Sole structure for an article of footwear having a laminated plate assembly

Abstract

This application relates to sole structures for articles of footwear having a laminated plate assembly. The sole structure can have a laminated plate assembly including a first plate and a second plate. The first plate can extend from a forefoot region of the sole structure to a heel region of the sole structure. In other words, the first plate can be a full-length plate that extends the full length of the sole structure. The second plate can join with the first plate in a midfoot region of the sole structure and at a rear of the heel region of the sole structure, and can be separated from the first plate between the midfoot region and the rear of the heel region to define a first heel gap between the first plate and the second plate in the heel region. A heel cushioning unit can be layered in the heel region with a first heel cushioning unit disposed in the first heel gap.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 23, 2020, with application number 202010583577.5 and invention title "Sole structure with laminated plate assembly for footwear articles". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to sole structures for footwear articles. background

[0003] Footwear typically includes a sole structure that is configured to lie beneath the wearer's foot to separate the foot from the ground. The sole structure can generally be configured to provide one or more of cushioning, motion control, and rebound. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0004] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary and not to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0005] Figure 1 This is an external view of a footwear article with a sole structure that includes a tiered plate assembly, and a partial view of the upper.

[0006] Figure 2 This is an inside view of footwear, with the upper part of the shoe shown as a partial view.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a slightly perspective outer view of the laminated plate assembly of the shoe sole structure.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a top view of footwear.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of footwear.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a rear view of footwear, with the upper part of the shoe shown as a partial view.

[0011] Figure 7 Is Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the footwear item taken at line 7-7, with the upper part of the shoe shown as a partial view.

[0012] Figure 8 Is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the footwear item taken at line 8-8 in the image.

[0013] Figure 9 Is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the footwear item taken at line 9-9 in the diagram.

[0014] Figure 10 Is Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a footwear item taken at line 10-10, with the upper part of the shoe shown as a partial view.

[0015] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the shoe sole structure, where the upper and cushioning layer are not shown.

[0016] Figure 12 yes Figure 3 Top view of the first plate of the plate assembly.

[0017] Figure 13 This is a bottom view of the first board.

[0018] Figure 14 yes Figure 3 Top view of the second plate of the plate assembly.

[0019] Figure 15 This is a bottom view of the second panel.

[0020] Figure 16 yes Figure 1 A top view of the outer heel clip of the shoe sole structure.

[0021] Figure 17 This is a bottom view of the outer heel clip. describe

[0022] This disclosure generally relates to a sole structure for footwear articles, the sole structure having a laminated plate assembly configured to provide stability by distributing dynamic load forces to cushioning units disposed within the sole structure, thereby maximizing the cushioning and energy return of the cushioning units. Furthermore, the laminated nature enables a stacked cushioning arrangement in the heel region.

[0023] In the example, the sole structure may have a laminated plate assembly including a first plate and a second plate. The first plate extends from the forefoot region of the sole structure to the heel region of the sole structure. In other words, the first plate may be a full-length plate extending the entire length of the sole structure. The second plate may be connected to the first plate at the rear of the midfoot region and the heel region of the sole structure, and may be separated from the first plate between the rear of the midfoot region and the heel region to define a first heel gap between the first and second plates in the heel region. For example, both the front and rear portions of the second plate may be connected to the distal side of the first plate, wherein the first heel gap is disposed between the front and rear portions of the second plate at the proximal and distal sides of the second plate.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, a first heel cushioning unit may be disposed in a first heel gap and may face the distal side of the first plate and the proximal side of the second plate. A second heel cushioning unit may be stacked opposite the first heel cushioning unit on the proximal side of the first plate in the heel region. For example, the first and second heel cushioning units may be fluid-filled bladders. In some embodiments, a tether element may be attached to the opposing inner surface of the bladder and may extend across the cavity of the bladder. The position of the plates above and / or below the fluid-filled bladder helps to evenly distribute the compressive force over the area of ​​the bladder with the tether, such that the tether can relax when the fluid-filled bladder elastically deforms under compression and uniformly return to a taut state when the fluid-filled bladder returns the applied energy that caused the bladder to elastically deform upon release of compression.

[0025] In one or more constructions, the rear portions of the first plate and the second plate may rise together in a proximal direction at the rear of the heel area. This effectively creates a rounded profile of the sole structure at the rear of the heel area, thereby promoting a more gradual forward roll during heel strike. Furthermore, the rounded profile allows the wearer to rest the rear of the sole structure against the ground at the rounded profile, where the forefoot area is raised from the ground contact surface, such as when the wearer is seated.

[0026] In one aspect, the rear portion of the first plate may define a first heel perforation, and the rear portion of the second plate may define a second heel perforation, wherein the second heel perforation communicates with the first heel perforation. Furthermore, compared to a sole structure where the middle plate does not have a heel perforation, the heel perforation provides weight savings. The heel perforation also allows for a favorable view of the heel cushioning unit from the rear of the sole structure.

[0027] In another aspect, the rear portion of the first plate may have a ledge, and the sole structure may also include a peripheral heel clip having a rear section supported on the ledge, an inner section extending forward from the rear section along the inner side of the sole structure, and an outer section extending forward from the rear section along the outer side of the sole structure, wherein the inner and outer sections are spaced apart from the first plate.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cushioning layer can extend from the forefoot region to the heel region, and can face the proximal side of the first plate at the front of the first plate and at the midfoot region in the forefoot region. The cushioning layer defines a forefoot gap at the distal side of the cushioning layer between the front of the forefoot region and the midfoot region, and defines a second heel gap at the distal side of the cushioning layer behind the midfoot region. In one aspect, the rear section of the peripheral heel clip can face the rear wall of the cushioning layer and can be supported on the rear portion of the first plate. The inner section of the peripheral heel clip can extend forward along the inner wall of the cushioning layer from the rear section, and the outer section of the peripheral heel clip can extend forward along the outer wall of the cushioning layer from the rear section. The heel clip can be stiffer than the cushioning layer, thereby increasing stability in the heel region.

[0029] In one or more constructions, the first plate may have an inner notch in the inner edge of the first plate in the forefoot region and an outer notch in the outer edge of the first plate in the forefoot region. The width of the first plate decreases at the notches, which can increase the medial-lateral flexibility in the forefoot region. Furthermore, the first plate may fork at the front of the inner and outer notches, thereby further increasing the flexibility of the forefoot.

[0030] In one embodiment, the medial forefoot cushioning unit can be located in the medial notch, and the lateral forefoot cushioning unit can be located side-by-side with the medial forefoot cushioning unit in the lateral notch. By placing the forefoot cushioning unit in the notch instead of on the first plate, the relatively stiff first plate does not distribute reaction forces to the forefoot cushioning unit; instead, only the less stiff components (e.g., the cushioning layer and outsole) face the forefoot cushioning unit, allowing them to better respond individually to dynamic compression, with their respective cushioning responses specifically responding to medial or lateral forces. In one or more embodiments, one or both of the forefoot cushioning units can be fluid-filled bladders.

