Article of footwear with bladders at foot facing surface of foam midsole layer

Abstract

An article of footwear having a sole structure that includes a foam midsole layer. The forefoot cushioning component is secured to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer in the forefoot region, and the heel cushioning component is secured to the foam midsole layer at one of the foot-facing surface or the ground-facing surface in the heel region. Each of the forefoot cushioning member and the heel cushioning member includes a bladder and a stretching member. The bladder encloses the lumen and retains gas within the lumen. The stretching component is arranged in the inner cavity. The bladder of the forefoot cushioning member has at least one inwardly projecting bond that couples an inner surface of the bladder to the tensile member, projects inwardly into the lumen, and partially traverses the plurality of tethers of the tensile member.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 393,095, filed on July 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to an article of footwear that includes a sole structure having a foam midsole layer and a forefoot cushioning component with a bladder at a foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer. Background Art

[0004] Sole structures for articles of footwear are generally configured to provide cushioning, motion control, and / or resiliency. Some sole structures include cushioning components that include a bladder that forms a sealed interior cavity filled with a gas that elastically reacts to compressive loads. A tensile component may be disposed within the interior cavity and may limit outward expansion of the bladder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an article of footwear within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure, including an upper and a sole structure.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A lateral perspective view of an article of footwear.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A medial view of an article of footwear.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A lateral view of the article of footwear.

[0010] Figure 5 is Figure 2 The line 5-5 in Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0011] Figure 6 is included in Figure 1 A top perspective view of a foam midsole layer in a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 7 An upward perspective view of the bottom layer of foam.

[0013] Figure 8 is included in Figure 1 A top view of a forefoot cushioning component in a sole structure of a footwear article.

[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A bottom view of the forefoot cushioning component.

[0015] Fig.10 is Figure 8 The line 10-10 in Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view of a forefoot cushioning component.

[0016] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A top view of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0017] Fig.12 is Fig.11 The line 12-12 in Fig.11 Cross-sectional view of the sole structure.

[0018] Fig.13 is included in Figure 1 A top perspective view of a heel cushioning component in a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0019] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 Lateral view of the heel cushioning component.

[0020] Fig.15 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of the lateral side of a lateral wrap within a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0021] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 Perspective view of the inside of the outer wrapping.

[0022] Fig.17 is included in Figure 1 A perspective view of the medial side and top of a shank in a sole structure for an article of footwear.

[0023] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 A top view of a shank gasket.

[0024] Fig.19 yes Fig.17 Bottom view of the shank gasket.

[0025] Fig. 20 is included in Figure 1 A top perspective view of an outsole within a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0026] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A bottom perspective view of the outsole of .

[0027] Fig. 22 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure, including an upper and a sole structure.

[0028] Fig.23 is a lateral perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 A medial view of an article of footwear.

[0030] Fig.25 yes Fig.23 A lateral view of the article of footwear.

[0031] Fig.26 is Fig.23 The line 26-26 in Fig.23 A partial cross-sectional view of a footwear article.

[0032] Fig. 27 is included in Fig.23 A top perspective view of a foam midsole layer in a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0033] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 An upward perspective view of the bottom layer of foam.

[0034] Fig.29 is included in Fig.23 A top view of a forefoot cushioning component in a sole structure of a footwear article.

[0035] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 A bottom view of the forefoot cushioning component.

[0036] Fig.31 yes Fig.23 A top view of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0037] Fig.32 is Fig.31 The line 32-32 in Fig.31 Cross-sectional view of the sole structure.

[0038] Fig.33 is included in Fig.23 A top perspective view of a heel cushioning component in a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0039] Fig.34 yes Fig.33 Lateral view of the heel cushioning component.

[0040] Fig.35is included in Fig.23 A top perspective view of an arched heel clip in a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0041] Fig.36 is included in Fig.23 A top perspective view of a shank in a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0042] Fig.37 yes Fig.36 A top view of a shank gasket.

[0043] Fig.38 yes Fig.36 Bottom view of the shank gasket.

[0044] Fig.39 is included in Fig.23 A top perspective view of an outsole within a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0045] Fig.40 yes Fig.39 A bottom perspective view of the outsole of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present disclosure generally relates to a footwear article that utilizes a foam midsole to carry and secure a top-loaded forefoot cushioning component and a heel cushioning component to provide desired cushioning and impact protection. The forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component each include a bladder having a gas retaining cavity that accommodates a stretch component. The bladder of the forefoot cushioning component may include one or more inwardly protruding bonding portions to facilitate engagement. A shank pad may be included in the midfoot region of the foam midsole. These and other features provide responsiveness and motion control as discussed herein.

[0047] In an example, a footwear article may include a sole structure including a foam midsole having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The foam midsole also has a foot-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region and a ground-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region. A forefoot cushioning component is fixed to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole in the forefoot region, and a heel cushioning component is fixed to the foam midsole at one of the foot-facing surface or the ground-facing surface of the foam midsole in the heel region. Each of the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component includes a bladder and a stretching component. The bladder surrounds an inner cavity and retains gas in the inner cavity. The stretching component is disposed in the inner cavity. The stretching component includes a stretch layer and a plurality of tethers connecting the stretch layer. The stretch layer is connected to the inner surface of the bladder so that the tethers span the inner cavity. Additionally, the bladder of the forefoot cushioning component has at least one inwardly protruding bond that couples the inner surface of the bladder to the tensile component, protrudes inwardly into the inner cavity, and partially crosses the plurality of tethers, such that the bladder of the forefoot cushioning component is narrowed at the at least one inwardly protruding bond, and gas in the inner cavity is in fluid communication across the at least one inwardly protruding bond. In other words, the inwardly protruding bond does not close the inner cavity, but rather narrows it to facilitate engagement of the bladder.

[0048] Because the bladder narrows at the inwardly protruding bond, the bladder can be engaged at such inwardly protruding bond, and the inwardly protruding bond can be configured to serve as a flexion axis. For example, the bladder can include a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet bonded to the first polymer sheet to surround an inner cavity. The inwardly protruding bond can protrude inwardly from the first polymer sheet, and the outer surface of the first polymer sheet can have a groove at the inwardly protruding bond, and the forefoot cushioning component can be engaged at the groove.

[0049] In an embodiment, the inwardly protruding bond can be one of a plurality of inwardly protruding bonds on the proximal side of the bladder, which are arranged in a symmetrical pattern around the symmetry axis of the bladder. When the forefoot cushioning component is fixed to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole and the symmetry axis of the forefoot cushioning component is rotated a first angle from the longitudinal centerline of the foam midsole, the inwardly protruding bond can establish an engagement axis of the forefoot cushioning component. Because the inwardly protruding bonds are arranged in a symmetrical pattern, if the forefoot cushioning component is fixed to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole and the symmetry axis of the forefoot cushioning component is rotated a first angle in a relative direction from the longitudinal centerline of the foam midsole, another of the inwardly protruding bonds can establish an engagement axis. For example, in a sole structure configured for a right foot, the forefoot cushioning component can be rotated counterclockwise by a first angle, while in a sole structure configured for a left foot, the same forefoot cushioning component can be rotated clockwise by a first angle, both of which provide an engagement axis.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the foam midsole layer is configured to position and carry a forefoot cushioning component and a heel cushioning component. For example, the foam midsole layer may have a top depression in the foot-facing surface in the forefoot region. The forefoot cushioning component may be disposed within the top depression, wherein the top surface of the forefoot cushioning component and the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer together define a foot-receiving surface. In other words, the forefoot cushioning component is "top loaded" and its cushioning properties may be felt directly beneath the foot. At least a portion of the top surface of the forefoot cushioning component is not covered by the foam midsole layer. The top depression may be shaped to follow the perimeter of the forefoot cushioning component. For example, the top depression may be configured such that the axis of symmetry of the forefoot cushioning component is angled relative to the longitudinal centerline of the foam midsole layer, as discussed above.

[0051] The heel cushioning component can provide impact absorption during heel strike. To help absorb such relatively heavy loads, the maximum vertical height of the heel cushioning component can be greater than the maximum vertical height of the forefoot cushioning component. Therefore, the heel cushioning component can provide a greater amount of elastic deflection.

[0052] To carry and position the heel cushioning component, in an example, the foam mid-layer may have a bottom depression in the ground-facing surface in the heel area, and the heel cushioning component may be disposed within the bottom depression. In other words, the heel cushioning component may be closer to the ground than the foot (with the mid-layer extending between the foot and the heel cushioning component), referred to as a "bottom-loaded" heel cushioning component.

[0053] In another example, the foam midsole layer may have a top depression in the foot-facing surface in the heel region, and the heel cushioning component may be disposed within the top depression. In such examples, both the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component are top-loaded.

[0054] In an embodiment of the article of footwear, the sole structure may include a shank secured to the foam midsole in the midfoot region. The shank may be relatively rigid compared to the foam midsole and may therefore function to stabilize the sole structure to aid in jumping motions, preventing the sole structure from excessively flexing at the shank.

[0055] In some embodiments, the shank pad can be fixed at the surface of the foam mid-bottom layer facing the foot, and in other embodiments, the shank pad can be fixed at the surface of the foam mid-bottom layer facing the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the foam mid-bottom layer may include a depression, which is in one of the surface facing the foot and the surface facing the ground and is provided with the shank pad. In the example where the shank pad is arranged at the surface facing the ground of the foam mid-bottom layer, the front part of the shank pad can be located below the rear part of the forefoot cushioning component. When the sole structure is placed on a horizontal surface, and the surface facing the foot is upward, such as when being worn by a person in a typical standing posture, the front part of the shank pad will be vertically located below the rear part of the forefoot cushioning component, but is spaced apart from the rear part of the forefoot cushioning component by the foam mid-bottom layer. Therefore, the shank pad will be positioned slightly behind the bending axis established by the forefoot cushioning component, to dorsiflex at the metatarsophalangeal joint, and is used to minimize the undesirable folding and distortion in the midfoot region of the foam mid-bottom layer.

