Bladder for article of footwear

Abstract

A bladder includes: a first barrier member having a first surface formed on a first side of the first barrier member and a second surface formed on a side of the first barrier member opposite the first surface; a second barrier element having a third surface formed on a first side of the second barrier element and a fourth surface formed on a side of the second barrier element opposite to the third surface; and a peripheral seam joining the first and second barrier elements to define an interior cavity between the first and third surfaces, the peripheral seam including a first segment extending along the bladder proximate the second surface, a second segment extending along the bladder proximate the fourth surface, and a third segment extending between the first segment and the second segment and connecting the first segment and the second segment.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. application serial number 18 / 335,699 filed on June 15, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application serial number 63 / 352,732 filed on June 16, 2022, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a fluid-filled chamber and, more particularly, to a fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear. Background Art

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

[0005] Fluid-filled chambers or bladders are used in footwear articles to provide cushioning and other performance properties during use. Such bladders typically include one or more polymer films that form the outer layer of the bladder and define an interior chamber containing a compressible material such as a fluid, an elastomeric material, and / or a tensile structure. The fluid and / or elastomeric material provide the bladder with the ability to absorb and cushion forces applied thereto, while the tensile member helps maintain the desired shape of the bladder in a relaxed state.

[0006] In footwear, bladders are traditionally hidden within the sole structure of the footwear to provide cushioning and responsiveness to the wearer during use. Such bladders may be contained within the midsole of the footwear and thus hidden from view. Alternatively, the midsole may include an opening in which the bladder is visible at the sidewall of the sole structure. In fact, such openings may be very large so that the bladder forms a majority of the thickness of the sole structure. In such configurations, the sidewalls of the bladder may extend between and connect the upper of the footwear and the ground engaging surface of the footwear.

[0007] Regardless of the specific structure of the bladder and its relationship to the other components of the sole structure, the bladder is generally positioned at a specific location within the sole structure to provide cushioning support to the wearer during use. For example, the bladder may be positioned in the heel area of ​​the sole structure to cushion the initial impact of the wearer's foot during walking or running movements. Alternatively, the bladder may extend from the heel area of ​​the sole structure to the forefoot area of ​​the sole structure to effectively cushion the wearer's foot throughout the gait cycle. Such bladders effectively and efficiently absorb the forces associated with the wearer's foot striking the ground, and thereby provide a degree of comfort and support to the wearer.

[0008] While conventional bladders provide a certain level of comfort and support to the wearer during use, there remains a need to develop bladders that provide targeted support and response for specific movements and activities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear including a bladder according to an example;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a lateral view of the article of footwear;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a medial side view of an article of footwear;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the sole structure of the footwear article;

[0014] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 The line 5-5 is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article;

[0015] Figure 6 is along Figure 4 The line 6-6 is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a footwear article;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a bladder of an article of footwear;

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Superolateral view of the sac;

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 Inferior view of the sac;

[0019] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 Lateral view of the bursa;

[0020] Fig.11 yes Figure 7 Medial view of the sac;

[0021] Fig.12 yes Figure 7 Anterior view of the sac;

[0022] Fig.13 yes Figure 7Posterior view of the sac;

[0023] Fig.14 yes Figure 7 Lateral views of alternative configurations of the capsule;

[0024] Fig.15 is along Fig. 9 The line 15-15 is intercepted Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the sac;

[0025] Fig.16 is a top view of a bladder according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig.17 is along Fig.16 The line 17-17 is intercepted Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the sac;

[0027] Fig.18 is a bottom view of a first sole structure for a left foot in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and a bottom view of a second sole structure for a right foot in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 The first bladder of the first sole structure and Fig.18 a side-by-side view of a second bladder of a second sole structure;

[0029] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 The first sole structure replaces the first bladder and Fig.18 a side-by-side view of an alternative second bladder of a second sole structure;

[0030] Fig.21 is used for Figure 1 a bottom view of a bladder of an article of footwear;

[0031] Fig. 22 is along Fig.21 The line 22-22 is intercepted Fig.21 A cross-sectional view of the sac;

[0032] Fig.23 is used for Figure 1 a bottom view of a bladder of an article of footwear;

[0033] Fig.24 is along Fig.23 The line 24-24 is intercepted Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of the sac;

[0034] Fig.25 is used for Figure 1 a top view of a bladder of an article of footwear;

[0035] Fig.26 yes Fig.25 Side view of the sac;

[0036] Fig. 27 is used for Figure 1 a top view of a bladder of the article of footwear; and

[0037] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 Side view of the sac.

[0038] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and the scope of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that specific details and example configurations should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] The terms used herein are only for describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an", and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including", and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless they are specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0041] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner ("between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this article 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 may only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0043] In one configuration, the bladder includes: a first barrier element having a first surface formed on a first side of the first barrier element and a second surface formed on a side of the first barrier element opposite to the first surface; a second barrier element having a third surface formed on the first side of the second barrier element and a fourth surface formed on a side of the second barrier element opposite to the third surface; and a peripheral seam that connects the first barrier element and the second barrier element to define an internal cavity between the first surface and the third surface, the peripheral seam including a first segment extending along the bladder near the second surface, a second segment extending along the bladder near the fourth surface, and a third segment extending between the first segment and the second segment and connecting the first segment and the second segment.

[0044] The bladder may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the third segment may extend from the first segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the second segment. In addition, the third segment may include a substantially constant slope between the first segment and the second segment.

[0045] In one configuration, the notch may extend from the peripheral edge of the bladder into the bladder to define a groove. In this configuration, the peripheral seam may include a fourth segment extending along a first edge of the notch, a fifth segment extending along a second edge of the notch, and a sixth segment extending along a distal end of the notch and connecting the fourth segment and the fifth segment. The fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment may extend along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface. Alternatively, the fourth segment may extend along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface, and the fifth segment may extend along the bladder proximate the other of the second surface and the fourth surface. In this alternative configuration, the sixth segment may extend from the fourth segment through most of the thickness of the bladder to the fifth segment.

[0046] The bladder may be pressurized and / or may be incorporated into the article of footwear.

[0047] In another configuration, the bladder includes: a first barrier element having a first surface formed on a first side of the first barrier element and a second surface formed on a side of the first barrier element opposite to the first surface; a second barrier element having a third surface formed on the first side of the second barrier element and a fourth surface formed on a side of the second barrier element opposite to the third surface; and a peripheral seam connecting the first barrier element and the second barrier element to define an internal cavity between the first surface and the third surface, the peripheral seam including a first segment extending along the bladder near the second surface at the first side of the bladder and a second segment extending along the bladder near the fourth surface on the opposite second side of the bladder.

[0048] The bladder may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the third segment may extend from the first segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the second segment. The third segment may include a substantially constant slope between the first segment and the second segment.

[0049] In one configuration, the notch may extend from the peripheral edge of the bladder into the bladder to define a groove. In this configuration, the peripheral seam may include a fourth segment extending along a first edge of the notch, a fifth segment extending along a second edge of the notch, and a sixth segment extending along a distal end of the notch and connecting the fourth segment and the fifth segment. The fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment may extend along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface. Alternatively, the fourth segment may extend along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface, and the fifth segment may extend along the bladder proximate the other of the second surface and the fourth surface. In this alternative configuration, the sixth segment may extend from the fourth segment through most of the thickness of the bladder to the fifth segment.

[0050] The bladder may be pressurized and / or may be incorporated into the article of footwear.

[0051] The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

[0052] Figures 1 to 6 An article of footwear 100 is depicted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Article of footwear 100 includes an upper 102 and a sole structure 104, and may be divided into one or more regions. Figure 3, these zones may include a forefoot zone 106, a midfoot zone 108, and a heel zone 110. The forefoot zone 106 may be subdivided into a toe portion 106a corresponding to the phalanges and a ball portion 106b associated with the metatarsal bones of the foot. The midfoot zone 108 may correspond to the arch region of the foot, while the heel zone 110 may correspond to the rear portion of the foot, including the calcaneus. The footwear 100 may also include a front end 112 associated with the frontmost point of the forefoot zone 106 and a rear end 114 associated with the rearmost point of the heel zone 110. The longitudinal axis AF of the footwear 100 extends from the front end 112 to the rear end 114 along the length of the footwear 100 and generally divides the footwear 100 at its widest location into a lateral side 116 and a medial side 118. Thus, the lateral side 116 and the medial side 118 correspond to opposite sides of the footwear 100 and extend through the zones 106, 108, 110, respectively.