[0031] In one aspect, the outsole can be positioned on the distal side of the first plate in the forefoot region, and the distal sides of the medial and lateral forefoot cushioning units can face the outsole. The outsole can have lower stiffness and is less rigid than the first plate.

[0032] In another aspect, the outsole can extend from the forefoot region to the heel region, and can be disposed on the distal side of the second plate in the heel region. For example, at least one of the forefoot cushioning units can be disposed in the forefoot gap (e.g., between the cushioning layer and the outsole), and the heel cushioning unit (e.g., the second heel cushioning unit) can be disposed in the second heel gap.

[0033] In another example, footwear articles may include an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper. The sole structure may include a laminated plate assembly as described above.

[0034] The above-mentioned features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this teaching will become apparent when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and in accordance with the following detailed description of the model of this teaching.

[0035] Figure 1 Footwear article 10 is shown, which includes an upper 12 and a sole structure 14, the sole structure 14 being attached to the upper 12 to define an opening 16 through the ankle (see...). Figure 4 The cavity 15 (also known as the foot receiving cavity) into which the foot enters. The sole structure 14 includes a laminated plate assembly 17 constructed as described herein. The footwear article 10 may be referred to as footwear 10 and may be athletic footwear constructed for sports such as basketball or for a variety of other sports such as, but not limited to, running, tennis, rugby, football, etc., or may alternatively be casual shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or any other type of footwear.

[0036] Footwear article 10, along with upper 12 and sole structure 14, can be divided into a forefoot region 18, a midfoot region 20, and a heel region 22. The forefoot region 18 generally includes the portion of footwear article 10 corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joint (which may be referred to as the MPT or MPJ ​​joint) connecting the toes and the metatarsals and proximal phalanges of the toes. The midfoot region 20 generally includes the portion of footwear article 10 corresponding to the arch and instep regions of the foot, and the heel region 22 corresponds to the posterior portion of the foot, including the calcaneus. The forefoot region 18, midfoot region 20, and heel region 22 are not intended to delineate precise areas of footwear 10, but rather to represent general areas of footwear 10 to facilitate the discussion below.

[0037] Footwear 10 has an outer side 24 ( Figure 1 (shown in the image) and inner surface 26 ( Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The outer side 24 and the inner side 26 extend through each of the forefoot region 18, the midfoot region 20, and the heel region 22, and correspond to opposite sides of the footwear article 10, each side falling on an opposite side of the longitudinal centerline LM of the footwear article 10 (in the diagram). Figure 4 (As indicated in the middle). Therefore, the outer surface 24 is considered to be opposite to the inner surface 26.

[0038] The upper 12 can be made of various materials, such as leather, textiles, polymers, cotton, foam, composites, or combinations thereof. For example, the upper 12 can be a polymer material that provides elasticity and can have a braided construction, a knitted (e.g., warp-knitted) construction, or a woven construction. The lower extent of the upper 12 is attached to the outer periphery of the sole structure 14, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the image. Internal cavity 15 ( Figure 7 The proximal surface 28 (e.g., the surface facing the foot) of the sole structure 14 shown in the figure can be a strobel (midsole fabric) 31 fixed to the lower region of the upper 12. Alternatively, the upper 12 can be a 360-degree sock-like upper that extends under the foot and establishes the proximal surface 28. The insole (not shown) can rest on the proximal surface 28 within the cavity 15.

[0039] Laminated panel assembly 17 in Figure 3 The sole is shown separately and includes a first plate 32 and a second plate 34, which may also be referred to as sole plates. As discussed herein, plates 32, 34 are uniquely configured to mitigate forces applied to one or more cushioning units disposed between or adjacent to plates 32, 34. As used herein, the term "plate" (such as plates in the first plate 32 and the second plate 34) refers to a component of a sole structure having a width greater than its thickness and being generally horizontally positioned when assembled in a footwear article while the sole structure rests on a horizontal ground surface, such that its thickness is generally vertical and its width is generally horizontal. Although each plate 32, 34 is shown as a single integral component, the plate need not be a single component, but rather can be multiple interconnected components. Portions of the plate may be flat, and when molded or otherwise formed, the portions may have a certain amount of curvature and thickness variation, for example to provide a shaped footbed and / or to provide increased thickness for reinforcement in desired areas.

[0040] As further explained in this article and referenced Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition to the laminated plate assembly 17 having a first plate 32 and a second plate 34, the sole structure 14 also includes a first heel cushioning unit 36, a second heel cushioning unit 38, a lateral forefoot cushioning unit 40, a medial forefoot cushioning unit 42, a cushioning layer 44, a peripheral heel clip 46, and an outsole 48. As further discussed herein, the peripheral heel clip 46 has a rear section 46A and an lateral section 46B extending forward from the rear section 46A along the lateral wall 44A of the cushioning layer 44 (see...). Figure 1 ), and the inner section 46C extending forward from the rear section 46A along the inner wall 44B of the buffer layer 44 (see Figure 2 ).

[0041] Typically, each of plates 32 and 34 can be a relatively rigid material or combination of materials. For example, one or both of plates 32 and 34 may include a thermoplastic elastomer. In other examples, in one or more embodiments, one or both of plates 32 and 34 may include carbon fiber, carbon fiber composites (such as carbon fiber-filled nylon), glass fiber reinforced nylon (which may be injection-reinforced fiber-reinforced nylon), fiber strand-lain composites, thermoplastic polyurethane, wood, steel, or other materials or combinations thereof, but are not limited to these materials. In addition to their geometry, the materials selected for the first and second plates can produce the desired performance characteristics.

[0042] Like plates 32 and 34, the peripheral heel clip 46 can be relatively rigid and can be one or more of any materials described with reference to plates 32 and 34. As described herein, the peripheral heel clip 46 can provide lateral support for the cushioning layer 44, which can be less rigid than the peripheral heel clip 46. Because the peripheral heel clip 46 can be stiffer than the cushioning layer 44, it is easier to manufacture the peripheral heel clip 46 consistently to meet dimensional tolerances. By positioning the peripheral heel clip 46 around the rear of the heel region 22 on the outer surface of the cushioning layer 44, it is easier to provide a flush, upwardly curved surface 62 including the rear section 46A of the heel clip 46, the rear portion 32C of the first plate 32, and the rear portion 34C of the second plate 34, which can be pushed off with another foot to remove the footwear item 10.

[0043] In one example, the peripheral heel clip 46 and the first plate 32 can be stiffer and less flexible than the second plate 34. For example, the peripheral heel clip 46 and the first plate 32 can both be made of the same material, such as polyether block amide PEBAX Rnew63R53 SP01, a thermoplastic elastomer made from flexible polyether and rigid polyamide based on renewable resources and having an instantaneous hardness of 58 on the Shore D hardness test scale using the ISO 868 test method, and is available from Arkema, Inc., King Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA. The second plate 34 can be... Rnew55R53SP0 1 is also a thermoplastic elastomer made from flexible polyether and rigid polyamide based on renewable resources, and has an instantaneous hardness of 50 on the Shore D hardness test scale using the ISO 868 test method. It is also available from Arkema, Inc., King Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA.