[0056] In another example, both the shank and the heel cushioning component can be disposed at the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole. For example, there can be three depressions in the foot-facing surface, with the forefoot cushioning component disposed in a first top depression in the forefoot region, the heel cushioning component disposed in a second top depression in the heel region, and the shank disposed in a third top depression in the midfoot region.

[0057] The article of footwear may include additional features to improve the stability of the sole structure. For example, the article of footwear may include an upper that is secured to the sole structure to define a position line between the foam midsole layer and the upper. An outer wrap may be secured to the outer side of the foam midsole layer and may extend beyond the position line to the outer side of the upper. In this manner, the outer wrap may prevent excessive lateral movement of the foot relative to the sole structure during lateral cutting movements, keeping the foot relatively centered on the sole structure.

[0058] In another example, an arched heel clip can be supported on the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole in the heel area and can extend onto the upper. The heel clip can provide support around the rear of the heel, helping to center the foot on the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole in the heel area for better responsiveness.

[0059] Within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure, a footwear article may include a sole structure including a foam midsole having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The surface facing the foot may extend in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, and the surface facing the ground may extend in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region. A forefoot cushioning component may be fixed to the surface facing the foot of the foam midsole in the forefoot region. A heel cushioning component may be fixed to the foam midsole at the surface facing the ground of the foam midsole in the heel region. Each of the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component may include a bladder and a stretching component, the bladder surrounds the inner cavity and holds the gas in the inner cavity, and the stretching component is disposed in the inner cavity. The stretching component may include a stretching layer and a plurality of tethers connecting the stretching layer. The stretching layer may be connected to the inner surface of the bladder so that the tethers span the inner cavity. A shank pad may be fixed to the foam midsole in the midfoot region. As discussed above, the front portion of the shank pad may be located below the rear portion of the forefoot cushioning component, for example vertically below the rear portion and separated by the foam midsole.

[0060] Also within the scope of the present disclosure, a footwear article may include a sole structure including a foam midsole having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The foam midsole may have a foot-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region and a ground-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region. A forefoot cushioning component may be secured to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole in the forefoot region. A heel cushioning component may be secured to the foam midsole at the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole in the heel region. Each of the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component may include a bladder that surrounds an inner cavity and retains gas in the inner cavity. A stretch component may be disposed in the inner cavity. The stretch component may include a stretch layer and a plurality of tethers connecting the stretch layer, the stretch layer being connected to the inner surface of the bladder so that the tethers span the inner cavity. The shank may be fixed to the foam midsole in a longitudinal direction of the foam midsole in a midfoot region between the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component without overlapping either of the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the teachings of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that although embodiments may be described separately in the following drawings, their individual features may be combined into additional embodiments.

[0062] Figure 1 1 is an exploded view of an article of footwear 10 including an upper 12 and a sole structure 14. Figures 2 to 4As shown, upper 12 is secured to sole structure 14 to define a foot-receiving cavity 16, wherein a foot may be received through an ankle opening 17 of upper 12 and supported on a foot-receiving surface 18 of sole structure 14 (e.g., Figure 1 , as indicated). Upper 12 is shown to include a body 20 having eyelets 22 defining a throat opening 24, a tongue 25, and a tensioning element, such as an elastic lace 26, to adjust body 20 on the foot. However, upper 12 is merely exemplary, and other configurations of uppers may be used within the scope of the present disclosure, such as an upper configured like a sock or bootie, an upper having a "high-top" configuration having an ankle portion that extends higher on the wearer's leg, and the like. Upper 12 may be a variety of materials, such as leather, fabric, polymer, cotton, foam, composite materials, and the like, or combinations of these materials. For example, body 20 may be a polymer material capable of providing elasticity, and may be of a woven construction, a knitted (e.g., warp knit) construction, or a woven construction. A lower extent of body 20 of upper 12 is secured to a perimeter of sole structure 14, such as Figure 2 14 and foot-facing surface 50 to define a ridge 28 where the top edge of sole structure 14 meets upper 12. Optionally, an insole or sockliner (not shown) may rest within foot-receiving cavity 16 on foot-facing surface 50, or no insole or sockliner may be used.

[0063] refer to Figure 3 , the article of footwear 10, along with the upper 12 and sole structure 14, can be divided into a forefoot region 30, a midfoot region 32, and a heel region 34. The forefoot region 30 generally includes portions of the article of footwear 10 corresponding to the toes and the metatarsophalangeal joints (which may be referred to as MPT or MPJ ​​joints), which connect the metatarsal bones of the foot with the proximal phalanges of the toes. The midfoot region 32 generally includes portions of the article of footwear 10 corresponding to the arch area and the instep of the foot, and the heel region 34 corresponds to the rear portion of the foot, including the calcaneus. The forefoot region 30, the midfoot region 32, and the heel region 34 are not intended to delineate precise areas of the article of footwear 10, but are intended to represent general areas of the article of footwear 10 to aid in the following discussion.

[0064] The article of footwear 10 has a lateral side 36 (eg Figure 2 and Figure 4 as shown) and the inner side 38 (as shown Figure 3 Lateral side 36 and medial side 38 extend through each of forefoot region 30, midfoot region 32, and heel region 34 and correspond to opposite sides of article of footwear 10, each falling on opposite sides of longitudinal midline LM of article of footwear 10, as shown. Figure 2 Thus, the outer side 36 is considered to be opposite to the inner side 38 .

[0065] Reference again Figure 1, sole structure 14 includes a foam midsole 40, a forefoot cushioning component 41, a heel cushioning component 42, a shank 44, an outer wrap 46, and an outsole 48, all of which will be discussed further herein. Figure 1 and Figure 5 , the foam mid-layer 40 carries each of the forefoot cushioning component 41, the heel cushioning component 42, and the shank liner 44, wherein the forefoot cushioning component 41, the heel cushioning component 42, and the shank liner 44 are fixed to the foam mid-layer 40. Therefore, the foam mid-layer 40 establishes the relative positions of the forefoot cushioning component 41, the heel cushioning component 42, and the shank liner 44, and ensures that the foam mid-layer 40, the cushioning components 41, 42, and the shank liner 44 thus function together as a midsole system having the various beneficial properties discussed herein.

[0066] The foam mid-layer 40 may be at least partially polyurethane foam, or polyurethane ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and may include heat-expanded and molded EVA foam pellets. The foam mid-layer 40 may generally include phylon (ethylene vinyl acetate or "EVA") and / or polyurethane ("PU") base resins. For example, in one embodiment, the foam mid-layer 40 may be compression molded phylon. If EVA is used, it may have a vinyl acetate (VA) level of between about 9% and about 40%. Suitable EVA resins include, for example, EVA resins provided by EI du Pont de Nemours and Company. and Engage by Dow Chemical Company TM . In certain 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 various components, including blowing agents and curing / cross-linking agents. The blowing agent can have a weight percentage between about 10% and about 20%. The blowing agent can be thermally decomposable and selected from common organic and inorganic chemical blowing agents. The nature of the blowing agent is not particularly limited as long as it decomposes under the temperature conditions when the foam is incorporated into the original resin. Suitable blowing agents include, for example, azodicarbonamide. In certain embodiments, peroxide-based curing agents such as diisopropylbenzene 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, to allow other materials or waste EVA to be more easily incorporated into the resin. EVA may also include other ingredients, such as a release agent (e.g., stearic acid), an activator (e.g., zinc oxide), a filler (e.g., magnesium carbonate), a pigment, and clay. In an embodiment combining multiple materials, each material may be formed of a material that is compatible with another material and easy to bond. For example, the materials may each be formed of an EVA resin with a suitable blowing agent, a cross-linking agent and other auxiliary components, a pigment, a filler, and the like. With the benefit of this disclosure, other suitable materials will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0067] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the foam mid-layer 40 has a foot-facing surface 50 and a ground-facing surface 52. The foot-facing surface 50 and the ground-facing surface 52 extend in each of the forefoot region 30, the midfoot region 32, and the heel region 34. The foam mid-layer 40 has a top recess 54 in the foot-facing surface 50 in the forefoot region 30. The forefoot cushioning component 41 is disposed in the top recess 54 and is carried by the foam mid-layer 40 therein, wherein the top surface 56 of the forefoot cushioning component and the foot-facing surface 50 of the foam mid-layer together define the foot receiving surface 18. The top recess 54 is shaped to follow the perimeter P1 of the forefoot cushioning component 41, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown. Figure 5 As best shown, forefoot cushioning component 41 is disposed within top recess 54 and secured to foam midsole layer 40 at bottom surface 57 of forefoot cushioning component 41 in top recess 54, such as by heat bonding and / or with an adhesive or other means. Forefoot cushioning component 41 may be referred to as being top loaded because compressive forces thereon (such as loading by the foot) will react with top surface 56 without foam midsole layer 40 therebetween.

[0068] The top recess 54 may have an undercut at its perimeter so that when the forefoot cushioning component 41 is received in the top recess 54, the perimeter P1 may be folded into the undercut, wherein the outer top edge 54A of the recess 54 extends over the forefoot cushioning component 41 and the perimeter P1 is therefore not exposed at the top surface 56.