[0053] The upper 102 of the footwear 100 includes an interior surface defining an interior cavity 120, which is configured to accommodate and secure a foot to support on the sole structure 104. The upper 102 may be formed of one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior cavity 120. Suitable materials for the upper may include, but are not limited to, mesh, fabric, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and positioned to impart properties of durability, breathability, wear resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

[0054] In some examples, the upper 102 includes a midsole fabric 103 ( Figure 5 ), the midsole fabric 103 has a bottom surface opposite the sole structure 104 and an opposite top surface of the footbed defining the interior cavity 120. Stitching and / or adhesive can secure the midsole fabric 103 to the upper 102 around the bottom perimeter edge of the upper 102. In one configuration, the contour of the footbed can conform to the contour of the bottom surface of the foot (e.g., the sole).

[0055] Optionally, the upper 102 may also incorporate additional layers, such as an insole or sockliner 105 ( Figure 5 ), which can be received within the interior cavity 120 and located on the midsole fabric 103. The insole 105 can be formed of a flexible material such as foam, and can accommodate the plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the footwear article 100 during wear. An ankle opening 122 in the heel area 110 of the upper 102 can provide access to the interior cavity 120. For example, the ankle opening 122 can accommodate the foot to secure the foot within the interior cavity 120 and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the interior cavity 120.

[0056] In some examples, one or more fasteners 124 are adjustably coupled to upper 102. Fasteners 124 can be used to adjust the fit of interior cavity 120 around the foot and accommodate entry and exit of the foot. Fasteners 124 can include laces, straps, cords, hooks and loops, and / or any other suitable type of fasteners. In some cases, upper 102 can include a tongue portion (not shown) extending between interior cavity 120 and fasteners 124.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 , sole structure 104 of article of footwear 100 includes midsole 126 and outsole 128. Midsole 126 provides cushioning properties to sole structure 104, while outsole 128 provides the primary ground engaging surface of article of footwear 100. In some examples, midsole 126 and / or outsole 128 may each include multiple subcomponents. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the midsole 126 includes a bladder 200 and a cushioning member 130 that accommodates the bladder 200. Figure 6 , the outsole 128 may include one or more segments (e.g., a forefoot segment 128a, a midfoot segment 128b, and / or a heel segment 128c). The subcomponents of the outsole 128 may be fixed to each other or may be individually attached to the midsole 126, such that each segment 128a, 128b, 128c of the outsole 128 is individually attached to the midsole 126 and is independent of at least one of the other segments 128a, 128b, 128c of the outsole 128.

[0058] Figures 7 to 15 The bladder 200 of the midsole 126 is depicted. Fig.15 , the bladder 200 includes an opposing pair of barrier elements 202, 204 that can be joined to one another at discrete locations to define a chamber 206 and a perimeter seam 208. In the illustrated configuration, the barrier elements 202, 204 include a first upper barrier element 202 (e.g., an "upper barrier element 202" when disposed within the midsole 126) and a second lower barrier element 204 (e.g., a "lower barrier element 204" when disposed within the midsole 126). Although the chamber 206 is described as being formed by two barrier elements 202, 204, the chamber 206 can be formed by any suitable combination of one or more barrier layers. For example, the chamber 206 can be formed by folding a single sheet upon itself and by folding opposing portions of the sheet at the perimeter seam 208 in a manner such as to define a chamber 206 and a perimeter seam 208. Figure 8 The shapes shown are welded or otherwise attached to each other to join the folded sheets into a Figure 8As shown, the chamber 206 is generally defined as the space between the barrier elements 202, 204, while the peripheral seam 208 defines the outer perimeter of the bladder 200. The peripheral seam 208 is formed by attaching the opposing portions of the barrier elements 202, 204 together by welding or adhesive bonding the elements 202, 204 at the location of the peripheral seam 208. If the elements 202, 204 are welded together, heat and / or pressure may be applied to the elements 202, 204 by a suitable process such as radio frequency (RF) welding to cause the materials of the elements 202, 204 to flow and merge together.

[0059] As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier elements 202, 204) encompasses both monolayer films and multilayer films. In some configurations, one or both of the barrier elements 202, 204 are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (monolayer). In other configurations, one or both of the barrier elements 202, 204 are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either case, each layer or sublayer may have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 microns to about 1 millimeter. In another configuration, the film thickness of each layer or sublayer may be in the range of from about 0.5 microns to about 500 microns. In yet another configuration, the film thickness of each layer or sublayer may be in the range of from about 1 micron to about 100 microns.

[0060] In some examples, lower barrier element 204 can have a greater thickness than upper barrier element 202, whereby lower barrier element 204 is configured to provide a portion of a ground-contacting surface of article of footwear 100. In some cases, one or more segments 128a, 128b, 128c of outsole 128 can be integrally formed as a portion of lower barrier element 204.

[0061] One or both of the barrier elements 202, 204 can be transparent, translucent and / or opaque independently. For example, the upper barrier element 202 can be transparent, while the lower barrier element 204 is opaque. As used herein, the term "transparent" for barrier layers and / or fluid-filled chambers means that light passes through the barrier layer in a substantially straight line, and an observer can see through the barrier layer. In contrast, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer, and people cannot clearly see through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer. Light passes through a translucent layer, but some of the light is scattered so that an observer cannot clearly see through the layer.

[0062] The barrier elements 202, 204 can each be produced from an elastomeric material including one or more thermoplastic polymers and / or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In some cases, 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.

[0063] As used herein, the term "polyurethane" refers to copolymers (including oligomers) containing urethane groups (-N(C═O)O-). In addition to urethane groups, these polyurethanes may also contain additional groups such as esters, ethers, ureas, allophanates, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocyanurate, uretdione, carbonate, etc. In some cases, one or more of the polyurethanes may be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (-N(C═O)O-) bonds.

[0064] 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), adducts of TDI and trimethylolpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethyl xylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3'-dimethyldiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4'-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some configurations, the copolymer chain is substantially free of aromatic groups.

[0065] In certain cases, the polyurethane polymer chain is produced from diisocyanates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatic compounds, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the thermoplastic TPU may include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

[0066] In other cases, the polymer layer may be formed from one or more of EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimides, polyacrylimides, and other polymer materials known to have relatively low gas permeabilities. Blends of these materials and blends with the TPU copolymers described herein (and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers) are also suitable.

[0067] The barrier elements 202, 204 may include two or more sublayers (multilayer films), such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065, which are incorporated herein by reference. In examples where the barrier elements 202, 204 include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated herein by reference. In further examples, the barrier elements 202, 204 may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, wherein the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier elements 202, 204 includes at least four sublayers, at least ten sublayers, at least twenty sublayers, at least forty sublayers, and / or at least sixty sublayers.

[0068] The chamber 206 can be produced from the barrier elements 202, 204 using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g., vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, pressure molding, heat sealing, casting, low pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, etc. In some examples, the barrier elements 202, 204 can be produced by co-extrusion and then vacuum thermoforming to produce the chamber 206, which can optionally include one or more valves (e.g., one-way valves) that allow the chamber 206 to be filled with a fluid (e.g., a gas). Additional details about forming the chamber 206 are provided below.

