Footwear insole with 3D printing grids of anisotropic structure and manufacturing method of footwear insole

Abstract

A sole for an article of footwear includes a three-dimensional mesh. The three-dimensional mesh may include a plurality of interconnected cells, wherein each cell includes a plurality of soft subunits and a plurality of hard subunits. The three-dimensional mesh may also include a mechanically anisotropic region including a first lattice shear modulus measured in a forward direction, and a second lattice shear modulus measured in a rearward direction opposite the forward direction and greater than the first lattice shear modulus.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application date of October 12, 2021, application number 202111188571.9, and invention name “Footwear midsole with 3D printed grid having anisotropic structure and manufacturing method thereof”. Technical Field

[0002] The described embodiments generally relate to soles for articles of footwear. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to soles for articles of footwear that include a midsole having an anisotropic structure configured to provide desired mechanical properties to the midsole. Background Art

[0003] The human foot is a complex and extraordinary machine that is able to withstand and dissipate many impact forces. The natural padding of fat at the heel and forefoot, as well as the flexibility of the arch of the foot help cushion the foot. Although the human foot has natural shock absorbing and rebounding properties, the foot alone cannot effectively overcome the many forces encountered during daily activities. Unless people wear shoes that provide appropriate cushioning and support, the pain and fatigue associated with daily activities will be more severe and may become increasingly severe. The discomfort caused to the wearer will reduce the motivation for further activity. Equally important, inadequately cushioned shoes can lead to injuries such as blisters; damage to muscles, Achilles tendons and ligaments; and stress fractures of bones. Inappropriate footwear can also lead to other ailments, including back pain.

[0004] People often pay attention to the amount of cushioning provided by footwear. This is true for footwear worn for both non-competitive activities (e.g., casual walking) and competitive activities (e.g., running), because in the average daily course of an individual's feet and legs experience significant impact forces. When the footwear contacts a surface, considerable forces can act on the footwear and, in turn, on the wearer's foot. The function of the sole of the footwear article is to provide, to some extent, cushioning and protecting the wearer's foot from these forces.

[0005] Proper footwear should be durable, comfortable, and provide other beneficial properties to the individual.Therefore, there is a continuing need for innovations in footwear. Summary of the invention

[0006] The first aspect (1) of the present application relates to a sole for a footwear article, the sole comprising: a three-dimensional grid, comprising: a plurality of interconnected cells, each interconnected cell having a plurality of struts defining a three-dimensional shape and a plurality of nodes at which one or more struts are connected, wherein each cell comprises a soft subunit and a hard subunit.

[0007] In a second aspect (2), each unit cell according to the first aspect (1) includes a plurality of soft sub-cells and a plurality of hard sub-cells.

[0008] In the third aspect (3), each unit cell according to the first aspect (1) or the second aspect (2) includes: a plurality of soft sub-units and a plurality of hard sub-units, including an upper-front quadrant of at least one of the plurality of soft sub-units, an upper-rear quadrant of at least one of the plurality of hard sub-units, a lower-front quadrant of at least one of the plurality of hard sub-units, and a lower-rear quadrant of at least one of the plurality of soft sub-units.

[0009] In the fourth aspect (4), the upper-front quadrant according to the third aspect (3) includes two of the soft sub-units, the upper-rear quadrant according to the third aspect (3) includes two of the hard sub-units, the lower-front quadrant according to the third aspect (3) includes two of the hard sub-units, and the lower-rear quadrant according to the third aspect (3) includes two of the soft sub-units.

[0010] In a fifth aspect (5), each unit cell according to any one of aspects (1) to (4) comprises eight sub-units.

[0011] In a sixth aspect (6), the eight sub-units according to the fifth aspect (5) include four soft sub-units and four hard sub-units.

[0012] In a seventh aspect (7), the eight sub-units according to the fifth aspect (5) include a plurality of soft sub-units and a plurality of hard sub-units.

[0013] In the eighth aspect (8), the eight sub-units according to the seventh aspect (7) include: an upper-front-inside soft sub-unit, an upper-front-outside soft sub-unit, an upper-back-inside hard sub-unit, an upper-back-outside hard sub-unit, a lower-front-inside hard sub-unit, a lower-front-outside hard sub-unit, a lower-back-inside soft sub-unit and a lower-back-outside soft sub-unit.

[0014] In a ninth aspect (9), the soft sub-unit according to the first aspect (1) includes a sub-unit for a first lattice structure, and wherein the hard sub-unit includes a sub-unit for a second lattice structure different from the first lattice structure.

[0015] In the tenth aspect (10), the first lattice structure according to the ninth aspect (9) has a first modeled compression modulus, and the second lattice structure according to the ninth aspect (9) has a second modeled compression modulus that is 15% or more greater than the first modeled compression modulus.

[0016] In the eleventh aspect (11), the first lattice structure according to the ninth aspect (9) or the tenth aspect (10) has a first modeled shear modulus, and the second lattice structure according to the ninth aspect (9) or the tenth aspect (10) has a second modeled shear modulus that is 15% or more greater than the first modeled shear modulus.

[0017] In the twelfth aspect (12), the first lattice structure according to any one of aspects (9)-(11) is an isotropic lattice structure, and the second lattice structure according to any one of aspects (9)-(11) is an isotropic lattice structure.

[0018] In the thirteenth aspect (13), the three-dimensional grid according to any one of aspects (1)-(12) includes: a lattice shear modulus measured in a forward direction, and a lattice shear modulus measured in a backward direction, which is greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction.

[0019] In the fourteenth aspect (14), the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction according to the thirteenth aspect (13) is 10% or more greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction.

[0020] In a fifteenth aspect (15), the three-dimensional grid according to the thirteenth aspect (13) comprises a ratio of the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction to the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction in a range of 1.1 to 4.

[0021] The sixteenth aspect (16) of the present application relates to a sole for a footwear article, the sole comprising: a three-dimensional grid, comprising: a plurality of interconnected cells, each interconnected cell having a plurality of struts defining a three-dimensional shape and a plurality of nodes at which one or more struts are connected; and a mechanical anisotropic region, comprising: a first lattice shear modulus measured in a forward direction, and a second lattice shear modulus measured in a backward direction opposite to the forward direction and greater than the first lattice shear modulus.

[0022] In the seventeenth aspect (17), the second lattice shear modulus according to the sixteenth aspect (16) is larger than the first lattice shear modulus by 10% or more.

[0023] In the eighteenth aspect (18), the mechanical anisotropic region according to the sixteenth aspect (16) or the seventeenth aspect (17) also includes a third lattice shear modulus measured in a lateral direction orthogonal to the forward direction, the first lattice shear modulus is smaller than the third lattice shear modulus, and the second lattice shear modulus is greater than the third lattice shear modulus.

[0024] In the nineteenth aspect (19), the mechanically anisotropic region according to any one of aspects (16) to (18) comprises a lattice compression modulus of 10 N / mm or more.

[0025] In a twentieth aspect (20), the mechanically anisotropic region according to any one of aspects (16) to (18) comprises a lattice compression modulus ranging from 10 N / mm to 25 N / mm.

[0026] In the twenty-first aspect (21), the mechanically anisotropic region according to any one of aspects (16) to (20) includes a lattice displacement of 3.5 mm or more in the forward direction.

[0027] In a twenty-second aspect (22), the mechanically anisotropic region according to any one of aspects (16) to (20) comprises a lattice displacement in the forward direction ranging from 3.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0028] In the twenty-third aspect (23), the mechanically anisotropic region according to any one of aspects (16) to (22) tends to deform forward under a vertical load.

[0029] The twenty-fourth aspect (24) of the present application relates to a sole for a footwear article, the sole comprising: a three-dimensional grid, comprising: a plurality of interconnected cells, each interconnected cell having a plurality of pillars defining a three-dimensional shape and a plurality of nodes at which one or more pillars are connected, wherein the plurality of interconnected cells at the peripheral side wall of the peripheral structure defined by the three-dimensional grid comprise: a plurality of eight-sided regions arranged directly adjacent to each other and having substantially the same size, each of the eight-sided regions being defined by eight boundary pillars, the plurality of eight-sided regions comprising: a first region having four openings defined by four internal pillars connected at internal nodes, and a second region having a single opening defined by eight boundary pillars.

[0030] In aspect twenty-fifth (25), the plurality of octagonal regions defined by eight boundary struts according to aspect twenty-four (24) include a plurality of first regions having four openings defined by four internal struts connected at internal nodes, and a plurality of second regions having a single opening defined by eight boundary struts.

[0031] In the twenty-sixth aspect (26), the multiple first areas according to the twenty-fifth aspect (25) are arranged into a first row extending between the forefoot end and the heel end of the sole in the longitudinal direction, and the multiple second areas according to the twenty-fifth aspect (25) are arranged into a second row extending between the forefoot end and the heel end of the sole in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] In the twenty-seventh aspect (27), the plurality of octagonal regions according to any one of aspects (24) to (26) each have a bow-tie shape.

[0033] In the twenty-eighth aspect (28), the peripheral structure according to any one of aspects (24) to (27) comprises Fig.17 The structure shown.

[0034] The twenty-ninth aspect (29) of the present application relates to a sole for a footwear article, the sole comprising: a three-dimensional grid, comprising: a plurality of interconnected cells, each interconnected cell having a plurality of struts defining a three-dimensional shape and a plurality of nodes at which one or more struts are connected; and a colored coating on a portion of the three-dimensional grid, wherein the plurality of interconnected cells define at least a portion of a peripheral side wall of the three-dimensional grid, and the colored coating is not coated on at least a portion of the peripheral side wall.

