Sole structure for article of footwear

Abstract

A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure defining a footbed and a ground engaging surface, and including a chassis extending from a forward end of the sole structure to a rearward end of the sole structure, and a bladder extending from the forward end of the sole structure to the rearward end of the sole structure. And a bladder supported within the chassis and extending from a first end in the forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end exposed at the rear end of the sole structure, the bladder including a first curved portion in the forefoot region and a substantially planar portion at the rear end of the sole structure.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 542,959, filed on December 18, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 476,013, filed on December 19, 2022, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). The disclosures of these prior applications are considered to be part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a sole structure for a footwear article. Background Art

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

[0005] Footwear articles typically include an upper and a sole structure. The upper can be formed of any suitable material to receive, secure, and support the foot on the sole structure. The upper can cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. The bottom portion of the upper, which is adjacent to the bottom surface of the foot, is attached to the sole structure.

[0006] The sole structure generally includes a layered arrangement that extends between the ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion resistance and frictional attachment to the ground surface. The outsole can be formed of rubber or other materials that impart durability and abrasion resistance as well as enhanced frictional attachment to the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and can be partially formed of a polymeric foam material that elastically compresses under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating the ground reaction force. The midsole can incorporate fluid - filled bladders to provide cushioning for the foot by elastically compressing under an applied load to attenuate the ground reaction force. The sole structure can also include an insole or sockliner for enhanced comfort located within a void adjacent to the bottom portion of the upper, and a strobel attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner.

[0007] Midsoles that employ bladders generally include bladders formed of two polymeric material barrier layers that are sealed or bonded together. These bladders can contain air and are designed to emphasize a balance of support and cushioning properties for the foot, which are related to the responsiveness of the bladders when they elastically compress under an applied load. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a footwear article including an example of a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an internal perspective view of the footwear article;

[0011] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a top perspective exploded view of the sole structure;

[0012] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a bottom perspective exploded view of the sole structure;

[0013] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a front elevation view of the sole structure;

[0014] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a rear elevation view of the sole structure;

[0015] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a bottom plan view of the sole structure;

[0016] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a top plan view of the sole structure;

[0017] Figure 9 is along Figure 8 line 9-9 of Figure 1 an external cross-sectional view of the sole structure;

[0018] Figure 10 is along Figure 8 line 10-10 of Figure 1 an external cross-sectional view of the sole structure;

[0019] Figure 11 is along Figure 8 line 11-11 of Figure 1 an external cross-sectional view of the sole structure;

[0020] Figure 12 is along Figure 8 line 12-12 of Figure 1 a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sole structure;

[0021] Figure 13 is Figure 1 an external elevation view of an example of a bladder of the sole structure;

[0022] Figure 14Is an exterior perspective view of a footwear article including an example of a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 15 Is Figure 14 An interior perspective view of the footwear article;

[0024] Figure 16 Is Figure 14 An overhead perspective exploded view of the sole structure;

[0025] Figure 17 Is Figure 14 An underfoot perspective exploded view of the sole structure;

[0026] Figure 18 Is Figure 14 A front elevation view of the sole structure;

[0027] Figure 19 Is Figure 14 A rear elevation view of the sole structure;

[0028] Figure 20 Is Figure 14 An underfoot plan view of the sole structure;

[0029] Figure 21 Is Figure 14 An overhead plan view of the sole structure;

[0030] Figure 22 Is taken along Figure 21 Line 22-22 of Figure 14 An exterior cross-sectional view of the sole structure;

[0031] Figure 23 Is taken along Figure 21 Line 23-23 of Figure 14 An exterior cross-sectional view of the sole structure;

[0032] Figure 24 Is taken along Figure 21 Line 24-24 of Figure 14 An exterior cross-sectional view of the sole structure;

[0033] Figure 25 Is taken along Figure 21 Line 25-25 of Figure 14 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sole structure; and

[0034] Figure 26 Is Figure 14 An exterior elevation view of an example of a bladder of the sole structure.

[0035] In all the figures, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. Detailed Description

[0036] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed and that the example configurations may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an", and "the" may also be intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including", and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring that they be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0038] When an element or layer is referred to as "on", "engaged to", "connected to", "attached to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly on", "directly engaged to", "directly connected to", "directly attached to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, intervening elements or layers may not be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.) should be interpreted in a similar manner. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configuration.

[0040] In one configuration, a sole structure for a footwear article defines a shoe bed and a ground engaging surface and includes a chassis extending from a front end of the sole structure to a rear end of the sole structure. A bladder is supported within the chassis and extends from a first end in the forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end exposed at the rear end of the sole structure. The bladder includes a first curved portion in the forefoot region and a substantially flat portion at the rear end of the sole structure.

[0041] The footwear article may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the bladder may be exposed along at least one of an inner side of the sole structure or an outer side of the sole structure. In some instances, the bladder may be continuously exposed from the first end of the bladder to the second end along at least one of an inner side of the sole structure or an outer side of the sole structure. In some configurations, the bladder may be continuously exposed along an inner side and an outer side of the sole structure. Optionally, the bladder has a constant thickness from the first end to the second end. In some embodiments, the first curved portion may define a concave curvature relative to the shoe bed of the sole structure and may extend from the first end to the midfoot region of the sole structure.