[0069] Chamber 206 may be provided in a fluid-filled state (e.g., as provided in footwear 100) or in an unfilled state. Chamber 206 may be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. In one aspect, the gas may include air, nitrogen (N2), or any other suitable gas. In other cases, chamber 206 may alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled materials, etc. (e.g., foam beads and / or rubber beads). The fluid provided to chamber 206 may cause chamber 206 to be pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to chamber 206 may be at atmospheric pressure, such that chamber 206 is not pressurized, but contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

[0070] Chamber 206 desirably has a low gas permeability to maintain the gas pressure it holds. In some examples, chamber 206 has a gas permeability to nitrogen that is at least about ten times lower than the nitrogen permeability of a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same size. In a particular case, for an average film thickness of 500 microns (based on the thickness of barrier elements 202, 204), chamber 206 has a gas permeability of 15 cubic centimeters per square meter·atmosphere·day (cm 3 / m 2 · atmospheric pressure·day) or less nitrogen permeability. In other cases, the permeability is 10 cm 3 / m 2 · Atmospheric pressure · Day or less, 5 cm 3 / m 2 · Atmospheric pressure · Day or less, or 1 cm 3 / m 2 · Atmospheric pressure · Days or less.

[0071] In some embodiments, upper barrier element 202 and lower barrier element 204 cooperate to define the geometry (e.g., thickness, width, and length) of chamber 206. For example, perimeter seam 208 may cooperate to define and extend around chamber 206 to seal a fluid (e.g., air) within chamber 206. Thus, chamber 206 is associated with an area of ​​bladder 200 where the interior surfaces of upper barrier element 202 and lower barrier element 204 are separated from one another.

[0072] The space formed between the opposing interior surfaces of the upper barrier element 202 and the lower barrier element 204 defines the interior cavity of the chamber 206. Similarly, the exterior surfaces of the upper barrier element 202 and the lower barrier element 204 define the exterior contour of the chamber 206. Thus, the upper barrier element 202 and the lower barrier element 204 define the respective upper and lower surfaces of the bladder 200.

[0073] like Figure 7 and Fig.15As shown, chamber 206 includes a boundary portion 210 (also referred to as a "reservoir") and an interior portion 212. Boundary portion 210 and interior portion 212 are in fluid communication with each other. Boundary portion 210 is disposed adjacent to perimeter seam 208 and extends inwardly toward interior portion 212. In one configuration, a thickness TB of boundary portion 210 is greater than a thickness TI of interior portion 212. In other configurations, the thickness of bladder 200 is substantially the same at boundary portion 210 and interior portion 212, such as Fig.15 In this configuration, Fig.15 As shown, thickness TB is substantially equal to thickness TI.

[0074] When assembled within sole structure 104, border portion 210 of bladder 200 (ie, the outer peripheral edge of bladder 200) may be at least partially exposed along the peripheral edge of sole structure 104. For example, Figures 1 to 3 As depicted, border portion 210 is exposed along lateral side 116 and medial side 118 of sole structure 104. Although bladder 200 is described and illustrated as including border portion 210 that is exposed at a peripheral edge of sole structure 104, bladder 200 may alternatively be disposed entirely within sole structure 104 such that bladder 200 is not visible exterior to sole structure 104. Furthermore, although bladder 200 is illustrated as being exposed at both medial side 116 and lateral side 118, bladder 200 may be exposed at only one of medial side 116 and lateral side 118.

[0075] refer to Fig.15 , the border portion 210 of the chamber 206 has a curved, outwardly facing surface. That is, the outer peripheral edge of the border portion 210 includes an arcuate surface 211 that meets at the peripheral seam 208. As such, when Fig.15 When viewed from the depicted perspective, the border portion 210 includes a generally D-shaped cross-sectional profile. In other examples, the border portion 210 can include various other cross-sectional profiles (e.g., rectangular, oval, circular, and / or other standard or non-standard geometric shapes). The interior portion 212 of the chamber 206 includes a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. In the depicted example, the border portion and the interior portion each have a substantially uniform thickness and a uniform shape throughout. In other examples, the border portion and the interior portion each have a non-uniform thickness and a non-uniform shape throughout.

[0076] Reference now Figure 8 , bladder 200 may include a notch 214. Notch 214 extends inwardly from a lateral edge 215 of bladder 200 toward a medial edge 217 of bladder 200 to form a groove in bladder 200. The terms "medial" and "lateral" are used to refer to the locations of edges 215, 217 when bladder 200 is incorporated into sole structure 104, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown. Figure 4 As shown, the edges 215, 217 are disposed on opposite sides of the bladder 200. As such, the notch 214 extends from the first edge 215 and into the bladder 200 in a direction toward the opposite side of the bladder (i.e., toward a second edge 217 formed on a side of the bladder 200 opposite to the first edge 215). Although the notch 214 will be described below and shown in the drawings as extending from the outer edge 215 in a direction toward the inner edge 217, the notch 214 may alternatively extend from the inner edge 217 in a direction toward the outer edge 215.

[0077] Recess 214 is positioned within bladder 200 in order to increase the flexibility of bladder 200, and thereby increase the flexibility of sole structure 104 and footwear 100 incorporating bladder 200. In some cases, recess 214 can increase the flexibility of bladder 200 by up to 50%. In certain cases, recess 214 can increase the flexibility of bladder 200 by 35% to 45%. Recess 214 can be aligned with the ball portion of the wearer's foot (e.g., in the metatarsal head region), and can, for example, allow bladder 200 to articulate (e.g., flex, pivot, etc.) with the wearer's foot. In certain cases, recess 214 can be aligned with (e.g., at least partially longitudinally overlapped with) a first metatarsal head of the wearer's foot. In other cases, recess 214 can be aligned with a second metatarsal head of the wearer's foot. In other cases, recess 214 can be aligned with a third metatarsal head of the wearer's foot. In other cases, recess 214 can be aligned with a fourth metatarsal head of the wearer's foot. In other cases, notch 214 may be aligned with the head of the fifth metatarsal head of the wearer's foot.

[0078] In some instances, the recess 214 can include a substantially uniform width. In such instances, the recess 214 includes a first width WN1 adjacent to the outer side edge 215 of the bladder 200 and a second width WN2 adjacent to the end 219 of the recess 214. In this configuration, the widths WN1 and WN2 are substantially equal to one another, such that the first width WN1 and the second width WN2 are within 3% of one another. In this manner, the recess 214 includes a substantially "U" shape. The first width WN1 and the second width WN2 are measured between a radius of curvature at which the edge of the bladder 200 defining the recess 214 extends at least substantially in the medial / lateral direction. In other instances, the recess 214 can include a non-uniform width. In such instances, the first width WN1 and the second width WN2 differ by more than 3%, such as Figure 8 and Fig. 9In these cases, the notch 214 includes a substantially "V" shape or a "tapered" shape. When the notch 214 is tapered, the notch 214 tapers in a direction from the outer edge 215 toward the end 219, such that the width of the notch 214 decreases from the outer edge 215 to the end 219 (i.e., in a direction from the outer edge 215 toward the inner edge 217). Such tapering can be constant, such as Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, or can vary along the length of the notch 214 from the outer edge 215 to the end 219. In other cases, the notch 214 can include a variety of other shapes and / or widths.

[0079] The notch 214 includes a length LN defined as the straight line distance from the opening of the notch 214 at the outer edge 215 to the end 219. Where the inner edge and / or the outer edge is a curve, the length LN may be the distance between tangent lines that intersect the curve.

[0080] The length LN of the recess 214 may be selected so that the recess 214 (eg, the end 219 of the recess 214) does not intersect the transition line LT extending along the length of the sole structure 104. Figure 4 Transition line LT represents the primary path of forces along the length of sole structure 104 as the wearer's foot moves from heel to toe during linear movement (e.g., walking, jogging, etc.). Spacing recess 214 from transition line LT allows recess 214 to increase the overall flexibility of bladder 200 without reducing the support provided by bladder 200 during walking and running movements. In addition, preventing recess 214 from crossing transition line LT reduces the extent to which the wearer may feel recess 214 under the foot during use, thereby increasing the comfort of the wearer.

