Sole structure for footwear products

Abstract

A sole structure for footwear includes a midsole plate having a first side defining a footbed, a second side disposed on a side opposite to the first side, a first recess formed within the midsole plate between the first side and the second side, and a first hole extending between the second side and the first recess. A first internal cushioning element is disposed in the first recess of the midsole plate, and a first blocking element is disposed within the first recess of the midsole plate between the first internal cushioning element and the first hole.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 19 / 304,254, filed August 19, 2025, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 690,155, filed September 3, 2024, pursuant to 35 USC §119(e). The disclosures of these earlier applications are considered part of the disclosures of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a sole structure, and more specifically to a sole structure for footwear articles. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Footwear typically consists of an upper and a sole structure. The upper can be formed from any suitable material to receive, secure, and support the foot against the sole structure. The upper can be fitted with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit around the foot. The bottom portion of the upper, closest to the foot, is attached to the sole structure.

[0006] A shoe sole structure typically comprises a layered arrangement extending between the ground surface and the upper. For example, a sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole is typically positioned between the outsole and the upper and provides cushioning for the foot. The midsole may include pressurized fluid-filled chambers that elastically compress under applied loads to cushion the foot by reducing ground reaction forces. The outsole provides abrasion resistance and traction with the ground surface and may be formed of rubber or other materials that impart durability and abrasion resistance and enhance traction with the ground surface.

[0007] While conventional sole constructions provide a degree of comfort and support to the wearer during use, there is still a need to develop sole constructions that provide targeted support and response for specific movements and activities. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 It is an external perspective view of a footwear article incorporating a sole structure based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exterior view of footwear products;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An inside view of footwear products;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Top exploded view of footwear products;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the bottom of the shoe sole structure;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the shoe sole structure;

[0015] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The line 7-7 was cut Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure;

[0016] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The line cut from 8-8 Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure; and

[0017] Figure 9 It is along Figure 6 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole structure.

[0018] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The exemplary configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. These exemplary configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled 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 skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the exemplary configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of 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 requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (“between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or segments. These elements, components, areas, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or segment from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless explicitly indicated by the context. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0023] In one configuration, the sole structure for footwear includes a midsole plate having a first side defining a footbed, a second side disposed on a side opposite to the first side, a first recess formed within the midsole plate between the first and second sides, and a first hole extending between the second side and the first recess. A first internal cushioning element is disposed in the first recess of the midsole plate, and a first blocking element is disposed within the first recess of the midsole plate between the first internal cushioning element and the first hole.

[0024] The sole structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the midsole may further include a second recess formed within the midsole between a first side and a second side, and a second hole extending between the second side and the second recess. A second internal cushioning element may be disposed within the second recess of the midsole, and a second blocking element may be disposed within the second recess of the midsole between the second internal cushioning element and the second hole. A first recess may be disposed in one of the forefoot area or the heel area of ​​the sole structure, and a second recess may be disposed in the other of the forefoot area or the heel area of ​​the sole structure.

[0025] In another configuration, the first internal cushioning element may include a first chamber disposed on the inner side of the sole structure and a second chamber disposed on the outer side of the sole structure. The first chamber may be separated from the second chamber by a flexible joint extending along the longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

[0026] The first hole can extend continuously from the second side of the midsole plate to the first recess, and the first blocking element can be exposed through the hole. Alternatively or additionally, the first recess can extend continuously from the inside of the sole structure to the outside of the sole structure.

[0027] The first internal buffer element may be a bladder having a first barrier layer connected to a second barrier layer to define a chamber. In this configuration, the first barrier element may be disposed adjacent to the first barrier layer of the bladder. Additionally or alternatively, the first barrier element may include a light-transmitting material.

[0028] In another configuration, the sole structure for footwear includes a lower cushioning element having a first side defining a cushioning support bed, a second side disposed on a side opposite to the first side, a first channel defined by the cushioning support bed on the first side, and a first hole extending between the second side and the first channel. A first internal cushioning element may be disposed in the first channel of the lower cushioning element, and a first blocking element may be disposed within the first channel of the lower cushioning element between the first internal cushioning element and the first hole.

[0029] The sole structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the lower cushioning element may further include a second channel defined by a cushioning support bed on a first side and a second hole extending between the second side and the second channel. A second internal cushioning element may be disposed within the second channel of the lower cushioning element, and a second blocking element may be disposed between the second internal cushioning element and the second hole within the second channel of the lower cushioning element. A first channel may be disposed in one of the forefoot area or the heel area of ​​the sole structure, and a second channel may be disposed in the other of the forefoot area or the heel area of ​​the sole structure.

[0030] In another configuration, the first internal cushioning element may include a first chamber disposed on the inner side of the sole structure and a second chamber disposed on the outer side of the sole structure. The first chamber may be separated from the second chamber by a flexible joint extending along the longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

[0031] The first hole can extend continuously from the second side of the lower cushioning element to the cushioning support bed, and the first blocking element can be exposed through the hole. Additionally or alternatively, the first channel can extend continuously from the inside of the sole structure to the outside of the sole structure.