[0042] In some configurations, the chassis may include a first cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the shoe bed and a second cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the ground engaging surface. Optionally, the sole structure includes an outsole defining the ground engaging surface and including a first portion attached to the second cushioning element. In some instances, the outsole may include a second portion attached to the bladder.

[0043] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a sole structure for a footwear article defines a shoe bed and a ground engaging surface and includes a bladder extending from a first end in the forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end at the rear end of the sole structure. The bladder includes a peripheral surface. A chassis supports the bladder in an inner portion and includes a peripheral channel exposing the peripheral surface of the bladder from the midfoot region of the sole structure to the rear end of the sole structure.

[0044] The footwear can include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the bladder can be exposed along at least one of an inner side or an outer side of the sole structure. Additionally or alternatively, the peripheral channel can continuously extend from a first end on an inner side in a forefoot region of the sole structure around a rear end and continuously extend to a second end on an outer side in the forefoot region. In some instances, the bladder is continuously exposed through the peripheral channel.

[0045] In some configurations, the bladder can have a constant thickness from a first end to a second end. In some instances, the bladder can include a first curved portion that defines a concave curvature relative to the insole of the sole structure and extends from the first end to a midfoot region of the sole structure. In some embodiments, the bladder can include a second curved portion that is disposed between the first curved portion and a substantially flat portion in the midfoot region and defines a convex curvature relative to the insole. In some instances, the chassis can include a first cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the insole and a second cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the ground engaging surface. Optionally, the sole structure includes an outsole that defines the ground engaging surface and includes a first portion attached to the second cushioning element. In some configurations, the outsole includes a second portion attached to the bladder.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 13 Referring T to, a footwear 10 is provided that includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100. The footwear 10 can be divided into one or more zones. The zones can include a forefoot zone 12, a midfoot zone 14, and a heel zone 16. The forefoot zone 12 can include a toe portion 12 corresponding to the phalanges B and a ball portion 12 corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints (i.e., "ball of the foot") of the foot. The midfoot zone 14 can correspond to the arch region of the foot, and the heel zone 16 can correspond to the rear portion of the foot (including the calcaneus). The footwear 10 can also include a front end 18 associated with the foremost point of the forefoot zone 12 and a rear end 20 corresponding to the rearmost point of the heel zone 16. A longitudinal axis A of the footwear 10 10 extends along the length of the footwear 10 from the front end 18 to the rear end 20 and generally divides the footwear 10 into an inner side 22 and an outer side 24, as Figure 7 shown. Accordingly, the inner side 22 and the outer side 24 respectively correspond to opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend through the zones 12, 14, 16.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 4, the sole structure 100 includes a midsole 102 configured to provide cushioning properties to the sole structure 100 and an outsole 104 configured to provide a ground engaging surface for the footwear article 10. Different from conventional sole structures, the midsole 102 of the sole structure 100 can be formed composite and includes a plurality of sub-components for providing a desired form of cushioning and support throughout the sole structure 100. For example, the midsole 102 can be described as including a bladder 106 and a chassis 108 ( Figure 10 ), where the chassis 108 is configured to be attached to the upper 200 and provide a junction between the upper 200, the bladder 106, and the outsole 104. In the illustrated example, the bladder 106 is supported within the chassis 108 between the outsole 104 and the upper 200.

[0048] Generally, the bladder 106 of the sole structure 100 is supported within the chassis 108 and is configured to attenuate forces associated with impacts along the length of the foot. The bladder 106 of the midsole 102 includes a pair of opposing barrier layers 114, 116 that are joined to each other along a peripheral seam 120 to define a chamber 118. In the illustrated configuration, the barrier layers 114, 116 include a first upper barrier layer 114 that defines an upper surface of the bladder 106 and a second lower barrier layer 116 that defines a lower surface of the bladder 106. Alternatively, the chamber 118 can be created by any suitable combination of one or more barrier layers, as described in more detail below.

[0049] In some embodiments, the upper barrier layer 114 and the lower barrier layer 116 cooperate to define the geometry (e.g., thickness, width, and length) of the chamber 118. For example, the peripheral seam 120 can define and extend around the chamber 118 to seal a fluid (e.g., air) within the chamber 118. Thus, the chamber 118 is associated with a region of the bladder 106 where the inner surfaces of the upper barrier layer 114 and the lower barrier layer 116 are not joined together and are thus separated from each other. In the illustrated example, the bladder 106 includes a peripheral surface 115 that defines the peripheral profile of the bladder 106 and extends between the top surface defined by the upper barrier layer 114 and the bottom surface defined by the lower barrier layer 116.

[0050] As Figures 9 to 12 shown, the space formed between the opposing inner surfaces of the upper barrier layer 114 and the lower barrier layer 116 defines the inner void of the chamber 118. Similarly, the outer surfaces of the upper barrier layer 114 and the lower barrier layer 116 define the outer profile of the chamber 118. The thickness T of the chamber 118 118 is defined by the distance between the upper barrier layer 114 and the lower barrier layer 116 of the bladder 106.