[0035] In the thirtieth aspect (30), the three-dimensional grid according to the twenty-ninth aspect (29) includes a lateral stack of cells, wherein the lateral stack includes an outer column of cells that defines at least a portion of the peripheral side wall of the three-dimensional grid and an inner column of cells that is arranged inside the outer column of cells.

[0036] In the thirty-first aspect (31), the color coating according to the thirtieth aspect (30) is applied to at least a portion of the inner columns of the cell and is not applied to the outer columns of the cell.

[0037] In the thirty-second aspect (32), the lateral stacking according to the thirtieth aspect (30) or the thirty-first aspect (31) extends from the inside to the outside of the three-dimensional grid.

[0038] In a thirty-third aspect (33), the plurality of interconnected cells according to any one of aspects (29)-(32) have a first color, and the colored coating has a second color different from the first color.

[0039] In the thirty-fourth aspect (34), the first color according to the thirty-third aspect (33) is selected from the group consisting of: red, crimson, maroon, magenta, pink, orange, yellow, golden yellow, yellow-green, green, blue, navy blue, sea blue, cyan, azure, indigo, violet, purple, brown, black, gray, white, beige, silver or taupe, and the second color according to the thirty-third aspect (33) is selected from the group consisting of: red, crimson, maroon, magenta, pink, orange, yellow, golden yellow, yellow-green, green, blue, navy blue, sea blue, cyan, indigo, violet, purple, brown, black, gray, white, beige, silver or taupe.

[0040] In a thirty-fifth aspect (35), the color coating according to any one of aspects (29) to (34) comprises a powder coating.

[0041] In a thirty-sixth aspect (36), the color coating according to any one of aspects (29) to (34) comprises a paint coating.

[0042] In the thirty-seventh aspect (37), the color coating according to any one of aspects (29)-(36) does not fill the space between the plurality of pillars.

[0043] In a thirty-eighth aspect (38), the color coating according to any one of aspects (29)-(37) does not extend between individual struts that are not connected to each other at one of the plurality of nodes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 is a side view of an article of footwear according to some embodiments.

[0045] Figure 2 is a side view of an article of footwear illustrating portions of the article of footwear according to some embodiments.

[0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a midsole according to some embodiments.

[0047] Figure 4A is a first stereogram of a dot matrix unit according to some embodiments.

[0048] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A second stereogram of the dot matrix unit is shown.

[0049] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a cell according to some embodiments.

[0050] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A stereogram of the cell is shown.

[0051] Fig. 6A is a side view of a midsole according to some embodiments.

[0052] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A An enlarged view of a portion of.

[0053] Figures 7A-7C A lattice structure according to some embodiments is shown.

[0054] Figures 8A-8C An isotropic lattice structure of a soft subunit according to some embodiments is shown.

[0055] Figures 9A-9C An isotropic lattice structure of a hard subunit is shown according to some embodiments.

[0056] Fig.10 is a diagram showing the relationship between simulated force and displacement of a lattice structure according to some embodiments.

[0057] Fig.11is a diagram showing the relationship between simulated force and displacement of a lattice structure according to some embodiments.

[0058] Fig.12 is a diagram showing the relationship between simulated force and displacement of a lattice structure according to some embodiments.

[0059] Fig.13 It is a graph showing the relationship between the lattice compression modulus and displacement of various lattice structures.

[0060] Fig.14A is a perspective view of an exemplary distorted cubic lattice framework.

[0061] Fig. 14B It is taken from Fig.14A cross-sectional portion.

[0062] Fig.15 is a coated midsole according to some embodiments.

[0063] Fig.16 A lateral stacking of cells is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0064] Fig.17 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments.

[0065] Fig.18 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments.

[0066] Fig.19 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments.

[0067] Fig. 20 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments.

[0068] Fig.21 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments.

[0069] Fig. 22 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments.

[0070] Fig.23 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments.

[0071] Fig.24 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments.

[0072] Fig.25 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments.

[0073] Fig.26 is a perimeter structure according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments of the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings. Reference to "an embodiment", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", etc. indicates that the embodiment may include a specific feature, structure or characteristic, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific feature, structure or characteristic. In addition, such wording does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a specific feature, structure or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, regardless of whether it is explicitly described.

[0075] Articles of footwear have many purposes. Among them, articles of footwear can cushion the wearer's foot, support the wearer's foot, protect the wearer's foot (e.g., from injury), and optimize the performance of the wearer's foot. Each of these purposes, alone or in combination, provides a comfortable article of footwear suitable for use in a variety of situations (e.g., exercise and daily activities). The features of articles of footwear (e.g., the shape, components, and materials used to make the footwear) can be varied to produce desired properties, such as cushioning, support, stability, ride, and propulsion properties.

[0076] The stability provided by the footwear article can protect the wearer's foot from injury, such as spraining his or her ankle. The propulsion provided by the footwear article can optimize the performance of the wearer's foot by, for example, maximizing the energy transfer from the individual's foot to the surface (e.g., the ground) that his or her foot contacts via the footwear article. Maximizing the energy transfer between the individual's foot and the surface (i.e., reducing the energy lost through the footwear article and / or absorbed by the footwear article) can help athletes, for example, accelerate faster, maintain a higher maximum speed, change direction faster, and jump higher. The cushioning and smoothness properties provided by the footwear article can provide comfort to individuals during sports or daily activities.

[0077] The three-dimensional grid described herein utilizes the characteristics of the cells constituting the three-dimensional grid to produce mechanical anisotropic properties. These mechanical anisotropic properties can be designed to provide the desired mechanical properties for the three-dimensional grid that limits all or part of the sole. A property that can be designed to realize specific mechanical properties is "lattice shear modulus". In certain embodiments, all or part of the three-dimensional grid can be designed to include anisotropic lattice shear modulus, which gives the three-dimensional grid the desired mechanical properties. In certain embodiments, a plurality of regions of the three-dimensional grid can be designed to include anisotropic lattice shear modulus, which gives the different regions of the three-dimensional grid the desired mechanical properties. Other exemplary properties that can be designed to realize specific mechanical properties include but are not limited to compressive strength and flexural strength. The desired mechanical properties of the three-dimensional grid can in turn produce desired sole properties, such as cushioning, propulsion, stability, smoothness and / or weight properties.

[0078] In certain embodiments, the mechanical anisotropic properties of a three-dimensional mesh as described herein can be designed to produce forward propulsion when a sole comprising the three-dimensional mesh contacts the ground. In such embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh may include a lattice shear modulus measured in a forward direction that is less than a lattice shear modulus measured in a rearward direction. By designing the three-dimensional mesh in this manner, the three-dimensional mesh can convert vertical load energy into forward displacement, propelling the wearer's foot forward when the sole comprising the three-dimensional mesh contacts the ground during use. In other words, by designing the three-dimensional mesh in this manner, the three-dimensional mesh may be predisposed to deform forward when the sole comprising the three-dimensional mesh contacts the ground during use.

[0079] A three-dimensional mesh that tends to deform in a particular direction (e.g., a forward direction) can provide a number of advantages to the wearer. For example, the forward motion created by the three-dimensional mesh can produce improved efficiency when running. In other words, a three-dimensional mesh that tends to deform forward can reduce the energy required to be expended by the wearer to continue his or her forward motion. As another example, when the wearer changes direction, a three-dimensional mesh that tends to deform laterally (e.g., medially) can improve efficiency by providing additional support under typical lateral load conditions associated with, for example, a sharp turn to the outside or inside during running.

[0080] The three-dimensional mesh described herein may include cells composed of different types of sub-cells, which may also be referred to as "partial cells". As described herein, the cells may be constructed by assembling the sub-cells in a specific arrangement to create an anisotropic lattice shear modulus. In certain embodiments, the cells may be constructed by assembling the sub-cells in a specific arrangement to create an anisotropic lattice shear modulus that produces forward propulsion when a shoe sole including the three-dimensional mesh contacts the ground.

[0081] As used herein, the term "three-dimensional grid" refers to a three-dimensional structure that includes interconnected structural members that define a plurality of cells. The structural members and the cells may be connected at nodes. The cells may be arranged in a lattice configuration. For example, the interconnected structural members may be struts that are connected at nodes and define cells arranged in a lattice configuration. Exemplary lattice configurations include, but are not limited to, basic cubic lattices, body-centered cubic lattices, face-centered cubic lattices, and lattices modified based on these lattice configurations. As described herein, modified lattices based on these lattice configurations may be created by combining subunits of these lattice configurations. Exemplary modified lattice configurations such as Figures 7A-7C shown.

[0082] As used herein, the term "lattice shear modulus" refers to the shear modulus (the slope of the shear stress to shear strain curve in the elastic region) of a three-dimensional grid or a portion thereof. The "lattice shear modulus" described herein was measured using the following solid model simulation. A 7×7×2 unit cell puck consisting of cells for a three-dimensional grid was modeled using FEA (finite element analysis) modeling software. Suitable FEA modeling software includes Abaqus FEA modeling software. The 7×7×2 unit cell puck includes two layers of seven cells in seven longitudinal rows, and the seven longitudinal rows are arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction as described herein. The unit cell puck is modeled as being sandwiched between and in contact with the top and bottom plates. The following parameters are input into the FEA modeling software for simulation: (1) material properties (including density and tensile properties) of the modeled struts for the unit cell puck, (2) loading conditions, and (3) contact mechanics (including friction properties) between the unit cell puck and the two plates.

[0083] The lattice shear modulus of the 7×7×2 unit cell disc in different directions was determined by shear simulations with a 45-degree load in the direction in which the lattice shear modulus was evaluated. To determine the lattice shear modulus in the forward longitudinal direction, a 45-degree load in the forward longitudinal direction was modeled. To determine the lattice shear modulus in the rearward longitudinal direction, a 45-degree load in the rearward longitudinal direction was modeled. To determine the lattice shear modulus in the inward lateral direction, a 45-degree load in the inward lateral direction was modeled. To determine the lattice shear modulus in the outward lateral direction, a 45-degree load in the outward lateral direction was modeled.