[0044] In an embodiment, the buffer layer 44 may be at least partially polyurethane foam or polyurethane ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and may comprise thermally expanded and molded EVA foam particles. The buffer layer 44 may substantially comprise phylon (ethylene vinyl acetate or “EVA”) and / or polyurethane (“PU”) based resin. For example, in one embodiment, the buffer layer 44 may be compression-molded phylon. If EVA is used, it has a vinyl acetate (VA) level between about 9% and about 40%. Suitable EVA resins include those supplied by EIdu Pont de Nemours and Company. Engage provided by Dow Chemical Company TM In some embodiments, EVA can be formed from a combination of high melt index and low melt index materials. For example, EVA can have a melt index from about 1 to about 50. EVA resins can be compounded to include multiple components, including a blowing agent and a curing / crosslinking agent. The blowing agent can have a weight percentage between about 10% and about 20%. The blowing agent can be thermally decomposable and is selected from common organic and inorganic chemical blowing agents. There are no particular limitations on the properties of the blowing agent, as long as it decomposes under the temperature conditions used to bind the foam to the original resin. Suitable blowing agents include, for example, azodicarbonamide. In some embodiments, a peroxide-based curing agent, such as dicumyl peroxide, can be used. The amount of curing agent can be between about 0.6% and about 1.5%. EVA can also include homogenizers, processing aids, and waxes. For example, a mixture of light aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as those available from Schill+Seilacher "Struktol" GmbH, can be included. 60NS is used to allow other materials or waste EVA to be more easily incorporated into the resin. EVA may also include other components such as release agents (e.g., stearic acid), activators (e.g., zinc oxide), fillers (e.g., magnesium carbonate), pigments, and clay. In embodiments incorporating multiple materials, each material can be formed from a material compatible with and readily incorporated with other materials. For example, the materials can each be formed from an EVA resin having suitable foaming agents, crosslinking agents and other auxiliary components, pigments, fillers, etc. Other suitable materials will become apparent to those skilled in the art thanks to the disclosure herein.

[0045] The outsole 48 may be formed of a material that generally includes natural or synthetic rubber or other suitable durable materials. One or more materials may be selected for the outsole to provide an ideal combination of durability and flexibility. Synthetic rubbers that may be used include polybutadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) copolymer rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. In some embodiments, the outsole 48 may be transparent or translucent, allowing the forefoot cushioning units 40, 42 to be seen from the bottom through the outsole 48.

[0046] refer to Figure 3 The first plate 32 extends from the forefoot region 18 of the sole structure 14 to the heel region 22 of the sole structure 14. The first plate 32 is a full-length plate extending the entire length of the sole structure 14. The first plate 32 is not planar in the outline view, but has an inflection 50 in the middle portion 32B of the first plate 32 located in the midfoot region 20, such that when the sole structure 14 is oriented such that the outsole 48 is placed on the ground and the upper 12 is above the sole structure 14, as when standing on... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As the user wears the shoe in the position of the sole structure 14, the heel area of ​​the first plate 32 is positioned higher in the sole structure 14 than the forefoot area 18 of the first plate 32. The forefoot portion 32A of the first plate 32 rises in the forward and proximal direction (e.g., when the first plate 32 is in the position of the heel area of ​​the first plate 32). Figures 1-3 (When in a position, it curves upwards). Similarly, in Figures 1-3 In the position, the rear portion 32C of the first plate 32 rises in the rearward and proximal direction and is higher than the front portion 32A. Figure 3The first plate 32 is also shown to include a ridge 32D at the rear portion 32C for supporting the peripheral heel clip 46, as discussed further herein. Furthermore, the front portion 32A is bifurcated and includes an inner protrusion 32E and an outer protrusion 32F separated from each other by a slot 60.

[0047] During dorsiflexion, as the heel area 22 lifts while the forefoot area 18 remains in contact with the ground, the first plate 32 bends approximately below the flexion axis of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) (approximately above the forefoot cushioning units 40, 42), and the proximal side 88 of the first plate 32 increases in concavity within the forefoot area 18. The flexion axis is approximately transverse to the sole structure 14 and can be angled according to the foot bones being slightly forward on the medial side 26 relative to the lateral side 24. Different foot MTP joints may have slightly different flexion axes, and the location of the flexion axis will vary depending on the specific foot. When the foot lifts the sole structure 14 off the ground, at the moment of toe-off, the compressive force above the neutral axis (i.e., the proximal side of the component facing the sole structure 14) and the tension below the neutral axis (i.e., the distal side of the component facing the sole structure 14) in the sole structure 14 are released, thereby causing the first plate 32 to return from the dorsiflexion state of increased forefoot concavity to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The stress-free state is shown in the diagram. When the internal compressive forces and tensions in the first plate 32 caused by the wearer bending the first plate 32 are released as the first plate 32 straightens, at least a portion of the wearer's own energy input can be returned, which can generate at least partially a net force in the forward direction. The slight spoon shape of the first plate 32, compared to a plate with a flat side profile, also helps to induce forward rolling of the foot with less effort during dorsiflexion.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the second plate 34 is not a full-length plate, but instead extends only in the midfoot region 20 and the heel region 22. More specifically, the second plate 34 has a front portion 34A that connects to the distal side 52 of the first plate 32 in the midfoot region 20. The second plate 34 has a rear portion 34C that connects to the distal side 52 of the first plate 32 at the rear of the heel region 22. The second plate 34 has a middle portion 34B between the front portion 34A and the rear portion 34C. The middle portion 34B separates from the first plate 32 between the front portion 34A and the rear portion 34C to define a first heel gap 54 in the heel region 22 between the distal side 52 of the first plate 32 and the proximal side 56 of the second plate 34. In other words, the middle portion 34B is spaced apart from the first plate 32 by the distance of the first heel gap 54.