[0081] In some examples, the length LN of the notch 214 may be less than 50% of the maximum width Wmax of the bladder 200 ( Figure 8 ). In some examples, the length LN of the notch 214 may be less than 40% of the maximum width Wmax of the bladder 200. In some examples, the length LN of the notch 214 may be less than 30% of the maximum width Wmax of the bladder 200. In some examples, the length LN of the notch 214 may be less than 20% of the maximum width Wmax of the bladder 200. In certain examples, the length LN of the notch 214 may be in the range of 10% to 50% of the maximum width Wmax of the bladder 200. In certain examples, the length LN of the notch 214 may be in the range of 20% to 40% of the maximum width Wmax of the bladder 200.

[0082] In addition to configuring the recess 214 of the bladder 200 to be spaced apart from the transition line LT, in some examples, the boundary portion 210 of the bladder 200 defining the recess 214 can also have a reduced thickness compared to other locations of the boundary portion 210 (e.g., the lateral edge 215 and the medial edge 217). For example, reducing the thickness of the boundary portion 210 around the recess 214 (e.g., to a thickness equal to or less than the thickness TI of the inner portion) can improve the feel of the bladder 200 under the wearer's foot.

[0083] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, lateral edge 215 and medial edge 217 are disposed on opposite sides of bladder 200 and are separated from each other by front edge 222 and rear edge 224. The terms "front" and "rear" refer to the location of bladder 200 when incorporated into sole structure 104. That is, front edge 222 is disposed within forefoot region 106 near front end 112, while rear edge 224 is disposed between front edge 222 and rear end 114 and within forefoot region 106 and midfoot region 108. Although these edges 222, 224 will be described below as front edge 222 and rear edge 224, when edges 222, 224 are referred to outside sole structure 104, these edges 222, 224 may alternatively be referred to as third edge 222 and fourth edge 224.

[0084] When incorporated into the sole structure 104, the lateral edge 215 can be disposed proximate to the lateral side 116 and can include a first segment 221 and a second segment 223. The first segment 221 is separated from the second segment 223 by the notch 214. Each segment 221, 223 includes a substantially straight portion extending along the axis A221, A223. Figure 8 As shown, these axes A221, A223 converge with each other and are located on opposite sides of the recess 214. The first segment 221 and the second segment 223 each terminate at the recess 214. As shown, the segments 221, 223 transition into the recess 214 at a radius 225. The radius 225 associated with the first segment 221 and the radius 225 associated with the second segment 223 cooperate to define an opening to the recess 214 and the widest point of the recess 214.

[0085] As described above, the notch 214 may taper in a direction from the outer edge 215 to the end 219. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the opening of the recess 214 is the widest point of the recess 214 and may include a different taper than the remainder of the recess 214. For example, the recess 214 may taper more at the portion of the recess 214 defined by the radius 225 than at the portion of the recess 214 extending between the radius 225 and the end 219.

[0086] The inner edge 217 is disposed on a side of the bladder 200 opposite the outer edge 215 and includes a substantially convex surface 227. Figure 4 As shown, raised surface 227 can provide medial edge 217 with a curved profile that matches or is substantially similar to the curvature of midsole 126. Providing medial edge 217 with a curved profile similar to midsole 126 allows bladder 200 to align with the outer edge of midsole 126 and, in doing so, maximizes the amount of coverage provided by bladder 200.

[0087] The front edge 222 extends between the first segment 221 of the outer edge 215 and the raised surface 227 of the inner edge 217 and connects the first segment 221 and the raised surface 227. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the front edge 222 is connected to the first segment 221 of the outer side edge 215 by an arc segment 229 and is connected to the inner side edge 217 by an arc segment 231. The front edge 222 includes a substantially planar portion 233 extending between and connecting the arc segment 229 and the arc segment 233. The planar portion 233 extends along an axis A233.

[0088] The rear edge 224 extends between the second segment 223 of the outer edge 215 and the convex surface 227 of the inner edge 217. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the rear edge 224 is connected to the second segment 223 of the outer side edge 215 by an arc segment 235 and to the inner side edge 217 by an arc segment 237. The rear edge 224 includes a substantially planar portion 239 extending between and connecting the arc segments 235 and 237. The planar portion 239 extends along an axis A239.

[0089] The aforementioned edges 215, 217, 222, 224 provide an asymmetrical shape to the bladder 200. That is, the bladder 200 is asymmetrical about an axis extending from the lateral edge 215 through the center of the bladder 200 to the medial edge 217, and is asymmetrical about an axis extending from the front edge 222 through the center of the bladder 200 to the rear edge 224.

[0090] Continue to refer Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , axis A233 and axis A239 are shown to converge with each other. Fig. 9In the configuration shown, the axes A233, A239 extend in directions away from each other at the lateral edge 215. Due to the shape of the bladder 200 on either side of the notch 214, the axes A233, A239 extend away from each other at the lateral edge 215. Specifically, the bladder 200 includes a first segment 240 disposed between the notch 214 and the front edge 222 and a second segment 242 disposed between the notch 214 and the rear edge 224. The first segment 240 and the second segment 242 extend from a common location 244 between the end 219 of the notch 214 and the medial edge 217. The first segment 240 extends from the medial edge 217 to the first segment 221 of the lateral edge 215. Similarly, the second segment 242 extends from the medial edge 217 to the second segment 223 of the lateral edge 215. As shown, the second segment 242 can be longer than the first segment 240. Second segment 242 may be longer than first segment 240 to allow second segment 242 to extend from medial side 118 of sole structure 104 in forefoot region 106 to lateral side 116 of sole structure 104 in midfoot region 108. In this way, bladder 200 may maximize coverage of transition line LT to enhance cushioning and support during wear.

[0091] Reference now Figures 10 to 14 , the peripheral seam 208 of the bladder 200 may include a first segment 216 disposed adjacent to a lower surface 248 of the bladder 200 defined by the second barrier element 204 and a second segment 218 disposed adjacent to an upper surface 246 of the bladder 200 defined by the first barrier element 202. The peripheral seam 208 may also include a transition segment 220 disposed between the first segment 216 and the second segment 218. Fig.10 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the first section 216 of the peripheral seam 208 is disposed on the outside, front, and back sides of the bladder 200. Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the second section 218 of the peripheral seam 208 is disposed on the inner side, front side, and rear side of the bladder 200. Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, transition segments 220 of the perimeter seam 208 are disposed on the front and rear sides of the bladder 200. In this manner, the perimeter seam 208 of the bladder 200 may be referred to as a "split seam" (e.g., the seam 208 is "split" around the perimeter of the bladder 200 from a lower surface 248 of the bladder 200 to an upper surface 246) and extends from the lower surface 248 through a majority of the thickness of the bladder 200 to the upper surface 246.

[0092] Configuring the bladder 200 to have a stitched perimeter seam can, for example, provide functional and / or aesthetic benefits. As an example, the bladder can have one or more functional and / or aesthetic properties on a first portion of the bladder (e.g., the outside) and one or more different functional and / or aesthetic properties on a second portion of the bladder (e.g., the inside), as will be described in more detail below.

[0093] Reference now Figure 5 , the first segment 216 of the peripheral seam 208 is disposed proximate to or substantially aligned with the lower surface 248 of the bladder 200 and is disposed on the outer side 116 of the footwear 100. For example, this configuration can provide a functional benefit of increased stability. That is, positioning the peripheral seam 208 proximate to the lower surface 248 also positions the peripheral seam 208 proximate to the outsole 128. In doing so, the relatively rigid seam 208 (created by merging the materials of the first barrier element 202 and the second barrier element 204 together) is attached to the midsole 126 proximate the junction of the midsole 126 and the outsole 128, which allows the rigid seam 208 to serve as an anchor and resist deformation of the bladder 200 during cutting or side-to-side movement. This configuration also provides aesthetic benefits because the first segment 216 of the peripheral seam 208 is hidden from the view of a person looking down at the footwear 100, as shown by reference numeral 234 ( Figure 5 The first segment 216 is hidden by the material of the midsole 126 and / or the material of the outsole 128 so that only the upper barrier element 202 is visible at the periphery of the sole structure 104 .

