outer surface of the shoe upper.

5. The shoe upper according to claim 3, wherein, The first fluid-filled chamber is pressurized.

6. The upper according to claim 3, further comprising a second biasing member disposed at the other of the inner and outer sides.

7. The upper according to claim 6, wherein, The second biasing member is a second fluid-filled chamber.

8. The upper according to claim 7, wherein, At least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber is elongated.

9. The upper according to claim 8, wherein, At least one of the first fluid filling chamber and the second fluid filling chamber includes a longitudinal axis extending in the direction between the front end and the rear end of the upper.

10. A footwear article, incorporating the upper according to claim 1.

11. An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: A first material, the first material defining a cavity operable to selectively receive a foot, the first material including an outer surface; A first edge, which partially surrounds the cavity at the uppermost part of the shoe upper on the inner side of the shoe upper; The second edge partially surrounds the cavity at the uppermost part of the shoe upper on the outer side of the shoe upper; A first biasing member, (i) disposed on the outer surface of the upper on the inner side of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, (iii) spaced apart from the first edge; and (iv) including a first chamber portion, a second chamber portion, and a third chamber portion smaller than the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion, and extending between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion to form a hinge point of a first fluid-filled chamber. and A second biasing member, (i) disposed on the outer surface of the upper on the outer side of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the second edge, wherein the first biasing member and the second biasing member are operable to apply a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge and the second edge away from each other.

12. The upper according to claim 11, wherein, The first biasing member is a first fluid-filled chamber.

13. The upper according to claim 12, wherein, The second biasing member is a second fluid-filled chamber.

14. The upper according to claim 13, wherein, The first fluid-filled chamber forms the outer surface of the shoe upper on the inner side, and the second fluid-filled chamber forms the outer surface of the shoe upper on the outer side.

15. The upper according to claim 13, wherein, The first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber are pressurized.

16. The upper of claim 13, further comprising a gap disposed between at least one pair of (i) the first fluid filling chamber and the first material and (ii) the second fluid filling chamber and the first material.

17. The upper according to claim 13, wherein, The first material can be seen through the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber.

18. The upper according to claim 13, wherein, At least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber is elongated.

19. The upper according to claim 18, wherein, At least one of the first fluid filling chamber and the second fluid filling chamber includes a longitudinal axis extending in the direction between the front end and the rear end of the upper.

20. A footwear article, incorporating the upper according to claim 11.

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