[0069] The depth of top recess 54 is less than or equal to the inflated height of the portion of forefoot cushioning component 41, such that forefoot cushioning component 41 largely fills top recess 54, and outer surface 56 (also referred to as the top surface) is generally flush with or extends slightly above the surrounding portion of foot-facing surface 50 of foam midsole layer 40 to support portions of the foot on outer surface 56 while other portions of the foot rest on foot-facing surface 50 of foam midsole layer 40. Forefoot cushioning component 41 is not exposed at lateral side 36 or medial side 38 of article of footwear 10.

[0070] refer to Figure 8 and Fig.11 , forefoot cushioning component 41 is symmetrical about symmetry axis 59. As further discussed herein, top recess 54 is configured such that when forefoot cushioning component 41 is secured to foam midsole layer 40 in top recess 54, symmetry axis 59 of forefoot cushioning component 41 is angled relative to longitudinal midline LM of foam midsole layer 40.

[0071] refer to Figure 7 , the foam midsole layer 40 has a bottom depression 60, referred to herein as a first bottom depression, in the ground-facing surface 52 in the heel region 34. Figure 5 and Fig.12 As best shown, heel cushioning component 42 is disposed within bottom recess 60 and carried by foam midsole layer 40 therein and secured to foam midsole layer 40 at ground-facing surface 52 in bottom recess 60, such as by heat bonding and / or with adhesive or other means. Similar to top recess 54, bottom recess 60 may have an undercut at the perimeter of its opening so that heel cushioning component 42 is folded therein, wherein outer perimeter P2 of heel cushioning component 42 is located within the undercut, outer bottom edge 64 of bottom recess 60 extends over heel cushioning component 42, and perimeter P2 is thus not exposed at ground-facing surface 52.

[0072] The depth of the bottom depression 60 is less than or equal to the inflated height (e.g., maximum height) of the heel cushioning component 42, such that the heel cushioning component 42 largely fills the bottom depression 60, wherein the top surface 66 of the heel cushioning component 42 is bonded to the foam midsole 40, and the bottom surface 62 of the heel cushioning component 42 extends generally flush with the ground-facing surface 52, and the bottom surface 62 and the ground-facing surface 52 of the portion of the foam midsole 40 away from the bottom depression 60 are directly fixed to the inner surface 48B (also referred to as the top surface) of the outsole 48. In this manner, the heel cushioning component 42 can be referred to as being bottom-loaded because the compressive forces thereon (such as by impact with the ground) will act at the bottom surface 62, with only the outsole 48 therebetween (e.g., without the foam midsole 40 therebetween). The heel cushioning component 42 is not exposed at the lateral side 36 or medial side 38 of the article of footwear 10.

[0073] like Figure 5As shown, the maximum vertical height H1 of the heel cushioning component 42 is greater than the maximum vertical height H2 of the forefoot cushioning component 41. Therefore, depending on the relative inflation pressures of the heel cushioning component 42 and the forefoot cushioning component 41, the heel cushioning component 42 can have a greater vertical displacement (compression) than the forefoot cushioning component 41 under dynamic load. For example, if they each have the same inflation pressure, the heel cushioning component 42 will flex more than the forefoot cushioning component 41 under the same dynamic load level, which is beneficial for impact protection. The relatively short (i.e., low height) forefoot cushioning component 41 with less vertical displacement capability enables responsiveness in the forefoot region 30. Impact protection in the heel region 34 and responsiveness in the forefoot region 30 may be desirable for many activities (such as basketball).

[0074] In addition to the forefoot cushioning component 41 and the heel cushioning component 42, the foam midsole layer 40 also carries the shank 44. In other words, the shank 44 is secured to the foam midsole layer 40 in the midfoot region 32, such as by heat bonding and / or with an adhesive or other means. The foam midsole layer 40 includes another bottom recess 70 at the ground-facing surface 52 and in which the shank 44 is disposed. The bottom recess 70 is referred to herein as the second bottom recess and wraps around the medial side wall 79 of the foam midsole layer 40, terminating at the medial edge 79A. The rear edge 72 (at the Figure 1 ) abuts rear edge 74 of bottom depression 70, lateral edge 76 of shank 44 abuts lateral edge 77 of bottom depression 70, and medial lip 78 of shank 44 wraps upward from ground-facing surface 52 to medial sidewall 79 of foam midsole 40 and abuts medial edge 79A. Figure 3 As shown, in the assembled article of footwear 10 , the medial lip 78 of the shank 44 is partially exposed at the medial sidewall 79 .

[0075] Shank liner 44 may be thermoplastic polyurethane. In an example, shank liner 44 may be polyether block amide PEBAX Rnew 63R53SP01, which is a thermoplastic elastomer made of flexible polyether and rigid polyamide based on renewable resources and has an instantaneous hardness of 58 on the Shore D durometer test scale using the ISO 868 test method, and may be commercially available from Arkema, Inc. of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania USA, or may be Rnew 55R53 SP0 1, which is also a thermoplastic elastomer made from a flexible polyether and a rigid polyamide based on renewable resources and has an instantaneous hardness of 50 on the Shore D durometer test scale using the ISO 868 test method, is also available from Arkema, Inc., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA.

[0076] Shank 44 has a greater bending stiffness than foam midsole 40 and is positioned in midfoot region 32 to limit twisting and folding in this region and provide rigidity to support take-off for vertical jumps. In other words, shank 44 increases the bending stiffness of sole structure 14 in midfoot region 32. Although shank 44 is relatively flat, twisting in midfoot region 32 is better resisted because lip 78 extends upward onto medial sidewall 79.

[0077] Additionally, refer to Figure 5 , the front portion 44A of the shank 44 is located below the rear portion 41A of the forefoot cushioning component 41 (for example, if a vertical cross-section is taken at the rear portion 41A). In contrast, because the heel cushioning component 42 is completely behind the rear edge 72 of the shank 44, no portion of the shank 44 overlaps or is located below the heel cushioning component 42. Because the shank 44 is stiffer than the foam midsole 40, this position of the shank 44 allows the heel cushioning component 42 to flex under load without being interfered by the shank 44.

[0078] Each of the forefoot cushioning component 41 and the heel cushioning component 42 includes a bladder and a stretch component. Figure 5 In the forefoot cushioning component 41 in the foam bottom layer 40, the bladder 80 includes a first polymer sheet 81 fixed to (e.g., bonded to) a second polymer sheet 82 at a peripheral flange 83 defining an outer perimeter P1. The first polymer sheet 81 is also referred to as the top polymer sheet because it is disposed upwardly in the top recess 54 of the foam bottom layer 40 to define a top surface 56. The second polymer sheet 82 is also referred to as the bottom polymer sheet because it faces downwardly in the top recess 54.

[0079] The bladder 80 surrounds the inner cavity 84 and keeps the gas in the inner cavity 84. When the polymer sheets 81, 82 are bonded to each other at the peripheral flange 83 and any inflation port is sealed, the bladder 80 keeps the fluid in the inner cavity 84. As used herein, the "fluid" filling the inner cavity 84 can be a gas, such as air, nitrogen, another gas or a combination thereof. The first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 can be various polymer materials that can elastically keep fluids such as nitrogen, air or other gases. Examples of polymer materials for the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane and polyether polyurethane. In addition, the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 can each be formed by a layer of different materials including a polymer material. In one embodiment, each of the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 is formed of a film having one or more thermoplastic polyurethane layers having one or more barrier layers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) that are impermeable to the pressurized fluid contained therein, such as a flexible microlayer film including alternating layers of a gas barrier material and an elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the layers may include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and regrind material of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane. Additional suitable materials for the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 to Rudy, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable materials for the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 include thermoplastic films containing crystalline materials (such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,936,029 and 5,042,176 to Rudy) and polyurethanes including polyester polyols (such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,013,340, 6,203,868 and 6,321,465 to Bonk et al.), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. When selecting materials for the forefoot cushioning component 41, engineering properties such as tensile strength, stretch characteristics, fatigue characteristics, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent can be considered. For example, the thickness of the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 used to form the forefoot cushioning component 41 can be selected to provide these characteristics.

[0080] The tension member 86 is disposed in the inner cavity 84. Fig.10, the stretch member 86 includes stretch layers 88, 90 and a plurality of tethers 92 connecting the stretch layers 88, 90. The stretch layers 88, 90 are connected to the top and bottom portions of the inner surface 94 of the bladder 80, respectively, so that the tethers 92 span the inner cavity 84. The stretch layer 88 is connected to the inner surface 94 at the top polymer sheet 81, and the stretch layer 90 is connected to the inner surface 94 at the bottom polymer sheet 82. Figure 5 and Fig.10 8, only some of the tethers 92 are indicated with reference numerals. The tethers 92 may also be referred to as fabric stretch members or threads, and may be in the form of drop threads connecting the first stretch layer 88 and the second stretch layer 90. The stretch component 86 may be formed as an integral, one-piece fabric element having a spacer knit fabric.

[0081] First surface bond 200 couples inner surface 94 of bladder 80 at first polymer sheet 81 to outer surface 87 of first stretch layer 88. Second surface bond 202 couples inner surface 94 of bladder 80 at second polymer sheet 82 to outer surface 89 of second stretch layer 90 opposite first stretch layer 88. In one or more embodiments, no weld-resistant material is used on inner surface 94 of bladder 80 or outer surfaces 87, 89 of first stretch layer 88 or second stretch layer 90, and the entire interface portions of these surfaces are bonded to each other.