[0049] Figure 4 A top view of the footwear article 10 is shown. The cushioning layer 44 is relatively wide, extending outwards from the upper 12 at the outer side 24 and inner side 26. At the rear extension of the footwear article 10, an upwardly curved stacked plate assembly 17 and a heel clip 46 are stacked, with the rear section 46A of the heel clip 46 stacked on the rear portion 32C of the first plate 32, and the rear portion 32C of the first plate 32 stacked on the rear portion 34C of the second plate 34. These stacked components together on the upwardly curved surface 62 (also... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the image, the upward-curving surface 62 is flush with the heel bump, where the wearer's other foot can act as a lever to help remove the shoe 10.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of footwear article 10. The outsole 48 is shown as a single, one-piece outsole with an integral tread element 51 configured with wavy ribs arranged in a pattern providing adhesive friction. In other embodiments, the outsole 48 may be a plurality of discrete components and / or different tread elements may be arranged with different patterns providing adhesive friction. The outsole 48 is depicted as at least partially transparent (e.g., transparent or translucent), allowing the forefoot cushioning units 40, 42 to be seen from the bottom through the outsole 48. The outsole 48 extends from the forefoot region 18 to the heel region 22 and is positioned in the heel region 22 at the distal side 63 of the second plate 34. The outsole 48 forks in the heel region 22, splitting into an outer portion 48A and an inner portion 48B. The distal side 63 of the second plate 34 is exposed between the side portions 48A, 48B. More specifically, the recess 34D in the distal side 63 is exposed, and the outer portion 48A and the inner portion 48B are aligned (lined) with the distal side 63 of the second plate 34 on either side of the recess 34D. The first heel through-hole 64 of the first plate 32 and the first heel through-hole 66 of the second plate 34 are exposed between and communicate with the side portions 48A, 48B (e.g., adequately aligned such that the through-holes 64, 66 at least partially overlap each other).

[0051] Figure 6 This is a rear view of footwear 10, with a partial view of the upper 12. It shows the rear portion 32C of the first plate 32 and the rear portion 34C of the second plate 34 rising together in the proximal direction at the rear of the heel area, thus forming the arcuate profile 35 of the sole structure 14 at the rear of the heel area 22. Figure 1 and Figure 2The midfoot area (which is more pronounced) helps to create a more gradual forward roll during heel contact compared to a flatter profile. Furthermore, the rounded profile 35 of the sole structure 14 at the rear of the heel area 22 allows the wearer to rest the sole structure 14 against the ground at the rounded profile 35, while the forefoot area 18 and midfoot area 20 are raised off the ground, such as when the wearer is seated.

[0052] The first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​is disposed in the first heel gap 54 and faces the distal side 52 of the first plate 32 and the proximal side 56 of the second plate 34. The second heel cushioning unit 38 is stacked opposite to the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​on the proximal side 88 of the first plate 32 in the heel region 22. Figure 6 Clearly, the second heel through-hole 66 communicates with the first heel through-hole 64 and the first heel gap 54. Therefore, the heel through-holes 64 and 66 allow observation of the heel cushioning units 36 and 38 from a favorable forward-looking position at the rear of the sole structure 14. The through-holes 64 and 66 provide relatively large openings, making it easier to clean dust or dirt from the heel cushioning units 36 and 38 compared to cleaning through narrower through-holes.

[0053] Figure 7 Is Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the footwear item 10 taken at line 7-7, with the upper 12 of the shoe being a partial view. Figure 7 The cross-section extends through a portion of the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42 and through the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​and the second heel cushioning unit 38. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, the first heel cushioning unit 36, and the second heel cushioning unit 38 is a fluid-filled bladder, sometimes referred to as a fluid-filled chamber, bladder element, or air bladder, and may be so referred to in the description for clarity. As used herein, the “fluid” filling the cavity 76 of each such fluid-filled bladder can be a gas, such as air, nitrogen, other gases, or combinations thereof. However, within the scope of this disclosure, any one or more of the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, the first heel cushioning unit 36, and the second heel cushioning unit 38 may be a foam structure or other resilient material, rather than a fluid-filled bladder. In the illustrated embodiment, the heel cushioning units 36 and 38 are the same size as each other (e.g., have the same sealed internal volume) and are larger than the forefoot cushioning units 40 and 42, which are the same size as each other.

[0054] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As best shown, each of the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, the first heel cushioning unit 36, and the second heel cushioning unit 38 includes a respective first polymer sheet 70 (also referred to as the upper polymer sheet 70) and a second polymer sheet 72 (also referred to as the lower polymer sheet 72), which are joined together at a peripheral flange 74 to form a sealed cavity 76 for retaining fluid (such as air). For each of the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, and the second heel cushioning unit 38, the peripheral flange 74 is offset toward the top of the unit, such that the lower polymer sheet 72 forms a sidewall of the cushioning unit. However, the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​has a peripheral flange 74 offset toward the bottom of the unit, such that the upper polymer sheet 70 forms a sidewall of the first heel cushioning unit 36. An inlet 77 is sealed and positioned on the heel cushioning units 36, 38 in a forward direction. In this way, the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​and the second heel cushioning unit 38 are not only stacked vertically, but also mirror images of each other when viewed with the first plate 32 as the reflective surface. Identical portions of each of the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​and the second heel cushioning unit 38 are in contact with the opposite side of the first plate 32. The second polymer sheet 72 of the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​and the first polymer sheet 70 of the second heel cushioning unit 38 are relatively flat compared to the corresponding first polymer sheet 70 of the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​and the second polymer sheet 72 of the second heel cushioning unit 38. Placing the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​and the second heel cushioning unit 38 with the relatively flat sheets away from the first plate 32 (e.g., closer to the outsole 48 and the cushioning layer 44, respectively) increases the stability of the sole structure compared to placing the flatter sheets against the first plate 32.

[0055] like Figure 8 As shown, if viewed with the longitudinal axis extending between the forefoot cushioning units 40 and 42 as the reflective surface, each of the forefoot cushioning units 40 and 42 is arranged as a mirror image of the other. The filling ports 77 of the forefoot cushioning units 40 and 42 are sealed and disposed inwardly between the cushioning units 40 and 42.

[0056] The proximal side of each of the lateral forefoot cushioning unit 40, the medial forefoot cushioning unit 42, and the second heel cushioning unit 38 is the upper surface of the upper polymer sheet 70 and is bonded to the distal side 79 of the cushioning layer 44. The proximal side of the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​is the upper surface of the upper polymer sheet 70 and is bonded to the distal side 52 of the first plate 32. The distal side of each of the lateral forefoot cushioning unit 40 and the medial forefoot cushioning unit 42 is the lower surface of the lower polymer sheet 72 and is bonded to the proximal side 45 of the outsole 48. The distal side of the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​is the lower surface of the lower polymer sheet 72 and is bonded to the proximal side 56 of the second plate 34. The distal side of the second heel cushioning unit 36 ​​is the lower polymer sheet 72 and is bonded to the proximal side of the first plate 32. The bonding of the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, the first heel cushioning unit 36, and the second heel cushioning unit 38 to their respective facing components (e.g., the outsole 48, the cushioning layer 44, the first plate 32, or the second plate 34) can be achieved by thermal bonding or adhesive bonding.