[0084] The simulated stress-strain behavior of the 7 × 7 × 2 unit cell disk was plotted, and the lattice shear modulus in different directions was calculated by measuring the slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region of the plot. Figure 10-12 A stress-strain diagram of an exemplary modeled 7×7×2 unit cell disk is shown.

[0085] In some cases, uniaxial compressive loading can be modeled using FEA modeling software to determine the "lattice compression modulus" of a three-dimensional mesh or a portion thereof. To determine the lattice compression modulus of a three-dimensional mesh, a 7×7×2 unit cell disk of the same model is compressed at strains up to 50%. For this model, the tow plate is free to move in the longitudinal and transverse directions, so the unit cell disk is free to deform in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The model stress-strain behavior of the 7×7×2 unit cell disk is plotted, and the lattice compression modulus is calculated by measuring the slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region of the plot. In addition, this uniaxial compressive load can be used to determine the lattice displacement in the forward direction of the three-dimensional mesh or a portion thereof. The lattice displacement in the forward direction is the amount by which the 7×7×2 unit cell disk deforms forward under the uniaxial compressive load, expressed in millimeters. Fig.13 A graph 1300 is shown that plots the lattice compression modulus ("compression stiffness") for various exemplary 7x7x2 unit cell disks versus the lattice displacement in the forward direction.

[0086] As used herein, "anisotropic" means dependent on direction. "Isotropic" generally means independent of direction. A material or component having a particular property that is isotropic at a particular point will have the same property regardless of the direction in which it is measured. For example, if Young's modulus is isotropic at a point, the Young's modulus value is the same regardless of the stretching direction used to measure the Young's modulus.

[0087] An isotropic material or component has 2 independent elastic constants, usually expressed as Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the material (although other expressions may be used), which are independent of the position within the material or component. A fully anisotropic material or component has 21 independent elastic constants. An orthotropic material or component has 9 independent elastic constants.

[0088] Orthotropic materials or components are a subset of anisotropic materials or components. By definition, an orthotropic material or component has at least two orthogonal planes of symmetry, where the material properties are independent of direction within each plane. An orthotropic material or component has nine independent variables (i.e., elastic constants) in its stiffness matrix. If a material or component has no symmetry planes at all, an anisotropic material or component may have up to 21 elastic constants to define its stiffness matrix.

[0089] The mechanical anisotropic properties of the midsole disclosed herein can provide a variety of different options to customize (tailor) the midsole according to the needs of an individual or a group of individuals. For example, the lattice shear modulus can be varied between different regions or portions on the midsole to provide the desired properties (e.g., cushioning, support, stability, ride and / or propulsion properties) for an individual or a group of individuals.

[0090] A midsole comprising a three-dimensional grid as discussed herein can be manufactured using one or more additive manufacturing methods. Additive manufacturing methods allow the manufacture of three-dimensional objects without the need for molds. By reducing or eliminating the need for molds, additive manufacturing methods can reduce costs for manufacturers of products (e.g., shoes), and in turn reduce costs for consumers of products (e.g., shoes). The overall manufacture of a midsole using additive manufacturing may eliminate the need for assembly of separate elements of the midsole. Similarly, an additively manufactured midsole can be manufactured from a single material, which can facilitate easy recycling of the midsole.

[0091] Furthermore, additive manufacturing methods facilitate customization of products because molds may not be required. Additive manufacturing methods can be utilized to provide customized and affordable footwear to individuals. Exemplary additive manufacturing techniques include, for example, laser selective sintering, laser selective melting, thermal selective sintering, stereolithography, fused deposition modeling, or general 3D printing. Various additive manufacturing techniques related to articles of footwear are described, for example, in US2009 / 0126225, WO 2010 / 126708, US2014 / 0300676, US2014 / 0300675, US2014 / 0299009, US2014 / 0026773, US2014 / 0029030, WO 2014 / 008331, WO 2014 / 015037, US2014 / 0020191, EP2564719, EP 2424398, and US2012 / 0117825. In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing process may include a continuous liquid surface production process. For example, the additive manufacturing process may include a continuous liquid surface production process as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,453,142, which issued on September 27, 2016 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0092] In some embodiments, 3D printing the three-dimensional mesh may include 3D printing the mesh in an intermediate green state, shaping the green state mesh, and curing the green mesh into its final shape.

[0093] The technology of producing intermediates by resin by additive manufacturing is known. Suitable technology includes bottom-up and top-down additive manufacturing commonly referred to as photo-curing. These methods are known and described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,236,637 of Hull, U.S. Patent No. 5,391,072 and 5,529,473 of Lawton, U.S. Patent No. 7,438,846 of John, U.S. Patent No. 7,892,474 of Shkolnik, U.S. Patent No. 8,110,135 of El-Siblani, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0292862 of Joyce and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0295212 of Chen et al. The disclosures of these patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0094] In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing step is performed by one of a family of methods sometimes referred to as continuous liquid interface production (CLIP). CLIP is known and described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,211,678; 9,205,601; 9,216,546; and others; J. Tumbleston et al., Continuous liquid interface production of 3D Objects, Science 347, 1349-1352 (2015); and R. Janusziewcz et al., Layerless fabrication with continuous liquid interface production, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 113, 11703-11708 (October 18, 2016). Other examples of methods and apparatus for performing specific embodiments of CLIP include, but are not limited to: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2017 / 0129169 to Batchelder et al. (May 11, 2017); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2017 / 0129169 to Sun and Lichkus (May 11, 2017); 2016 / 0288376 (October 6, 2016); Willis et al. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0360419 (December 17, 2015); Lin et al. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0331402 (November 19, 2015); D. Castanon U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2017 / 0129167 (May 11, 2017); B. Feller U.S. Patent application publication number US2018 / 0243976 (published on August 30, 2018); U.S. patent application publication number US2018 / 0126630 of M. Panzer and J. Tumbleston (published on May 10, 2018); U.S. patent application publication number US2018 / 0290374 of K. Willis and B. Adzima (October 11, 2018); PCT patent publication number WO 2015 / 164234 of L. Robeson et al. (see also U.S. Patent Nos. 10,259,171 and 10,434,706); and PCT patent publication number WO 2017 / 210298 of C. Mirkin et al. (see also U.S. Patent No. US2019 / 0160733). The disclosures of these patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0095] Although stereolithography such as CLIP is preferred, it should be understood that other additive manufacturing techniques such as inkjet printing may also be used (see, for example, U.S. Patent 6,259,962 to Gothait and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. US2020 / 0156308 to Ramos et al.).

[0096] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh may have an anisotropic lattice shear modulus in the forward and backward directions as described herein. In some embodiments, one or more regions of the three-dimensional mesh may have an anisotropic lattice shear modulus in the forward and backward directions as described herein. In some embodiments, the lattice shear modulus in the forward direction may be greater than the lattice shear modulus in the backward direction. In some embodiments, the lattice shear modulus in the forward direction may be less than the lattice shear modulus in the backward direction.

[0097] By tailoring the lattice shear modulus in the forward direction to be greater than or less than the lattice shear modulus in the backward direction, the sole can be designed to have the desired characteristic when being subjected to vertical force, forward force and backward force in use. For example, the lattice shear modulus in the backward direction can be designed to be relatively hard to provide propulsion force when the athlete accelerates in the forward direction (it applies significant backward force on the sole). When the athlete accelerates forward, the relatively hard lattice shear modulus, and therefore the relatively flexible lattice shear modulus in the forward direction, can also provide forward propulsion force by converting the vertical force applied to the sole into forward displacement, thereby promoting forward acceleration. As another example, the lattice shear modulus in the forward direction can be designed to be relatively flexible, to provide support and / or cushioning during heel landing or when the athlete decelerates (both situations can apply significant forward force on the sole).

[0098] Figure 1 and 2 An article of footwear 100 according to some embodiments is shown. The article of footwear 100 may include an upper 120 coupled to a midsole 130. The article of footwear 100 includes a forefoot end 102, a heel end 104, a medial side 106, and a lateral side 108 opposite the medial side 106. Similarly, for example, Figure 2 As shown, article of footwear 100 includes forefoot portion 110, midfoot portion 112, and heel portion 114. Portions 110, 112, and 114 are not intended to precisely demarcate areas of article of footwear 100. Rather, portions 110, 112, and 114 are intended to represent general areas that provide a frame of reference for article of footwear 100. Although portions 110, 112, and 114 apply generally to article of footwear 100, references to portions 110, 112, and 114 may also apply specifically to upper 120 or midsole 130, or individual components of upper 120 or midsole 130.

[0099] In some embodiments, the article of footwear 100 may include an outsole 140 coupled to the midsole 130. The midsole 130 and the outsole 140 together may define a sole 150 of the article of footwear 100. In some embodiments, the outsole 140 may be manufactured (e.g., 3D printed) directly on the bottom side of the midsole 130. In some embodiments, the outsole 140 and the midsole 130 may be manufactured in one manufacturing process (e.g., one 3D printing process) and may not require bonding, such as via an adhesive. In some embodiments, the outsole 140 may include a plurality of protrusions 142 to provide traction friction to the article of footwear 100. The protrusions 142 may be referred to as treads.

[0100] like Figure 1 As shown in the example of , midsole 130 may include a three-dimensional grid 132 composed of a plurality of interconnected cells 134. Midsole 130 may be any midsole described herein, for example, midsole 300, midsole 600, and midsole 1500. Moreover, midsole 130 may include any three-dimensional grid discussed herein.