[0082] At a given gas inflation pressure in the inner cavity 84, the tether 92 limits the separation of the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 to Figure 5 and Fig.10 82 is shown in the maximum separation position. The outward force of the pressurized gas in the inner chamber 84 places the tether 92 in tension, and the tether 92 prevents the stretch layers 88, 90 and the polymer sheets 81, 82 from moving further outwardly away from each other. However, when under a compressive load, the tether 92 does not present a compression resistance. When pressure is applied to the forefoot cushioning component 41, such as due to dynamic impact forces of the wearer during running or other movement, the forefoot cushioning component 41 is compressed and the polymer sheets 81, 82 move closer together, while the tether 92 collapses (i.e., becomes relaxed) in proportion to the pressure applied to the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 adjacent to the particular tether 92.

[0083] Similarly, refer to Figure 5, heel cushioning component 42 includes bladder 180 having a first polymer sheet 181 secured to (e.g., bonded to) a second polymer sheet 182 at a peripheral flange 183 defining an outer perimeter P2. First polymer sheet 181 is also referred to as a top polymer sheet because it is disposed upwardly in bottom recess 60 of bottom foam layer 40, and second polymer sheet 182 is also referred to as a bottom polymer sheet because it faces downwardly in recess 60. First polymer sheet 181 and second polymer sheet 182 may include any of the materials described with respect to first polymer sheet 81 and second polymer sheet 82 of forefoot cushioning component 41.

[0084] The bladder 180 surrounds the inner cavity 184 and holds the gas in the inner cavity 184. A tensile member 186 is disposed in the inner cavity 184. The tensile member 186 includes a first tensile layer 188, a second tensile layer 190, and a plurality of tethers 192 connecting the tensile layers 188, 190. The tensile layers 188, 190 are connected to an inner surface 194 of the bladder 80 such that the tethers 192 span the inner cavity 184. The tensile layer 188 is connected to the inner surface 194 at the top polymer sheet 181, and the tensile layer 190 is connected to the inner surface 194 at the bottom polymer sheet 182. Figure 5 1, only some of the tethers 192 are indicated with reference numerals. The tethers 192 may also be referred to as fabric stretch members or threads, and may be in the form of dropped warp threads connecting the first stretch layer 188 and the second stretch layer 190. The stretch component 186 may be formed as an integral, one-piece fabric element having a spacer knit fabric.

[0085] Additionally, refer again to Fig.10 , the bladder 80 of the forefoot cushioning component 41 has at least one inwardly protruding bond 150 that couples the inner surface 94 of the bladder 80 to the tensile member 86, protrudes inwardly into the interior cavity 84, and partially crosses the plurality of tethers 92, such that the bladder 80 is narrowed at the at least one inwardly protruding bond 150, and the gas in the interior cavity is in fluid communication across the at least one inwardly protruding bond 150. In other words, the inwardly protruding bond 150 narrows but does not close the interior cavity 84, such that the tensile layers 88, 90 remain spaced apart from each other at the tethers 92A.

[0086] Prior to bonding the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82 to the stretch member 86, the tethers 92 of the stretch member 86 each have an initial length, and may each have substantially the same initial length, and the first stretch layer 88 and the second stretch layer 90 connected by the tethers 92 may have a generally flat outer surface directly above the tethers 92. The tethers 92 have a relaxed state when the stretch member 86 is not within the sealed and possibly pressurized interior cavity 84. Additionally, when assembled within the sealed interior cavity 84 and subjected to dynamic loads as described herein, the tethers 92 relax or collapse as the bladder 80 is compressed, and then recover their extended lengths when the dynamic loads are removed, as described herein. Fig.10 shown.

[0087] Thus, prior to final manufacturing of the forefoot cushioning component 41 to produce the inwardly protruding bonds 150, the tethers 92 may initially all be of the same length, and the outer surfaces of the first stretch layer 88 and the second stretch layer 90 and the outer surfaces 56, 57 of the first polymer sheet 81 and the second polymer sheet 82, respectively, may be substantially flat (i.e., non-wavy) directly above the tethers 92. The method of manufacturing the forefoot cushioning component 41 is described in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 10,863,792, issued on December 15, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and the manufacturing method produces an inwardly protruding bond 150 that couples the first polymer sheet 81 to the first stretch layer 88 and protrudes from the first polymer sheet 81 toward the second polymer sheet 82 directly into the area of ​​the inner cavity 84 occupied by some of the tethers 92. Fig.10 One such inwardly protruding bonding portion 150 is shown in FIG. Figure 8 in Figure 8 A plurality of inwardly protruding bonds are shown and discussed in . Each bond 150 protrudes further toward the second polymer sheet 82 than the first surface bonds 200 .

[0088] Each bond 150 is created by a corresponding protrusion of a mold component that contacts the first polymer sheet 81 during manufacturing. Each bond 150 creates a concave recess 152 at the outer surface 56 of the first polymer sheet 81. In the illustrated embodiment, the inwardly protruding bonds 150 are only at the first polymer sheet 81. In other embodiments, the manufacturing method may provide inwardly protruding bonds at the second polymer sheet 82 as an alternative or in addition to the inwardly protruding bonds 150 at the first polymer sheet 81. When assembled in the sole structure 14, the outer surface 56 of the first polymer sheet 81 is the proximal side of the forefoot cushioning component 41 (i.e., the foot-facing surface 56 closest to the foot), and the outer surface 57 of the second polymer sheet 82 is the distal side of the forefoot cushioning component 41 (i.e., the side of the forefoot cushioning component 41 that faces the ground).

[0089] like Fig.10 90 , each inwardly protruding bond 150 partially crosses a plurality of tethers 92. In other words, the bonds 150 are directly outside of different tethers 92 and protrude inwardly on those tethers 92. The tethers 92 may be arranged in rows (where each row extends transversely between the stretch layers 88, 90), or in any other pattern in which the tethers 92 extend between the stretch layers 88, 90. Various different tethers 92 are aligned with the bonds 150. The inwardly protruding bonds 150 may cross different rows of tethers 92 so that different tethers 92 from different rows are aligned with the inwardly protruding bonds 150, or the inwardly protruding bonds 150 may be directly aligned with a single row. Some of the inwardly protruding bonds 150 may be between rows of tethers.

[0090] refer to Fig.10 , multiple tethers 92 include tethers 92A aligned with inwardly protruding bonds 150 and tethers 92B displaced from inwardly protruding bonds 150. Tethers 92A aligned with inwardly protruding bonds 150 are deformed by heating, by compressing an overlay of material of first stretch layer 88, and / or by coating an overlay of material of first stretch layer 88 of tethers 92A, such that tethers 92A are shorter, thicker, or both shorter and thicker at inwardly protruding bonds 150 than elsewhere (i.e., than at tethers 92B displaced from inwardly protruding bonds 150). Such tethers are preferably Fig.10 The tether 92 is indicated by the reference numeral 92A in the figure and may be referred to as improved tether 92A. However, unless otherwise specified, references to tether 92 herein include tether 92A and tether 92B.

[0091] When the inner cavity 84 is inflated, the modified tether 92A creates a recessed groove 152 in the outer surface 56 of the first polymer sheet 81. When the inflation pressure of the gas in the inner cavity 84 is sufficient to tension the plurality of tethers 92, the inwardly protruding bond 150 defines a groove 152 at the outer surface 56 of the first polymer sheet 81. At each groove 152, the forefoot cushioning component 41 is divided into what can be referred to as a first product portion 61 on one side of the groove 152 and a second product portion 63 on the other side of the groove 152, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 The first product portion 61 is joined relative to the second product portion 63 along the groove 152. In other words, the outer surface 56 of the first polymer sheet 81 is on the first side of the inwardly protruding bonding portion 150 (the first side is Figure 4 The portion 56A indicated as the outer surface 56 in the figure is connected to the outer surface 56 of the first polymer sheet 81 at the second side of the inwardly protruding bonding portion 150 (the second side is at Fig.10 The portions 56B indicated as the outer surface 56 in the figure are not coplanar, and the second side is opposite to the first side.

[0092] The tension of the modified tether 92A also creates depressions 156 in the outer surface 57 of the second polymer sheet 82. When the inner chamber 84 is inflated, the second polymer sheet 82 depresses inwardly at each depression 156 toward the corresponding groove 152 and the inwardly protruding bond 150.

[0093] The physical deformation of first polymer sheet 81 and first stretch layer 88 combined with the tension of modified tether 92A will cause groove 152 to be deeper than depression 156, which is caused only by the tension of shortened modified tether 92A. Therefore, forefoot cushioning component 41 can have an engaged shape, such as when not under load at groove 152. Additionally, groove 152 and depression 156 together promote engagement (i.e., flexion) of forefoot cushioning component 41 at groove 152 because the overall thickness of forefoot cushioning component 41 is reduced at groove 152, thereby reducing the bending stiffness of forefoot cushioning component 41 at groove 152.

[0094] Thus, groove 152 can be used as a flexion axis of forefoot cushioning component 41. For example, in the forefoot cushioning component 41, the groove 152 can be used as a flexion axis of forefoot cushioning component 41. Figure 1 In the case of the sole structure 14 of the footwear article 10 , the inwardly protruding bonding portion 150 and the resulting groove 152 can establish a flexion axis for the sole structure 14 , wherein the flexion axis is aligned with a joint of the foot (such as the metatarsophalangeal joint), thereby increasing the flexibility of the sole structure 14 .

