Balloon and footwear incorporating bladder in foot support and upper

Abstract

Described herein are bladders for footwear uppers, footwear components including bladders, articles of footwear including bladders, and / or methods of making and using such bladders. Such bladder systems may include two thermoplastic elastomer sheets joined together at an outer peripheral junction. The outer peripheral bond may be shaped such that the interior chamber of the bladder forms: (i) a foot support chamber portion for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a foot of a wearer, and (ii) one or more side chamber portions forming at least a portion of the one or more fixation straps and / or at least a portion of the one or more footwear upper components. One or more side chamber portions extend outwardly from the foot support chamber portion and are in fluid communication with the foot support chamber portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to bladders and footwear incorporating such bladders in foot supports and uppers, and / or methods of making and using such bladders, foot supports, uppers, and / or articles of footwear. In some aspects of the present technology, the bladder will form at least a portion of one or more footwear fastening components, such as at least a portion of a fastening strap, and / or at least a portion of one or more footwear upper components. Background Art

[0002] Conventional footwear articles include two main components: an upper and a sole structure. The upper may provide a covering for the foot that securely holds and positions the foot relative to the sole structure. Additionally, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure may be secured to the lower surface of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may also provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motions, such as excessive pronation. Summary of the invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce some general concepts related to the present technology in a simplified form, which concepts will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the present invention.

[0004] Various aspects of the present technology relate to bladders, footwear components including such bladders, and footwear articles (e.g., sandals, slippers, flip-flops, or other types of footwear, including athletic footwear) including such bladders, such as the types described and / or claimed below and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In some aspects of the present technology, the bladder will include a bladder chamber and fluid channels that are configured to move fluid from under the wearer's foot (e.g., when the footwear is secured to the wearer's foot) to a strap and / or other footwear upper components that may form at least a portion of an integral upper for the footwear article. Such bladders, uppers, and / or footwear articles may include any one or more of the structures, parts, features, characteristics, and / or combinations of structures, parts, features, and / or characteristics of the examples described and / or claimed below and / or the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0005] More specific aspects of the present technology relate to a bladder system for an article of footwear, the bladder system comprising a first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and a second thermoplastic elastomer sheet coupled to the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet by an outer peripheral joint. The first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet can be formed from one thermoplastic elastomer sheet component (e.g., folded along one or more edges) or two (or more) separate sheet components. An internal chamber (e.g., a fluid-tight chamber for containing a fluid (such as a gas)) is defined between the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet and inside the outer peripheral joint. The outer perimeter bond can be formed such that the interior chamber forms: (i) a foot-supporting chamber portion for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a first side chamber portion forming at least a portion of a first strap (and / or at least a portion of a first footwear upper component), wherein the first side chamber portion extends outwardly from a first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion and is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion, and optionally, (iii) a second side chamber portion forming at least a portion of a second strap (and / or at least a portion of a second footwear upper component), wherein the second side chamber portion extends outwardly from a second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion and is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion. The second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion can be located on a side of the foot-supporting chamber portion opposite the first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion.

[0006] While aspects of the present technology are described with respect to bladders, footwear components that include such bladders, and footwear articles that include such bladders (e.g., sandals, slippers, flip-flops, or other types of footwear, including athletic footwear), additional aspects of the present technology relate to methods of manufacturing such bladders, footwear components, and / or footwear articles and / or methods of using such bladders, footwear components, and / or footwear articles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout the various views where such reference numerals appear.

[0008] Figure 1A illustrates a bladder system according to at least some examples of the present technology;

[0009] Figure 1B Provides an example showing that Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the bladder system taken along line 1B-1B in FIG.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of an example article of footwear including a bladder system according to some examples of the present technology;

[0011] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of an example article of footwear including a bladder system according to some examples of the present technology;

[0012] Figure 4 Provides an example showing that Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a portion of a bladder system in the sole structure taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 4 ; and

[0013] Figure 5 Alternative arrangements of elongated fluid chamber segments on first side fluid chamber portions or second side fluid chamber portions, straps, and / or other footwear upper components are illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the following description of various examples of bladders, footwear components, and / or articles of footwear according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the present technology and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the present technology may be practiced. It should be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized, and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] This application describes footwear components (e.g., bladder systems, fabric layers, sole components, etc.) that are "bonded" together. The term "bonded" (and its derivatives) means that the components are securely attached to each other. The term "bonded" encompasses bonds formed using adhesives or bonding agents (including hot melt adhesives) as well as bonds formed in an "adhesive-free" manner (i.e., without the use of a separate adhesive component). "Adhesive-free" bonds include bonds formed by fusing or melting the components together (e.g., if the components (such as two components including thermoplastic polyurethane components) include compositions that are compatible to be mixed and joined together to form a bond); bonds formed by welding techniques (e.g., RF welding, ultrasonic welding, high frequency welding, laser welding, impulse welding, etc.); bonds formed by heat sealing; and the like. Some adhesive-free bonds can form a seamless connection between two previously separate components (e.g., materials are mixed and joined together, and then rehardened without a discernible joining point). As used herein, the term "melt bond" and variations thereof means a bond formed when local melting of each component occurs (e.g., the thermoplastic polymer present in each component melts), the molten components are combined together, and then the combined components harden to "fuse" and "bond" the two components together. Such melt-bonded connections are adhesive-free and can be seamless. The term "joined to..." is used herein as a general term and includes within its scope adhesive-based and adhesive-free bonding, as well as other possible types of joining that secure two (or more) components together (including by using mechanical connectors or fasteners, by using sewing or stitching, etc.).

[0016] This application and / or its claims use adjectives such as "first," "second," "third," etc. to identify certain components and / or features associated with the present technology. These adjectives are used merely for convenience, for example, to help maintain the distinction between components and / or features of one or more particular structures. The use of these adjectives should not be interpreted as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and / or features in question. In addition, the use of these specific adjectives for specific structures in the specification does not require the use of the same adjective to refer to the same part in the claims (e.g., a component or feature referred to as "fourth" in the specification can correspond to any numerical adjective used for that component or feature in the claims).

[0017] In addition, as used herein, the term "forefoot" (as in "forefoot portion", "forefoot area", etc.) refers to a portion, area, structure or component located in the front 1 / 3 of a footwear article, a sole structure or a component thereof and / or associated therewith; the term "midfoot" (as in "midfoot portion", "midfoot area", etc.) refers to a portion, area, structure or component located in the middle 1 / 3 of a footwear article, a sole structure or a component thereof and / or associated therewith; and the term "heel" or "rearfoot" (as in "heel portion", "heel area", "rearfoot portion", "rearfoot area", etc.) refers to a portion, area, structure or component located in the rear 1 / 3 of a footwear article, a sole structure or a component thereof and / or associated therewith.