[0051] As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layers 114, 116) encompasses both single-layer films and multi-layer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 114, 116 are each formed (e.g., by thermoforming or blow molding) from a single-layer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 114, 116 are each formed (e.g., by thermoforming or blow molding) from a multi-layer film (multiple sub-layers). In any aspect, each layer or sub-layer can have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 microns to about 1 millimeter. In additional embodiments, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer can range from about 0.5 microns to about 500 microns. In yet additional embodiments, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer can range from about 1 micron to about 100 microns.

[0052] One or both of the barrier layers 114, 116 can independently be transparent, translucent, and / or opaque. As used herein, the term "transparent" for a barrier layer and / or a fluid-filled chamber means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially a straight line, and an observer can view through the barrier layer. In contrast, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer, and one cannot clearly view through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer is between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer because light passes through the translucent layer, but some light is scattered such that an observer cannot clearly view through the layer.

[0053] The barrier layers 114, 116 can each be formed from an elastomeric material comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers and / or one or more crosslinkable polymers. In one aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

[0054] As used herein, "polyurethane" refers to copolymers (including oligomers) containing urethane groups (-N(C=O)O-). In addition to urethane groups, these polyurethanes can also contain additional groups, such as esters, ethers, ureas, urethanes, biurets, carbodiimides, oxazolidines, isocyanurates, uretdiones, carbonates, and the like. In one aspect, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (-N(C=O)O-) bonds.

[0055] Examples of suitable isocyanates for generating polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), adducts of TDI with trimethylolpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylbenzene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5 - diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5 - tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, p - phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3'-dimethyl diphenyl - 4,4'-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4'-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4 - chloro - 1,3 - phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

[0056] In certain aspects, the polyurethane polymer chains are generated from diisocyanates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatic compounds, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester - based TPU, polyether - based TPU, polycaprolactone - based TPU, polycarbonate - based TPU, polysiloxane - based TPU, or combinations thereof.

[0057] In another aspect, the polymer layer can be formed from one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide - based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile - methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, polyacrylate imide, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas permeability. Blends of these materials and blends with the TPU copolymers described herein (and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers) are also suitable.

[0058] The barrier layers 114, 116 may include two or more sub-layers (multi-layer films), such as those shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,713,141 to Mitchell et al. and U.S. Patent No. 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where the barrier layers 114, 116 include two or more sub-layers, examples of suitable multi-layer films include micro-layer films, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,582,786 to Bonk et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In additional embodiments, the barrier layers 114, 116 may each independently include alternating sub-layers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, wherein the total number of sub-layers in each of the barrier layers 114, 116 includes at least four (4) sub-layers, at least ten (10) sub-layers, at least twenty (20) sub-layers, at least forty (40) sub-layers, and / or at least sixty (60) sub-layers.

[0059] The chamber 118 may be formed from the barrier layers 114, 116 using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g., vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, pressure molding, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, rotational casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, etc.). In one aspect, the barrier layers 114, 116 may be formed by co-extrusion and then vacuum thermoformed to produce an inflatable chamber 118 that may optionally include one or more valves (e.g., check valves) that permit the chamber 118 to be filled with a fluid (e.g., a gas).

[0060] The chamber 118 may be configured to be in a fluid-filled (e.g., disposed within the footwear 10) or unfilled state. The chamber 118 may be filled with any suitable fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. In one aspect, the gas may include air, nitrogen (N2), or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, the chamber 118 may alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled materials, etc. (e.g., expanded beads and / or rubber beads). The fluid provided to the chamber 118 may cause the chamber 118 to be pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to the chamber 118 may be at atmospheric pressure such that the chamber 118 is not pressurized but simply contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

[0061] The fluid-filled chamber 118 desirably has a low gas permeability to retain the gas pressure it holds. In some embodiments, the fluid-filled chamber 118 has a nitrogen gas permeability that is at least about ten (10) times lower than that of a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same size. In one aspect, for an average film thickness of 500 microns (as measured by the thickness of the barrier layers 114, 116), the fluid-filled chamber 118 has a nitrogen gas permeability of 15 cubic centimeters per square meter • atmosphere • day (cm 3 / m 2 •atm•day) or less. In another aspect, the permeability is 10 cm 3 / m 2 •atm•day or less, 5 cm 3 / m 2 •atm•day or less, or 1 cm 3 / m 2 •atm•day or less.

[0062] The internal void of the chamber 118 can receive a tension element 122 therein. The tension element 122 can include a series of tension strands 124 extending between an upper tension sheet 126 and a lower tension sheet 128. The upper tension sheet 126 can be attached to the upper barrier layer 114, and the lower tension sheet 128 can be attached to the lower barrier layer 116. In this way, when the chamber 118 receives pressurized fluid, the tension strands 124 of the tension element 122 are in a tensioned state. Since the upper tension sheet 126 is attached to the upper barrier layer 114 and the lower tension sheet 128 is attached to the lower barrier layer 116, the tension strands 124 maintain the desired shape of the chamber 118 when pressurized fluid is injected into the internal void of the chamber 118.