[0095] refer to Fig.10, each inwardly protruding bond 150 is spaced apart from the second polymer sheet 82, so that the inner cavity 84 is narrowed but not closed at the inwardly protruding bond 150, and the gas in the inner cavity 84 can still be fluidly communicated across the inwardly protruding bond 150. The first stretch layer 88 is spaced apart from the second stretch layer 90 by a first distance D1 at a position adjacent to the inwardly protruding bond 150, and is spaced apart from the second stretch layer 90 by a second distance D2 at the inwardly protruding bond 150. The first distance D1 may be the distance between the stretch layers 88, 90 at the tether 92 that is not the improved tether 92A. The second distance D2 may be the minimum distance between the inwardly protruding bond 150 and the second stretch layer 90 (i.e., the distance at the narrowest portion of the inner cavity 84 below the bond 150). In an embodiment, the manufacturing method may be controlled so that the second distance D2 is between 50% and 80% of the first distance D1. Bonds within this depth range can produce the most desirable amount of engagement for flexion while maintaining fluid communication within bladder 80 (i.e., without creating a closed sub-chamber in bladder 80). For example, factors that may affect the inwardly protruding bonds 150 and their degree of protrusion toward second polymer sheet 82 can be controlled to provide such a desired ratio of second distance D2 to first distance D1. Such factors may include the depth of the mold protrusion that produces inwardly protruding bonds 150, the temperature of the mold insert or other mold components, the temperature of the components of forefoot cushioning component 41, the vacuum and / or inflation pressure in the mold cavity during manufacturing, the power of the welding frequency if radio frequency welding is used, and other factors.

[0096] Thus, portion 84A of lumen 84 at a first side of inwardly protruding bonding portion 150 is in fluid communication with portion 84B of lumen 84 at a second side of inwardly protruding bonding portion 150, the second side being opposite to the first side, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 84B, and vice versa. This allows gas to shift from portion 84A to portion 84B and from portion 84B to portion 84A when compressive forces are applied to forefoot cushioning component 41, such as during impact of article of footwear 10 with the ground. For example, as the foot rolls forward from heel to toe during foot strike, gas may shift from a rear portion in forefoot cushioning component 41 to a more forward portion in forefoot cushioning component 41. Thus, during use of article of footwear 10, the support cushioning provided by inner chamber 84 may be provided in the areas where it is most needed.

[0097] like Figure 8As shown, the outer surface 56 of the first polymer sheet 81 is the surface 56 facing the foot and when secured to the foam midsole layer 40 in the sole structure 14 (such as in Figure 5 and Fig.12 156) is proximal to forefoot cushioning component 41, and outer surface 57 of second polymer sheet 82 is distal. This allows the deeper groove 152 (i.e., deeper than depression 156) of forefoot cushioning component 41 and the tendency to flex at groove 152 to match the movement of the foot during dorsiflexion.

[0098] The forefoot cushioning component 41 is symmetrical in overall shape at the outer perimeter P1 (i.e., at the peripheral bond between the polymer sheets 81, 82 at the flange 83), and a plurality of inwardly projecting bonds 150 are arranged in a symmetrical pattern 155A on the foot-facing surface 56 of the forefoot cushioning component 41 about the axis of symmetry 59 of the forefoot cushioning component 41. Fig. 9 The corresponding depressions 156 at the ground-facing surface 57 are also shown arranged in a symmetrical pattern about the axis of symmetry 59. Fig. 9 Only some of the depressions 156 are labeled in FIG. 1. The symmetrical pattern 155A of bonding portion 150 enables forefoot cushioning component 41 to be used with a sole structure 14 configured for a right foot or with a mirror image sole structure configured for a left foot without any difference in the feel under the wearer's foot.

[0099] A plurality of inwardly projecting bonds 150 of forefoot cushioning component 41 are marked with alphanumeric identifiers (e.g., 150D1, etc.) to distinguish bonds 150 for purposes of discussion. Bonds 150 include a first central bond 150H extending across axis of symmetry 59 and a second central bond 150L also extending across axis of symmetry 59 and disposed generally parallel to and spaced apart from first central bond 150H. Each of central bonds 150H and 150L is symmetrical relative to axis of symmetry 59. Bond 150 also includes symmetrical pairs of bonds, such as: bonds 150D1 and 150D2; bonds 150E1 and 150E2; bonds 150F1 and 150F2; bonds 150G1 and 150G2; bonds 150I1 and 150I2; bonds 150J1 and 150J2; bonds 150K1 and 150K2; bonds 150M1 and 150M2; and bonds 150N1 and 150N1.

[0100] The bonding portion 150 includes a first group of bonding portions 150G1, 150H, 150F2 and a second group of bonding portions 150K1, 150L, ​​150J2, which are spaced apart from each other and have parallel segments. For example, the bonding portions 150G1 and 150K1 are segments parallel to each other, and the bonding portions 150F2, 150J2 are also segments parallel to each other. The first group of bonding portions 150G1, 150H, 150F2 establishes a first joint axis A1, and the second group of bonding portions 150K1, 150L, ​​150J2 establishes a second joint axis A2. For example, when the forefoot cushioning component 41 is dorsiflexed along an axis that is at an angle 117B relative to the axis of symmetry 59 (i.e., counterclockwise), the axes A1 and A2 both serve as flexion axes. If the forefoot cushioning component 41 is rotated clockwise by an angle 117A, the axes A1, A2 will be substantially perpendicular to Figure 8 The original position of the axis of symmetry 59 is shown.

[0101] The bonding portion 150 also includes a third group of bonding portions 150F1, 150H, 150G2 and a fourth group of bonding portions 150J1, 150L, ​​150K2, and the fourth group of bonding portions is spaced apart from the third group of bonding portions and has parallel segments. For example, bonding portions 150G2 and 150K2 are parallel segments, and bonding portions 150F1, 150J1 are also parallel segments. The third group of bonding portions 150F1, 150H, 150G2 establish a third joint axis A3, and the fourth group of bonding portions 150J1, 150L, ​​150K2 establish a fourth joint axis A4. For example, when the forefoot cushioning component 41 is bent along an axis dorsiflexed at an angle 117A relative to the axis of symmetry 59, axes A3 and A4 are both used as flexion axes, and the angle 117A has the same value as angle 117B, but in a different direction (i.e., counterclockwise) relative to the axis of symmetry 59. If the forefoot cushioning component 41 is rotated counterclockwise by an angle 117B, the axes A3 and A4 will be substantially perpendicular to the forefoot cushioning component 41. Figure 8 The original position of the symmetry axis 59 is shown. The forefoot cushioning component 41 is Fig.11 The substrate 40 is thus secured to the foam midlayer in this orientation.

[0102] Therefore, if Fig.11 As shown, by fixing the forefoot cushioning component 41 in the sole structure 14 configured for the right foot in a position where the forefoot cushioning component 41 is rotated counterclockwise by an angle 117A relative to the longitudinal midline LM (also called the longitudinal bending axis) of the sole structure 14, the symmetry axis 59 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the longitudinal midline LM, and when the right foot is dorsiflexed, the forefoot cushioning component 41 will engage (i.e., flex) along the third axis A3 and the fourth axis A4.

[0103] For a footwear article and sole structure configured for a left foot and that is a mirror image of footwear article 10 and sole structure 14, forefoot cushioning component 41 can be secured to a corresponding left foot foam midsole layer in a position where forefoot cushioning component 41 is rotated clockwise by angle 117B relative to longitudinal midline LM of the left foot sole structure so that axis of symmetry 59 is rotated clockwise relative to longitudinal midline LM and when the left foot is dorsiflexed, forefoot cushioning component 41 will engage along first axis A1 and second axis A2. In this manner, economies of scale can be achieved in manufacturing by using the same configuration of forefoot cushioning component 41 in both right foot footwear articles and left foot footwear articles.

[0104] The bonding portion 150 includes a first central bonding portion 150H extending across the symmetry axis 59 and a pair of symmetrical forwardly angled bonding portions 150F1, 150F2 extending from the first end 118 and the second end 119 of the first central bonding portion 150H, respectively. The bonding portion 150 also includes a pair of symmetrically angled rearwardly angled bonding portions 150G1, 150G2 extending from the first end 118 and the second end 119 of the first central bonding portion 150H, respectively.

[0105] The bonding portion 150 also includes a second central bonding portion 150L extending across the symmetry axis 59 and spaced apart from the first central bonding portion 150H and a pair of symmetrical forwardly angled bonding portions 150J1, 150J2 extending from the first end 120 and the second end 121 of the second central bonding portion 150L, ​​respectively. The bonding portion 150 also includes a pair of symmetrically angled rearwardly angled bonding portions 150K1, 150K2 extending from the first end 120 and the second end 121 of the second central bonding portion 150L, ​​respectively.

[0106] Fig.13 and Fig.14 Heel cushioning component 42 is shown. Unlike forefoot cushioning component 41, heel cushioning component 42 does not have inwardly protruding bonds 150. To this end, heel cushioning component 42 maintains a generally constant height H1 from top surface 66 of top polymer sheet 181 to bottom surface 62 of bottom sheet 182, except near perimeter P2 where sheets 181, 182 are bonded to each other to form a peripheral flange.

[0107] Fig.15 The outer side 46A of the outer wrap 46 is shown, and Fig.16 Shown is the medial side 46B of the lateral wrap 46. The lateral side 46A is generally convex and the medial side 46B is generally concave to conform to the lateral side wall of the foam midsole 40 and the lateral side 36 of the upper 12 in the forefoot region 30.

[0108] exist Figure 2, the outer wrapper 46 is shown adjacent to the outer top edge 48A of the outer sole 48 in the forefoot area 30 to extend on the lateral side 36 and cover the position line 28 in the forefoot area 30. The outer wrapper 46 is fixed to the upper 12 and the foam midsole 40, such as by heat bonding and / or with an adhesive or other means. The outer wrapper 46 can be the same material as the outer sole 48 described herein, or can be a harder and / or stiffer material, such as any of the materials that can be used for the shank 44 described herein.