[0018] I. General Description of Aspects of the Technology

[0019] As described above, aspects of the present technology relate to bladders, footwear components including such bladders, and footwear articles (e.g., sandals, slippers, flip-flops, or other types of footwear, including athletic footwear), such bladders, footwear components including such bladders, and footwear articles including such bladders, such as the types described and / or claimed below and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Such bladders, footwear components including such bladders, and footwear articles including such bladders may include any one or more of the structures, parts, features, characteristics, and / or combinations of structures, parts, features, and / or characteristics of the examples described and / or claimed below and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0020] A bladder system for an article of footwear according to at least some aspects of the present technology will include a first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and a second thermoplastic elastomer sheet coupled to the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet by an outer peripheral joint. The first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet can be formed from a single thermoplastic elastomer sheet component (e.g., folded along one or more edges) or two (or more) separate sheet components. An internal chamber (e.g., a fluid-tight chamber for containing a fluid (such as a gas, optionally under pressure)) is defined between the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet and on the inner side of the outer peripheral joint. In some examples of the present technology, the outer perimeter bond is formed such that the interior chamber forms: (i) a foot-supporting chamber portion for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a first side chamber portion forming at least a portion of a first strap (and / or at least a portion of a first footwear upper component), wherein the first side chamber portion extends outwardly from a first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion and is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion, and optionally, (iii) a second side chamber portion forming at least a portion of a second strap (and / or at least a portion of a second footwear upper component), wherein the second side chamber portion extends outwardly from a second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion and is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion. The second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion may be located on a side of the foot-supporting chamber portion opposite the first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion.

[0021] In some examples of the present technology, the foot support chamber portion will extend to form a heel support portion, a midfoot support portion, and a forefoot support portion, for example, for supporting all or substantially all of the entire plantar surface of the wearer's foot. Alternatively, in other examples of the present technology, the foot support chamber portion will extend to form any one or more of the heel support portion, the midfoot support portion, and / or the forefoot support portion. In addition, in some examples, any one or more of the heel support portion, the midfoot support portion, and / or the forefoot support portion of the foot support chamber portion may include one or more internal joints between the interior surfaces of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet (e.g., any one or more portions may include multiple internal joints). Such internal joints (when present) can help control the shape of the foot support chamber portion when inflated with gas.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of the present technology, a first side fluid passageway can connect the foot-supporting chamber portion with the first side chamber portion, and / or a second side fluid passageway can connect the foot-supporting chamber portion with the second side chamber portion. When present, the first side fluid passageway can be located at the forefoot region and / or the midfoot region of the first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion, and / or the second side fluid passageway can be located at the forefoot region and / or the midfoot region of the second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion.

[0023] The first side chamber portion and / or the second side chamber portion may also include various structures to control the shape and / or make the side chamber portion suitable for use as a fixing strap of a footwear article and / or as a footwear upper component. As some more specific examples, any one or both of the first side chamber portion and / or the second side chamber portion may include, for example, a plurality of elongated chamber segments arranged in a staggered manner (and / or alternately arranged) along the chamber portion. One or more of these elongated chamber segments may be arranged to extend its longitudinal direction (e.g., its longest and / or axial dimension) in the front-to-back direction of the bladder system and / or in the front-to-back direction of the sole structure and / or footwear article comprising the bladder system. As some more specific examples, one or both of the first side chamber portion and / or the second side chamber portion may be configured to include: (i) a bottom base chamber portion, (ii) a top base chamber portion, (iii) a front chamber portion extending between the bottom base chamber portion and the top base chamber portion, and (iv) a rear chamber portion extending between the bottom base chamber portion and the top base chamber portion. Additionally, one or both of the first side chamber portion and / or the second side chamber portion can be configured to include: (i) a first elongated chamber portion, for example, extending from the rear chamber portion toward the front chamber portion and terminating before reaching the front chamber portion, (ii) a second elongated chamber portion, for example, extending from the front chamber portion toward the rear chamber portion and terminating before reaching the rear chamber portion, and / or (iii) a third elongated chamber portion, for example, extending from the rear chamber portion toward the front chamber portion and terminating before reaching the front chamber portion. More or fewer of these intermediate elongated chamber portions can be provided on one or both side chamber portions, for example, in a staggered and / or alternating arrangement.

[0024] Bladder systems according to at least some examples of the present technology may also include a securing system for releasably holding the first side chamber portion in position relative to the second side chamber portion (e.g., to secure the bladder system or help secure the bladder system to the wearer's foot). In such structures, when the first side chamber portion and the second side chamber portion are secured together, a foot-receiving space may be defined between: (i) the foot-supporting chamber portion and (ii) the first side chamber portion and the second side chamber portion.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some bladder system examples of the present technology, a fabric layer or other support layer can be engaged with the outer surface of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and / or the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet. The fabric layer or other support layer can form a surface configured to contact the wearer's foot. The fabric layer (when present) can make the surface for contacting the wearer's foot more comfortable, provide moisture wicking, prevent sweating, etc. Additionally, in some examples of this aspect of the present technology, a fixing system (e.g., a fixing system of the type described above) having at least a portion engaged with the fabric layer or other support layer can be provided. The fixing system can releasably hold the first fixing belt in position relative to the second fixing belt, for example, so that when the first fixing belt and the second fixing belt are fixed together, a foot accommodating space is formed between (i) the foot support chamber portion and (ii) the first fixing belt and the second fixing belt. Alternatively, at least one of the first side chamber portion and / or the second side chamber portion (if present) can be fixed in the footwear structure and / or can form at least a portion of the upper for the footwear article.

[0026] Additional aspects of the present technology relate to a sole structure for a footwear article, the sole structure including, for example, any of the above-described bladder systems. Such sole structures may include: (a) a sole component; and (b) any of the above-described bladder systems engaged with the sole component. The bladder system may be engaged with the sole component using one or more of the following: adhesive bonding, adhesive-free bonding, one or more mechanical connectors, fusion technology, etc. In some examples, at least a foot-supporting chamber portion of the bladder system may be engaged with the sole component (e.g., with a plantar support surface of the sole component). The sole component may include a recess (e.g., in its top, plantar support surface), in which at least a portion of the bladder system (e.g., the bottom of the foot-supporting chamber portion) is accommodated. The sole component may include one or more components, such as one or more midsole components (e.g., a foam sole component, a midsole component including one or more mechanical shock absorbing components, etc.) and / or one or more outsole components.

[0027] Additional examples of the present technology relate to footwear articles comprising: (a) a sole component and (b) any type of bladder system described above that is engaged with the sole component (e.g., in any of the above-described manners). As described above, the bladder system may include a support layer (e.g., a fabric layer) and / or a fixing system. The sole component may include one or more components, such as one or more midsole components (e.g., a foam sole component, a midsole component including one or more mechanical shock absorbing components, etc.) and / or one or more outsole components. In such footwear articles, the first side chamber portion and / or the second side chamber portion may include at least a portion of an upper for the footwear article. Footwear articles according to some examples of this aspect of the present technology may form sandals, slippers, flip-flops, or other types of footwear, including athletic footwear.

[0028] Additional examples of the present technology relate to footwear articles consisting only of or substantially consisting of: (a) a sole component and (b) any type of bladder system described above that engages with the sole component (e.g., in any of the above-described ways). As described above, the bladder system may include a support layer (e.g., a fabric layer) and / or a fixing system. The sole component may include one or more components, such as one or more midsole components (e.g., a foam sole component, a midsole component including one or more mechanical shock absorbing components, etc.) and / or one or more outsole components. In such footwear articles, the first side chamber portion and / or the second side chamber portion may include at least a portion of an upper for the footwear article. In some more specific examples, the first fixing strap and the second fixing strap may include an upper for the footwear article. Footwear articles according to some examples of this aspect of the present technology may form sandals, slippers, flip-flops, or other types of footwear, including sports footwear.

[0029] Other aspects of the present technology are directed to footwear components (eg, sole structures) and / or articles of footwear that include the various types of bladder systems described above. Still additional aspects of the present technology are directed to methods of making the bladders, footwear components, and / or articles of footwear described above.

[0030] Given a general description of features, examples, aspects, structures, and methods according to examples of the technology provided above, following is a more detailed description of specific example footwear uppers, bladder systems, footwear articles, and methods according to the present technology.