[0063] Referring Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the bladder 106 can be described as having a length extending from a first end 130 to a second end 132. When the bladder 106 is incorporated into a sole structure ( Figure 12 ), the first end 130 defines the foremost point of the bladder 106, and the second end 132 defines the rearmost point of the bladder 106. The bladder 106 also includes a first arcuate or curved portion 134 disposed adjacent to the first end 130, a second arcuate or curved portion 136 disposed adjacent to the first curved portion 134, and a substantially flat portion 138 extending from the second curved portion 136 to the second end 132. In other words, the second curved portion 136 is disposed between the first curved portion 134 and the substantially flat portion 138 and connects the first curved portion 134 and the substantially flat portion 138.

[0064] Still referring Figure 12 and Figure 13, when the bladder 106 is incorporated into the sole structure 100, the first curved portion 134 defines a concave curvature relative to the insole of the sole structure 100 such that the concave curvature defines a concave surface opposite the upper 200. Here, the first curved portion 134 extends from the toe portion 12 of the bladder 106 in the forefoot region 12 T through the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point P associated with the metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot MTP , and extends to a first transition point P in the midfoot region 14 T1 . As shown, the MTP point P MTP defines the lowest point of the first curved portion 134. The first curved portion 134 may define a constant radius of curvature extending continuously from the first end 130 to the first transition point P T1 .

[0065] The second curved portion 136 defines a convex curvature relative to the insole of the sole structure 100 (i.e., concave relative to the ground engaging surface) such that the convex curvature defines a convex surface opposite the upper 200. As Figure 13 shown, the second curved portion 136 extends from the first transition point P in the midfoot region 14 T1 to a second transition point P in the midfoot region 14 T2 . Optionally, the second curved portion 136 may define a constant radius of curvature R from the first transition point P T1 to the second transition point P T2 . 136 .

[0066] The substantially flat portion 138 of the bladder 106 defines an elongate portion of the bladder 106 extending from the second transition point P T2 to the second end 132 of the bladder 106. Thus, the substantially flat portion 138 extends from the midfoot region 14 to the heel region 16. As discussed in more detail below, when the bladder 106 is incorporated into the sole structure 100, the substantially flat portion 138 extends to the rear end 20 of the sole structure 100 and is exposed at the rear end 20 of the sole structure 100.

[0067] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 best shown, the bladder 106 may include a peripheral rib 140 extending continuously along the outer periphery of the bladder 106. Here, the peripheral rib 140 is defined by a portion of the bladder 106 adjacent to the peripheral seam 120 that has a greater thickness T than the inner portion of the bladder 106 associated with the tension element 122 140 ( Figure 9 ). In the illustrated example, the peripheral rib 140 is continuous and completely bounds the periphery of the bladder 106. Thus, the peripheral rib 140 is associated with a portion of the bladder 106 that defines the peripheral surface 115.

[0068] Now refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the bladder 106 of the midsole 102 is disposed within the chassis 108 between the upper cushioning element 110 and the lower cushioning element 112. The upper cushioning element 110 extends from a first end 150 at the front end 18 of the sole structure 100 to a second end 152 at the rear end 20 of the sole structure 100. The upper cushioning element 110 includes a top side 154 that is configured to face the upper 200 and defines the shoe bed of the footwear 10. The upper cushioning element 110 further includes a bottom side 156 that is disposed on a side opposite the top side 154 (i.e., away from the upper 200) and is configured to engage the upper barrier layer 114 of the bladder 106. The peripheral side surface 158 of the upper cushioning element 110 extends between the top side 154 and the bottom side 156 and defines the peripheral profile of the upper cushioning element 110.

[0069] As Figure 4 best shown in, the bottom side 156 of the upper cushioning element 110 includes an upper toe pad 160 disposed at the first end 150 and an upper cavity 162 extending between the upper toe pad 160 and the second end 152. The upper toe pad 160 can be described as having a thickness that overhangs or protrudes from the bottom side 156 and having a length that extends along the peripheral side surface 158 around the first end 150 of the upper cushioning element 110 from a first end on the medial side 22 to a second end on the lateral side 24. Thus, when the sole structure 100 is assembled, the upper toe pad 160 surrounds the first end 130 of the bladder 106 and defines the front end of the upper cavity 162.

[0070] The upper cavity 162 is generally configured to engage or receive the upper barrier layer 114 of the bladder 106. In the illustrated example, the upper cavity 162 includes an upper peripheral channel 164 that extends continuously along the periphery of the upper cavity 162. The upper peripheral channel 164 has a profile (e.g., dimensions, shape) that corresponds to a portion of the peripheral rib 140 defined by the upper barrier layer 114 such that the upper peripheral channel 164 is configured to receive the upper portion of the peripheral rib 140 when the sole structure 100 is assembled.