[0094] The second segment 218 of the perimeter seam 208 is disposed proximate to or substantially aligned with the upper surface 246 of the bladder 200 and disposed on the medial side 118 of the footwear 100. For example, this configuration can facilitate installation of the bladder 200 into the midsole 126 of the sole structure 104. For example, positioning the perimeter seam 208 proximate to or aligned with the upper surface 246 allows the lower barrier element 204 to have a reduced profile due to the material of the seam 208 being moved proximate to the top of the bladder 200. In doing so, the material of the midsole 126 and / or outsole 128 can more easily wrap over the second barrier element 204 by having an increased radius, and further, can allow the outsole 128 and, therefore, the sole structure 104 to have a reduced profile. Note that in one configuration, the bladder 200 is surrounded by the material of the midsole 126, such that the material of the midsole 126 extends between the bladder 200 and the midsole cloth 103 and between the bladder 200 and the outsole 128. In another configuration, outsole 128 may be attached directly to bladder 200 at lower barrier element 204 , such that material of midsole 126 only surrounds a portion of bladder 200 and extends between bladder 200 and midsole fabric 103 .

[0095] Note that while the first segment 216 is described and illustrated as being disposed on the lateral side 116 of the footwear 100 and the second segment 218 is described and illustrated as being disposed on the medial side 118 of the footwear 100, the first segment 216 may be disposed on the medial side 118 of the footwear 100 and the second segment 218 may be disposed on the lateral side 116 of the footwear 100. Additionally or alternatively, the transition segment 220 may be disposed on the medial side 118 and / or the lateral side 116 of the bladder 200.

[0096] refer to Fig.14 , an alternative configuration of the perimeter seam 208 is provided. Fig.14 The perimeter seams shown are Fig.10 The illustrated perimeter seam 208 is identical except that a portion of the seam is located within the recess 214. Accordingly, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like parts, while like reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those parts that have been modified.

[0097] exist Fig.14 In the illustrated configuration, the bladder 200a is shown as having a peripheral seam 208a extending into the recess 214, rather than Fig.10 As shown with seams located near lower surface 248 along both edges of recess 214, perimeter seam 208a extends in a direction toward upper surface 246 near radius 225 associated with first segment 221 and second segment 223 of outer side edge 215. This portion of perimeter seam 208a then extends along recess 214 at approximately the midpoint of the thickness of bladder 200a (i.e., substantially centered between upper surface 246 and lower surface 248). Thus, compared to perimeter seam 208 of bladder 200 ( Fig.10 ), the peripheral seam 208a extends into the recess 214 at a position higher or closer to the upper surface 246. Fig.14 As shown, the resulting seam 208a extends around the perimeter of the bladder 200a within the recess 214 at approximately the midpoint of the thickness of the bladder 200a from the opening of the recess 214 at the first section 221 to the distal end 219a of the recess 214 and from the distal end 219a to the second section 223.

[0098] Extending the perimeter seam 208a into the recess 214 so that the perimeter seam 208a extends within the recess 214 near the midpoint of the thickness of the bladder 200a facilitates compression of the bladder 200a by requiring less force to collapse the bladder 200a along the length of the recess 214 and at the end 219a as compared to the bladder 220.

[0099] In addition to the above-mentioned performance advantages, the stitched seams 208, 208a also provide manufacturing and weight advantages. That is, the stitched seams 208, 208a allow the use of thinner barrier elements compared to conventional bladders. This is because during the formation of the bladder 200, 200a, the barrier layer does not need to be deep stretched around its entire perimeter. In contrast, when the seams 208, 208a are aligned or substantially aligned with the surfaces 246, 248 of the corresponding barrier elements 202, 204, the stretching required to form the bladder 200, 200a at these locations is minimal, thereby allowing the use of a thinner barrier layer during manufacturing. In addition, the use of a relatively thin barrier layer distributes the material more evenly on both barrier elements 202, 204 than forming the entire border portion 210 in a single barrier layer. Alternatively, if a barrier layer of typical thickness is used, the bladder 200 will be more stable and / or more resilient due to the use of the split seams 208, 208a because each barrier element 202, 204 is subject to less deformation because only a portion of the layer is stretched.

[0100] Furthermore, while bladder 200 is disposed at forefoot region 106 and midfoot region 108 of footwear 100, in other examples, bladders having seamed seams and / or recesses may be disposed at various other locations of footwear (eg, a heel region).

[0101] In some cases, the first barrier layer may include one or more properties (e.g., color, opacity, translucency, thickness, material type, etc.), and the second barrier layer may include one or more different properties. The different barrier layers may, for example, produce different performance and / or aesthetic properties. For example, a bladder having a stitched seam and barrier layers of different colors may be configured such that the bladder appears to have a first color on a first portion of the footwear (e.g., the lateral side) and appears to have a second color on a second portion of the footwear (e.g., the medial side).

[0102] In the depicted example, transition segment 220 of perimeter seam 208 is positioned such that transition segment 220 is not visible to a wearer and / or observer when footwear 100 is assembled. However, in other cases, transition segment 220 of perimeter seam 208 may be positioned relative to the footwear such that transition segment is visible to a wearer and / or observer when footwear is assembled. Regardless of whether transition segment 220 is visible when assembled to sole structure 104, transition segment 220 may extend along the length of bladder 200 from a first end of bladder 200 to a second end of bladder 200, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 and Fig.13The transition segment 220 extends between and connects the first segment 216 and the second segment 218, and the height gradually increases from the first segment 216 to the second segment 218. In one configuration, the height of the transition segment 220 increases at a constant rate between the first segment 216 and the second segment 218, so that the transition segment 220 has a substantially constant slope. In other configurations, the transition segment 220 may include different slopes between the first segment 216 and the second segment 218 for at least a portion of the length of the transition segment 220.

[0103] The capsule 200 may include various shapes. Figure 8 As shown, the medial and / or posterior sides of the bladder 200 may include an arcuate or curved shape. The lateral edge 215 may be inclined or tapered from the notch 214 in the anterior-medial and / or posterior-medial directions. In other words, the bladder 200 is wider at a location adjacent to the notch 214 than at the anterior-lateral and / or posterior-lateral corners of the bladder 200. When viewed from the upper side (e.g., Figure 8 ), the bladder includes a substantially "C" shape. In other examples, various other shapes, curvatures, tapers, etc. can be used.

[0104] It should be noted that although the bladder 200 includes the notch 214 and the split peripheral seam 208, the bladder may include any one of these features without having one or more of the other features. For example, the bladder may include a split peripheral seam without including a notch. As another example, the bladder may include a notch without including a split peripheral seam.

[0105] In addition to being filled with a fluid, in some cases, at least a portion of the chamber of the bladder can also be filled with one or more components. The filling material / component can, for example, improve the elasticity and / or durability of the bladder.

[0106] For example, refer to Fig.15 , the chamber 206 of the bladder 200 includes one or more tensile strands 226 disposed therein. In some examples, the tensile strands 226 may be referred to as tensile elements. Each tensile strand 226 may extend between an upper tensile sheet 228 and a lower tensile sheet 230. The upper tensile sheet 228 may be attached to the first barrier element 202, while the lower tensile sheet 230 may be attached to the second barrier element 204. In this manner, when the chamber 206 of the bladder 200 contains a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands 226 are in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet 228 is attached to the first barrier element 202 and the lower tensile sheet 230 is attached to the second barrier element 204, the tensile strands 226 maintain the desired shape of the chamber 206 when the pressurized fluid is injected into the chamber via the port 232.

[0107] In some cases, the bladder may include a foam element disposed within the chamber of the bladder in place of or in addition to the tensile strands. Fig.16 and Fig.17 Bladder 300 is depicted. The configuration of bladder 300 is similar to bladder 200, but bladder 300 includes a foam element 326 disposed in an interior portion 312 of chamber 306 of bladder 300, rather than having tensile strands 226 disposed in chamber 206 as bladder 200 does. Given the similarity between bladder 200 and bladder 300, reference numerals of bladder 300 correspond to similar components of bladder 200 unless otherwise noted. That is, one hundred (100) is added to corresponding reference numerals from bladder 200 to identify like components in bladder 300. For example, reference numerals 302 and 304 correspond to reference numerals 202 and 204, respectively, in bladder 200.