[0031] II. Detailed Description of Example Bladder Systems, Footwear Components, and / or Articles of Footwear According to the Present Technology

[0032] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example bladder system 100 for an article of footwear according to some examples of the present technology is illustrated. Figure 1A , the bladder system 100 is in a flat configuration, and Figure 1B Composition along Figure 1A 1B-1B cross-sectional view of line 1B-1B in FIG. Bladder system 100 includes a first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A (having an interior surface 102AI and an exterior surface 102AX) and a second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B (having an interior surface 102BI and an exterior surface 102BX), which are joined together by an outer peripheral joint 104 (e.g., joined or otherwise secured together at interior surfaces 102AI, 102BI). The two thermoplastic elastomer sheets 102A, 102B may be joined together in any desired manner, including in a manner conventionally known and used in the footwear art, for example, via an adhesive, via a bonding technique using heat and / or pressure, via fusion bonding, via a welding technique (e.g., RF welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.), etc.

[0033] The internal chamber 106 is defined between the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B and inside the outer peripheral joint 104. Figure 1B . Thus, in this example, the outer perimeter bond 104 and the thermoplastic elastomer sheets 102A, 102B form a single continuous airtight (sealed) interior chamber 106. Although the outer perimeter bond 104 is illustrated as extending around 100% of the outer perimeter of the bladder system 100, this is not required. For example, if the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B constitute portions of a single sheet of thermoplastic elastomer material (e.g., folded on at least one edge), the outer perimeter bond 104 may form a sealed bond between overlapping portions of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B at locations other than the fold.

[0034] The outer perimeter bond 104 of the illustrated example is shaped such that the interior chamber 106 forms a foot-supporting chamber portion 110 for supporting at least a portion of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot. Figure 1AAs shown, the foot-supporting chamber portion 110 (and its internal chamber 106) of this example extends to support all or substantially all of the entire plantar surface of the wearer's foot (e.g., plantar support surface 102S extends continuously through (a) the heel support area, the midfoot support area, and the forefoot support area and (b) from the lateral edge to the medial edge). As some more specific examples, foot-supporting chamber portion 110 can be constructed and arranged (e.g., within a sole structure or footwear article) so that the fluid-containing portion of foot-supporting chamber portion 110 (e.g., internal chamber 106) is located and / or supports at least 75% of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot, and in some examples, is located and / or supports 75% to 100%, 80% to 100%, 85% to 100%, 90% to 100%, or even 95% to 100% of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot. Additionally or alternatively, foot-support chamber portion 110 can be constructed and arranged (e.g., within a sole structure or article of footwear) such that the fluid-containing portion of foot-support chamber portion 110 (e.g., interior chamber 106) forms at least 75% of the plantar support surface of the sole structure and / or article of footwear, and in some instances, forms 75% to 100%, 80% to 100%, 85% to 100%, 90% to 100%, or even 95% to 100% of the plantar support surface of the sole structure and / or article of footwear.

[0035] Figure 1AThe foot-supporting chamber portion 110 is also shown to include one or more spot welds or joints 114B where the interior surface 102AI of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A is secured to the interior surface 102BI of the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B. These spot welds or joints 114B help control the shape of the bladder system 100 (e.g., shaping the plantar support surface 102S to, for example, better conform to the shape of the wearer's foot). While any desired number and / or positioning of spot welds or joints 114B or other structures (including other internal joints) may be provided, in the illustrated example, more than 45 spot welds or joints 114B are provided, for example, distributed across the plantar support surface 102S of the foot-supporting chamber portion 110. In some examples of the technology, foot support chamber portion 110 may include ten or more internal structures (e.g., internal joints, spot welds or joints of any size or shape, internal tensile elements, etc.), and in some examples, include 10 to 75 such internal structures, 20 to 70 such internal structures, or 30 to 60 such internal structures. Although any desired arrangement of internal structures (e.g., internal joints, spot welds or joints of any size or shape, internal tensile elements, etc.) can be used, the illustrated examples include lateral rows of spot welds or joints, wherein the spot welds or joints in adjacent rows are slightly offset or staggered from each other. As used herein in this context, the term "spot weld or joint" means a joined joint (e.g., joined at a "point" with a radius of 5 mm or less) of two facing internal surfaces (e.g., surfaces 102AI and 102BI) of a thermoplastic elastomer sheet having a size not greater than 10 mm.

[0036] The outer perimeter bond 104 of the example bladder system 100 structure is further shaped to define a first side chamber portion 120 extending outwardly from a first side 110A of the foot-supporting chamber portion 110. In this example, the first side chamber portion 120 is located inboard of the foot-supporting chamber portion 110. The first side chamber portion 120 is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion 110. In at least some examples, a portion of the interior chamber 106 within the first side chamber portion 120 can freely exchange fluid with a portion of the interior chamber 106 within the foot-supporting chamber portion 110, for example, via one or more fluid pathways (such as fluid pathway 112A). In addition, in at least some examples of the present technology, there are no valves, stop members, or other structures that would stop, change, or control the flow of fluid between the foot-supporting chamber portion 110 and the first side chamber portion 120 (i.e., fluid can freely flow between these chamber portions 110, 120, for example, via one or more fluid pathways such as fluid pathway 112A). In the illustrated example, first side chamber portion 120 and fluid passage 112A connecting it to foot-supporting chamber portion 110 are located in the forefoot and / or midfoot regions of overall bladder system 100 (and / or within the forefoot and / or midfoot regions of a sole structure and / or article of footwear that includes such bladder system 100). Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of the present technology, first side chamber portion 120 can be positioned to form at least a portion of a fastening system for an article of footwear that includes bladder system 100 (e.g., first side chamber portion 120 can form at least a portion of a first fastening strap and / or at least a portion of a footwear upper component). In use, first side chamber portion 120 can extend at least partially across an instep portion of a wearer's foot to secure the wearer's foot relative to foot-supporting chamber portion 110.

[0037] The outer perimeter bond 104 of the illustrated example is further formed to define a second side chamber portion 130 extending outwardly from a second side 110B of the foot-supporting chamber portion 110. In this example, the second side chamber portion 130 is located on the outside of the foot-supporting chamber portion 110. The second side 110B is located on a side of the foot-supporting bladder portion 110 opposite the first side 110A (e.g., one side (e.g., 110A) is the inside of the bladder system 100, and the other side (e.g., 110B) is the outside of the bladder system 100). The second side chamber portion 130 is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion 110. In at least some examples, a portion of the interior chamber 106 within the second side chamber portion 130 can freely exchange fluid with a portion of the interior chamber 106 within the foot-supporting chamber portion 110, for example, via one or more fluid passages (such as fluid passage 112B). Furthermore, in at least some examples of the present technology, there are no valves, stop members, or other structures that would stop, alter, or control the flow of fluid between the foot-supporting chamber portion 110 and the second side chamber portion 130 (i.e., fluid may flow freely between these chamber portions 110, 130, for example, via one or more fluid pathways such as fluid pathway 112B). In the illustrated example, the second side chamber portion 130 and the fluid pathway 112B connecting it to the foot-supporting chamber portion 110 are located in the forefoot and / or midfoot regions of the overall bladder system 100 (and / or within the forefoot and / or midfoot regions of a sole structure and / or footwear article that includes such a bladder system 100). Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of the present technology, the second side chamber portion 130 may be positioned to form at least a portion of a fastening system for an article of footwear that includes the bladder system 100 (e.g., the second side chamber portion 130 may form at least a portion of a second fastening strap and / or at least a portion of a second footwear upper component). In use, second side chamber portion 130 may extend at least partially across an instep portion of a wearer's foot to secure the wearer's foot relative to foot-supporting chamber portion 110 .