[0101] The upper 120 and the sole 150 may be configured for a particular type of footwear, including but not limited to running shoes, hiking shoes, water shoes, training shoes, fitness shoes, dance shoes, cycling shoes, tennis shoes, cleats (e.g., baseball cleats, soccer cleats, or rugby cleats), basketball shoes, boots, walking shoes, casual shoes, or dress shoes. In addition, the size and shape of the sole 150 may be designed to provide a desired combination of cushioning, stability, propulsion, and smoothness properties to the footwear article 100. The term "smoothness" may be used herein to describe the smooth or flowing feeling produced during the gait cycle (including heel strike, mid-foot stance, toe-off, and transitions between these phases). In some embodiments, the sole 150 may provide specific smoothness features, including but not limited to appropriately controlling inversion and eversion, supporting natural movement, supporting unconstrained or less constrained movement, appropriately managing the rate of change and transition, and combinations thereof.

[0102] The sole 150 and parts thereof (e.g., midsole 130 and outsole 140) may include materials for providing desired cushioning, smoothness, propulsion, support and stability. Suitable materials for the sole 150 (e.g., midsole 130 and / or outsole 140) include, but are not limited to, foam, rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), polyether block amide (PEBA), expanded polyether block amide (ePEBA), thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and thermoplastic polyurethane (PU). In some embodiments, the foam may include, for example, EVA-based foam or PU-based foam, and the foam may be an open-cell foam or a closed-cell foam. In some embodiments, the midsole 130 and / or outsole 140 may include elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), foam-like plastics and gel-like plastics and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the midsole 130 and / or outsole 140 may include polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and / or polypropylene (PP). In some embodiments, sole 150 may include a shank or a torsion bar. In such embodiments, the shank or torsion bar may be made of a nylon polymer.

[0103] The sole 150 and parts thereof (e.g., the midsole 130 and the outsole 140) can be formed using an additive manufacturing process, including but not limited to laser selective sintering, laser selective melting, thermal selective sintering, photo-stereolithography or fused deposition molding, or general 3D printing. In some embodiments, the midsole 130 and / or the outsole 140 can be formed using an additive manufacturing process including a continuous liquid surface production process. For example, the continuous liquid surface production process described in U.S. Patent No. 9,453,142, which was issued on September 27, 2016 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the midsole 130 and the outsole 140 can be formed as a single piece by an additive manufacturing process. In such an embodiment, the midsole 130 and the outsole 140 can be a single integrally formed component.

[0104] In some embodiments, the outsole 140 may be formed by injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, rotational molding, or dipping. In such embodiments, the midsole 130 and the outsole 140 may be separate components that are formed and attached separately. In some embodiments, the midsole 130 may be attached to the outsole 140 via, for example, but not limited to, adhesive bonding, stitching, welding, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the midsole 130 may be attached to the outsole 140 via an adhesive disposed between the midsole 130 and the outsole 140. Similarly, the midsole 130 may be attached to the upper 120 via, for example, but not limited to, adhesive bonding, stitching, welding, or a combination thereof.

[0105] Figure 3A midsole 300 according to some embodiments is shown. The midsole 300 includes a forefoot end 302, a heel end 304, a medial side 306, a lateral side 308, a top side 310, and a bottom side 312. A longitudinal direction 350 of the midsole 300 extends between the forefoot end 302 and the heel end 304. The longitudinal direction 350 includes a forward longitudinal direction (“forward direction”) extending from the heel end 304 to the forefoot end 302 and a rearward longitudinal direction (“rearward direction”) extending from the forefoot end 302 to the heel end 304. A lateral direction 352 of the midsole 300 extends between the medial side 306 and the lateral side 308 of the midsole 300. The lateral direction 352 includes an inward lateral direction (“inward direction”) extending from the lateral side 308 to the medial side 306 and an outward lateral direction (“outward direction”) extending from the medial side 306 to the lateral side 308. A vertical direction 354 of the midsole 300 extends between the top side 310 and the bottom side 312 of the midsole 300. The vertical direction 354 includes an upward vertical direction (“upward direction”) extending from the bottom side 312 to the top side 310 and a downward vertical direction (“downward direction”) extending from the top side 310 to the bottom side 312. The top side 310 can be considered an “upward facing side” and the bottom side 312 can be considered a “ground facing side”.

[0106] The midsole 300 may be defined in whole or in part by the three-dimensional mesh 320. For example, in some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh 320 may define one or more of the forefoot portion 110 of the midsole 300, the midfoot portion 112 of the midsole 300, and / or the heel portion 114 of the midsole. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh 320 may define all or a portion of the forefoot portion 110 of the midsole 300. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh 320 may define all or a portion of the midfoot portion 112 of the midsole 300. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh 320 may define all or a portion of the heel portion 114 of the midsole 300.

[0107] Similar to midsole 300, three-dimensional grid 320 may be described as having a forefoot end 302, a heel end 304, a medial side 306, a lateral side 308, a top side 310, and a bottom side 312. Unless otherwise specified, forefoot end 302, heel end 304, medial side 306, lateral side 308, top side 310, and bottom side 312 for three-dimensional grid 320 do not necessarily correspond to forefoot end 302, heel end 304, medial side 306, lateral side 308, top side 310, or bottom side 312 of midsole 300. Forefoot end 302 of three-dimensional grid 320 refers to the front-most end of three-dimensional grid 320, and heel end 304 of three-dimensional grid 320 refers to the rear-most end of three-dimensional grid 320. Medial side 306 of three-dimensional grid 320 refers to the innermost side of three-dimensional grid 320, and lateral side 308 of three-dimensional grid 320 refers to the outermost side of three-dimensional grid 320. The top side 310 of the three-dimensional grid 320 refers to the topmost side of the three-dimensional grid 320 , and the bottom side 312 of the three-dimensional grid 320 refers to the bottommost side of the three-dimensional grid 320 .

[0108] In some embodiments, the midsole 300 can include an edge 314 disposed around all or a portion of a perimeter of the top side 310 of the midsole 300. In some embodiments, the edge 314 can be disposed around all or a portion of a perimeter of the medial and lateral sides 306 / 308 of the midsole 300. In embodiments including the edge 314, the edge 314 can provide stability to the perimeter of the midsole 300 and / or can facilitate attachment of the midsole 300 to an upper (e.g., upper 120). In some embodiments, an outsole 316 can be coupled to the bottom side 312 of the midsole 300.

[0109] The three-dimensional grid 320 includes a plurality of interconnected cells 322. The interconnected cells 322 include a plurality of struts 330 that define the three-dimensional shape of each cell 322. The plurality of struts 330 of the three-dimensional grid 320 are connected at nodes 340. The number of struts 330 connected at a node 340 is the "valence" of the node 340. For example, if four struts 330 are connected at a node 340, the node 340 has a valence of four. In some embodiments, the node 340 may have a valence in the range of two to twelve. For example, the node 340 may have a valence of two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve, or a valence in a range with any two of these values ​​as endpoints.

[0110] The interconnected cells 322 can be organized in a lattice frame that defines the volume of the three-dimensional grid 320. The lattice frame is composed of a plurality of lattice units, and the cells 322 are filled and arranged therein. The lattice frame is an invisible frame for arranging the cells 322 or partial cells (i.e., sub-units) and constructing the three-dimensional grid 320 as described herein. In some embodiments, the lattice frame can be an undistorted lattice frame, such as a pure cubic lattice frame. In some embodiments, the lattice frame can be a distorted lattice frame, such as a distorted cubic lattice frame. The distorted lattice frame can include distorted lattice units and undistorted lattice units. Other exemplary lattice frames include, but are not limited to, a tetrahedron lattice frame, a distorted tetrahedron lattice frame, a dodecahedron lattice frame, or a distorted dodecahedron lattice frame.

[0111] The lattice framework may be generated using a computer modeling program such as, but not limited to, Grasshopper 3D and / or Rhinoseros 3D CAD software. Fig.14A and 14B An exemplary twisted cubic lattice frame 1400 is shown, including a plurality of lattice cells 400, including untwisted lattice cells 1410 and twisted lattice cells 1420. In some embodiments, the lattice frame may be created and / or populated in the same or similar manner as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,575,588, issued on March 3, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0112] The three-dimensional mesh 320 may include one or more mechanical anisotropic regions. The three-dimensional mesh 320 having one or more mechanical anisotropic regions may define all or part of the forefoot portion 110 of the midsole 300, the midfoot portion 112 of the midsole 300, and / or the heel portion 114 of the midsole. In some embodiments, the mechanical anisotropic region may define all or part of the forefoot portion 110 of the midsole 300. In some embodiments, the mechanical anisotropic region may define all or part of the midfoot portion 112 of the midsole 300. In some embodiments, the mechanical anisotropic region may define all or part of the heel portion 114 of the midsole 300. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh 320 may include at least two mechanical anisotropic regions.

[0113] The mechanically anisotropic region of the three-dimensional grid 320 may have a first lattice shear modulus measured in a first direction, and a second lattice shear modulus different from the first lattice shear modulus and measured in a second direction opposite or orthogonal to the first direction. In some embodiments, the mechanically anisotropic region of the three-dimensional grid 320 may have a third lattice shear modulus measured in a third direction, and a fourth lattice shear modulus different from the third lattice shear modulus and measured in a fourth direction opposite or orthogonal to the third direction.

[0114] As used herein, references to "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., are not intended to indicate an order, or that earlier-numbered features are required for later-numbered features, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the use of "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., does not necessarily mean that the "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. features have different properties or values, unless otherwise specified.