[0108] Bladder 300 may, for example, be used with footwear 100 in place of bladder 200. Like bladder 200, bladder 300 may be pressurized to a pressure that is higher than ambient pressure.

[0109] The bladders 200 and 300 can be formed in a variety of ways. Several exemplary methods are provided below with respect to the bladder 200. The bladder 300 can be formed in a similar manner.

[0110] In some examples, the bladder may be formed without tensile strands and / or foam elements disposed within the chamber. For example, in some cases, bladder 200 may be filled with fluid via a port (eg, port 232) but without any other material added to the chamber.

[0111] In some embodiments, the upper barrier element 202 and the lower barrier element 204 are formed by corresponding mold parts, each of which defines various surfaces for forming pits and shrinkage surfaces, which correspond to the positions where the peripheral seam 208 is formed when the upper barrier element 202 and the lower barrier element 204 are connected and bonded together. In some embodiments, adhesive bonding connects the upper barrier element 202 and the lower barrier element 204 to form the peripheral seam 208. In other embodiments, the upper barrier element 202 and the lower barrier element 204 are connected by thermal bonding to form the peripheral seam 208. In some examples, one or both of the barrier elements 202, 204 are heated to a temperature that promotes molding and merging. In some examples, the barrier elements 202, 204 are heated before being positioned between their respective molds. In other examples, the mold can be heated to increase the temperature of the barrier elements 202, 204. In some embodiments, the molding process used to form cavity 206 incorporates vacuum ports within the mold portions to remove air so that upper barrier element 202 and lower barrier element 204 are drawn into contact with the respective mold portions. In other embodiments, a fluid, such as air, may be injected into the region between upper barrier element 202 and lower barrier element 204 so that the resulting pressure increase causes barrier elements 202, 204 to engage with the surfaces of their respective mold portions.

[0112] The cushioning member 130 and bladder 200 of midsole 126 can be configured to cooperate in various ways. For example, in some cases, cushioning member 130 can be overmolded onto bladder 200 so that bladder 200 is at least partially embedded or encapsulated by cushioning member 130. In such cases, the top surface of cushioning member 130 defines the contour of the footbed, and its contour can correspond to the shape of the foot. In addition, the material of cushioning member 130 can completely or partially fill recess 214. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the material of cushioning member 130 fills recess 214 and separates first segment 221 of lateral edge 215 from second segment 223 of lateral edge 215 at the outer perimeter of sole structure 104. In other cases, cushioning member 130 can be formed with a concave pocket that is configured to accommodate bladder 200. In such cases, the top surface of cushioning member 130 and upper surface 246 of bladder 200 define the contour of the footbed, and its contour can correspond to the shape of the foot. Finally, the bottom surface of cushioning member 130 can cooperate with bladder 200, whereby in some examples, the bottom surface can include pockets formed in forefoot region 106 and / or midfoot region 108 that interface with bladder 200.

[0113] The peripheral surface (including the outer and / or inner surfaces) of the cushioning member 130 may include one or more recesses or windows. In some examples, the windows may allow one or more portions of the bladder 200 to be visible and / or partially protrude from the peripheral surface of the cushioning member 130. For example, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the lateral side of the cushioning member 130 includes two lateral windows 132 and one medial window 134. In other examples, the cushioning member can have more or fewer windows than the depicted example. The windows can be disposed at various other locations (eg, the heel area).

[0114] In other cases where the bladder 200 is completely enclosed (ie, completely surrounded) by the cushioning member 130, no window is provided in the cushioning member 130. In these cases, the bladder 200 is hidden from view by the material of the cushioning member 130.

[0115] As described above, the cushioning member 130 is formed of an elastic polymer material such as foam or rubber to impart cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution properties to the wearer's foot. Example elastic polymer materials for the cushioning member 130 may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or a mixture of the two; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or a mixture of the two.

[0116] In some cases, the one or more polymers may 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 may include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated monofatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0117] In further examples, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacetic acid esters, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0118] In yet other examples, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomer polymers. In these aspects, the ionomer polymers may include polymers having carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.) and / or anhydrides thereof. For example, the ionomer polymers may include one or more fatty acid modified ionomer polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0119] In further examples, 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 butadi ... propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0120] In other examples, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and / or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., cross-linked polyurethanes and / or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed above with respect to barrier elements 202, 204. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0121] When the elastic polymer material is a foamed polymer material, the foamed material can be foamed using a physical foaming agent that changes phase into a gas based on a change in temperature and / or pressure, or a chemical foaming agent that forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical foaming agent can be an azo compound such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate and / or isocyanate.

[0122] In some cases, the foamed polymer material can be a cross-linked foamed material. In these examples, a peroxide-based cross-linking agent such as dicumyl peroxide can be used. In addition, the foamed polymer material can include one or more fillers such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talcum glass fibers, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, etc.

[0123] The elastic polymer material can be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the elastic polymer material is a molded elastomer, an uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) can be mixed with an optional filler and a cure package (such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based cure package) in a Banbury mixer, calendered, shaped, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.

[0124] In another example, when the elastic polymer material is a foamable material, the material can be foamed during a molding process such as an injection molding process. The thermoplastic polymer material can be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical foaming agent and an optional cross-linking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions that activate the foaming agent to form a molded foam.

[0125] Optionally, when the elastic polymer material is a foamed material, the foamed material can be a compression molded foam. Compression molding can be used to change the physical properties of the foam (e.g., density, stiffness and / or hardness), or to change the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., to fuse two or more pieces of foam, to shape the foam, etc.), or both.

[0126] The compression molding process is ideally started by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming the polymer material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting foamed sheets, etc. The compression molded foam can then be made by placing one or more preforms formed by the foamed polymer material in a compression mold and applying enough pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in a closed mold. Once the mold is closed, enough heat and / or pressure is applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient duration to change the preforms, fuse each foam particle to each other, permanently increase the density of the foam, or any combination thereof, by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam. After heating and / or applying pressure, the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.

[0127] As described above, the outsole 128 (see e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 4 ) is the primary ground engaging surface of footwear 100. Although schematically shown as a relatively smooth surface for purposes of illustration, outsole 128 may include various traction enhancing elements. For example, the outsole may include grooves, lugs, ribs, spikes, cleats, etc. In some cases, the outsole may be relatively uniform throughout the footwear. In other cases, the outsole may include various segments having different materials and / or traction enhancing elements. In addition to being disposed on the lower surface of the footwear, in some instances, the outsole may also be disposed on one or more other surfaces. For example, the outsole may include a toe cap and / or a heel cap configured to protect each end of the footwear.

[0128] Outsole 128 may be formed of an elastic material that imparts wear resistance and traction properties to sole structure 104. One or more of the outsole segments may be formed of a first material having a higher hardness than the other outsole segments. For example, one segment may be formed of a rubber material having a first hardness, while another segment is formed of a foam material having a second hardness that is less than the first hardness.

[0129] Specific reference Fig.18, bladder 200 is shown incorporated into a first midsole 126 intended for a left foot sole structure 104 and a second midsole 126 intended for a right foot sole structure 104. As shown, when the sole structures 104 are positioned relative to each other during use (i.e., such that the left foot sole structure 104 is worn on a wearer's left foot and the right foot sole structure 104 is worn on a wearer's right foot), the medial side 118 of the left foot sole structure 104 is opposed to the medial side 118 of the right foot sole structure 104. Thus, with reference to Fig.19 , the second segment 218 of the peripheral seam 208 of the left foot sole structure 104 is opposite to the second segment 218 of the peripheral seam 208 of the right foot sole structure 104. Fig.19 , for clarity, only the bladder 200 of the left foot sole structure 104 and the bladder 200 of the right foot sole structure 104 are shown in a side-by-side relationship with each other.