[0071] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the peripheral side surface 158 of the upper cushioning element 110 includes a plurality of wings 166a to 166d that extend laterally outward (i.e., transverse to the longitudinal axis A 100projects and at least partially surrounds the peripheral portion of the peripheral rib 140. For example, the upper cushioning element 110 includes a medial forefoot wing 166a that extends over the peripheral rib 140 in the forefoot region 12 along the medial side 22, a lateral forefoot wing 166b that extends over the peripheral rib 140 in the forefoot region 12 along the lateral side 24, a medial heel wing 166c that extends over the peripheral rib 140 in the heel region along the medial side 22, and a lateral heel wing 166d that extends over the peripheral rib 140 in the heel region along the lateral side 24. As described herein, the wings 166a to 166d are defined as extending over the rib 140 to a greater extent than a portion of the peripheral wall 158 disposed between a corresponding pair of the medial wings 166a, 166c and the pair of lateral wings 166b, 166d. For example, as Figures 9 to 11 best shown in, along the medial side 22, the medial forefoot wing 166a ( Figure 9 ), and the medial heel wing 166c ( Figure 11 ), surround a greater portion of the peripheral rib 140 than an intermediate portion ( Figure 12 ) disposed between the medial forefoot wing 166a and the medial heel wing 166c in the midfoot region 14. Similarly, along the lateral side 24, the lateral forefoot wing 166b ( Figure 9 ), and the lateral heel wing 166d ( Figure 11 ), surround a greater portion of the peripheral rib 140 than an intermediate portion ( Figure 12 ) disposed between the lateral forefoot wing 166b and the lateral heel wing 166d in the midfoot region 14. Accordingly, the wings 166a to 166d provide additional engagement between the upper cushioning element 110 and the bladder 106, thereby enhancing stability along regions of the foot that experience greater loads during lateral movement (e.g., cutting, pivoting).

[0072] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the lower cushioning element 112 extends from a first end 170 at the front end 18 of the sole structure 100 to a second end 172 at the rear end 20 of the sole structure 100. The lower cushioning element 112 includes an upper side 174 configured to face the bladder 106 and a bottom side 176 disposed on the side opposite the upper side 174 (i.e., away from the upper) and configured to engage the outsole 104. A peripheral side surface 178 extends between the upper side 174 and the bottom side 176 and defines the peripheral profile of the lower cushioning element 112.

[0073] As Figure 3 best shown in, the upper side 174 of the lower cushioning element 112 includes a lower toe pad 180 disposed at the first end 170 and a lower cavity 182 that extends between the toe pad 180 and the second end 172. When the sole structure 100 is assembled, the lower toe pad 180 cooperates with the upper toe pad 160 of the upper cushioning element 110 to provide cushioning at the toe portion 12 of the sole structureT A solid cushioning element is provided.

[0074] The lower recess 182 is generally configured to receive the lower barrier layer 116 of the bladder 106. In the illustrated example, the lower recess 182 includes a lower peripheral channel 184 that extends continuously along the periphery of the lower recess 182. The lower peripheral channel 184 has a profile (e.g., dimensions, shape) corresponding to a portion of the peripheral rib 140 defined by the lower barrier layer 116 such that the lower peripheral channel 184 is configured to receive the lower portion of the peripheral rib 140 when assembling the sole structure 100.

[0075] The lower cushioning element 112 may include a first pair of forefoot orifices 186 disposed in the forefoot region. As shown, the orifices 186 are generally aligned with each other in the lateral direction (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A 100 ). Here, the orifices are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis A 100 . Each of the orifices 186 extends through the thickness of the lower cushioning element 112 from the upper side 174 to the bottom side 176. As shown, each of the orifices 186 has a teardrop-shaped profile that tapers in width from the front end 18 to the rear end 20 along the direction of the longitudinal axis A 100 .

[0076] The lower cushioning element 112 may also include a heel recess or relief 188 formed in the bottom side 176 in the heel region 16. As shown, the heel relief 188 includes a teardrop-shaped profile that tapers in width from the rear end 20 to the front end 18 along the direction of the longitudinal axis A 100 . Thus, the heel relief 188 includes a first width (i.e., measured from medial to lateral) at a first end in the heel region 16 associated with the calcaneus of the foot and a second width at a second end disposed adjacent to or within the midfoot region 14. The heel relief 188 provides a relief area in the lower cushioning element 112 within which the bladder 106 can flex when the heel of the foot applies a load to the sole structure 100, thereby providing a "trampoline-like" effect within the heel region 16 of the sole structure 100.

[0077] As described above, the cushioning elements 110, 112 include an elastomeric polymer material, such as foam or rubber, to impart cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution characteristics to the wearer's foot. Example elastomeric polymer materials for the cushioning elements 110, 112 may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or a mixture of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or a mixture of both.

[0078] In some aspects, the one or more polymers can include an olefin homopolymer, an olefin copolymer, or a blend thereof. Examples of olefin polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof. In other aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, EVOH copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0079] In further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acid acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof.