[0038] Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe example bladder system 100 is further shown to include a support layer 150 (e.g., joined to at least one of the thermoplastic elastomer sheets 102A, 102B). The support layer 150 can be formed from one or more sheets of any desired material (including fabrics, plastics, cellulose-based materials, etc.). In the illustrated example, the support layer 150 extends to support the entire outer perimeter joint 104 of the bladder system 100 and / or supports the entire plantar surface of the wearer's foot (e.g., the support layer 150 extends continuously through (a) the heel support area, the midfoot support area, and the forefoot support area and (b) from the lateral edge to the medial edge of the bladder system 100). The support layer 150 of the illustrated example further extends to areas for supporting the first side chamber portion 120 and the second side chamber portion 130 (and provides a support layer that forms portions of the first and second retention straps and / or one or more of the above-described footwear upper components). Support layer 150 may provide a more comfortable surface for contacting the wearer's foot, such as a soft surface, a moisture-wicking surface, a breathable surface, a surface that is less likely to cause sweating, and the like.

[0039] The support layer (e.g., fabric layer 150), when present, may extend to cover any desired portion of the exterior surface (e.g., 102AX and / or 102BX) of one or both of the thermoplastic elastomer sheets 102A, 102B. As some more specific examples, the size, shape, and arrangement of the support layer (e.g., fabric layer 150 formed of one or more portions) may be set to cover at least 75% of the exterior surface 102AX of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A in any one or more of the foot-supporting chamber portion 110, the first side chamber portion 120, the second side chamber portion 130, and / or the entire first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A. In some examples, the support layer (e.g., fabric layer 150) may be sized, shaped, and arranged to cover 75% to 100%, 80% to 100%, 85% to 100%, 90% to 100%, or even 95% to 100% of the exterior surface 102AX of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A in any one or more of the foot-supporting chamber portion 110, the first side chamber portion 120, the second side chamber portion 130, and / or the entire first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A. Additionally or alternatively, the support layer (e.g., fabric layer 150 formed of one or more portions) may be sized, shaped, and arranged to cover at least 75% of the exterior surface 102BX of the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B in any one or more of the foot-supporting chamber portion 110, the first side chamber portion 120, the second side chamber portion 130, and / or the entire second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B. In some examples, the size, shape, and arrangement of the support layer (e.g., fabric layer 150) can be set to cover 75% to 100%, 80% to 100%, 85% to 100%, 90% to 100%, or even 95% to 100% of the outer surface 102BX of the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B in any one or more of the foot support chamber portion 110, the first side chamber portion 120, the second side chamber portion 130, and / or the entire second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B.

[0040] In addition, if Figure 1A As shown, the free ends 120E, 130E of the first and second side chamber portions 120, 130 and / or the support layer 150 (eg, a fabric layer) may include additional components of the fastening system (eg, Figure 1AComponents 140A, 140B shown). The fastening system can hold a first fastening belt (e.g., at least partially formed by the first side chamber portion 120 and / or its supporting layer 150) in place relative to a second fastening belt (e.g., at least partially formed by the second side chamber portion 130 and / or its supporting layer 150). The fastening system can include any type of releasable fastening structure, which includes one or more of the following: buckles; snaps; buttons; hook and loop fasteners; magnetic fasteners; interpenetrating retainer structures; etc. Fastening system component 140B is in Figure 1A 140B is shown in dashed lines because the fixing system component 140B can be located at the second side chamber portion 130 and / or the support layer 150. Figure 1A The securement system components (e.g., 140A, 140B) may be joined or otherwise disposed with the first side chamber portion 120, the second side chamber portion 130, and / or the support layer 150 in any desired manner, including being joined or otherwise disposed with the outer perimeter joint 104 of the bladder system 100 (e.g., by an adhesive, by a mechanical connector, by a bonding technique, by sewing, by forming a hole or opening through the outer perimeter joint 104, etc.).

[0041] Figure 1A Additional example features of the first side chamber portion 120 and the second side chamber portion 130 according to some examples of the present technology are shown. As shown, in the illustrated example, the first side chamber portion 120 and the second side chamber portion 120 each include a plurality of staggered elongated chamber segments. These elongated chamber segments are separated by one or more staggered internal joints 104I between the interior surfaces 102AI, 102BI of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102B (e.g., separated by a single internal joint 104I having an elongated "front-to-back" path that separates the elongated chamber segments from each other in a staggered arrangement). In the illustrated example, the elongated chamber segments are oriented so that their elongated longitudinal direction (e.g., their longest dimension and / or axial dimension) extends in the front-to-back direction of the bladder system 100.

[0042] More specifically, if Figure 1AAs further shown in the example, each of the first side chamber portion 120 and the second side chamber portion 130 includes: (i) a bottom base chamber portion 160B (e.g., which is connected from the foot support chamber portion 110 to its corresponding fluid passages 112A, 112B), (ii) a top base chamber portion 160T, (iii) a front chamber portion 160F extending between the bottom base chamber portion 160B and the top base chamber portion 160T, and (iv) a rear chamber portion 160R extending between the bottom base chamber portion 160B and the top base chamber portion 160T. Additionally, between the chamber portions 160B, 160T, 160F, 160R, each of the first side chamber portion 120 and the second side chamber portion 130 of the illustrated example further includes: (i) a first elongated chamber portion 160I1 extending from the rear chamber portion 160R toward the front chamber portion 160F (directly fluidically connected to the rear chamber portion 160R) (and in this example, terminating before reaching the front chamber portion 160F (Note: the first elongated chamber portion free end 162E1)), (ii) a second elongated chamber portion 106I2 extending from the first front chamber portion 160F toward the first rear chamber portion 160R (directly fluidically connected to the first front chamber portion 160F) (and in this example, terminating before reaching the first rear chamber portion (Note: second elongated chamber portion free end 162E2)), and / or (iii) a third elongated chamber portion 160I3, which extends from the first rear chamber portion 160R toward the first front chamber portion 160F (in direct fluid communication with the first rear chamber portion 160R) (and in this example, terminates before reaching the first front chamber portion 160F (Note: third elongated chamber portion free end 162E3). A portion of the internal joint 104I (e.g., a turning portion) may extend between and separate the free ends (e.g., 162E1, 162E3) and the front chamber portion 160F, and / or a portion of the internal joint 104I (e.g., a turning portion) may extend between and separate the free ends (e.g., 162E2) and the rear chamber portion 160R.

[0043] Alternatively, if necessary and if Figure 5As shown, one or more intermediate elongated chamber portions (e.g., 160I1, 160I2, 160I3, and / or 160I4) can be in fluid communication with both the front chamber portion 160F and the rear chamber portion 160R (and / or with another chamber portion). In such a structure, the internal joint 104I can constitute two or more independent and non-connected joint sections that separate the intermediate elongated chamber portions (e.g., 160I1, 160I2, 160I3, and / or 160I4) from each other. Other arrangements of fluid chambers and / or fixing straps within the side chamber portions 120, 130 are possible without departing from aspects of the present technology.

[0044] Figures 2 to 4 Various views are provided illustrating a bladder system 100 (including a support layer 150) incorporated into an article of footwear 200 (eg, a sandal, slipper, flip-flop, or other footwear structure). Figure 2 and Figure 3 Article of footwear 200 is shown wherein first and second side chamber portions 120 , 130 (and footwear upper components and / or straps containing them) are secured together to define a foot-receiving space 108 between side chamber portions 120 , 130 and foot-supporting chamber portion 110 . Figure 4 Provides along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line 4-4.