[0057] The upper polymer sheet 70 and the lower polymer sheet 72 can be a variety of polymeric materials capable of resiliently holding fluids such as nitrogen, air, or other gases. Examples of polymeric materials used for the upper polymer sheet 70 and the lower polymer sheet 72 include thermoplastic urethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. Furthermore, the upper polymer sheet 70 and the lower polymer sheet 72 can each be formed from layers of different materials comprising polymeric materials. In one embodiment, each of the upper polymer sheet 70 and the lower polymer sheet 72 is formed from a film having one or more thermoplastic polyurethane layers having one or more barrier layers to an ethylene and vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) impermeable to pressurized fluids contained therein, such as flexible microlayer membranes comprising alternating layers of gas barrier materials and elastomeric materials, as disclosed in U.S. Patents 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Alternatively, the layer may comprise an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a re-grinding material of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a thermoplastic polyurethane. Other suitable materials for the upper polymer sheet 70 and the lower polymer sheet 72 are disclosed in Rudy’s U.S. Patents 4,183,156 and 4,219,945, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Further suitable materials for the upper polymer sheet 70 and the lower polymer sheet 72 include thermoplastic films containing crystalline materials (as disclosed in Rudy’s U.S. Patents 4,936,029 and 5,042,176), and polyurethanes comprising polyester polyols (as disclosed in Bonk et al.'s U.S. Patents 6,013,340, 6,203,868, and 6,321,465, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. When selecting materials for the fluid-filled bladders in the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, the first heel cushioning unit 36, and the second heel cushioning unit 38, engineering properties such as tensile strength, tensile properties, fatigue characteristics, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent can be considered. For example, the thickness of the upper polymer sheet 70 and the lower polymer sheet 72 used to form the fluid-filled bladder can be selected to provide these properties.

[0058] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As best shown, each of the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, the first heel cushioning unit 36, and the second heel cushioning unit 38, configured as a fluid-filled bladder, includes a tensile component 78 disposed within an inner cavity 76. The tensile component 78 includes a first tensile layer 80, a second tensile layer 82, and a plurality of tethers 84 traversing the inner cavity 76 from the first tensile layer 80 to the second tensile layer 82. The tethers 84 connect the first tensile layer 80 to the second tensile layer 82. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this design, only some of the ties 84 are indicated by reference numerals. Ties 84 may also be referred to as fabric tensile members or threads, and may be in the form of drop threads connecting the first tensile layer 80 and the second tensile layer 82. The tensile member 78 may be formed as a one-piece textile element having a spaced knitted fabric as a whole (i.e., the tensile layers 80, 82 and the ties 84 are knitted as one piece). The first tensile layer 80 is bonded to the upper inner surface of the corresponding cushioning member at the upper polymer sheet 70, and the second tensile layer 82 is bonded to the lower inner surface of the corresponding cushioning member at the lower polymer sheet 72.

[0059] Under a given gas filling pressure in the cavity 76, the tether 84 constrains the spacing between the upper polymer sheet 70 and the lower polymer sheet 72. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The maximum spacing position is shown in the diagram. It is noteworthy that the inner cavity 76 of each of the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, the first heel cushioning unit 36, and the second heel cushioning unit 38 is isolated from the inner cavity of the other of the same unit, and therefore each can be inflated to a different pressure. The outward force of the pressurized gas in the inner cavity 76 keeps the lacing cord 84 under tension, and the lacing cord 84 prevents the tensile layers 80, 82 and the polymer sheets 70, 72 from... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The laces move further away from each other in the vertical direction. However, the laces 84 do not exhibit compressive resistance when under compressive load. When pressure is applied to any or all of the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, the first heel cushioning unit 36, or the second heel cushioning unit 38, such as due to dynamic impact forces during running or other movement of the wearer or during longitudinal flexion of the sole structure 14, the outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, and / or the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​and the second heel cushioning unit 38 are compressed, and the polymer sheets 70, 72 move closer to each other proportionally with the pressure applied to the upper polymer sheet 70 and the lower polymer sheet 72 by the laces 84 as the laces 84 collapse (i.e., loosen).

[0060] The portions of the first plate 32 and the second plate 34, or the cushioning layer 44, or the outsole 48 that are fixed to the corresponding outer forefoot cushioning unit 40, the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42, and / or the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​and the second heel cushioning unit 38 are generally flat. For example, when in... Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the stress-free state shown, the distal side 79 of the cushioning layer 44 to which the first forefoot cushioning unit 40 and the second forefoot cushioning unit 42 are fixed is spaced at a substantially uniform distance from the proximal side 45 of the outsole 48 to which the first forefoot cushioning unit 40 and the second forefoot cushioning unit 42 are fixed. Similarly, for example, when in a stress-free state... Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the stress-free state shown, the distal side 52 of the first plate 32 fixed to the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​is spaced approximately evenly from the proximal side 56 of the second plate 34 to which the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​is fixed, and the proximal side 88 of the first plate 32 fixed to the second heel cushioning unit 38 is spaced approximately evenly from the distal side 79 of the cushioning layer 44 to which the second heel cushioning unit 38 is fixed. Even localized impact forces can be dispersed by the plates 32 and 34 to act more evenly on the respective heel cushioning units 36 and 38. For example, localized forces on the proximal side of the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​are distributed downwards across the entire first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​by the plate 32, which compresses the first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​as a unit across its width, rather than compressing a localized portion of the first heel cushioning unit 36. This typically allows all tethers 84 to become slack and uniformly return to their tension, rather than causing one or more local tether groups to become slack and tensioned differently from the surrounding tethers, as can happen when the fluid-filled bladder is compressed by foot loading without plates above and below it.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7The cushioning layer 44 is a one-piece component extending from the forefoot region 18 to the heel region 22, and faces the proximal side 88 of the first plate 32 at the front of the first plate 32 in the forefoot region 18 and at the midfoot region 20. The portion of the cushioning layer 44 facing the first plate 32 at the front of the forefoot cushioning units 40, 42 can be referred to as the forefoot post 44E. The portion of the cushioning layer 44 facing the first plate 32 between the forefoot cushioning units 40, 42 and the heel cushioning units 36, 38 can be referred to as the midfoot post 44F. The stacked components result in a relatively high height for the sole structure 14, and the forefoot post 44E and midfoot post 44F provide stability to the sole structure 14 by providing a direct path for transferring loads through the cushioning layer to the first plate 32 and minimizing lateral displacement or twisting of the cushioning layer 44 relative to the outsole when the outsole 48 is planted on the ground. A cushioning layer 44 defines a forefoot gap 90 at its distal side 79 between the forefoot portion 32A of the first plate 32 in the forefoot region 18 and the midfoot region 20 (e.g., between the forefoot post 44E and the midfoot post 44F). The cushioning layer 44 also defines a second heel gap 92 at its distal side 79 behind the midfoot region 20 (e.g., behind the midfoot post 44F). The first heel gap 54, the second heel gap 92, and the forefoot gap 90 all extend completely through the footwear article 10 from the outer side 24 to the inner side 26. Forefoot cushioning units 40 and 42 are disposed in the forefoot gap 90. A first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​is disposed in the first heel gap 54, and a second heel cushioning unit 38 is disposed in the second heel gap 92. Figure 7 As best shown, the cushioning layer 44 is thickest at the forefoot post 44E and the midfoot post 44F. The portion of the cushioning layer 44 covering the two forefoot cushioning units 40 and 42 is thicker than the portion of the cushioning layer 44 covering the second heel cushioning unit 38. Therefore, the cushioning effect of the cushioning layer 44 in the forefoot region 18 is greater than that in the heel region 22.