[0115] In some embodiments, the plurality of interconnected cells 322 defining the grid 320 or anisotropic regions thereof may each include a soft sub-cell and a stiff sub-cell. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of interconnected cells 322 may each include a plurality of soft sub-cells and a plurality of stiff sub-cells. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of interconnected cells 322 may each include a plurality of identical soft sub-cells and a plurality of identical stiff sub-cells. Figure 5A and 5B An exemplary soft sub-unit 430 and hard sub-unit 440 are shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0116] In some embodiments, each interconnected cell 322 defining the three-dimensional grid 320 or an anisotropic region thereof may include soft subcells and hard subcells. In some embodiments, each interconnected cell 322 defining the three-dimensional grid 320 or an anisotropic region thereof may include a plurality of soft subcells and a plurality of hard subcells. In some embodiments, each interconnected cell 322 located in a portion of the three-dimensional grid 320 or an anisotropic region thereof may include soft subcells and hard subcells, and the three-dimensional grid 320 has a thickness at least as great as the thickness of the cell 322 measured in the vertical direction 354. In some embodiments, each interconnected cell located in a portion of the three-dimensional grid 320 or an anisotropic region thereof may include a plurality of soft subcells and a plurality of hard subcells, and the three-dimensional grid 320 has a thickness at least as great as the thickness of the cell 322 measured in the vertical direction 354.

[0117] In some embodiments, the interconnected cells 322 defining the three-dimensional grid 320 or its anisotropic region may include eight sub-cells. In some embodiments, the eight sub-cells may include a plurality of soft sub-cells and a plurality of hard sub-cells. In some embodiments, the eight sub-cells may include four soft sub-cells and four hard sub-cells. In some embodiments, the eight sub-cells may include four identical soft sub-cells and four identical hard sub-cells.

[0118] A soft subcell is composed of a plurality of struts 330 and one or more nodes 340 that define a portion of a cell 322. In other words, a soft subcell is a partial cell that defines a portion of a cell. As used herein, a "soft subcell" is a subcell for a lattice structure that has: (i) a modeled compression modulus of the lattice structure that is less than a "hard subcell" for defining a portion of the same cell 322, (ii) a modeled shear modulus of the lattice structure that is less than a "hard subcell" for defining a portion of the same cell 322, or (iii) both.

[0119] A hard subcell is composed of a plurality of struts 330 and one or more nodes 340 that define a portion of a cell 322. In other words, a hard subcell is a partial cell that defines a portion of a cell. As used herein, a "hard subcell" is a subcell for a lattice structure that has (i) a modeled compression modulus greater than a lattice structure for a "soft subcell" that defines a portion of the same cell 322, (ii) a modeled shear modulus greater than a lattice structure for a "soft subcell" that defines a portion of the same cell 322, or (iii) both.

[0120] The soft sub-unit for unit cell 322 may be a sub-unit for a first lattice structure, and the hard sub-unit for unit cell 322 may be a sub-unit for a second lattice structure different from the first lattice structure. In some embodiments, the first lattice structure may be an isotropic lattice structure. In some embodiments, the second lattice structure may be an isotropic lattice structure. In some embodiments, the first lattice structure and the second lattice structure may be isotropic lattice structures. Figures 8A-8C An exemplary isotropic lattice structure of a soft subunit according to some embodiments is shown. Figures 9A-9C An exemplary isotropic lattice structure for a hard subunit is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first lattice structure for the soft subunit can have a first modeled compression modulus, and the second lattice structure for the hard subunit can have a second modeled compression modulus that is 15% or more greater than the first modeled compression modulus. In some embodiments, the first lattice structure for the soft subunit can have a first modeled compression modulus, and the second lattice structure for the hard subunit can have a second modeled compression modulus that is 15% to 500% greater than the first modeled compression modulus, including subranges. For example, the second lattice structure can have a second modeled compression modulus that is 15% to 500% greater than the first modeled compression modulus, 15% to 400% greater than the first modeled compression modulus, 15% to 200% greater than the first modeled compression modulus, 15% to 100% greater than the first modeled compression modulus, 100% to 500% greater than the first modeled compression modulus, or 200% to 500% greater than the first modeled compression modulus, or within a range with any two of these values ​​as endpoints.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first lattice structure for the soft subunit may have a first modeled shear modulus, and the second lattice structure for the hard subunit may have a second modeled shear modulus that is 15% or more greater than the first modeled shear modulus. In some embodiments, the first lattice structure for the soft subunit may have a first modeled shear modulus, and the second lattice structure for the hard subunit may have a second modeled shear modulus that is 15% to 500% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, including subranges. For example, the second lattice structure may have a second modeled shear modulus that is 15% to 500% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, 15% to 400% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, 15% to 200% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, 15% to 100% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, 100% to 500% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, or 200% to 500% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, or within a range with any two of these values ​​as endpoints.

[0123] As used herein, the following model is used to determine the "modeled compression modulus" and "modeled shear modulus" of the lattice structure. The beam model simulation of the unit cell plate is modeled using FEA modeling software. Suitable FEA modeling software includes Abaqus FEA modeling software. For the purpose of model efficiency, unit cell plates as small as 3×3×1 unit cell plates can be used. The 3×3×1 unit cell plate includes a layer of 3 cells in 3 longitudinal rows, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction as described herein. Other unit cell plate sizes can be used as long as the same size is used when comparing the modeled compression modulus or modeled shear modulus of two or more lattice structures. The unit cell plate is modeled as being sandwiched between and in contact with the top and bottom plates. The following parameters are input into the FEA modeling software for simulation: (1) material properties (including density and elastic material properties) of the modeled pillars for the unit cell plate, (2) loading conditions, and (3) contact mechanics (including friction properties) between the unit cell plate and the two plates.

[0124] To determine the "modeled compression modulus", a uniaxial compressive load was applied by compressing the disk to 50% strain using a top plate and capturing the resulting stress-strain curve. The modeled compression modulus was calculated by measuring the slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region.

[0125] To determine the "modeled shear modulus", the top plate was compressed at a 45 degree angle to the horizontal, and the resulting stress-strain curve was captured. The modeled shear modulus was calculated by measuring the slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region.

[0126] By arranging the soft and hard sub-cells at different locations in the cell 322, the mechanical properties of the cell 322, and thus the mechanical properties of the three-dimensional grid 320, can be controlled. As described above, the cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 can be filled and arranged in a lattice cell of a lattice framework that defines the volume of the three-dimensional grid 320. The location of the soft and hard sub-cells in the cell 322 can be defined by the location of the soft and hard sub-cells in the lattice cell 400 in which the cell 322 is filled. Figure 4A and 4B A lattice cell 400 is shown according to some embodiments. Figure 5A and 5B A unit cell 322 composed of a soft sub-cell 430 and a hard sub-cell 440 located in a lattice cell 400 is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0127] In some embodiments, the positions of the soft subunits and the hard subunits in the lattice unit 400 can be defined by the positions of one or more soft subunits and one or more hard subunits in two or more of the following quadrants of the lattice unit 400: (i) the upper-front quadrant 420, (ii) the upper-back quadrant 422, (iii) the lower-front quadrant 424, and (iv) the lower-back quadrant 426. The upper-front quadrant 420 and the upper-back quadrant 422 are the two uppermost quadrants of the lattice unit 400 in the upward vertical direction 354. The upper-front quadrant 420 and the upper-back quadrant 422 are located above the lower-front quadrant 424 and the lower-back quadrant 426, respectively. The upper-front quadrant 420 and the lower-front quadrant 424 are the two frontmost quadrants of the lattice unit 400 in the forward longitudinal direction 350. The upper-front quadrant 420 and the lower-front quadrant 424 are respectively located in front of the upper-back quadrant 422 and the lower-back quadrant 426. The cell 322 filled in the dot matrix unit 400 can also be described as having the upper-front quadrant 420, the upper-back quadrant 422, the lower-front quadrant 424 and the lower-back quadrant 426.

[0128] In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include one or more soft sub-cells located in the upper-front quadrant 420. In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include two soft sub-cells located in the upper-front quadrant 420.

[0129] In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include one or more hard subcells located in the upper-front quadrant 420. In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include two hard subcells located in the upper-front quadrant 420.

[0130] In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include one or more soft sub-cells located in the upper-posterior quadrant 422. In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include two soft sub-cells located in the upper-posterior quadrant 422.

[0131] In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include one or more hard subcells located in the upper-posterior quadrant 422. In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include two hard subcells located in the upper-posterior quadrant 422.

[0132] In some embodiments, cell 333 of three-dimensional grid 320 may include one or more soft sub-cells located in lower-front quadrant 424. In some embodiments, cell 322 of three-dimensional grid 320 may include two soft sub-cells located in lower-front quadrant 424.

[0133] In some embodiments, the cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include one or more hard subcells located in the lower-front quadrant 424. In some embodiments, the cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include two hard subcells located in the lower-front quadrant 424.

[0134] In some embodiments, the cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include one or more soft sub-cells located in the lower-back quadrant 426. In some embodiments, the cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include two soft sub-cells located in the lower-back quadrant 426.

[0135] In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include one or more hard subcells located in the lower-back quadrant 426. In some embodiments, a cell 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include two hard subcells located in the lower-back quadrant 426.

[0136] In some embodiments, the cells 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 may include the following sub-cells: (i) at least one soft sub-cell located in the upper-front quadrant 420, (ii) at least one hard sub-cell located in the upper-rear quadrant 422, (iii) at least one hard sub-cell located in the lower-front quadrant 424, and (iv) at least one soft sub-cell located in the lower-rear quadrant 426. In such embodiments, this arrangement of soft and hard sub-cells may result in the three-dimensional grid 320 being able to convert vertical load energy into forward displacement, which may propel the wearer's foot forward when the sole including the three-dimensional grid 320 contacts the ground during use. In other words, this arrangement of soft and hard sub-cells may result in the three-dimensional grid 320 tending to deform forward (i.e., in the forward longitudinal direction 350) when the sole including the three-dimensional grid 320 contacts the ground.