[0109] Figures 17 to 19 Shank 44 is shown. Notably, shank 44 is generally flat except at medial lip 78. As discussed herein, shank 44 is generally configured to extend substantially across the width of the bottom of foam midsole 40 in midfoot region 32 and extend upwardly along medial sidewall 79.

[0110] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 An outsole 48 is shown as an integral, unitary, one-piece component. Outsole 48 can be formed of a material that generally includes natural or synthetic rubber or other suitable durable material. One or more materials for outsole 48 can be selected to provide a desired combination of durability and flexibility. Synthetic rubbers that can be used include polybutadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) copolymer rubber, and styrene butadiene rubber. Optionally, outsole 48 can be transparent or translucent so that cushioning components 41, 42 can be viewed from the bottom through outsole 48.

[0111] Outsole 48 has a top surface 48B (also referred to as an inner surface) upon which foam midsole 40, shank 44, and heel cushioning component 42 rest and are secured, such as by heat bonding and / or with an adhesive or other means. Figure 5 Best shown are foam midsole 40, shank 44, and heel cushioning component 42 supported on top surface 48B.

[0112] Outsole 48 includes an upwardly turned front wall 48C that is fixed to upper 12 at the front of forefoot region 30, such as Figure 2 The outsole 48 includes a medial sidewall 48D that wraps around the medial sidewall 79 of the foam midsole 40 in the forefoot region 30 and extends slightly beyond the position line 28 to the upper 12. The outsole 48 also includes a lateral sidewall 48E that partially wraps around the lateral sidewall 85 of the foam midsole 40 and defines an edge 48A to which the outer wrap 46 abuts, as shown. Figure 4 Finally, the outsole 48 includes an upwardly turned rear wall 48F that partially wraps around the rear portion of the foam midsole 40, as shown. Figure 3 shown.

[0113] The bottom surface 48G of the outer sole 48 is Fig.21 , and includes protruding tread elements 48H of various shapes and sizes that are configured to provide adequate traction during movement in all directions. Fig.21 Only some of the tread elements are labeled in FIG. Tread element 48H extends upwardly along the outside of walls 48C, 48D, 48E, and 48F to provide traction to the ground at various locations of sole structure 14. Cutout 48J is located in midfoot region 32 and may expose the bottom of shank 44.

[0114] Fig. 22 Another embodiment of an article of footwear 210 is shown that includes an upper 212 and a sole structure 214. Article of footwear 210 has many of the same functions and features as article of footwear 10, and these functions and features are indicated by the same reference numerals. Upper 212 is similar to upper 12 and includes a body 220 having a throat opening 24, which may be formed by a sole similar to that of the shoe. Figure 1 The lace 26 in the embodiment of the present invention is pulled tight, but the lace 26 has a length configured to be knotted and may be relatively inelastic.

[0115] Sole structure 214 includes a foam midsole layer 240 including a top depression 54 and a forefoot cushioning component 41 received in and supported at depression 54 in the same manner as described with respect to foam midsole layer 40. Foam midsole layer 240 may include any of the materials described with respect to foam midsole layer 40.

[0116] Sole structure 214 includes a heel cushioning component 242 that is identical to heel cushioning component 42 except for a slightly different perimeter shape, and includes a bladder 180 having a top polymer sheet 181 and a bottom polymer sheet 182 that houses identical tensile member 186 in a fluid-filled interior cavity therein. Sole structure 214 also includes a shank 244 that can be any of the materials described with respect to shank 44 and that is disposed in midfoot region 32.

[0117] The foam midsole 240 differs from the foam midsole 40 in that both the heel cushioning component 242 and the shank 244 are disposed at the foot-facing surface 50 of the foam midsole 240 and are carried in a depression in the foot-facing surface 50. The depression 54 may be referred to as a first top depression. The heel cushioning component 242 is disposed in a second top depression 260 at the foot-facing surface 50, rather than in a depression at the ground-facing surface. The shank 244 is disposed in a third top depression 270 at the foot-facing surface 50 (rather than at the ground-facing surface). The shank 244 and the third top depression 270 are also included in the article of footwear 310 discussed herein and are described in more detail with respect to the article of footwear 310. Third top recess 270 and shank 244 are configured so that when each of cushioning components 41, 242 is secured to foam midsole 240 at respective recesses 54, 270, and 260, shank 244 does not overlap with either of cushioning components 41, 242. In other words, no vertical plane perpendicular to longitudinal midline LM intersects shank 244 and forefoot cushioning component 41 or shank 244 and heel cushioning component 242. Forefoot cushioning component 41 and heel cushioning component 242 are not exposed at lateral side 36 or medial side 38 of article of footwear 210.

[0118] The sole structure 214 includes an arched heel clip 245 that is configured to rest on an upper edge 246 of the foam midsole layer 240 in the heel region 34 and extend around the rear of the footwear article 210 from Fig. 22 The indicated lateral side 36 extends to the medial side 38. The heel clip 245 may be any of the materials described with respect to the shank 44 to add rigidity and support in the heel area 34.

[0119] Sole structure 214 includes an outsole 248 similar to outsole 48, having upwardly turned side walls, front walls, and rear walls, and including two cutouts 48J. Outsole 248 may be any of the materials described with respect to outsole 48.

[0120] Figure 23 to Figure 26 Another embodiment of an article of footwear 310 is shown. The article of footwear 310 includes Fig. 22 The upper 212 and sole structure 314 have many of the same features as the sole structure 214 described herein. The sole structure 314 includes a foam midsole 340, an arched heel clip 345, and an outsole 348, all of which are in Figure 23 to Figure 25 Visible in.

[0121] The sole structure 314 includes an arched heel clip 345 that is configured to nest in an interior recess 347 defined at the inner surface of the foam midsole layer 340 and be secured to the foam midsole layer 340 at the interior recess 347, extending from the lateral side 36 to the medial side 38 around the rear of the heel area. The heel clip 345 can be any of the materials described with respect to the shank 44 to add rigidity and support in the heel area 34. In the assembled article of footwear 310, only the upper edge of the heel clip 345 is visible, as shown in FIG. Figure 23 to Figure 25 The moldings 340A of the foam midsole 340 at the exterior surfaces of the side and rear walls of the foam midsole follow the shape of the heel clip 345. The heel clip 345 is thus nested more between the foam midsole 340 and the upper 212 than in the article of footwear 210, because in the article of footwear 210, the foam midsole 240 actually slopes downward to the upper edge 246. Fig. 22 As shown, there is only a small depression 247 on the inner surface of the foam midsole 240 where the bottom lip 245A of the heel clip 245 will nest, but compared to the heel clip 345 and the foam midsole 340, the heel clip 245 is more exposed above the foam midsole 240 rather than being nested between the foam midsole 240 and the upper 212.

[0122] like Fig.26 and Fig. 27 As shown, the foam midsole layer 340 includes the same first top depression 54, second top depression 260, and third top depression 270 at the foot-facing surface 50. Thus, the foam midsole layer 340 has many of the same features as the foam midsole layer 240. Fig.28 As shown, the bottom surface 352 of the foam mid-layer 340 does not include a recess for carrying any components.

[0123] The sole structure 314 includes a heel cushioning component 242 that is identical to the sole structure 214 and includes many of the features of the heel cushioning component 42, which are indicated by the same reference numerals and differ only slightly in appearance. Similar to the heel cushioning component 42, the heel cushioning component 242 does not have the inwardly protruding bonding portion 150 described herein with respect to joining the forefoot cushioning components 41, 341, and has a generally constant height at the stretch member 186. The heel cushioning component 242 is folded into the second top recess 260 and is secured to the foam midsole layer 340, such as by heat bonding and / or with an adhesive or other means. The top polymer sheet 181 of the bladder 180 is not covered by the foam midsole layer 340, and the heel cushioning component 242 is not exposed at the lateral or medial side of the footwear article 310, as shown. Figure 23 to Figure 25 shown.

[0124] The third top recess 270 is configured with parallel elongated grooves 271. These parallel elongated grooves 271 receive corresponding parallel elongated ribs 273 that extend downwardly at the bottom side of the shank 244, as shown in FIG. Fig.38 Although shank 344 is secured to foam midsole 340, such as by heat bonding and / or with an adhesive or other means, ribs 273 and corresponding grooves 271 create a mechanical interlock that helps further maintain the position of shank 244 relative to foam midsole 340 during dynamic movements.

[0125] The sole structure 314 includes a forefoot cushioning component 341 secured to the foam midsole layer 340 in the first top recess 54 in the same manner as the forefoot cushioning component 41 is secured to the foam midsole layer 40. The forefoot cushioning component 341 includes all of the same features and functions described with respect to the forefoot cushioning component 41, but the pattern of inwardly protruding bonds 150 in the top polymer sheet 81 is slightly different. In other words, the forefoot cushioning component 341 includes the same bladder 80 having the top polymer sheet 81 and the bottom polymer sheet 82 secured to each other at a peripheral flange to enclose an interior cavity, retaining gas in the interior cavity 84. The same tensile member 86 is secured to the interior surface of the bladder 80 as described with respect to the forefoot cushioning component 41. The forefoot cushioning component 341 is not exposed at the lateral side 36 or the medial side 38 of the article of footwear 310.