[0130] Positioning the bladders 200 of the left and right foot sole structures 104, 104 in the aforementioned manner positions the segments 218 of the seams 208 located near the top of the bladders 200 (i.e., near the upper surface 246) opposite to each other. In doing so, the first segments 216 of the seams 208 of the respective bladders 200 located near the bottom of the bladders 200 (i.e., near the lower surface 248) are located at the lateral sides 116 of the respective sole structures 104 and face in opposite directions.

[0131] Although the bladder 200 is shown as being positioned so that the segments 218 of the seam 208 are opposite to each other, the bladder 200 may be positioned so that the segments 216 of the seam 208 are opposite to each other. For example, as described above, the seam 208 extends from the upper surface 246 at the arcuate segment 229 of the lateral edge 215 to the lower surface 248 at the arcuate segment 231 of the medial edge 217. In order to position the bladder 200 so that the segments 216 of the seam 208 are opposite to each other when the left foot sole structure 104 is positioned relative to the right foot sole structure 104 during wear, the seam 208 needs to be modified so that the seam 208 extends from the upper surface 246 at the medial edge 217 to the lower surface 248 at the lateral edge 215, as described below.

[0132] refer to Fig. 20 , the capsule 200b of the right foot sole structure 104 and the left foot sole structure 104 are relative to Fig.18 and Fig.19 The illustrated bladder 200 is modified. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of bladder 200b relative to bladder 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0133] Fig. 20 The bladder 200b includes a seam 208b extending from an arcuate surface 229b proximate to the upper surface 246 at the lateral edge 215 to an arcuate surface 231b proximate to the lower surface 248 at the medial edge 217. Thus, the transition segment 220b extends in a direction opposite to the transition segment 220 and, as such, provides a different configuration for the front edge 222b than the front edge 222. Note that while the front edge 222b is described as being modified relative to the front edge 222, the rear edge 224 may additionally or alternatively be modified in the same or similar manner.

[0134] As described above, when the left foot sole structure 104 and the right foot sole structure 104 are positioned relative to each other during use (i.e., the left foot sole structure 104 is attached to the left foot and the right foot sole structure 104 is attached to the right foot), modifying the front edge 222b allows the bladder 200b to be as Fig. 20 That is, lower segments 216b of seam 208b are opposite to each other at medial edge 217, while upper segments 218b of seam 208b are disposed at respective lateral edges 215 of left and right foot sole structures 104, 104 and face in opposite directions.

[0135] refer to Fig.21 and Fig. 22 , an alternative bladder 200c is shown for article of footwear 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of bladder 200c relative to bladder 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like parts, while like reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those parts that have been modified.

[0136] like Fig.21 As shown, bladder 200c includes seam 208c having a first segment 216c disposed proximate lower surface 248 and a second segment 218c disposed proximate upper surface 246. As shown, first segment 216c is disposed at medial edge 217c of bladder 200c, while second segment 218c is disposed at lateral edge 215c of bladder 200c. Thus, when bladder 200c is installed in article of footwear 10, first segment 216c is disposed at medial side 118 of sole structure 104, and second segment 218c is disposed at lateral side 116 of sole structure 104.

[0137] Bladder 200c is similar in shape to bladder 200, but does not include notch 214. Instead, bladder 200c includes dimple 414 disposed at the approximate location of notch 214 of bladder 200. Dimple 414 is formed in outer side edge 215c and extends in a direction toward inner side edge 217c. Finally, while bladder 200c does not include tensile strands 226 or foam elements 326 disposed within chamber 206c, bladder 200c may be constructed in a manner similar to that of bladder 200. Fig.15 and Fig.17 The illustrated approach includes either structure. In addition, like bladder 200, bladder 200c can be pressurized regardless of whether bladder 200c includes tensile strands 226, foam elements 326, or chambers 206c without such structures.

[0138] refer to Fig.23 and Fig.24 , an alternative bladder 200d is shown for article of footwear 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of bladder 200d relative to bladder 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like parts, while like reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those parts that have been modified.

[0139] like Fig.23 As shown, bladder 200d includes seam 208d having a first segment 216d disposed proximate lower surface 248 and a second segment 218d disposed proximate upper surface 246. As shown, first segment 216d is disposed at medial edge 217d of bladder 200d, while second segment 218d is disposed at lateral edge 215d of bladder 200d. Thus, when bladder 200d is installed in article of footwear 10, first segment 216d is disposed at medial side 118 of sole structure 104, and second segment 218d is disposed at lateral side 116 of sole structure 104.

[0140] Bladder 200d is similar in shape to bladder 200, but does not include notch 214. Instead, bladder 200d includes an arcuate surface 515 that extends substantially along the entire length of outer side edge 215d. In one configuration, arcuate surface 515 can have a substantially constant radius. In other configurations, arcuate surface 515 can include different radii at different locations along surface 515. Finally, while bladder 200d does not include tensile strands 226 or foam elements 326 disposed within chamber 206d, bladder 200d can be configured similarly to bladder 200d. Fig.15 and Fig.17 The illustrated approach includes either structure. In addition, like bladder 200, bladder 200d can be pressurized regardless of whether bladder 200d includes tensile strands 226, foam elements 326, or chambers 206d without such structures.

[0141] refer to Fig.25 and Fig.26 , an alternative bladder 200e is shown for article of footwear 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of bladder 200e relative to bladder 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like parts, while like reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those parts that have been modified.

[0142] like Fig.25 As shown, bladder 200e includes a seam 208e having a first segment 216e disposed proximate to upper surface 246e and a second segment 218e disposed proximate to lower surface 248e. As shown, bladder 200e is substantially elliptical in shape and, as such, symmetrical about axes A1, A2 passing through the center of bladder 200e. In one configuration, bladder 200e may be positioned within sole structure 104 such that first segment 216e is disposed at medial edge 217e of bladder 200e and second segment 218e is disposed at lateral edge 215e of bladder 200e. Thus, when bladder 200e is installed in article of footwear 10, first segment 216e is disposed at medial side 118 of sole structure 104 and second segment 218e is disposed at lateral side 116 of sole structure 104. Alternatively, bladder 200e may be disposed relative to sole structure 104. Fig.25 and Fig.26 The view shown is rotated 180° so that the first segment 216e is disposed at the lateral edge 215e and the second segment 218e is disposed at the medial edge 215e. Thus, when the bladder 200e is installed in the article of footwear 10 in this configuration, the first segment 216e is disposed at the lateral side 116 of the sole structure 104 and the second segment 218e is disposed at the medial side 118 of the sole structure 104.

[0143] Although bladder 200c does not include tensile strands 226 or foam elements 326 disposed within chamber 206c, bladder 200c may be constructed similarly to Fig.15 and Fig.17 The illustrated approach includes either structure. In addition, like bladder 200, bladder 200c can be pressurized regardless of whether bladder 200c includes tensile strands 226, foam elements 326, or chambers 206c without such structures.

[0144] refer to Fig. 27 and Fig.28 , shows an alternative bladder 200f for article of footwear 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of bladder 200f relative to bladder 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like parts, while like reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those parts that have been modified.

[0145] like Fig. 27As shown, bladder 200f includes a seam 208f having a first segment 216f disposed proximate to an upper surface 246f and a second segment 218f disposed proximate to a lower surface 248f. As shown, bladder 200f has an irregular shape including tensile strands 226f disposed within chamber 206f. In one configuration, bladder 200f can be positioned within sole structure 104 such that first segment 216f is disposed at an inner side edge 217f of bladder 200f and second segment 218f is disposed at an outer side edge 215f of bladder 200f. Thus, when bladder 200f is installed in article of footwear 10, first segment 216f is disposed at an inner side 118 of sole structure 104 and second segment 218f is disposed at an outer side 116 of sole structure 104. Alternatively, bladder 200f can be positioned relative to sole structure 104. Fig. 27 and Fig.28 The view shown is rotated 180° so that the first segment 216f is disposed at the lateral edge 215f and the second segment 218f is disposed at the medial edge 215f. Thus, when the bladder 200f is installed in the article of footwear 10 in this configuration, the first segment 216f is disposed at the lateral side 116 of the sole structure 104 and the second segment 218f is disposed at the medial side 118 of the sole structure 104.