[0137] The opposite result can be achieved by rotating the orientation of the cells 322 by 180°. In such an embodiment, the cells 322 of the three-dimensional grid 320 can include the following sub-cells: (i) at least one hard sub-cell located in the upper-front quadrant 420, (ii) at least one soft sub-cell located in the upper-rear quadrant 422, (iii) at least one soft sub-cell located in the lower-front quadrant 424, and (iv) at least one hard sub-cell located in the lower-rear quadrant 426. In such an embodiment, this arrangement of soft and hard sub-cells can produce a three-dimensional grid 320 that tends to deform rearwardly (i.e., in the rearward longitudinal direction 350) when a sole including the three-dimensional grid 320 contacts the ground.

[0138] Figure 5A and 5BA lattice cell 400 is shown populated with soft subcells 430 and hard subcells 440 of a cell 322 according to some embodiments. The illustrated cell 322 includes: (i) two soft subcells 430 located side by side in an upper-front quadrant 420, (ii) two hard subcells 440 located side by side in an upper-rear quadrant 422, (iii) two hard subcells 440 located in a lower-front quadrant 424, and (iv) two soft subcells 430 located in a lower-rear quadrant 426. This arrangement of soft and hard subcells may result in the three-dimensional grid 320 tending to deform forward (i.e., in a forward longitudinal direction 10) when a sole including the three-dimensional grid 320 contacts the ground.

[0139] In some embodiments, the positions of the soft subunits and the hard subunits in the lattice unit 400 can be defined by the positions of the soft subunits or the hard subunits in two or more of the following eight regions of the lattice unit 400: (i) the upper-anterior-medial region 402, (ii) the upper-anterior-lateral region 404, (iii) the upper-posterior-medial region 406, (iv) the upper-posterior-lateral region 408, (v) the lower-anterior-medial region 410, (vi) the lower-anterior-lateral region 412, (vii) the lower-posterior-medial region 414, and (viii) the lower-posterior-lateral region 416. The upper-anterior-medial region 402 and the upper-anterior-lateral region 404 are located in the upper-anterior quadrant 420 of the lattice unit 400, and the region 402 is located on the inner side of the region 404 in the lateral direction 352. The upper-posterior-medial region 406 and the upper-posterior-lateral region 408 are located in the upper-posterior quadrant 422 of the dot matrix unit 400, and the region 406 is located inside the region 408 in the transverse direction 352. The lower-anterior-medial region 410 and the lower-anterior-lateral region 412 are located in the lower-anterior quadrant 424 of the dot matrix unit 400, and the region 410 is located inside the region 412 in the transverse direction 352. The lower-posterior-medial region 414 and the lower-posterior-lateral region 416 are located in the lower-posterior quadrant of the dot matrix unit 400, and the region 414 is located inside the region 416 in the transverse direction 352.

[0140] The subunit located in the upper-front-medial region 402 may be referred to as an upper-front-medial subunit. In some embodiments, the upper-front-medial subunit may be a soft subunit. In some embodiments, the upper-front-medial subunit may be a hard subunit.

[0141] The subunit located in the upper-front-lateral region 404 may be referred to as an upper-front-lateral subunit. In some embodiments, the upper-front-lateral subunit may be a soft subunit. In some embodiments, the upper-front-lateral subunit may be a hard subunit.

[0142] The subunit located in the upper-posterior-medial area 406 can be referred to as an upper-posterior-medial subunit. In some embodiments, the upper-posterior-medial subunit can be a soft subunit. In some embodiments, the upper-posterior-medial subunit can be a hard subunit.

[0143] The subunit located in the upper-posterior-lateral region 408 may be referred to as an upper-posterior-lateral subunit. In some embodiments, the upper-posterior-lateral subunit may be a soft subunit. In some embodiments, the upper-posterior-lateral subunit may be a hard subunit.

[0144] The subunit located in the lower-front-medial area 410 may be referred to as a lower-front-medial subunit. In some embodiments, the lower-front-medial subunit may be a soft subunit. In some embodiments, the lower-front-medial subunit may be a hard subunit.

[0145] The subunit located in the lower-front-lateral region 412 may be referred to as a lower-front-lateral subunit. In some embodiments, the lower-front-lateral subunit may be a soft subunit. In some embodiments, the lower-front-lateral subunit may be a hard subunit.

[0146] The subunit located in the lower-posterior-medial area 414 can be referred to as a lower-posterior-medial subunit. In some embodiments, the lower-posterior-medial subunit can be a soft subunit. In some embodiments, the lower-posterior-medial subunit can be a hard subunit.

[0147] The subunit located in the lower-posterior-lateral region 416 may be referred to as a lower-posterior-lateral subunit. In some embodiments, the lower-posterior-lateral subunit may be a soft subunit. In some embodiments, the lower-posterior-lateral subunit may be a hard subunit.

[0148] Figure 5A and 5BThe lattice cell 400 of the unit cell 322 is shown populated with four soft sub-cells 430 and four hard sub-cells 440 in accordance with some embodiments. The unit cell 322 shown includes: (i) an upper-anterior-medial soft subunit 430 located in the upper-anterior-medial region 402, (ii) an upper-anterior-lateral soft subunit 430 located in the upper-anterior-lateral region 404, (iii) an upper-posterior-medial hard subunit 440 located in the upper-posterior-medial region 406, (iv) an upper-posterior-lateral hard subunit 440 located in the upper-posterior-lateral region 408, (v) a lower-anterior-medial hard subunit 440 located in the lower-anterior-medial region 410, (vi) a lower-anterior-lateral hard subunit 440 located in the lower-anterior-lateral region 412, (vii) a lower-posterior-medial soft subunit 430 located in the lower-posterior-medial region 414, and (viii) a lower-posterior-lateral soft subunit 430 located in the lower-posterior-lateral region 416.

[0149] The sub-cells populated in the lattice cell 400 may include struts 330 connected at a plurality of edge nodes 460 located at the edges of the lattice cell 400. In some embodiments, the sub-cells populating the lattice cell 400 may include struts 330 connected at a plurality of face nodes 462 located on the faces of the lattice cell 400. For the structural integrity of the grid 320, it is preferred to populate the lattice cell 400 with soft and hard sub-cells that share the same edge nodes 460, and in embodiments that include face nodes 462, they share the same face nodes 462. If soft and hard sub-cells that do not share the same edge nodes 460 and / or face nodes 462 are populated into the lattice cell 400, it may result in a unit cell having one or more struts 330 that are not connected to another strut 330 within the grid 320.

[0150] By arranging the soft and hard subunits in any of the various combinations described above, the mechanical properties of the three-dimensional grid 320 or its anisotropic regions can be manipulated and utilized to produce desired performance characteristics of the three-dimensional grid 320. Exemplary mechanical properties that can be manipulated and utilized include, but are not limited to, lattice shear modulus and lattice compression modulus in different directions. The location of the soft and hard subunits in different regions and quadrants of the lattice cell 400 can affect the mechanical properties of the unit cell 322 in different directions, and therefore affect the mechanical properties of the three-dimensional grid 320. In some embodiments, the soft and hard subunits can be positioned to create a unit cell 322 that causes the three-dimensional grid 320 to have different lattice shear moduli in the forward and backward directions. In some embodiments, the soft and hard subunits can be positioned to create a unit cell 322 that causes the three-dimensional grid 320 to have different lattice shear moduli in the medial and lateral directions.

[0151] Fig. 6A and 6B A midsole 600 is shown having a three-dimensional mesh 620 with a mechanical anisotropic region 650 according to some embodiments. The midsole 600 includes a forefoot end 602, a heel end 604, a medial side 606, and a lateral side 608. The mechanical anisotropic region 650 of the midsole 600 includes a plurality of cells 322, which are composed of soft sub-cells 430 and hard sub-cells 440 arranged in a lattice cell 400, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A and 5B As shown. The anisotropic region 650 extends from the forefoot portion 110 of the midsole 600, through the midfoot portion 112 of the midsole 600, and reaches the heel portion 114 of the midsole 600. The anisotropic region 650 of the three-dimensional mesh 320 includes Fig. 7A Anisotropic lattice structure 700 is shown. Mechanically anisotropic region 650 may tend to deform forwardly under vertical load as described herein.

[0152] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional grid 320 or an anisotropic region thereof (e.g., anisotropic region 650) may include a lattice shear modulus measured in a forward direction (i.e., the forward longitudinal direction 350) and a lattice shear modulus measured in a rearward direction (i.e., the rearward longitudinal direction 350) that is different from the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction. In some embodiments, the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction may differ from the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction by 10% or more. In some embodiments, the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction may differ from the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction by 10% to 400%, including sub-ranges. For example, the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction may differ from the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction by 10% to 400%, 50% to 400%, 100% to 400%, or 200% to 400%, or in a range with any two of these values ​​as endpoints.

[0153] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional grid 320 or an anisotropic region thereof (e.g., anisotropic region 650) may include a lattice shear modulus measured in a forward direction (i.e., the forward longitudinal direction 350) and a lattice shear modulus measured in a rearward direction (i.e., the rearward longitudinal direction 350) that is greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction. In some embodiments, the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction may be 10% or more greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction. In some embodiments, the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction may be 10% to 400%, including sub-ranges, greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction. For example, the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction may be 10% to 400%, 50% to 400%, 100% to 400%, or 200% to 400% greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction, or within a range with any two of these values ​​as endpoints.