[0126] Fig.29 This is best illustrated by the slightly different pattern of inwardly projecting bonds 150 of forefoot cushioning component 341. That is, inwardly projecting bonds 150H extend linearly outwardly beyond inwardly projecting bonds 150E1, 150E2, 150D1, and 150D2, instead of the angled inwardly projecting bonds 150F1, 150G1, 150F2, and 150G2 of cushioning component 41. Similarly, inwardly projecting bonds 150L extend linearly outwardly beyond inwardly projecting bonds 150E1, 150E2, 150I1, and 150I2, instead of the angled inwardly projecting bonds 150J1, 150K1, 150J2, and 150K2 of cushioning component 41. Finally, straight inwardly protruding bonds 150P1 and 150P2 are provided in place of the angled inwardly protruding bonds 150M1, 150N1, 150M2, and 150N2 of the forefoot cushioning component 41. The bonds 150 form a pattern of grooves 152 at the top surface 56 of the top polymer sheet 81, some of which are located at the bottom of the top polymer sheet 81. Fig.26 A corresponding depression 156 is formed in the bottom polymer sheet 82, as shown in FIG. Fig.30 shown.

[0127] Fig.33 and Fig.34A heel cushioning component 242 is shown. The heel cushioning component 242 lacks the inwardly protruding bond 150. To this end, the heel cushioning component 242 maintains a generally constant height H1 from the top surface 66 of the top polymer sheet 181 to the bottom surface 62 of the bottom sheet 182, except near the perimeter P2 where the sheets 181, 182 are bonded to each other to form a peripheral flange.

[0128] Fig.35 An arched heel clip 345 is shown having a medial arm 345A, a lateral arm 345B, and a rear segment 345C connecting the lateral arms 345A and 345B and configured to extend around the rear of the heel area 34, nesting in the recess 347 of the foam midsole layer 340 as discussed.

[0129] Figure 36 to Figure 38 The shank 344 is shown. It is apparent that the shank 344 is generally flat, except for the ribs 273. The width of the shank 344 is narrower than the shank 44, because the third top recess 270 is correspondingly narrower than the bottom recess 70.

[0130] Fig.39 and Fig.40 Outsole 348 is shown as an integral, unitary, one-piece component. Outsole 348 may be formed of any of the materials described with respect to outsole 48. Similar to outsole 48, outsole 348 has a top surface 348B on which foam midsole 340 rests and is secured, such as by heat bonding and / or with an adhesive or other means. Outsole 348 includes an upwardly turned front wall 348C that is secured to upper 212 at the front of forefoot region 30, such as Fig.23 The outsole 348 includes a medial sidewall 348D that wraps around the medial sidewall 379 of the foam midsole 340 in the forefoot region 30, as shown in FIG. Fig.24 As shown, and extends across the position line 28 to the upper 212. The outsole 348 also includes an outer side wall 348E, which is wrapped around the outer side wall 385 of the foam midsole 340, as shown in FIG. Fig.25 Finally, the outsole 48 includes an upwardly turned rear wall 348F that partially wraps around the rear portion of the foam midsole 340, as shown. Figure 24 to Figure 25 shown.

[0131] The bottom surface 348G of the outer sole 48 is Fig.40 , and includes protruding tread elements 348H of various shapes and sizes that are configured to provide adequate traction during movement in all directions. Fig.40Only some of tread elements 348H are labeled in FIG. Tread elements 348H extend upwardly along the outside of walls 348C, 348D, 348E, and 348F to provide traction to the ground at various locations of sole structure 14. Cutout 348J is located in midfoot region 32.

[0132] The following clauses provide example configurations of the articles of footwear disclosed herein.

[0133] Item 1. A footwear article, comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure comprising: a foam midsole layer, the foam midsole layer having a forefoot region, a midfoot region and a heel region, a foot-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region and the heel region, and a ground-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region and the heel region; a forefoot cushioning component, the forefoot cushioning component being fixed to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer in the forefoot region; and a heel cushioning component, the heel cushioning component being fixed to the foam midsole layer at one of the foot-facing surface or the ground-facing surface of the foam midsole layer in the heel region; wherein the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component Each of the components includes: a bladder that surrounds an inner cavity and retains gas in the inner cavity; and a stretch component that is disposed in the inner cavity; wherein the stretch component includes a stretch layer and a plurality of tethers connecting the stretch layer, the stretch layer being connected to the inner surface of the bladder so that the tethers span the inner cavity; and wherein the bladder of the forefoot cushioning component has at least one inwardly protruding bond that couples the inner surface of the bladder to the stretch component, protrudes inwardly into the inner cavity, and partially crosses the plurality of tethers, so that the bladder of the forefoot cushioning component is narrowed at the at least one inwardly protruding bond, and the gas in the inner cavity is fluidly connected across the at least one inwardly protruding bond.

[0134] Item 2. An article of footwear according to Item 1, wherein: the bladder comprises a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet bonded to the first polymer sheet to surround the inner cavity; the inwardly protruding bonding portion protrudes inwardly from the first polymer sheet; and the outer surface of the first polymer sheet has a groove at the inwardly protruding bonding portion, and the forefoot cushioning component is engaged at the groove.

[0135] Clause 3. The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the inwardly protruding bond is one of a plurality of inwardly protruding bonds on a proximal side of the bladder, the plurality of inwardly protruding bonds being arranged in a symmetrical pattern about an axis of symmetry of the bladder.

[0136] Item 4. An article of footwear according to any of the preceding items, wherein the forefoot cushioning component is symmetrical about an axis of symmetry, and when the forefoot cushioning component is secured to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer and the axis of symmetry of the forefoot cushioning component is rotated a first angle from the longitudinal centerline of the foam midsole layer, the inwardly protruding bonding portion establishes a joining axis of the forefoot cushioning component.

[0137] Item 5. An article of footwear according to any one of the preceding items, wherein: the foam midsole layer has a top depression in the foot-facing surface in the forefoot area; and the forefoot cushioning component is arranged in the top depression, wherein the top surface of the forefoot cushioning component and the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer together define a foot receiving surface.

[0138] Clause 6. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the top depression is shaped to follow the perimeter of the forefoot cushioning component.

[0139] Clause 7. An article of footwear according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein: the foam midsole has a top depression in the foot-facing surface in the forefoot area; the forefoot cushioning component is disposed in the top depression; and the forefoot cushioning component is symmetrical, and the axis of symmetry of the forefoot cushioning component is angled relative to the longitudinal centerline of the foam midsole.

[0140] Clause 8. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein: the foam midsole layer has a bottom depression in the ground-facing surface in the heel region; and the heel cushioning component is disposed within the bottom depression.

[0141] Clause 9. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein: the foam midsole layer has a top depression in the foot-facing surface in the heel region; and the heel cushioning component is disposed within the top depression.

[0142] Clause 10. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the maximum vertical height of the heel cushioning component is greater than the maximum vertical height of the forefoot cushioning component.

[0143] Clause 11. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, further comprising a shank secured to the foam midsole in the midfoot region.

[0144] Clause 12. The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the foam midsole comprises a depression at one of the foot-facing surface and the ground-facing surface, and wherein the shank is disposed in the depression.

[0145] Clause 13. The article of footwear according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein: the shank is disposed at the ground-facing surface of the foam midsole; and a front portion of the shank is located below a rear portion of the forefoot cushioning component.

[0146] Clause 14. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the shank and the heel cushioning component are both disposed at the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole.

[0147] Item 15. The footwear article according to any of the preceding items further includes: an upper, which is fixed to the sole structure to define a position line between the foam midsole and the upper; and an outer side wrapper, which is fixed to the outer side of the foam midsole and extends beyond the position line to the outer side of the upper.

[0148] Clause 16. The footwear article according to any of the preceding clauses further comprising: an upper secured to the sole structure to the foam midsole; and an arch heel clip supported on the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole in the heel region and extending onto the upper.

[0149] Clause 17. A footwear article according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure comprising: a foam midsole layer, the foam midsole layer having a forefoot region, a midfoot region and a heel region, a foot-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region and the heel region, and a ground-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region and the heel region; a forefoot cushioning component, the forefoot cushioning component being fixed to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer in the forefoot region; and a heel cushioning component, the heel cushioning component being provided in the heel region wherein the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component each include: a bladder that surrounds an inner cavity and retains gas in the inner cavity; and a stretch component that is disposed in the inner cavity; wherein the stretch component includes a stretch layer and a plurality of tethers connecting the stretch layer, the stretch layer being connected to the inner surface of the bladder so that the tethers span the inner cavity; a shank liner that is fixed to the foam midsole in the midfoot area; and wherein a front portion of the shank liner is located below a rear portion of the forefoot cushioning component.

[0150] Item 18. An article of footwear according to any of the preceding items, wherein: the foam midsole layer has a top depression in the foot-facing surface; the forefoot cushioning component is arranged in the top depression; the foam midsole layer has a first bottom depression at the ground-facing surface; the heel cushioning component is arranged in the first bottom depression; the foam midsole layer has a second bottom depression at the ground-facing surface; and the shank pad is arranged in the second bottom depression.

[0151] Clause 19. A footwear article according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure comprising: a foam midsole layer, the foam midsole layer having a forefoot region, a midfoot region and a heel region, a foot-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region and the heel region, and a ground-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region and the heel region; a forefoot cushioning component, the forefoot cushioning component being fixed to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer in the forefoot region; and a heel cushioning component, the heel cushioning component being fixed to the foam midsole layer in the heel region. The foot-facing surface is fixed to the foam midsole; wherein each of the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component includes: a bladder that surrounds an inner cavity and retains gas in the inner cavity; and a stretch component that is disposed in the inner cavity; wherein the stretch component includes a stretch layer and a plurality of tethers connecting the stretch layer, the stretch layer being connected to the inner surface of the bladder so that the tethers span the inner cavity; a shank liner that is fixed to the foam midsole in the midfoot area between the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component without overlapping either the forefoot cushioning component or the heel cushioning component.