[0045] Bladder system 100 may form at least a portion of a sole component of article of footwear 200 and at least a portion of an upper of article of footwear 200. For example, Figures 2 to 4 As shown, at least the foot-supporting chamber portion 110 of the bladder system 100 can be engaged with the sole component 204 (e.g., with the plantar support surface 204S) of the footwear article 200. The bladder system 100 can be received in a recess 204R formed in the plantar support surface 204S of the sole component 204, for example, so that the top surface 150S of the support layer 150 (if present) is in contact with the sole component 204 (e.g., Figure 4 In at least some examples of the present technology, the bladder system 100 can be fixedly engaged with the sole component 204 (e.g., within the recess 204R), for example, by one or more of the following: adhesive or adhesive-free bonding, one or more mechanical connectors, fusion techniques, and / or stitching, etc. In the illustrated example, the outer surface 102AX of the thermoplastic elastomer sheet 102A is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess 204R by a bonding technique. See FIG. Figure 4. The support layer 150 (e.g., a fabric layer) can be joined to the thermoplastic elastomeric material (e.g., 102A) of the bladder component (e.g., to the bladder component 100 of the type described above) by an adhesive, by an adhesiveless bond, by a welding technique, etc. (including in any manner described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 277,916 filed on November 10, 2021 and / or described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 277,932 filed on November 10, 2021). Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 277,916 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 277,932 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The foot-supporting chamber portion 110 can be incorporated into the sole component 204 so that the exterior surface 150S of the support layer 150 (e.g., a fabric layer, when present) provides a direct contact surface (e.g., a plantar support surface) for the wearer's foot.

[0046] The sole component 204 may include one or more parts. For example, the sole component 204 may include one or more foam components 204M, such as, for example, one or more midsole components made at least in part of a polyurethane foam material and / or an ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the sole component 204 may include, for example, one or more outsole components 204O made at least in part of a synthetic rubber material, a foam material, etc. The outsole component 204O may be constructed and arranged to directly contact the ground when the article of footwear 200 is in use.

[0047] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As further shown in FIG. 1 , in at least some examples of the present technology, first side chamber portion 120 and second side chamber portion 130 can form at least a portion of an upper for article of footwear 200. In these illustrated examples, article of footwear 200 is comprised of (or consists essentially of) sole structure 204 (e.g., midsole component 204M and outsole component 204O) and bladder system 100 (optionally with support layer 150). First side chamber portion 120 and second side chamber portion 130 can be constructed and arranged to extend over a dorsal portion of a wearer's foot (e.g., in a midfoot region and / or forefoot region of article of footwear 200). These side chamber portions 120, 130 together with foot-supporting chamber portion 110 define foot-receiving chamber 108.

[0048] In use, when a wearer puts on the footwear article 200, the downward force on the foot-supporting chamber portion 110 from the wearer's foot will cause the fluid to move through the first side fluid passage 112A and the second side fluid passage 112B and into the first side chamber portion 120 and the second side chamber portion 130, respectively. The fluid moving into the first side chamber portion 120 and / or the second side chamber portion 130 may cause the first side chamber portion 120 and / or the second side chamber portion 130 to displace or expand to contact the wearer's foot (e.g., in the instep region). The movement of the fluid may help maintain secure contact with the wearer's foot, provide a comfortable feel, and provide impact force attenuation.

[0049] When inflated with gas, foot-support chamber portion 110 can contain a first volume (V 110 ), the first side chamber portion 120 may contain a second volume (V 120 ), and the third side chamber portion 130 may contain a third volume (V 130 ). These chamber volumes may have any one or more and / or any combination of the following characteristics:

[0050] <![CDATA[V 110 =0.75×V 120 To 3×V 120 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =0.8×V 120 To 2.5×V 120 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =0.85×V 120 To 2.25×V 120 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =1×V 120 To 2×V 120 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =0.75×V 130 To 3×V 130 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =0.8×V 130 To 2.5×V 130 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =0.85×V 130 To 2.25×V 130 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =1×V 130 To 2×V 130 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 = At least 50cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =50cm 3 Up to 500cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =60cm 3 Up to 400cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 110 =80cm 3 Up to 350cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 120 = At least 30cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 120 =30cm 3 Up to 400cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 120 =40cm 3 Up to 350cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 120 =50cm 3 Up to 300cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 130 = At least 30cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 130 =30cm 3 Up to 400cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 130 =40cm 3 Up to 350cm 3 ]]> <![CDATA[V 130 =50cm 3 Up to 300cm 3 ]]>

[0051] Within side chamber portions 120, 130 and / or footwear upper components or straps containing them, the entire strap / footwear upper component structure may include fluid over any desired proportion of the area of ​​side chamber portions 120, 130 and / or strap / footwear upper component structure. For example, in a strap / footwear upper component formed to include one or both of side chamber portions 120, 130, the “fluid-containing area” of each individual strap / footwear upper component and / or each individual side chamber portion 120, 130 (e.g., in FIGS. 1 to 3) may be greater than or equal to the fluid-containing area of ​​the strap / footwear upper component. Figure 4 In the example, the combined area within a separate strap / footwear upper portion or a separate side chamber portion 120, 130 covered by the bottom base chamber portion 160B, the top base chamber portion 160T, the front chamber portion 160F, the rear chamber portion 160R and any intermediate chamber portions 160I1, 160I2, 160I3 and not counting the area of ​​the internal joint 104I may include at least 25% of the area of ​​the entire strap / footwear upper portion and / or at least 25% of the area of ​​the entire side chamber portions 120, 130. In some instances, for either or both of the individual strap / footwear upper portions and / or side chamber portions 120 and / or 130, the “fluid contained area” will include from 25% to 90%, from 30% to 80%, from 35% to 75%, or even from 40% to 70% of the area of ​​the entire strap / footwear upper portion and / or the area of ​​the entire side chamber portions 120, 130.

[0052] exist Figures 1A to 4 In the example of, the two side chamber portions 120, 130 have substantially the same size and have substantially similar (e.g., mirrored) structures and parts, including a bottom base chamber portion 160B, a top base chamber portion 160T, a front chamber portion 160F, a rear chamber portion 160R, a middle chamber portion 160I1, 160I2, 160I3 and an internal joint 104I of similar size and shape. This is not required. For example, the various chamber portions 160B, 160T, 160F, 160R, 160I1, 160I2, 160I3 and / or the internal joint 104I on one side chamber portion 120, 130 may be different in size, shape, position, area, volume and / or orientation from any chamber portion (if any) disposed on the other side chamber portion 130, 120. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the fixing strap and / or footwear upper component on one side can be longer and / or wider than the fixing strap and / or footwear upper component on the other side. As another alternative, if desired, a bladder system 100 having only one fluid-containing side chamber portion 120 or 130 (i.e., having a fluid-filled bladder portion extending only from one side of the foot support bladder portion 110) can be provided. In such a structure, the other side of the footwear article can include a strap without a fluid-containing bladder chamber portion and / or a portion of a fixing system that only includes a strap for fixing to a bladder chamber portion having a fluid fill. In examples of the present technology, various modifications can be made to the fixing strap and its side chamber portion.