[0080] In yet further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more ionomer polymers. In these aspects, the ionomer polymers can include polymers having carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and / or acid anhydrides thereof. For example, the ionomer polymers can include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomer polymers, polystyrene sulfonate, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0081] In further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile block copolymer, styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0082] In further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymer) and / or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethane and / or thermoplastic polyurethane). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those polyurethanes discussed above for barrier layers 114, 116. Alternatively, the one or more polymers can include one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0083] When the elastomeric polymer material is a foamed polymer material, the foamed material can be foamed using a physical blowing agent that phase-changes to a gas based on changes in temperature and / or pressure or a chemical blowing agent that forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent can be an azo compound, such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and / or isocyanate.

[0084] In some embodiments, the foamed polymer material can be a crosslinked foamed material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based crosslinking agent, such as dicumyl peroxide, can be used. Additionally, the foamed polymer material can include one or more fillers, such as pigments, modified or natural clay, modified or unmodified synthetic clay, talc, glass fiber, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, etc.

[0085] The elastomeric polymer material can be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the elastomeric polymer material is a molded elastomer, the uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) can be mixed, calendered, shaped, placed in a mold, and vulcanized in a Banbury mixer with optional fillers and a curing package (such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package).

[0086] In another example, when the elastomeric polymer material is a foamed material, the material can be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process. The thermoplastic polymer material can be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical foaming agent and an optional crosslinking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions that activate the foaming agent to form a molded foam.

[0087] Optionally, when the elastomeric polymer material is a foamed material, the foamed material can be a compression molded foam. Compression molding can be used to change the physical properties of the foam (e.g., density, stiffness, and / or hardness), or to change the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., fusing two or more pieces of foam, shaping the foam, etc.), or both.

[0088] The compression molding process ideally begins by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming the polymer material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting a foamed sheet, etc. Then, a compression molded foam can be made by placing one or more preforms formed from the foamed polymer material in a compression mold and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in the closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and / or pressure is applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient duration to change the preform by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fuse the individual foam particles together, permanently increase the density of the foam, or any combination thereof. After heating and / or applying pressure, the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.

[0089] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 6 and Figures 9 to 11, when assembling the sole structure 100, the upper surface of the bladder 106 defined by the upper barrier layer 114 is attached to the upper cushioning element 110 within the internal region associated with the upper cavity 162 such that the peripheral surface 115 of the bladder 106 (i.e., the portion extending between the upper and lower surfaces defined by the barrier layers 114, 116) is offset inwardly from the peripheral side surface 158 of the upper cushioning element 110. In other words, the upper cushioning element 110 can be described as including an upper peripheral portion 168 that overhangs or extends outwardly from the peripheral surface 115 of the bladder 106. Similarly, the lower surface of the bladder 106 defined by the lower barrier layer 116 is attached to the lower cushioning element 112 within the internal region associated with the lower cavity 182 such that the peripheral surface 115 of the bladder 106 is offset inwardly from the peripheral side surface 178 of the lower cushioning element 112. Thus, like the upper cushioning element 110, the lower cushioning element 112 can be described as including a lower peripheral portion 190 that extends outwardly from the peripheral surface 115 of the bladder 106.

[0090] As shown in the figure, the lower peripheral portion 190 is spaced apart from and opposite the upper peripheral portion 168 to define a peripheral channel 192 of the chassis 108 that extends continuously along the sole structure 100 from a first end 193a defined by the toe pads 160, 180 on the medial side 22 around the second end 132 of the bladder 106 and continuously extends to a second end 193b defined by the toe pads 160, 180 on the lateral side 24. Thus, the upper cushioning element 110 and the lower cushioning element 112 are not directly attached to each other in the ball-of-foot portion 12 B , midfoot region 14 or heel region 16. Instead, in these regions of the sole structure 100, the bladder 106 provides the only junction between the upper cushioning element 110 and the lower cushioning element 112. By utilizing the bladder 106 as a support junction between the upper cushioning element 110 and the lower cushioning element 112, the sole structure 100 provides a relatively high degree of lateral compliance by allowing the upper cushioning element 110 to shift independently of the lower cushioning element 112 in the midfoot region 14 and heel region 16. Additionally, by configuring the bladder 106 to have an unconstrained peripheral surface 115, the bladder 106 can provide improved cushioning by allowing this peripheral surface 115 to expand or dilate into the peripheral channel 192 under a compressive load.

[0091] The outsole 104 is attached to the bottom surface of the lower cushioning element 112 and is configured to provide the ground engaging surface 28 of the sole structure 100. In the illustrated example, the outsole 104 includes a pair of forefoot apertures 196 and teardrop-shaped apertures 198 that are aligned with and shaped like the apertures 186 of the lower cushioning element 112, and the teardrop-shaped apertures 198 have a profile corresponding to the profile of the heel apertures of the lower cushioning element 112. Accordingly, the bottom side 176 of the lower cushioning element 112 is exposed at the ground engaging surface 28 through the apertures 198 of the outsole 104, and the bladder 106 is exposed at the ground engaging surface 28 through the apertures 186, 196.