[0032] The first internal buffer element may be a bladder having a first barrier layer connected to a second barrier layer to define a chamber. In this configuration, the first barrier element may be disposed adjacent to the first barrier layer of the bladder.

[0033] In another configuration, the sole structure for footwear includes an upper cushioning element having a first upper side defining a footbed, a first lower side disposed on a side opposite to the first upper side, and a first channel defined by the first lower side. The lower cushioning element may include a second upper side defining a cushioning support bed, a second lower side disposed on a side opposite to the second upper side, a second channel defined by the cushioning support bed and cooperating with the first channel to define a recess, and an aperture extending between the second lower side and the recess. An internal cushioning element is disposed in the recess, and a first blocking element is disposed within the second channel of the lower cushioning element between the internal cushioning element and the aperture.

[0034] Details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims.

[0035] refer to Figures 1 to 9 Footwear article 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200. Footwear article 10 can be divided into one or more regions. These regions may include a forefoot region 12, a midfoot region 14, and a heel region 16. The forefoot region 12 can be further subdivided into a toe portion 12T corresponding to the phalanges and a ball-of-the-toe portion 12B associated with the metatarsals of the foot. The midfoot region 14 may correspond to the arch region of the foot, and the heel region 16 may correspond to the posterior portion of the foot (including the calcaneus). Footwear 10 may also include a front end 18 associated with the foremost point of the forefoot region 12 and a rear end 20 corresponding to the rearmost point of the heel region 16. Figure 6 As shown, the longitudinal axis A10 of the footwear 10 extends from the front end 18 to the rear end 20 along the length of the footwear 10, and generally divides the footwear 10 into an inner side 22 and an outer side 24. Therefore, the inner side 22 and the outer side 24 correspond to the opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend through areas 12, 14, and 16, respectively.

[0036] The upper 100 includes an inner surface defining an internal cavity 102 configured to receive and secure the foot for support on the sole structure 200. The upper 100 may be formed of one or more materials stitched together or bonded together by adhesive to form the internal cavity 102. Suitable materials for the upper may include, but are not limited to, mesh, fabric, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. Materials can be selected and positioned to impart properties of durability, breathability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

[0037] In some instances, the upper 100 includes a midsole fabric (not shown) having a bottom surface opposite the sole structure 200 and a top surface opposite the footbed defining the internal cavity 102. The midsole fabric can be secured to the upper 100 by stitching or adhesive. The contour of the footbed can conform to the contour of the bottom surface of the foot (e.g., the sole). Optionally, the upper 100 may also incorporate additional layers, such as an insole or insole (not shown), which can be disposed on the midsole fabric and residing within the internal cavity 102 of the upper 100 to receive the sole surface of the foot, thereby enhancing the comfort of the footwear article 10. An ankle opening 104 in the heel area 16 provides an entrance to the internal cavity 102. For example, the ankle opening 104 can receive the foot to secure it within the cavity 102 and facilitate entry and exit of the foot from the internal cavity 102.

[0038] refer to Figures 1 to 9The sole structure 200 includes a midsole 202 configured to provide cushioning properties to the sole structure 200 and an outsole 204 configured to provide a ground contact surface 28 for the footwear article 10. Unlike conventional sole structures, the midsole 202 of the sole structure 200 can be formed in a composite manner and includes multiple sub-components for providing the desired form of cushioning and support throughout the sole structure 200. For example, the midsole 202 can be described as including a midsole plate 206 having an upper cushioning element 208 and a lower cushioning element 210 that cooperate to receive and support one or more internal cushioning elements 212, 214. The midsole plate 206 is configured to attach to the upper 100 and provide contact surfaces between the upper 100, the internal cushioning elements 212, 214, and the outsole 204. In the illustrated example, internal cushioning elements 212, 214 are supported within a midsole base 206 between the outsole 204 and the upper 100. As discussed in more detail below, the sole structure 200 also includes one or more blocking elements 216, 218, each associated with a corresponding one of the internal cushioning elements 212, 214. Specifically, one or more blocking elements 216, 218 are each disposed within the midsole base 206 between a corresponding one of the internal cushioning elements 212, 214 and a corresponding hole 310, 312 formed in the lower cushioning element 210, thereby exposing the blocking elements 216, 218 to the ground surface through the holes 310, 312 and providing a protective membrane adjacent to the internal cushioning elements 212, 214.

[0039] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As best shown, the upper cushioning element 208 extends from a first end 220 at the front end 18 of the sole structure to a second end 222 at the rear end 20 of the sole structure 200. The upper cushioning element 208 includes an upper side or top side 224 defining the top side of the midsole 202 and an opposing lower side 226 disposed on the side opposite the top side 224, whereby the distance from the top side 224 to the lower side 226 defines the thickness of the upper cushioning element 208. A peripheral side surface 228 of the upper cushioning element 208 extends between the top side 224 and the lower side 226 and defines the peripheral contour of the upper cushioning element 208. The top side 224 of the upper cushioning element 208 defines a concave recess that provides the footbed 230 of the midsole 202.