[0053] Although the figures illustrate first side bladder chamber portion 120 and second side bladder chamber portion 130 as a fastening strap for an article of footwear, as described above, side bladder chamber portions 120 and / or 130 may include at least portions of one or more footwear upper components, e.g., footwear upper components that are not part of a releasable fastening strap. Such bladder system 100 and / or article of footwear may include first side bladder chamber portion 120 and / or second side bladder chamber portion 130 that are permanently and fixedly engaged with each other and / or with other components in a footwear structure. Such first side bladder chamber portion 120 and / or second side bladder chamber portion 130 (when not present as part of a releasable strap) can form one or more of: (i) at least a portion of an instep upper component of a footwear (e.g., for supporting and / or protecting the instep area of ​​a wearer's foot), (ii) at least a portion of a forefoot lateral upper component (e.g., for supporting and / or protecting the lateral forefoot of a wearer's foot), (iii) at least a portion of a forefoot medial upper component (e.g., for supporting and / or protecting the medial forefoot of a wearer's foot), and (iv) at least a portion of a forefoot medial upper component (e.g., for supporting and / or protecting the medial forefoot of a wearer's foot). (e.g., for supporting and / or protecting the medial side of the midfoot of the wearer's foot), (iv) at least a portion of the lateral midfoot upper component (e.g., for supporting and / or protecting the medial side of the midfoot of the wearer's foot), (v) at least a portion of the medial midfoot upper component (e.g., for supporting and / or protecting the medial side of the midfoot of the wearer's foot), (vi) at least a portion of the lateral heel upper component (e.g., for supporting and / or protecting the lateral side of the heel of the wearer's foot), and / or (vii) at least a portion of the medial heel upper component (e.g., for supporting and / or protecting the medial side of the heel of the wearer's foot).

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of the present technology, the foot-supporting chamber portion 110 may include at least a portion of a strobel component for a footwear article, into which the bladder system 100 is incorporated. For example, the bottom edge of one or more footwear upper components may be engaged with the outer perimeter joint 104 and / or the support layer 150, such that the foot-supporting chamber portion 110 (at least partially) encloses the bottom of the footwear upper. The foot-supporting bladder chamber portion 110 and the bladder system 100 may be engaged with a sole structure (e.g., a footwear midsole and / or outsole component), for example, by one or more of an adhesive, stitching, a fusion technique, a mechanical connector, and the like. Furthermore, while the illustrated examples show sandal, slipper, or flip-flop-type footwear articles, aspects of the present technology may be used with any desired type of footwear structure, including athletic footwear, casual footwear, and the like.

[0055] Although Figures 1A to 5Various different bladder sizes, shapes and specific configurations are illustrated, but many variations of bladder size, shape and / or configuration are possible without departing from the present technology. The specific illustrated bladders can vary widely in size, shape and / or configuration while still providing the desired functions and / or properties described above.

[0056] III. Conclusion

[0057] The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various example structures. However, the purpose of this disclosure service is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present invention, rather than to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0058] For the avoidance of doubt, this application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered clauses:

[0059] Clause 1. A bladder system for an article of footwear, comprising:

[0060] a first thermoplastic elastomer sheet; and

[0061] a second thermoplastic elastomer sheet, the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet being coupled to the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet by an outer peripheral bond, wherein an internal cavity is defined between the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet and inside the outer peripheral bond, and wherein the outer peripheral bond is shaped such that the internal cavity forms:

[0062] (i) a foot-supporting chamber portion for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot,

[0063] (ii) a first side chamber portion forming at least a portion of a first strap or a first footwear upper component, wherein the first side chamber portion extends outwardly from a first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion and is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion, and

[0064] (iii) a second side chamber portion forming at least a portion of a second strap or a second footwear upper component, wherein the second side chamber portion extends outwardly from a second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion and is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion, wherein the second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion is opposite to the first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion.

[0065] Clause 2. The bladder system of Clause 1, wherein the foot-support chamber portion extends to form a heel-support portion, a midfoot-support portion, and a forefoot-support portion.

[0066] Clause 3. The bladder system of clause 2, wherein each of the heel support portion, the midfoot support portion, and the forefoot support portion of the foot support chamber portion includes a plurality of interior bonds between interior surfaces of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet.

[0067] Clause 4. The bladder system of Clause 1 or 2, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion includes a plurality of interior bonds between interior surfaces of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet.

[0068] Clause 5. The bladder system of any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein a first side fluid passage connects the foot-supporting chamber portion with the first side chamber portion, and wherein a second side fluid passage connects the foot-supporting chamber portion with the second side chamber portion.

[0069] Clause 6. A bladder system according to Clause 5, wherein the first side fluid passage is located in the forefoot area or the midfoot area of ​​the first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion, and wherein the second side fluid passage is located in the forefoot area or the midfoot area of ​​the second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion.

[0070] Clause 7. The bladder system of any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first side chamber portion comprises a first plurality of elongated chamber segments arranged in a staggered manner.

[0071] Clause 8. The bladder system of Clause 7, wherein the first plurality of elongated chamber segments have a longitudinal direction extending in a front-to-rear direction of the bladder system.

[0072] Clause 9. The bladder system of Clause 7 or Clause 8, wherein the second side chamber portion comprises a second plurality of elongated chamber segments arranged in a staggered manner.

[0073] Clause 10. The bladder system of Clause 9, wherein the second plurality of elongated chamber segments have a longitudinal direction extending in a front-to-rear direction of the bladder system.

[0074] Clause 11. A bladder system according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first side chamber portion includes: (i) a first bottom base chamber portion, (ii) a first top base chamber portion, (iii) a first front chamber portion extending between the first bottom base chamber portion and the first top base chamber portion, and (iv) a first rear chamber portion extending between the first bottom base chamber portion and the first top base chamber portion.

[0075] Item 12. A bladder system according to Item 11, wherein the first side chamber portion also includes (i) a first elongated chamber portion, which extends from the first rear chamber portion toward the first front chamber portion and terminates before reaching the first front chamber portion, and (ii) a second elongated chamber portion, which extends from the first front chamber portion toward the first rear chamber portion and terminates before reaching the first rear chamber portion.

[0076] Clause 13. The bladder system of Clause 12, wherein the first side chamber portion further comprises a third elongated chamber portion extending from the first rear chamber portion toward the first front chamber portion and terminating prior to reaching the first front chamber portion.

[0077] Clause 14. A bladder system according to any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the second side chamber portion includes: (i) a second bottom base chamber portion, (ii) a second top base chamber portion, (iii) a second front chamber portion extending between the second bottom base chamber portion and the second top base chamber portion, and (iv) a second rear chamber portion extending between the second bottom base chamber portion and the second top base chamber portion.

[0078] Clause 15. A bladder system according to Clause 14, wherein the second side chamber portion further includes (i) a fourth elongated chamber portion extending from the second rear chamber portion toward the second front chamber portion and terminating before reaching the second front chamber portion, and (ii) a fifth elongated chamber portion extending from the second front chamber portion toward the second rear chamber portion and terminating before reaching the second rear chamber portion.

[0079] Clause 16. The bladder system of Clause 15, wherein the second side chamber portion further comprises a sixth elongated chamber portion extending from the second rear chamber portion toward the second front chamber portion and terminating prior to reaching the second front chamber portion.

[0080] Clause 17. The bladder system of any of Clauses 1 to 16, further comprising a support layer joined to the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet.

[0081] Item 18. A bladder system according to Item 17, wherein the first side chamber portion includes at least a portion of the first fixing strap, wherein the second side chamber portion includes at least a portion of the second fixing strap, and wherein the bladder system further includes a fixing system having at least a portion engaged with the support layer, wherein the fixing system releasably holds the first fixing strap in an appropriate position relative to the second fixing strap to form a foot accommodating space between (i) the foot support chamber portion and (ii) the first fixing strap and the second fixing strap.