[0154] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional grid 320 or an anisotropic region thereof may have a ratio of the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction to the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction greater than 1.1. For example, in some embodiments, the three-dimensional grid 320 or an anisotropic region thereof may have a ratio of the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction to the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction in a range of 1.1 to 4, 1.1 to 3, or 1.1 to 2.

[0155] When the sole including the three-dimensional mesh contacts the ground, a three-dimensional mesh or an anisotropic region thereof having a lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction that is 10% or more greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction may tend to deform substantially forward (i.e., in the forward longitudinal direction 350) when the sole including the three-dimensional mesh contacts the ground. Similarly, a three-dimensional mesh or an anisotropic region thereof having a ratio of the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction to the lattice shear modulus in the forward direction that is greater than 1.1 may tend to deform substantially forward (i.e., in the forward longitudinal direction 350) when the sole including the three-dimensional mesh contacts the ground.

[0156] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional grid or its anisotropic region may have a third lattice shear modulus measured in a lateral direction orthogonal to the forward direction (i.e., an outward or inward lateral direction 352) that is greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction and less than the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction. In other words, in such an embodiment, the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction may be less than the lattice shear modulus measured in the lateral direction, and the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction may be greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the lateral direction. In some embodiments, the value of the lateral lattice shear modulus may be between the value of the forward lattice shear modulus and the value of the rearward lattice shear modulus, and closer to the value of the stiffer rearward lattice shear modulus. This relationship between these values ​​can help the three-dimensional grid or its anisotropic region provide stability.

[0157] Figure 10-12 The graph shown in illustrates how arranging soft and hard sub-elements in a lattice cell as discussed herein can produce an anisotropic lattice shear modulus that causes the three-dimensional mesh to tend to deform forward. Fig.10 The graph 1000 shows Fig. 7A The lattice shear modulus modeling results of the lattice structure 700 are shown. Fig. 7A A first side view ( S1 ) and a second side view ( S2 ) of the lattice structure 700 are shown. Fig.11 The graph 1100 shows Figure 7B The lattice shear modulus modeling results of the lattice structure 720 are shown. Figure 7B A first side view ( S1 ) and a second side view ( S2 ) of the lattice structure 720 are shown. Fig.12 The graph 1200 shows Figure 7C The lattice shear modulus modeling results of the lattice structure 740 are shown. Figure 7C A first side view (S1) and a second side view (S2) of the lattice structure 740 are shown. Figure 10-12 The mechanical properties of the struts, loading characteristics, and contact mechanics are identical for each model of the results shown.

[0158] The lattice structure 700 is made from Fig. 8A The soft subunits of the isotropic lattice structure 800 shown and the Fig.9A The hard subunits of the isotropic lattice structure 900 shown in FIG. The soft subunits and hard subunits used in the lattice structure 700 are arranged in the lattice unit, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A and 5B As shown. The lattice structure 720 is composed of Figure 8B The soft subunits of the isotropic lattice structure 820 shown and the Fig. 9BThe hard subunits of the isotropic lattice structure 920 shown in FIG. The soft subunits and hard subunits used in the lattice structure 720 are arranged in the lattice unit, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A and 5B As shown. The lattice structure 740 is composed of Figure 8C The soft subunits of the isotropic lattice structure 840 shown and the Fig. 9C The hard subunits of the isotropic lattice structure 940 shown in FIG. The soft subunits and hard subunits of the lattice structure 740 are arranged in the lattice unit, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A and 5B shown.

[0159] The lattice shear modulus of each of the lattice structures 700, 720 and 740 is summarized in Table 1 below. In the graphs 1000-1200, curve "1" is the force-displacement curve (stress-strain curve) of the lattice structure when loaded in the forward longitudinal direction, curve "2" is the force-displacement curve of the lattice structure when loaded in the rearward longitudinal direction, and curve "3" is the force-displacement curve of the lattice structure when loaded in the transverse direction. In Table 1, "delta shear modulus" is the percentage difference between the forward shear modulus and the backward shear modulus, and the "shear modulus ratio" is equal to the backward shear modulus divided by the forward shear modulus. The lattice shear modulus is reported in Newtons / millimeter (N / mm).

[0160] Table 1

[0161]

[0162] Lattice structure 700 has a delta shear modulus value of 30%, which means that the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction is 30% greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction. For lattice structure 700, the ratio of the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction to the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction is 1.3. Similar to lattice structure 700, lattice structure 720 has a delta shear modulus value greater than 10%. Lattice structure 720 has a delta shear modulus value of 138%, which means that the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction is 138% greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction. For lattice structure 720, the ratio of the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction to the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction is 2.38. The three-dimensional grid composed of cells 322 arranged in anisotropic lattice structures 700 and 720 should be able to deform forwardly sufficiently under vertical load and convert vertical load energy into forward displacement to help propel the wearer's foot forward when the sole including the three-dimensional grid contacts the ground.

[0163] Lattice structure 740 has a relatively small delta shear modulus compared to lattice structures 700 and 720. Lattice structure 740 has a delta shear modulus value of 5%, which means that the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction is 5% greater than the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction. For lattice structure 740, the ratio of the lattice shear modulus measured in the rearward direction to the lattice shear modulus measured in the forward direction is 1.05. When a sole including a three-dimensional grid contacts the ground, the three-dimensional grid composed of cells 322 arranged in anisotropic lattice structure 740 may not convert enough vertical load energy into forward displacement to meaningfully help propel the wearer's foot forward.

[0164] The results summarized in Table 1 indicate that certain combinations of soft and hard subunits can provide the sole with desired forward motion properties. However, not all combinations of soft and hard subunits will necessarily provide the desired properties.

[0165] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh or its mechanical anisotropic region may have a lattice compression modulus of 10 N / mm or greater. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh or its mechanical anisotropic region may have a lattice compression modulus ranging from 10 N / mm to 25 N / mm. When the three-dimensional mesh is incorporated into the sole of a footwear article, a lattice compression modulus of 10 N / mm or greater may provide a desired amount of cushioning for the wearer's foot.

[0166] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh or its mechanical anisotropic region may have a lattice displacement of 3.5 mm or more in the forward direction. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh or its mechanical anisotropic region may have a lattice displacement of 3.5 mm to 10 mm in the forward direction. When the sole including the three-dimensional mesh contacts the ground, the lattice displacement of 3.5 mm or more in the forward direction may provide an appropriate amount of forward displacement to meaningfully help propel the wearer's foot forward.

[0167] Fig.13 Graph 1300 in FIG. 1 is a graph of lattice compression modulus (“compression stiffness”) versus lattice displacement in the forward direction for various lattice structures according to some embodiments. In graph 1300 , lattice structure 700 is labeled “Multi 13,” lattice structure 720 is labeled “Multi 21,” and lattice structure 740 is labeled “Multi 7.”

[0168] The three-dimensional mesh 320 as described herein can be manufactured using a three-dimensional (3-D) printing method. In such an embodiment, 3D printing a three-dimensional mesh 320 for a shoe sole includes printing a plurality of interconnected cells 322, wherein each interconnected cell 322 includes a plurality of struts 330 defining a three-dimensional shape and a plurality of nodes 340 at which one or more struts 330 are connected. In some embodiments, the 3-D printing process may include printing a set of interconnected cells 322 that define one or more mechanical anisotropic regions of the three-dimensional mesh 320. The mechanical anisotropic regions of the three-dimensional mesh 320 may include the cells 322 and an anisotropic lattice shear modulus, as discussed herein.

[0169] In some embodiments, the arrangement of soft subunits and hard subunits as described herein can be utilized to produce a three-dimensional grid 320 having a peripheral structure having a unique pattern. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional grid 320 can have a peripheral sidewall that defines a peripheral structure defined by the soft subunits and hard subunits arranged as described herein. The peripheral sidewall of the three-dimensional grid 320 is defined by the forefoot end, the heel end, the medial side, and the lateral side of the three-dimensional grid 320. The peripheral structure of the peripheral sidewall can be a peripheral structure in a side view from the inward lateral direction 352 or the outward lateral direction 352 of the three-dimensional grid 320.

[0170] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig.17 The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0171] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig.18 The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0172] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig.19 The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0173] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig. 20 The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0174] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig.21 The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0175] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig. 22 The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0176] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig.23The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0177] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig.24 The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0178] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig.25 The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0179] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a definition including Fig.26 The peripheral side walls of the peripheral structure of the structure shown in .

[0180] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional grid as described herein may have a perimeter sidewall defining a perimeter structure having a plurality of eight-sided regions defined by eight pillars 330 and arranged in a pattern at the perimeter sidewall. The plurality of eight-sided regions defined by the eight pillars 330 may have substantially the same size. In some embodiments, the plurality of eight-sided regions defined by the eight pillars 330 may be arranged directly adjacent to each other at the perimeter sidewall. Directly adjacent eight-sided regions share one or more pillars defining their octagonal shape. In some embodiments, the plurality of eight-sided regions defined by the eight pillars 330 may each have a bow-tie perimeter shape.

[0181] Fig. 6A and 6B A midsole 600 is shown having a perimeter sidewall 610 with a perimeter structure 660 according to some embodiments. The perimeter structure 660 includes a plurality of eight-sided regions 662 arranged directly adjacent to each other and having substantially the same size. The directly adjacent eight-sided regions 662 share one or more boundary struts 666. The plurality of eight-sided regions 662 can be defined by eight boundary struts 666 connected at eight nodes 340. Fig. 6A and 6B As shown, these eight-sided regions 662 may have a bow-tie perimeter shape (see Figure 6B ).