[0146] Although the bladder 200f does not include a foam element 326 disposed within the chamber 206f, the bladder 200f may include a foam element 326 in place of the tensile strands 226f, such as Fig.17 Furthermore, like bladder 200, bladder 200f can be pressurized regardless of whether bladder 200f includes tensile strands 226f, foam elements 326, or chambers 206f without such structures.

[0147] In the foregoing examples, the bladders 200 to 200f are used to provide the footwear article 100 with support and cushioning properties. The bladders 200 to 200f may include notches 214 or dimples 414 to facilitate bending of the bladders 200 to 200f during use. In addition, the bladders 200 to 200f include split perimeter seams 208 to 208f that provide both stability and improved aesthetics to the bladders 200 to 200f.

[0148] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations of bladders for use in the above-described articles of footwear.

[0149] Clause 1. A bladder comprising: a first barrier element having a first surface formed on a first side of the first barrier element and a second surface formed on a side of the first barrier element opposite the first surface; a second barrier element having a third surface formed on the first side of the second barrier element and a fourth surface formed on a side of the second barrier element opposite the third surface; and a peripheral seam joining the first barrier element and the second barrier element to define an interior cavity between the first surface and the third surface, the peripheral seam comprising a first segment extending along the bladder proximate the second surface, a second segment extending along the bladder proximate the fourth surface, and a third segment extending between and connecting the first segment and the second segment.

[0150] Clause 2. The bladder of Clause 1, wherein the third segment extends from the first segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the second segment.

[0151] Clause 3. The bladder of any preceding clause, wherein the third segment comprises a substantially constant slope between the first segment and the second segment.

[0152] Clause 4. The bladder of any preceding clause, further comprising a notch extending from a peripheral edge of the bladder into the bladder to define a groove.

[0153] Clause 5. The bladder of Clause 4, wherein the peripheral seam includes a fourth segment extending along a first edge of the recess, a fifth segment extending along a second edge of the recess, and a sixth segment extending along a distal end of the recess and connecting the fourth segment and the fifth segment.

[0154] Clause 6. The bladder of Clause 5, wherein the fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment extend along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface.

[0155] Clause 7. The bladder of Clause 5, wherein the fourth segment extends along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface, and the fifth segment extends along the bladder proximate the other of the second surface and the fourth surface.

[0156] Clause 8. The bladder of Clause 7, wherein the sixth segment extends from the fourth segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the fifth segment.

[0157] Clause 9. A bladder as described in any preceding clause, wherein the bladder is pressurized.

[0158] Clause 10. An article of footwear incorporating a bladder according to any preceding clause.

[0159] Clause 11. A bladder comprising: a first barrier element having a first surface formed on a first side of the first barrier element and a second surface formed on a side of the first barrier element opposite the first surface; a second barrier element having a third surface formed on the first side of the second barrier element and a fourth surface formed on a side of the second barrier element opposite the third surface; and a peripheral seam joining the first barrier element and the second barrier element to define an interior cavity between the first surface and the third surface, the peripheral seam comprising a first segment extending along the bladder proximate the second surface at a first side of the bladder and a second segment extending along the bladder proximate the fourth surface on an opposite second side of the bladder.

[0160] Clause 12. The bladder of Clause 11, further comprising a third segment extending from the first segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the second segment.

[0161] Clause 13. The bladder of Clause 12, wherein the third segment comprises a substantially constant slope between the first segment and the second segment.

[0162] Clause 14. The bladder of any preceding clause, further comprising a notch extending from a peripheral edge of the bladder into the bladder to define a groove.

[0163] Clause 15. The bladder of Clause 14, wherein the peripheral seam includes a fourth segment extending along a first edge of the recess, a fifth segment extending along a second edge of the recess, and a sixth segment extending along a distal end of the recess and connecting the fourth segment and the fifth segment.

[0164] Clause 16. The bladder of Clause 15, wherein the fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment extend along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface.

[0165] Clause 17. The bladder of Clause 15, wherein the fourth segment extends along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface, and the fifth segment extends along the bladder proximate the other of the second surface and the fourth surface.

[0166] Clause 18. The bladder of Clause 17, wherein the sixth segment extends from the fourth segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the fifth segment.

[0167] Clause 19. A bladder as described in any preceding clause, wherein the bladder is pressurized.

[0168] Clause 20. An article of footwear incorporating a bladder according to any preceding clause.

[0169] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration may also vary in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A capsule comprising: a first blocking element having a first surface formed on a first side of the first blocking element and a second surface formed on a side of the first blocking element opposite to the first surface; a second blocking element having a third surface formed on a first side of the second blocking element and a fourth surface formed on a side of the second blocking element opposite to the third surface; as well as a peripheral seam joining the first barrier element and the second barrier element to define an interior cavity between the first surface and the third surface, the peripheral seam including a first segment extending along the bladder proximate the second surface, a second segment extending along the bladder proximate the fourth surface, and a third segment extending between and connecting the first segment and the second segment.

2. The bladder of claim 1, wherein the third segment extends from the first segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the second segment.

3. The bladder of claim 1, wherein the third segment comprises a substantially constant slope between the first segment and the second segment.

4. The bladder of claim 1 further comprising a notch extending from a peripheral edge of the bladder into the bladder to define a channel.

5. The bladder of claim 4, wherein the peripheral seam includes a fourth segment extending along a first edge of the recess, a fifth segment extending along a second edge of the recess, and a sixth segment extending along a distal end of the recess and connecting the fourth and fifth segments.

6. The bladder of claim 5, wherein the fourth segment, the fifth segment, and the sixth segment extend along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface.

7. The bladder of claim 5, wherein the fourth segment extends along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface, and the fifth segment extends along the bladder proximate the other of the second surface and the fourth surface.

8. The bladder of claim 7, wherein the sixth segment extends from the fourth segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the fifth segment.

9. The bladder of claim 1, wherein the bladder is pressurized.

10. An article of footwear incorporating the bladder of claim 1.

11. A capsule comprising: a first blocking element having a first surface formed on a first side of the first blocking element and a second surface formed on a side of the first blocking element opposite to the first surface; a second blocking element having a third surface formed on a first side of the second blocking element and a fourth surface formed on a side of the second blocking element opposite to the third surface; as well as a peripheral seam joining the first and second barrier elements to define an interior cavity between the first and third surfaces, the peripheral seam including a first segment extending along the bladder proximate the second surface at a first side of the bladder and a second segment extending along the bladder proximate the fourth surface on an opposite second side of the bladder.

12. The bladder of claim 11 further comprising a third segment extending from the first segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the second segment.

13. The bladder of claim 12, wherein the third segment comprises a substantially constant slope between the first segment and the second segment.

14. The bladder of claim 11 further comprising a notch extending from a peripheral edge of the bladder into the bladder to define a channel.

15. The bladder of claim 14, wherein the peripheral seam includes a fourth segment extending along a first edge of the recess, a fifth segment extending along a second edge of the recess, and a sixth segment extending along a distal end of the recess and connecting the fourth and fifth segments.

16. The bladder of claim 15, wherein the fourth, fifth, and sixth segments extend along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface.

17. The bladder of claim 15, wherein the fourth segment extends along the bladder proximate one of the second surface and the fourth surface, and the fifth segment extends along the bladder proximate the other of the second surface and the fourth surface.

18. The bladder of claim 17, wherein the sixth segment extends from the fourth segment through a majority of the thickness of the bladder to the fifth segment.

19. The bladder of claim 11, wherein the bladder is pressurized.

20. An article of footwear incorporating the bladder of claim 11.

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