[0082] Clause 19. The bladder system of Clause 17 or 18, wherein the support layer comprises a fabric layer forming a surface configured to contact a foot of a wearer.

[0083] Clause 20. The bladder system of any one of Clauses 1 to 17, further comprising a securing system for releasably holding the first side chamber portion in an appropriate position relative to the second side chamber portion so as to form a foot accommodating space between (i) the foot supporting chamber portion and (ii) the first side chamber portion and the second side chamber portion.

[0084] Clause 21. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:

[0085] Sole components; and

[0086] A bladder system as described in any of clauses 1 to 20, the bladder system being engaged with the sole component.

[0087] Clause 22. The sole structure of Clause 21, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion is engaged with the sole component.

[0088] Clause 23. The sole structure of Clause 21, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion engages a plantar-supporting surface of the sole component.

[0089] Clause 24. The sole structure of Clause 23, wherein the plantar support surface of the sole component defines a recess, the bladder system being received in the recess.

[0090] Clause 25. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 21 to 24, wherein the sole element comprises a foam element.

[0091] Clause 26. A sole structure according to any one of Clauses 21 to 25, wherein the sole element comprises an outsole element.

[0092] Clause 27. An article of footwear comprising:

[0093] Sole components; and

[0094] A bladder system as described in any of clauses 1 to 20, the bladder system being engaged with the sole component.

[0095] Clause 28. The article of footwear of Clause 27, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion is engaged with the sole component.

[0096] Clause 29. The article of footwear of Clause 27, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion engages a plantar-supporting surface of the sole component.

[0097] Clause 30. The article of footwear of Clause 29, wherein the plantar-supporting surface of the sole component defines a recess in which at least a portion of the bladder system is received.

[0098] Clause 31. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 27 to 30, wherein the sole component comprises a foam component.

[0099] Clause 32. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 27 to 31, wherein the sole component comprises an outsole which is a ground contacting surface.

[0100] Clause 33. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 27 to 32, wherein the first side chamber portion and the second side chamber portion comprise at least a portion of an upper for the article of footwear.

[0101] Clause 34. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 27 to 32, wherein the first side chamber portion includes the at least a portion of the first footwear upper component, and wherein the second side chamber portion includes the at least a portion of the second footwear upper component.

[0102] Clause 35. A footwear article, which essentially comprises:

[0103] a sole member including one or more of a midsole and an outsole; and

[0104] A bladder system as described in any of clauses 1 to 20, the bladder system being engaged with the sole member.

[0105] Clause 36. The article of footwear of Clause 35, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion is engaged with the sole member.

[0106] Clause 37. The article of footwear of Clause 35, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion engages a plantar-supporting surface of the sole member.

[0107] Clause 38. The article of footwear of Clause 37, wherein the plantar-supporting surface of the sole member defines a recess in which at least a portion of the bladder system is received.

[0108] Clause 39. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 35 to 38, wherein the sole member comprises the midsole, and wherein the midsole comprises a foam component.

[0109] Clause 40. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 35 to 39, wherein the sole member includes the outsole as a ground contacting surface.

[0110] Clause 41. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 35 to 40, wherein the first side chamber portion and the second side chamber portion constitute an upper for the article of footwear.

[0111] Clause 42. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 27 to 41, wherein the article of footwear constitutes a sandal, a slipper or a flip-flop.

[0112] Clause 43. A bladder system for an article of footwear, comprising:

[0113] a first thermoplastic elastomer sheet; and

[0114] a second thermoplastic elastomer sheet, the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet being coupled to the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet by an outer peripheral bond, wherein an internal cavity is defined between the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet and inside the outer peripheral bond, and wherein the outer peripheral bond is shaped such that the internal cavity forms:

[0115] (i) a foot-supporting chamber portion for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, and

[0116] (ii) forming a first side chamber portion of at least a portion of a first strap and / or at least a portion of a first footwear upper component, wherein the first side chamber portion extends outwardly from a first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion and is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion.

[0117] Clause 44. The bladder system of Clause 43, wherein the foot-support chamber portion extends to form a heel-support portion, a midfoot-support portion, and a forefoot-support portion.

[0118] Clause 45. The bladder system of clause 44, wherein each of the heel support portion, the midfoot support portion, and the forefoot support portion of the foot support chamber portion includes a plurality of interior bonds between interior surfaces of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet.

[0119] Clause 46. The bladder system of Clause 43 or 44, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion comprises a plurality of interior bonds between interior surfaces of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet.

[0120] Clause 47. The bladder system of any of Clauses 43 to 46, wherein a first side fluid passage connects the foot-supporting chamber portion with the first side chamber portion.

[0121] Clause 48. The bladder system of Clause 47, wherein the first side fluid passageway is located at a forefoot region or a midfoot region of the first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion.

[0122] Clause 49. The bladder system of any one of Clauses 43 to 48, wherein the first side chamber portion comprises a first plurality of elongated chamber segments arranged in a staggered manner.

[0123] Clause 50. The bladder system of Clause 49, wherein the first plurality of elongated chamber segments have a longitudinal direction extending in a front-to-rear direction of the bladder system.

[0124] Clause 51. A bladder system according to any one of clauses 43 to 48, wherein the first side chamber portion includes: (i) a first bottom base chamber portion, (ii) a first top base chamber portion, (iii) a first front chamber portion extending between the first bottom base chamber portion and the first top base chamber portion, and (iv) a first rear chamber portion extending between the first bottom base chamber portion and the first top base chamber portion.

[0125] Item 52. A bladder system according to Item 51, wherein the first side chamber portion also includes (i) a first elongated chamber portion, which extends from the first rear chamber portion toward the first front chamber portion and terminates before reaching the first front chamber portion, and (ii) a second elongated chamber portion, which extends from the first front chamber portion toward the first rear chamber portion and terminates before reaching the first rear chamber portion.

[0126] Clause 53. The bladder system of Clause 52, wherein the first side chamber portion further comprises a third elongated chamber portion extending from the first rear chamber portion toward the first front chamber portion and terminating prior to reaching the first front chamber portion.

[0127] Clause 54. The bladder system of any of Clauses 43 to 53, further comprising a support layer joined to the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet.

[0128] Item 55. A bladder system according to Item 54, wherein the first side chamber portion includes at least a portion of the first securing strap, and wherein the bladder system also includes a securing system having at least a portion engaged with the support layer, the securing system releasably holding the first securing strap in an appropriate position relative to the wearer's foot.

[0129] Clause 56. The bladder system of Clause 54 or 55, wherein the support layer comprises a fabric layer forming a surface configured to contact a foot of a wearer.

[0130] Clause 57. The bladder system of any of Clauses 43 to 54, further comprising a securement system for releasably holding the first side chamber portion in position relative to a wearer's foot.

[0131] Clause 58. The bladder system of any one of Clauses 43 to 57, wherein the first side chamber portion includes at least a portion of the first securing strap.

[0132] Clause 59. The bladder system of any of Clauses 43 to 54, 56 or 57, wherein the first side chamber portion includes at least a portion of the first footwear upper component.

[0133] Clause 60. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:

[0134] Sole components; and

[0135] A bladder system as described in any of clauses 43 to 59, the bladder system being engaged with the sole component.

[0136] Clause 61. The sole structure of Clause 60, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion is engaged with the sole component.

[0137] Clause 62. The sole structure of Clause 61, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion engages a plantar-supporting surface of the sole component.