[0092] The upper 200 is attached to the sole structure 100 and includes an inner surface defining an inner void that is configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 100. The upper 200 may be formed of one or more materials that are stitched or bonded together with an adhesive to form the inner void. Suitable materials for the upper may include, but are not limited to, mesh, fabric, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and positioned to impart the characteristics of durability, breathability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

[0093] Specific reference Figures 14 to 26 , there is provided a footwear article 10a that includes a sole structure 100a and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100a. In view of the substantial structural and functional similarity of the components associated with the footwear article 10 relative to the footwear article 10a, the same reference numerals are used in the following and in the drawings to identify the same components, while the same reference numerals with letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0094] Figures 14 to 26 The sole structure 100a shown in Figures 1 to 13 is substantially similar to MTP the sole structure 100, except that the midsole 102a of the sole structure 100a includes a lower cushioning element 112a of partial length that extends from a first end 170a spaced from the front end 18 of the sole structure 100a to a second end 172a disposed at the rear end 20 of the sole structure 100a. For example, the first end 170a of the lower cushioning element 112a terminates at the rear side of the MTP point P of the bladder 106 Figure 25 As best shown in MTP , the lower cushioning element 112a is disposed between the rear end 20 and the MTP point P of the bladder 106 MTP between the bladder 106 and the outsole 104a, while the bladder 106 is directly attached to the outsole 104a from the MTP point P of the bladder 106 Tis directly attached to an upper toe pad 160a that is formed on the lower side 156 of the upper cushioning element 110.

[0095] The lower cushioning element 112a also includes an upper side 174a that defines a lower recess 182a and a lower peripheral channel 184a. The lower recess 182a and the lower peripheral channel 184a are substantially similar to the lower recess 182 and the lower peripheral channel 184 described above, except that each of the lower recess 182a and the lower peripheral channel 184a engages only a portion of the bladder 106 that is disposed in the midfoot region 14 and the heel region 16. Similar to the lower cushioning element 112, the lower cushioning element 112a includes a bottom side 176a and a peripheral side surface 178a that extends between the upper side 174a and the bottom side 176a. In this example, the lower cushioning element 112a includes a teardrop-shaped aperture 188a that extends through the thickness of the lower cushioning element 112a from the upper side 174a to the bottom side 176a in the heel region 16 and is aligned with a corresponding aperture 198a formed in the outsole 104a.

[0096] In Figures 14 to 26 the illustrated example, the upper toe pad 160a extends partially into the ball portion 12 of the forefoot region 12 B and is directly attached to the outsole 104a, while the first end 170a of the lower cushioning element 112a terminates in the midfoot region 14. Thus, as Figure 14 and Figure 15 best shown in B a portion of the peripheral channel 192a of the chassis 108a is defined between the lower side 156 of the upper cushioning element 110a and the outsole 104a in the ball portion 12 of the sole structure 100a, while the portion of the peripheral channel 192a that extends through the midfoot region 14 and the heel region 16 is defined between the lower side 156 of the upper cushioning element 110a and the upper side 176a of the lower cushioning element 112a. In other words, the peripheral channel 192a is defined by the upper peripheral portion 168 of the upper cushioning element 110 and the outsole 104 in the forefoot region 12, and is defined by the upper peripheral portion 168 and the lower peripheral portion 190a of the lower cushioning element 112a in the midfoot region 14 and the heel region 16. By increasing the length of the upper toe pad 160a relative to the upper toe pad 160, and also by directly attaching the bladder 106 to the outsole 104a in the forefoot region 12, the sole structure 100a can be adjusted to provide greater lateral stability in the forefoot region 12 relative to Figures 1 to 14 the sole structure 100.

[0097] The following articles provide exemplary configurations for the above-described footwear article, for a bladder for a footwear article, or for a sole structure for a footwear article.

[0098] Clause 1. A sole structure for a footwear article, the sole structure defining a shoe bed and a ground engaging surface, and comprising: a chassis extending from a front end of the sole structure to a rear end of the sole structure, and a bladder supported within the chassis and extending from a first end in a forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end exposed at the rear end of the sole structure, the bladder including a first curved portion in the forefoot region and a substantially flat portion at the rear end of the sole structure.

[0099] Clause 2. The sole structure according to Clause 1, wherein the bladder is exposed along at least one of an inner side of the sole structure or an outer side of the sole structure.

[0100] Clause 3. The sole structure according to Clause 2, wherein the bladder is continuously exposed from the first end of the bladder to the second end of the bladder along at least one of the inner side of the sole structure or the outer side of the sole structure.

[0101] Clause 4. The sole structure according to Clause 3, wherein the bladder is continuously exposed along the inner side of the sole structure and the outer side of the sole structure.

[0102] Clause 5. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder has a constant thickness from the first end to the second end.

[0103] Clause 6. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first curved portion defines a concave curvature relative to the shoe bed of the sole structure and extends from the first end to a midfoot region of the sole structure.

[0104] Clause 7. The sole structure according to Clause 6, wherein the bladder includes a second curved portion disposed between the first curved portion and the substantially flat portion in the midfoot region and defining a convex curvature relative to the shoe bed.

[0105] Clause 8. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the chassis includes a first cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the shoe bed and a second cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the ground engaging surface.