[0152] Item 20. An article of footwear according to any of the preceding items, wherein: the foam midsole layer has a first top depression in the foot-facing surface; the forefoot cushioning component is arranged in the first top depression; the foam midsole layer has a second top depression at the foot-facing surface; the heel cushioning component is arranged in the second top depression; the foam midsole layer has a third top depression at the foot-facing surface; and the shank pad is arranged in the third top depression.

[0153] To assist and clarify the description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply to the entire specification (including claims). Additionally, all references cited are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0154] "Articles of footwear," "articles of footwear manufacture," and "footwear" may be considered to be machines and articles of manufacture. Assembled finished articles of footwear (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and discrete components of articles of footwear (such as midsoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) prior to final assembly into finished articles of footwear are considered herein and are alternatively referred to in the singular or plural as "articles of footwear."

[0155] "One", "a kind", "the", "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate that there is at least one of the items. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, there may be multiple such items. Unless otherwise clearly or clearly indicated in the context (including the appended claims), all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., amounts or conditions) in this specification should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases, regardless of whether "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (close to exact in value; close to or quite close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, "about" as used herein at least indicates the changes that may be caused by the ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, the disclosure of a range should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within the range and the range further divided.

[0156] 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. When possible, the order of steps, processes and operations can be changed, and additional or alternative steps can be adopted. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term "any of..." should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including "any of" the referenced items. The term "any of..." should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including "any of" the referenced claims.

[0157] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upwardly," "downwardly," "top," "bottom," etc. may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings without implying a limitation on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0158] The term "longitudinal" particularly refers to a direction extending the length of a component. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the shoe. The terms "forward" or "front" are particularly used to refer to a general direction from the heel region towards the forefoot region, and the terms "rearward" or "rear" are particularly used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region towards the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified as having a longitudinal axis and a front-to-back longitudinal direction along the axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as the front-to-back direction or axis.

[0159] The term "lateral" refers in particular to a direction extending the width of a component. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the lateral side and the medial side of the shoe. The lateral direction or axis may also be referred to as the lateral direction or axis or the medial-lateral direction or axis.

[0160] The term "vertical" particularly refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. For example, in the case where the sole structure is lying flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend upward from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of the sole structure. The term "upward" or "upwardly" particularly refers to a vertical direction directed toward the top of a component, which may include the instep of the upper, the fastening area and / or the throat. The term "downward" or "downwardly" particularly refers to a vertical direction directed toward the bottom of a component opposite to the upward direction, and may generally be directed toward the bottom of the sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0161] The "interior" of a footwear article (such as a shoe) refers in particular to the portion at the space occupied by the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The "inside" of a component refers in particular to the side or surface of the component that is oriented toward (or will be oriented toward) the interior of the component or footwear article in the assembled footwear article. The "outside" or "exterior" of a component refers in particular to the side or surface of the component that is oriented away from (or will be away from) the interior of the shoe in the assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be between the inside of the component and the interior of the assembled footwear article. Similarly, other components may be between the outside of the component and the space outside the assembled footwear article. In addition, the terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer in particular to the direction toward the interior of a component or footwear article (such as a shoe), and the terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer in particular to the direction toward the exterior of a component or footwear article (such as a shoe). In addition, the term "proximal" refers in particular to the direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the user inserts the foot into the footwear article while wearing the footwear article. Likewise, the term "distal" specifically refers to a relative position farther from the center of the footwear component or farther from the foot when the user inserts the foot into the footwear when wearing the footwear. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as generally relative terms that provide descriptions of relative spatial positions.

[0162] Although various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and it is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that there may be more embodiments and implementations within the scope of these embodiments. Unless expressly limited, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature or element in any other embodiment or replace any other feature or element in any other embodiment. Therefore, these embodiments are not limited except in accordance with the attached claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

[0163] Although several modes for implementing various aspects of the teachings of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the teachings of the present disclosure within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as describing and illustrating the entire scope of alternative embodiments, which will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art as being implied by the included content, structurally and / or functionally equivalent, or otherwise presented as obvious based on the included content, and are not limited to those explicitly depicted and / or described embodiments.

Claims

1. A footwear product comprising: A sole structure, comprising: a foam midsole layer having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, a foot-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, and a ground-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region; a forefoot cushioning component secured to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer in the forefoot region; and a heel cushioning component secured to the foam midsole at one of the foot-facing surface or the ground-facing surface of the foam midsole in the heel region; wherein each of the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component comprises: a bladder surrounding the lumen and retaining gas within the lumen; and a stretch member disposed in the inner cavity; wherein the stretch member comprises a stretch layer and a plurality of tethers connecting the stretch layer, the stretch layer being connected to the inner surface of the bladder such that the tethers span the inner cavity; and The bladder of the forefoot cushioning component has at least one inwardly protruding bonding portion, which connects the inner surface of the bladder to the stretch component, protrudes inwardly into the inner cavity, and partially crosses the multiple tethers, so that the bladder of the forefoot cushioning component is narrowed at the at least one inwardly protruding bonding portion, and the gas in the inner cavity is fluidly connected across the at least one inwardly protruding bonding portion.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: The bladder includes a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet bonded to the first polymer sheet to surround the inner cavity; The inwardly protruding bonding portion protrudes inwardly from the first polymer sheet; and The outer surface of the first polymer sheet has a recess at the inwardly protruding bond, and the forefoot cushioning component is engaged at the recess.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the inwardly protruding bond is one of a plurality of inwardly protruding bonds on a proximal side of the bladder, the plurality of inwardly protruding bonds being arranged in a symmetrical pattern about an axis of symmetry of the bladder.

4. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the forefoot cushioning component is symmetrical about an axis of symmetry, and when the forefoot cushioning component is secured to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer and the axis of symmetry of the forefoot cushioning component is rotated a first angle from the longitudinal centerline of the foam midsole layer, the inwardly protruding bonding portion establishes a joint axis of the forefoot cushioning component.

5. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the foam midsole layer having a top depression in the foot-facing surface in the forefoot region; and The forefoot cushioning component is disposed within the top recess, wherein a top surface of the forefoot cushioning component and the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole together define a foot-receiving surface.

6. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the top depression is shaped to follow the perimeter of the forefoot cushioning component.

7. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the foam midsole layer having a top depression in the foot-facing surface in the forefoot region; The forefoot cushioning component is disposed within the top recess; and The forefoot cushioning component is symmetrical, and an axis of symmetry of the forefoot cushioning component is angled relative to a longitudinal centerline of the foam midsole.

8. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the foam midsole layer having a bottom depression in the ground facing surface in the heel region; and The heel cushioning component is disposed within the bottom recess.

9. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The foam midsole layer has a top depression in the foot-facing surface in the heel region; and The heel cushioning component is disposed within the top recess.

10. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the maximum vertical height of the heel cushioning component is greater than the maximum vertical height of the forefoot cushioning component.

11. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a shank secured to the foam midsole in the midfoot region.

12. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the foam midsole layer includes a depression at one of the foot-facing surface and the ground-facing surface, and the shank is disposed in the depression.

13. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein: The shank is disposed at the ground-facing surface of the foam midsole; and A front portion of the shank is positioned below a rear portion of the forefoot cushioning component.

14. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the shank and the heel cushioning component are both disposed at the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole.

15. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: an upper secured to the sole structure to define a position line between the foam midsole and the upper; as well as A lateral wrapper is secured to the lateral side of the foam midsole layer and extends across the position line onto the lateral side of the upper.

16. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: an upper secured to the sole structure to the foam midsole; as well as An arched heel clip is supported on the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole in the heel region and extends onto the upper.

17. A footwear article comprising: A sole structure, comprising: a foam midsole layer having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, a foot-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, and a ground-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region; a forefoot cushioning component secured to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer in the forefoot region; and a heel cushioning component secured to the foam midsole at the ground-facing surface of the foam midsole in the heel region; wherein each of the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component comprises: a bladder surrounding the lumen and retaining gas within the lumen; and a stretch member disposed in the inner cavity; wherein the stretch member comprises a stretch layer and a plurality of tethers connecting the stretch layer, the stretch layer being connected to the inner surface of the bladder such that the tethers span the inner cavity; a shank secured to the foam midsole in the midfoot region; and The front portion of the shank is located below the rear portion of the forefoot cushioning component.

18. The article of footwear according to claim 17, wherein: The foam midsole layer has a top depression in the foot-facing surface; The forefoot cushioning component is disposed in the top recess; The foam mid-bottom layer has a first bottom depression at the ground-facing surface; The heel cushioning component is disposed in the first bottom recess; The foam mid-layer has a second bottom depression at the ground-facing surface; and The shank is disposed in the second bottom recess.

19. A footwear article comprising: A sole structure, comprising: a foam midsole layer having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, a foot-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, and a ground-facing surface extending in each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region; a forefoot cushioning component secured to the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole layer in the forefoot region; and a heel cushioning component secured to the foam midsole at the foot-facing surface of the foam midsole in the heel region; wherein each of the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component comprises: a bladder surrounding the lumen and retaining gas within the lumen; and a stretch member disposed in the inner cavity; wherein the stretch member comprises a stretch layer and a plurality of tethers connecting the stretch layer, the stretch layer being connected to the inner surface of the bladder such that the tethers span the inner cavity; A shank is secured to the foam midsole in the midfoot region between the forefoot cushioning component and the heel cushioning component without overlapping either the forefoot cushioning component or the heel cushioning component.

20. The article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein: the foam midsole layer having a first top depression in the foot-facing surface; The forefoot cushioning component is disposed in the first top recess; The foam midsole layer has a second top depression at the foot-facing surface; The heel cushioning component is disposed in the second top recess; The foam midsole layer has a third top depression at the foot-facing surface; and The shank is disposed in the third top recess.

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