[0182] In some embodiments, the plurality of eight-sided regions 662 may include a first eight-sided region 664 having four openings 665 defined by four internal struts 667 connected at internal nodes 668 and a second eight-sided region 670 having a single opening 672 defined by eight boundary struts 666. In some embodiments, the plurality of eight-sided regions 662 may include a first plurality of eight-sided regions 664 having four openings 665 defined by four internal struts 667 connected at internal nodes 668 and a second plurality of eight-sided regions 670 having a single opening 672 defined by eight boundary struts 666. The internal nodes 668 are nodes located within the eight-sided region 662. Similarly, the internal struts 667 are struts that extend into the eight-sided region 662. The boundary struts 666 of the eight-sided region 662 define the perimeter shape of the region 662.

[0183] In some embodiments, the plurality of first eight-sided regions 662 may be arranged in a first row 680 extending between a forefoot end 602 of the midsole 600 and a heel end 604 of the midsole 600 in the longitudinal direction 350. In some embodiments, the plurality of second eight-sided regions 670 may be arranged in a second row 690 extending between a forefoot end 602 of the midsole 600 and a heel end 604 of the midsole 600 in the longitudinal direction 350. In some embodiments, the first row 680 may be located above the second row 690 in the vertical direction 354. In some embodiments, the first row 680 may be located below the second row 690 in the vertical direction 354. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A and 6B As shown, the peripheral structure 660 may include Fig.17 The structure shown.

[0184] In some embodiments, all or part of the three-dimensional grid as described herein can be coated with a color coating. In some embodiments, the color coating can be an internal color coating configured to accentuate all or part of the three-dimensional grid peripheral structure. In some embodiments, the color coating can be directly coated on the surface of the pillars and nodes of the cells defining the three-dimensional grid. In some embodiments, the color coating can be a powder coating. In some embodiments, the color coating can be a paint coating.

[0185] Fig.15 and 16A color-coated midsole 1500 is shown according to some embodiments. The midsole 1500 includes a three-dimensional grid 1520 having a forefoot end 1502, a heel end 1504, a medial side 1506, and a lateral side 1508. The three-dimensional grid 1520 includes a plurality of interconnected cells 1522, wherein a plurality of struts 1530 are connected at nodes 1540 that define the three-dimensional shape of the cells 1522. The plurality of interconnected cells 1522 define at least a portion of a perimeter sidewall 1510 of the three-dimensional grid 1520. In some embodiments, the cells 1522 that define the perimeter of the forefoot end 1502, the heel end 1504, the medial side 1506, and the lateral side 1508 define the perimeter sidewall 1510 of the three-dimensional grid 1520.

[0186] The three-dimensional grid 1520 includes a color coating 1550 applied to a portion of the three-dimensional grid 1520. The color coating 1550 is not applied to at least a portion of the peripheral sidewall 1510 of the three-dimensional grid 1520. In some embodiments, the color coating 1550 is not applied to any portion of the peripheral sidewall 1510 of the three-dimensional grid 1520. By not applying the color coating 1550 to at least a portion of the peripheral sidewall 1510, the peripheral structure of the peripheral sidewall 1510 can be highlighted by the color contrast between the peripheral sidewall 1510 and the inner portion of the three-dimensional grid 1520 coated with the color coating 1550. In some embodiments, the peripheral structure of the peripheral sidewall 1510 can include Figure 17-26 One or more structures shown in .

[0187] In some embodiments, one or more peripheral columns of cells 1522 defining the peripheral sidewall 1510 of the three-dimensional grid 1520 may not be coated with the color coating 1550 to highlight the peripheral columns of the peripheral sidewall 1510 . Fig.16 15 is a schematic diagram of a lateral stack 1560 of cells 1522. The lateral stack 1560 may extend from an inner side 1506 to an outer side 1508 of the three-dimensional mesh 1520. The lateral stack 1560 includes an outer column 1570 of cells 1522 that defines at least a portion of the peripheral sidewall 1510 of the three-dimensional mesh 1520 and one or more inner columns 1580 of cells 1522 disposed inside the outer column 1570. In some embodiments, the color coating 1550 may be applied to at least a portion of the one or more inner columns 1580 of the cells 1522 and not applied to the outer columns 1570 of the cells 1522.

[0188] In some embodiments, a plurality of interconnected cells 1522 defining a three-dimensional grid 1520 may have a first color, and the colored coating 1550 may have a second color different from the first color. The colors of the colored coating 1550 and the three-dimensional grid 1520 may be characterized by a three-coordinate color space, such as a CIELab space. In this system, each color is characterized by a lightness value (L*), a chromaticity value (a*), and a hue value (b*). By using a spectrophotometer, these three values ​​can be measured and the difference in color can be characterized. CIELab colors can be measured using ISO / CIE 11664-4:2019 ("Colorimetry-Part 4: CIE 1976L*a*b color space"). A first color described as being different from a second color has one or more lightness values, chromaticity values, or hue values ​​that are at least 10% higher or at least 10% lower than the lightness value, chromaticity value, and hue value of the second color. In some embodiments, the first color may have a lightness value that is at least 10% higher or at least 10% lower than the lightness value of the second color. In some embodiments, the first color may have a chromaticity value at least 10% higher or lower than the chromaticity value of the second color. In some embodiments, the first color may have a hue value at least about 10% higher or lower than the hue value of the second color.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first color can be selected from the group consisting of: red, crimson, maroon, magenta, pink, orange, yellow, golden, yellow-green, green, blue, navy, sea blue, cyan, indigo, violet, purple, brown, black, gray, white, beige, silver, or taupe. In some embodiments, the second color can be selected from the group consisting of: red, crimson, maroon, magenta, pink, orange, yellow, golden, yellow-green, green, blue, navy, sea blue, cyan, indigo, violet, purple, brown, black, gray, white, beige, silver, or taupe.

[0190] In some embodiments, the color coating 1550 does not fill the spaces 1532 between the plurality of struts 1530 defining the cells 1522 of the three-dimensional grid 1520. In some embodiments, the color coating 1550 does not extend between individual struts 1530 that are not connected to each other at the nodes 1540. In such embodiments, the color coating 1550 can provide a desired aesthetic benefit without obscuring the three-dimensional shape of the cells 1522 defining the three-dimensional grid 1520.

[0191] When a numerical range including an upper limit and a lower limit is quoted herein, unless otherwise specified in a specific case, the range is intended to include its endpoints, and all integers and fractions within the range. When limiting a range, the disclosure or claims are not intended to be limited to the specific values ​​quoted. In addition, when quantity, concentration or other values ​​or parameters are given as a range, one or more ranges, or as a list of upper and lower limits, this should be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed by any pair of any range upper limit or value and any range lower limit or value, regardless of whether such a pair is disclosed separately. Finally, when the term "about" is used to describe the value or endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific values ​​or endpoints mentioned. Regardless of whether the endpoint of a numerical value or range is described as "about", the endpoint of a numerical value or range is intended to include two embodiments: one is modified by "about" and one is not modified by "about".

[0192] As used herein, the term "about" refers to a value within ±10% of the stated value. For example, about 10% may include any percentage between 9% and 11%.

[0193] It should be understood that the detailed description section, rather than the summary and abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The summary and abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and therefore, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0194] The description of the above specific embodiments will reveal the general nature of the invention so fully that others can easily modify and / or adjust these specific embodiments for various applications without departing from the general concept of the invention by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art without excessive experimentation. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance presented herein, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for the purpose of description rather than limitation, so that the terms or wording of this specification are interpreted by the technician according to the teachings and guidance.

[0195] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sole for a footwear article, the sole comprising: a three-dimensional mesh having a mechanical anisotropic region, wherein the three-dimensional grid comprises a plurality of interconnected cells, wherein in the mechanical anisotropy region, each unit cell comprises: Multiple soft subunits and multiple hard subunits, an upper-front quadrant, which includes at least one of the plurality of soft subunits, an upper-rear quadrant comprising at least one of the plurality of hard subunits, a lower-front quadrant comprising at least one of the plurality of hard subunits, and A lower-rear quadrant includes at least one of the plurality of soft sub-units.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein each unit cell comprises eight sub-units.

3. The sole according to claim 2, wherein the eight subunits comprise: Supero-anterior-medial soft subunit, Supero-anterior-lateral soft subunit, Supero-posterior-medial hard subunit, Supero-posterior-lateral hard subunit, Inferior-anterior-medial hard subunit, Inferior-anterior-lateral hard subunit, the inferior-posterior-medial soft subunit, and Inferior-posterior-lateral soft subunit.

4. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the soft subunit includes a subunit for a first lattice structure, and wherein the hard subunit includes a subunit for a second lattice structure different from the first lattice structure.

5. The sole of claim 4, wherein the first lattice structure comprises a first modeled compression modulus, and the second lattice structure comprises a second modeled compression modulus that is 15% or more greater than the first modeled compression modulus.

6. The sole of claim 4, wherein the first lattice structure comprises a first modeled shear modulus, and the second lattice structure comprises a second modeled shear modulus that is 15% or more greater than the first modeled shear modulus. 7 . The sole according to claim 4 , wherein the first lattice structure is an isotropic lattice structure, and the second lattice structure is an isotropic lattice structure.

8. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical anisotropic region comprises: a first lattice shear modulus measured in a forward direction, and a second lattice shear modulus measured in a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction and greater than the first lattice shear modulus, wherein the second lattice shear modulus is 10% or more greater than the first lattice shear modulus.

9. The sole according to claim 8, wherein: The mechanically anisotropic region further comprises a third lattice shear modulus measured in a transverse direction orthogonal to the forward direction, The first lattice shear modulus is less than the third lattice shear modulus, and The second lattice shear modulus is greater than the third lattice shear modulus.

10. The sole of claim 8, wherein the mechanically anisotropic region tends to deform forwardly under vertical load.

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