[0062] Figure 7 The rear section 46A of the peripheral heel clip 46 is shown, facing the rear wall 44C of the cushioning layer 44 and supported on the ridge 32D of the rear portion 32C of the first plate 32. As shown, the rear section 46A cups the cushioning layer 44 by partially wrapping around the underside of the cushioning layer 44 from the rear wall 46D of the rear section 46A and extending forward above the first heel through-hole 64 and the second heel through-hole 66. The heel clip 46 covers a portion of the outsole 48, protecting it from dust and dirt. The relatively stiffer heel clip 46 can have a smoother outer surface that is easier to clean than the outsole 48.

[0063] Figure 8The outer forefoot cushioning unit 40 and the inner forefoot cushioning unit 42 are shown side by side in the forefoot gap 90. Figure 9 The inner segment 46C and outer segment 46B of the outer heel clip 46 are shown to be spaced apart from the first plate 32 (e.g., not in contact with the first plate 32). Figure 9 It is also shown that the shoe mid-section post 44F of the cushioning layer 44 has a width W1 that is smaller than the width W2 of the first plate 32 at the position where it supports the first plate 32.

[0064] Figure 10 A first heel cushioning unit 36 ​​and a second heel cushioning unit 38 are shown stacked and aligned with each other, and the outer segment 46B and inner segment 46C of the outer peripheral heel clip 46 are spaced apart from the first plate 32 (e.g., do not contact the first plate 32). Figure 10 Most notably, both the outer segment 46B and the inner segment 46C are bow-shaped (e.g., slightly concave at their outer side surfaces and slightly convex at their inner side surfaces). This bow-shaped shape helps limit the outward bending of the cushioning layer 44 under compression during dynamic loading, and alternatively directs more of the dynamic load energy downward to the stacked heel cushioning units 36, 38.

[0065] Figure 11 The relative positions of the first plate 32, the second plate 34, the outer heel clip 46, the outsole 48, and the cushioning units 36, 38, 40, and 42 are shown, wherein the cushioning layer 44 and the upper 12 are not shown for clarity. (As shown in...) Figure 10 In the middle, the outer segment 46B and the inner segment 46C of the outer peripheral heel clip 46 extend forward from the rear segment 46A and are spaced apart from the first plate 32 (e.g., do not contact the first plate 32).

[0066] Figure 11The first plate 32 is shown to have an inner notch 94 in the inner edge 96 of the first plate in the forefoot region 18 and an outer notch 98 in the outer edge 100 of the first plate 32 in the forefoot region 18. The notches 94 and 98 reduce the width of the first plate 32 at the notches. During dorsiflexion, the narrower portion of the first plate 32 at the notches 94 and 98 reduces the flexural stiffness of the first plate at the notches 94 and 98. Since the notches 94 and 98 can be approximately aligned with the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joints, this reduces the overall flexural stiffness of the sole structure during dorsiflexion compared to a similar sole structure 14 without the notches 94 and 98 (e.g., a first plate with full width at the metatarsophalangeal joints). The notches 94 and 98 also increase medial-lateral flexibility in the forefoot region 18. The bifurcation of the first plate 32 in front of the medial notch 94 and the lateral notch 98 is shown, with the medial protrusion 32E and the lateral protrusion 32F separated by the slot 60, further increasing the flexibility of the forefoot, such as by increasing the wearer's ability to make sharp turns in the medial-lateral direction (e.g., lateral). The outsole 48 extends below and within the medial notch 94, the lateral notch 98, and the slot 60. Figure 7 and Figure 11 As shown, the outsole 48 is filled with recesses 94 and 98 such that the proximal side 45 of the outsole 48 in the recesses 94 and 98 is flush with the proximal side 88 of the first plate 32.

[0067] The medial forefoot cushioning unit 42 is disposed on the outsole 48 at the medial notch 94 (e.g., the distal side of the medial forefoot cushioning unit 42 faces the proximal side 45 of the outsole 48). The lateral forefoot cushioning unit 40 is disposed side-by-side with the medial forefoot cushioning unit 42 at the lateral notch 98 (e.g., the distal side of the lateral forefoot cushioning unit 40 faces the proximal side 45 of the outsole 48). The outsole 48 may be less stiff and less rigid than the first plate 32. By disposing the forefoot cushioning units at the notches 94, 98 such that they rest on and face the outsole 48 instead of the first plate 32, the leveling and force-dispersing (e.g., scattering) effects of the relatively stiff first plate 32 do not affect the forefoot cushioning units 40, 42 as much as they affect the heel cushioning units 36, 38. Instead, a less stiff and more compressible cushioning layer 44 covers and faces the cushioning units 40, 42. Therefore, the forefoot cushioning units 40, 42 are typically capable of responding individually to localized dynamic compression based on their respective specialized cushioning responses (e.g., the medial forefoot cushioning unit 42 responds to dynamic compression forces inside the longitudinal midline, and the lateral forefoot cushioning unit 40 responds to dynamic compression forces outside the longitudinal midline LM). The outsole 48 is shown extending from the forefoot region 18 to the heel region 22, and is positioned in the heel region 22 at and facing the distal side 89 of the second plate 34.

[0068] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The proximal (top) side 88 and distal (bottom) side 52 of the first plate 32 are shown respectively. A ridge 32D for the heel clip 46 is shown surrounding the first heel through-hole 64. A slight indentation 102 in the proximal side 88 of the first plate 32 can be used as a positioning marker (e.g., a positioning feature) for the second heel cushioning unit 38 to facilitate a simple and accurate assembly process. Similarly, another slight indentation 104 can be used as a positioning marker for the midfoot post 44F of the cushioning layer 44. Figure 12 A slight indentation 106 in the distal side 52 of the first plate 32 is shown, which can be used as a positioning mark for the first heel cushioning unit 36. The distal side 52 has an edge 108 at which the first plate has a change in slope (e.g., rising behind the edge 108). Edge 108 serves as a mark for the front edge 110 of the second plate 34 (see...). Figure 14 The mark can be abutted against during manufacturing to precisely position the second plate 34 relative to the first plate 32. The distal side 52 of the first plate 32 has protrusions 112 on both sides of the first heel through-hole 64.

[0069] like Figure 14As shown, the proximal side 56 of the second plate 34 has slight recesses 114 shaped similarly to protrusions 112 and spaced apart from each other by the same distance as the protrusions 112. The protrusions 112 and recesses 114 serve as positioning marks to properly position the rear portion 32C of the first plate 32 relative to the rear portion 34C of the second plate 34 during the manufacture of the laminate assembly 17.