[0138] Clause 63. The sole structure of Clause 62, wherein the plantar-supporting surface of the sole component defines a recess in which the bladder system is received.

[0139] Clause 64. A sole structure according to any one of Clauses 60 to 63, wherein the sole component comprises a foam component.

[0140] Clause 65. A sole structure according to any one of Clauses 60 to 64, wherein the sole component comprises an outsole component.

[0141] Clause 66. An article of footwear comprising:

[0142] Sole components; and

[0143] A bladder system as described in any of clauses 43 to 59, the bladder system being engaged with the sole component.

[0144] Clause 67. The article of footwear of Clause 66, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion is engaged with the sole component.

[0145] Clause 68. The article of footwear of Clause 66, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion engages a plantar-supporting surface of the sole component.

[0146] Clause 69. The article of footwear of Clause 68, wherein the plantar-supporting surface of the sole component defines a recess in which at least a portion of the bladder system is received.

[0147] Clause 70. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 66 to 69, wherein the sole component comprises a foam component.

[0148] Clause 71. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 66 to 70, wherein the sole component includes an outsole that serves as a ground contacting surface.

[0149] Clause 72. The article of footwear according to any of Clauses 66 to 71, wherein the first side chamber portion includes at least a portion of the first footwear upper component and forms at least a portion of an upper for the article of footwear.

[0150] Clause 73. The article of footwear as recited in any one of Clauses 66 to 71, wherein the first strap comprises at least a portion of an upper for the article of footwear.

[0151] Clause 74. A footwear article comprising essentially:

[0152] a sole member including one or more of a midsole and an outsole; and

[0153] A bladder system as described in any of clauses 43 to 59, the bladder system being engaged with the sole member.

[0154] Clause 75. The article of footwear of Clause 74, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion is engaged with the sole member.

[0155] Clause 76. The article of footwear of Clause 74, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion engages a plantar-supporting surface of the sole member.

[0156] Clause 77. The article of footwear of Clause 76, wherein the plantar-supporting surface of the sole member defines a recess in which at least a portion of the bladder system is received.

[0157] Clause 78. The article of footwear as recited in any one of Clauses 74 to 77, wherein the sole member comprises the midsole, and wherein the midsole comprises a foam component.

[0158] Clause 79. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 74 to 78, wherein the sole member includes the outsole as a ground contacting surface.

[0159] Clause 80. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 74 to 79, wherein the first side chamber portion constitutes an upper for the article of footwear.

[0160] Clause 81. The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 66 to 80, wherein the article of footwear constitutes a sandal, a slipper or a flip-flop.

Claims

1. A bladder system for a footwear article, comprising: a first thermoplastic elastomer sheet; as well as a second thermoplastic elastomer sheet, the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet being coupled to the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet by an outer peripheral bond, wherein an internal cavity is defined between the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet and inside the outer peripheral bond, and wherein the outer peripheral bond is shaped such that the internal cavity forms: (i) a foot-supporting chamber portion for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a first side chamber portion forming at least a portion of a first strap or a first footwear upper component, wherein the first side chamber portion extends outwardly from a first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion and is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion, and (iii) a second side chamber portion forming at least a portion of a second strap or a second footwear upper component, wherein the second side chamber portion extends outwardly from a second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion and is in fluid communication with the foot-supporting chamber portion, wherein the second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion is opposite to the first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion.

2. The bladder system of claim 1, wherein the foot-support chamber portion extends to form a heel-support portion, a midfoot-support portion, and a forefoot-support portion.

3. The bladder system of claim 2, wherein each of the heel support portion, the midfoot support portion, and the forefoot support portion of the foot support chamber portion includes a plurality of interior bonds between interior surfaces of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet.

4. The bladder system of claim 1, wherein the foot-supporting chamber portion includes a plurality of interior bonds between interior surfaces of the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet and the second thermoplastic elastomer sheet.

5. The bladder system of claim 1, wherein a first side fluid passage connects the foot-supporting chamber portion with the first side chamber portion, and wherein a second side fluid passage connects the foot-supporting chamber portion with the second side chamber portion.

6. The bladder system of claim 5, wherein the first side fluid passageway is located at a forefoot region or a midfoot region of the first side of the foot-supporting chamber portion, and wherein the second side fluid passageway is located at a forefoot region or a midfoot region of the second side of the foot-supporting chamber portion.

7. The bladder system of claim 1, wherein the first side chamber portion comprises a first plurality of elongated chamber segments arranged in a staggered manner.

8. The bladder system of claim 7, wherein the first plurality of elongated chamber segments have a longitudinal direction extending in a front-to-rear direction of the bladder system.

9. The bladder system of claim 7, wherein the second side chamber portion comprises a second plurality of elongated chamber segments arranged in a staggered manner.

10. The bladder system of claim 9, wherein the second plurality of elongated chamber segments have a longitudinal direction extending in a front-to-rear direction of the bladder system.

11. The bladder system of claim 1 , wherein the first side chamber portion comprises: (i) a first bottom base chamber portion, (ii) a first top base chamber portion, (iii) a first front chamber portion extending between the first bottom base chamber portion and the first top base chamber portion, and (iv) a first rear chamber portion extending between the first bottom base chamber portion and the first top base chamber portion.

12. A bladder system according to claim 11, wherein the first side chamber portion further includes (i) a first slender chamber portion, which extends from the first rear chamber portion toward the first front chamber portion and terminates before reaching the first front chamber portion, and (ii) a second slender chamber portion, which extends from the first front chamber portion toward the first rear chamber portion and terminates before reaching the first rear chamber portion.

13. The bladder system of claim 12, wherein the first side chamber portion further comprises a third elongated chamber portion extending from the first rear chamber portion toward the first front chamber portion and terminating before reaching the first front chamber portion.

14. The bladder system of claim 11, wherein the second side chamber portion comprises: (i) a second bottom base chamber portion, (ii) a second top base chamber portion, (iii) a second front chamber portion extending between the second bottom base chamber portion and the second top base chamber portion, and (iv) a second rear chamber portion extending between the second bottom base chamber portion and the second top base chamber portion.

15. A bladder system according to claim 14, wherein the second side chamber portion further includes (i) a fourth elongated chamber portion, which extends from the second rear chamber portion toward the second front chamber portion and terminates before reaching the second front chamber portion, and (ii) a fifth elongated chamber portion, which extends from the second front chamber portion toward the second rear chamber portion and terminates before reaching the second rear chamber portion.

16. The bladder system of claim 15, wherein the second side chamber portion further comprises a sixth elongated chamber portion extending from the second rear chamber portion toward the second front chamber portion and terminating before reaching the second front chamber portion.

17. The bladder system of claim 1 further comprising a support layer joined to the first thermoplastic elastomer sheet.

18. A bladder system according to claim 17, wherein the first side chamber portion includes at least a portion of the first fixing strap, wherein the second side chamber portion includes at least a portion of the second fixing strap, and wherein the bladder system further includes a fixing system having at least a portion engaged with the support layer, the fixing system releasably holding the first fixing strap in an appropriate position relative to the second fixing strap to form a foot accommodating space between (i) the foot support chamber portion and (ii) the first fixing strap and the second fixing strap.

19. The bladder system of claim 17, wherein the support layer comprises a fabric layer that forms a surface configured to contact a wearer's foot.

20. The bladder system of claim 1 further comprising a securing system for releasably retaining the first side chamber portion in an appropriate position relative to the second side chamber portion to form a foot-receiving space between (i) the foot-supporting chamber portion and (ii) the first side chamber portion and the second side chamber portion.

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