[0106] Clause 9. The sole structure according to Clause 8, further comprising an outsole defining the ground engaging surface and including a first portion attached to the second cushioning element.

[0107] Clause 10. The sole structure according to Clause 9, wherein the outsole includes a second portion attached to the bladder.

[0108] Clause 11. A sole structure for a footwear article, the sole structure defining a shoe bed and a ground engaging surface, and comprising: a bladder extending from a first end in a forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end at a rear end of the sole structure, the bladder including a peripheral surface; and a chassis supporting the bladder in an inner portion and including a peripheral channel exposing the peripheral surface of the bladder from a midfoot region of the sole structure to the rear end of the sole structure.

[0109] Clause 12. The sole structure according to Clause 11, wherein the bladder is exposed along at least one of an inner side or an outer side of the sole structure.

[0110] Clause 13. The sole structure according to Clause 11 or Clause 12, wherein the peripheral channel extends continuously from a first end on an inner side in a forefoot region of the sole structure around the rear end and continuously to a second end on an outer side in the forefoot region.

[0111] Clause 14. The sole structure according to Clause 13, wherein the bladder is continuously exposed through the peripheral channel.

[0112] Clause 15. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 11 to 14, wherein the bladder has a constant thickness from the first end to the second end.

[0113] Clause 16. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 11 to 15, wherein the bladder includes a first curved portion defining a concave curvature relative to the shoe bed of the sole structure and extending from the first end to a midfoot region of the sole structure.

[0114] Clause 17. The sole structure according to Clause 16, wherein the bladder includes a second curved portion disposed between the first curved portion and a substantially flat portion in the midfoot region and defining a convex curvature relative to the shoe bed.

[0115] Clause 18. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 11 to 17, wherein the chassis includes a first cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the shoe bed and a second cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the ground engaging surface.

[0116] Clause 19. The sole structure according to Clause 18, further comprising an outsole defining the ground engaging surface and including a first portion attached to the second cushioning element.

[0117] Clause 20. The sole structure according to Clause 19, wherein the outsole includes a second portion attached to the bladder.

[0118] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, the individual elements or features are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration can also vary in a number of ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A sole structure for a footwear article, the sole structure defining a shoe bed and a ground engaging surface, and comprising: A chassis that extends from a front end of the sole structure to a rear end of the sole structure; And A bladder supported within the chassis and extending from a first end in a forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end exposed at the rear end of the sole structure, the bladder including a first curved portion in the forefoot region and a substantially flat portion at the rear end of the sole structure.

2. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the bladder is exposed along at least one of an inner side or an outer side of the sole structure.

3. The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein the bladder is continuously exposed from the first end of the bladder to the second end of the bladder along at least one of the inner side or the outer side of the sole structure.

4. The sole structure according to claim 3, wherein the bladder is continuously exposed along both the inner side and the outer side of the sole structure.

5. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the bladder has a constant thickness from the first end to the second end.

6. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the first curved portion defines a concave curvature relative to the shoe bed of the sole structure and extends from the first end to a midfoot region of the sole structure.

7. The sole structure according to claim 6, wherein the bladder includes a second curved portion disposed between the first curved portion and the substantially flat portion in the midfoot region and defining a convex curvature relative to the shoe bed.

8. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the chassis includes a first cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the shoe bed and a second cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the ground engaging surface.

9. The sole structure according to claim 8, further comprising an outsole defining the ground engaging surface and including a first portion attached to the second cushioning element.

10. The sole structure according to claim 9, wherein the outsole includes a second portion attached to the bladder.

11. A sole structure for a footwear article, the sole structure defining a shoe bed and a ground engaging surface, and comprising: A bladder extending from a first end in a forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end at the rear end of the sole structure, the bladder including a peripheral surface; And A chassis that supports the bladder within an inner portion and includes a peripheral channel that exposes the peripheral surface of the bladder from a midfoot region of the sole structure to the rear end of the sole structure.

12. The sole structure according to claim 11, wherein the bladder is exposed along at least one of an inner side or an outer side of the sole structure.

13. The sole structure according to claim 11, wherein the peripheral channel extends continuously from a first end on the inner side in the forefoot region of the sole structure around the rear end and continuously extends to a second end on the outer side in the forefoot region.

14. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein the bladder is continuously exposed through the peripheral channel.

15. The sole structure according to claim 11, wherein the bladder has a constant thickness from the first end to the second end.

16. The sole structure according to claim 11, wherein the bladder includes a first curved portion that defines a concave curvature relative to the insole of the sole structure and extends from the first end to the midfoot region of the sole structure.

17. The sole structure according to claim 16, wherein the bladder includes a second curved portion that is disposed between the first curved portion and a substantially flat portion in the midfoot region and defines a convex curvature relative to the insole.

18. The sole structure according to claim 11, wherein the chassis includes a first cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the insole and a second cushioning element disposed between the bladder and the ground engaging surface.

19. The sole structure according to claim 18, further comprising an outsole that defines the ground engaging surface and includes a first portion attached to the second cushioning element.

20. The sole structure according to claim 19, wherein the outsole includes a second portion attached to the bladder.

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