[0070] Figure 14 It is also shown that the proximal side 56 of the second plate 34 at the front portion 34A has a relatively flat engagement region 116 extending rearward from the front edge 110. The engagement region 116 slopes slightly upward (while remaining flat, e.g., at a constant slope) towards the rear of the central post 118. The engagement region 116 and the central post 118 abut and engage with the distal side 52 of the first plate 32. The central post 118 is also... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The instructions are in accordance with the central government.

[0071] The proximal side 56 of the second plate 34 also has a slight indentation 120, which can be used as a positioning mark for the first heel cushioning unit 36. The recess 34D in the distal side 63 of the second plate 34 also... Figure 15 As shown in the diagram. The distal side 63 has an outer portion 63A at the outer side of the recess 34D, and the outer portion 48A of the outsole 48 is joined at the outer portion 63A (in). Figure 5 (in the middle), and the distal side 63 has an inner portion 63B inside the recess 34D, the inner portion 48B being joined at the inner portion 63B (in Figure 5 middle).

[0072] Figure 16 The peripheral heel clip 46 is shown, which includes a rear wall 46D and a rear section 46A extending forward from the rear wall 46D to support and encircle the cushioning layer 44, as shown. Figure 7 As shown in the diagram. In fact, the peripheral heel clip 46 has a proximal side 122 extending in each of the rear section 46A, the outer section 46B, and the inner section 46C to support the distal side 79 of the cushioning layer 44 in contact with the heel clip 46. As... Figure 17 As shown, the distal side 124 of the outer heel clip 46 has slight protrusions 126, which are spaced apart from each other by the same distance as the slight recesses 128 in the proximal side 88 of the first plate 32 (see Figure 126). Figure 12 The protrusion 126 and the recess 128 are of the same shape and are fitted into the recess 128 during assembly. The protrusion 126 and the recess 128 serve as positioning marks to quickly and accurately position the peripheral heel clip 46 relative to the first plate 32 during the manufacture of the sole structure 14.

[0073] The following terms provide example constructions of sole structures and footwear items disclosed herein.

[0074] Clause 1. A sole structure comprising: a laminated plate assembly including a first plate and a second plate; the first plate extending from a forefoot region of the sole structure to a heel region of the sole structure; the second plate being connected to the first plate at a rear portion of a midfoot region of the sole structure and a heel region of the sole structure, and being separated from the first plate between the midfoot region and the rear portion of the heel region to define a first heel gap between the first plate and the second plate in the heel region.

[0075] Clause 2. The sole structure as described in Clause 1 further includes: a first heel cushioning unit disposed in the first heel gap and facing the distal side of the first plate and the proximal side of the second plate; and a second heel cushioning unit stacked on the proximal side of the first plate in the heel region and opposite to the first heel cushioning unit.

[0076] Clause 3. The sole structure as described in Clause 2, wherein the first heel cushioning unit and the second heel cushioning unit are fluid-filled bladders.

[0077] Clause 4. The sole structure as described in Clause 1, wherein the rear portion of the first plate and the rear portion of the second plate rise together in the proximal direction at the rear portion of the heel region.

[0078] Clause 5. The sole structure as described in Clause 4, wherein the rear portion of the first plate has a ridge; and the sole structure further includes: a peripheral heel clip having a rear section, an inner section, and an outer section, wherein the rear section is supported on the ridge, the inner section extends forward from the rear section along the inner side of the sole structure, and the outer section extends forward from the rear section along the outer side of the sole structure.

[0079] Clause 6. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein the rear portion of the first plate defines a first heel through-hole, and the rear portion of the second plate defines a second heel through-hole communicating with the first heel through-hole.

[0080] Clause 7. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the first plate has an inner notch in the inner edge of the first plate in the forefoot region and an outer notch in the outer edge of the first plate in the forefoot region.

[0081] Clause 8. The sole structure as described in Clause 7, wherein the first plate bifurcates in front of the inner recess and the outer recess.

[0082] Clause 9. The sole structure as described in Clause 7 further includes: an inner forefoot cushioning unit disposed at the inner recess; and an outer forefoot cushioning unit disposed side-by-side with the inner forefoot cushioning unit at the outer recess.

[0083] Clause 10. The sole structure as described in Clause 9, wherein the medial forefoot cushioning unit and the lateral forefoot cushioning unit are fluid-filled bladders.

[0084] Clause 11. The sole structure as described in Clause 9 further includes: an outsole disposed on the distal side of the first plate in the forefoot region; and wherein the distal side of the medial forefoot cushioning unit and the distal side of the lateral forefoot cushioning unit face the outsole.

[0085] Clause 12. The sole construction as described in Clause 11, wherein the outsole extends from the forefoot region to the heel region and is disposed on the distal side of the second plate in the heel region.

[0086] Clause 13. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-12 further comprises: a cushioning layer extending from the forefoot region to the heel region and facing the proximal side of the first plate at the front of the first plate in the forefoot region and at the midfoot region, the cushioning layer defining a forefoot gap at the distal side of the cushioning layer between the front of the forefoot region and the midfoot region, and defining a second heel gap at the distal side of the cushioning layer behind the midfoot region.

[0087] Clause 14. The sole structure of claim 13 further comprises: at least one forefoot cushioning unit disposed in the forefoot gap; and a heel cushioning unit disposed in the second heel gap.

[0088] Clause 15. The sole structure of claim 13 further comprises: a peripheral heel clip having: a rear section facing the rear wall of the cushioning layer and supported on a rear portion of the first plate; an inner section extending forward from the rear section along the inner wall of the cushioning layer; and an outer section extending forward from the rear section along the outer wall of the cushioning layer.

[0089] Clause 16. A footwear article comprising: an upper; and a sole structure coupled to the upper, the sole structure comprising: a laminate assembly including a first plate and a second plate; the first plate extending from a forefoot region of the sole structure to a heel region of the sole structure; the second plate having a front portion connected to the first plate in a midfoot region of the sole structure; a rear portion connected to the first plate at a rear portion of the heel region of the sole structure; and a middle portion separated from the first plate between the front portion and the rear portion to define a first heel gap in the heel region between a distal side of the first plate and a proximal side of the second plate.

[0090] Clause 17. The footwear article as described in Clause 16, wherein the sole structure further comprises: a cushioning layer extending from the forefoot region and facing the proximal side of the first plate at the front of the first plate in the forefoot region and at the midfoot region, the cushioning layer defining a forefoot gap at the distal side of the cushioning layer between the front of the forefoot region and the midfoot region, and defining a second heel gap at the distal side of the cushioning layer behind the midfoot region.

[0091] Clause 18. The footwear article as described in Clause 17 further comprises: at least one forefoot cushioning unit disposed in the forefoot gap; a first heel cushioning unit disposed on the proximal side of the second plate in the first heel gap and facing the distal side of the first plate; and a second heel cushioning unit disposed on the proximal side of the second plate in the second heel gap, opposite to the first heel cushioning unit, and facing the distal side of the cushioning layer.

[0092] Clause 19. The footwear article as described in Clause 17, wherein the rear portion of the first plate defines a first heel through-hole, and the rear portion of the second plate defines a second heel through-hole; and wherein the rear portions of the first plate and the rear portions of the second plate rise together in a proximal direction at the rear of the heel region, such that the first heel through-hole and the second heel through-hole are exposed from the rear of the heel region.

[0093] Clause 20. The footwear article of any one of Clauses 17-19 further comprises: a peripheral heel clip having a rear section, an inner section and an outer section, the rear section facing the rear wall of the cushioning layer and supported on the rear portion of the first plate, the inner section extending forward along the inner wall of the cushioning layer from the rear section, and the outer section extending forward along the outer wall of the cushioning layer from the rear section.

[0094] To aid in and clarify the description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). Furthermore, all references cited are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0095] "Footwear articles," "footwear products," and "footwear" can be considered as both machines and manufactured goods. Assembled, wearable footwear articles (such as shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), as well as separate components of footwear articles (such as insoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) before being finally assembled into wearable footwear articles, are considered and may be referred to herein, either in the singular or plural, as "footwear articles."

[0096] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate at least one of the items present. Multiple such items may exist unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless the context explicitly or clearly indicates otherwise, all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification (including the appended claims) should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually precedes the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (somewhat close to the accuracy of the value; approximately or moderately close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in this ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein at least indicates variations that may arise from common methods of measuring and using these parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a range should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that range and further subdivisions of the range.

[0097] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed where possible, and alternative or optional steps may be used. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any” is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including “any one” of the referenced items. The term “any” is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any one” of the referenced claims.

[0098] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0099] The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction extending along the length of a component. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot and heel areas. The terms "forward" or "anterior" are used to refer to the general direction from the heel area toward the forefoot area, and the terms "rearward" or "posterior" are used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot area toward the heel area. In some cases, a component can be identified by a longitudinal axis and the forward and rearward longitudinal directions along that axis. The longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis can also be referred to as the front-rear direction or front-rear axis.

[0100] The term "lateral" refers to the direction that extends along the width of a component. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the outer and inner sides of the shoe. The lateral direction or lateral axis can also be referred to as the side direction or side axis, or the mid-lateral direction or mid-lateral axis.

[0101] The term "vertical" refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, when a shoe sole is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to various components of the sole. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a component, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to a vertical direction opposite to the upward direction, pointing towards the bottom of the component, and may generally point towards the bottom of the sole structure of footwear articles.

[0102] The “interior” of footwear (such as a shoe) refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer’s foot when the shoe is worn. The “inner side” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component in an assembled footwear article that is oriented toward (or will be oriented toward) the interior of the component or footwear article. The “outer side” or “exterior” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component in an assembled shoe that is oriented away from (or will be away from) the interior of the shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the inner side of a component and the interior of the assembled footwear article. Similarly, other components may be located between the outer side of a component and the exterior of the assembled footwear article. Furthermore, the terms “inward” and “inner” refer to a direction toward the interior of a component or footwear article (e.g., a shoe), while the terms “outward” and “outer” refer to a direction toward the exterior of a component or footwear article (e.g., a shoe). Furthermore, the term "proximal" refers to the direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the footwear. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to the relative position further away from the center of the footwear component or further away from the foot when the foot is inserted into the footwear. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing generally opposite terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0103] While various embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of these embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in lieu of any other feature or element in any other embodiment, unless specifically limited thereto. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0104] While several modes of carrying out many aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this teaching pertains will recognize a variety of alternative aspects of implementing this teaching within the scope of the appended claims. All that is intended to be included in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as an illustration and example of the overall scope of alternative embodiments that will be recognized by a person of ordinary skill, such alternative embodiments as implied by the included content, structurally and / or functionally equivalent to the included content, or otherwise apparent based on the included content, and are not limited to those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure comprising: a cushioning layer; a peripheral heel clip having a rear section contacting a rear wall of the cushioning layer, a medial section extending forward from the rear section along a medial sidewall of the cushioning layer, and a lateral section extending forward from the rear section along a lateral sidewall of the cushioning layer, the rear section of the peripheral heel clip having an upwardly-canted outer surface; a first plate underlying the peripheral heel clip; and a second plate underlying the first plate; wherein the peripheral heel clip overlies a rear portion of the first plate, the rear portion of the first plate overlies a rear portion of the second plate; wherein the rear portion of the first plate has an upwardly-canted outer surface, the rear portion of the second plate has an upwardly-canted outer surface, and the upwardly-canted outer surface of the rear portion of the first plate, the upwardly-canted outer surface of the second plate, and the upwardly-canted outer surface of the rear section of the peripheral heel clip are flush.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the medial section has a concave lateral surface, and the lateral section has a concave lateral surface.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the medial section has a convex medial surface; and wherein the lateral section has a convex medial surface.

4. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, wherein: the cushioning layer extends from a forefoot region of the article of footwear to a heel region of the article of footwear; and the lateral section extends forward from the rear section along the lateral sidewall of the cushioning layer and terminates in a midfoot region of the sole structure.

5. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, wherein: the cushioning layer extends from a forefoot region of the article of footwear to a heel region of the article of footwear; and the medial section extends forward from the rear section along the medial sidewall of the cushioning layer and terminates in a midfoot region of the sole structure.

6. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, wherein the medial section and the lateral section of the peripheral heel clip are spaced apart from and do not contact the plates.

7. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, wherein the rear section of the peripheral heel clip extends further rearward than a rearward-most portion of the upper.

8. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, further comprising: a plate underlying the peripheral heel clip; wherein a rear portion of the plate has a ridge; and wherein the peripheral heel clip is supported on the ridge.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the medial section and the lateral section of the peripheral heel clip are spaced apart from and do not contact the plate.

10. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, wherein the rear section of the peripheral heel clip wraps under the cushioning layer from a rear wall of the rear section.

11. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, further comprising: a first plate underlying the peripheral heel clip; wherein a proximal side of the first plate has a recess; wherein a distal side of the peripheral heel clip has protrusions spaced apart from each other by the same distance as the recess; and wherein the protrusions fit into the recess. ​ 12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the protrusions and indentations are the same shape.

13. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, wherein the peripheral heel clip is stiffer than the cushioning layer.

14. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, wherein the peripheral heel clip has an uppermost edge and a lowermost edge extending along a rear section, a medial section, and a lateral section, a concave lateral surface of the medial section and a concave lateral surface of the lateral section being between the uppermost edge and the lowermost edge; and wherein the uppermost edge and the lowermost edge both extend along an outer surface of the cushioning layer at the medial section and the lateral section.

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