[0040] like Figure 5As best shown, the lower side 226 of the upper cushioning element 208 includes one or more upper channels 232, 242 arranged in series between the first end 220 and the second end 222. The first upper channel 232 includes an upper forefoot channel 232 substantially formed in the forefoot region 12 on the lower side 226 of the upper cushioning element 208. The length of the upper forefoot channel 232 extends along the longitudinal axis A10 from the anterior channel wall 234 adjacent to the toe portion 12T to the posterior channel wall 236 adjacent to the midfoot region 14. Figure 5 As shown, the upper channel wall 238 is recessed from the lower side 226 and extends between the front channel wall 234 and the rear channel wall 236. The width of the upper forefoot channel 232 extends continuously from the peripheral side surface 228 on the inner side 22 to the peripheral side surface 228 on the outer side 24, thereby extending the upper forefoot channel 232 across the entire width of the upper cushioning element 208. Optionally, the upper channel wall 238 may include a pair of upper internal cushioning grooves 240a, 240b, which are recessed within the upper channel wall 238 and configured to mate with corresponding chambers 412, 414 of the forefoot internal cushioning element 212, as described in more detail below. In particular, when assembling the sole structure, the upper portions of the chambers 412, 414 of the forefoot internal cushioning element 212 mate with the grooves 240a, 240b formed in the upper channel wall 238.

[0041] The second upper channel 242 includes an upper heel channel 242 substantially formed in the heel area 16 on the lower side 226 of the upper cushioning element 208. The length of the upper heel channel 242 extends along the longitudinal axis A10 from the anterior channel wall 244 adjacent to the midfoot area 14 to the posterior channel wall 246 in the heel area 16. Figure 5 As shown, the upper channel wall 248 is recessed from the lower side 226 and extends between the front channel wall 244 and the rear channel wall 246. The width of the upper heel channel 242 extends continuously from the peripheral side surface 228 on the inner side 22 to the peripheral side surface 228 on the outer side 24, thereby extending the upper heel channel 242 across the entire width of the upper cushioning element 208. Optionally, the upper channel wall 248 may include a pair of upper internal cushioning grooves 250a, 250b, which are recessed within the upper channel wall 248 and configured to mate with corresponding chambers 438, 440 of the heel internal cushioning element 214, as described in more detail below. In particular, when assembling the sole structure, the upper portions of the chambers 438, 440 of the heel internal cushioning element 214 mate with the grooves 250a, 250b formed in the upper channel wall 248.

[0042] The lower side 226 of the upper cushioning element 208 also includes a plurality of upper pads 252, 254, 256 arranged in series between the first end 220 and the second end 222. The upper pads 252, 254, 256 include an upper toe pad 252 extending between the first end 220 and the upper forefoot channel 232. Therefore, the rear end of the upper toe pad 252 terminates in and is defined by the front channel wall 234. The upper midfoot pad 254 extends between the upper forefoot channel 232 and the upper heel channel 242. Therefore, the front end of the upper midfoot pad 254 terminates in and is defined by the rear channel wall 236 of the upper forefoot channel 232, and the rear end of the upper midfoot pad 254 terminates in and is defined by the front channel wall 244 of the upper heel channel 242. The upper heel pad 256 extends between the upper heel channel 242 and the second end 222 of the upper cushioning element 208. Therefore, the front end of the upper heel pad 256 terminates at and is defined by the rear channel wall 246 of the upper heel channel 242. Optionally, and as... Figure 5 As shown, each of the upper pads 252, 254, 256 extends successively across the width of the upper cushioning element 208 and defines a substantially flat distal surface 253, 255, 257.

[0043] Optionally, the top side 224 of the upper cushioning element 208 may include a peripheral flange 258 projecting from the footbed 230 adjacent to the peripheral side surface 228. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the peripheral flange 248 extends around the front end 18 from a first end at the heel area 16 on the inner side 22 and extends to a second end at the heel area on the outer side 24. The peripheral flange 258 provides lateral support and stability along the lower portion of the upper 100 in the forefoot area 12 and midfoot area 14.

[0044] Still referencing Figure 4 and Figure 5 The length of the lower cushioning element 210 extends from a first end 260 at the front end 18 of the sole structure 200 to a second end 262 at the rear end 20 of the sole structure 200. The lower cushioning element 210 includes an upper side 264 defining a cushioning support bed 270 within the midsole 202 and an opposing lower side or bottom side 266 disposed on the side opposite to the upper side 264, thereby defining the thickness of the lower cushioning element 210 by the distance from the upper side 264 to the bottom side 266. A peripheral side surface 268 of the lower cushioning element 210 extends between the upper side 264 and the bottom side 266 and defines the peripheral contour of the lower cushioning element 210.

[0045] like Figure 4As best shown, the upper side 264 of the lower cushioning element 210 includes one or more lower channels 272, 282 arranged in series between the first end 260 and the second end 262. The first lower channel 272 includes a lower forefoot channel 272 substantially formed in the forefoot region 12 on the upper side 264 of the lower cushioning element 210. The length of the lower forefoot channel 272 extends along the longitudinal axis A10 from the anterior channel wall 284 adjacent to the toe portion 12T to the posterior channel wall 286 adjacent to the midfoot region 14. Figure 4 As shown, the lower channel wall 288 is recessed from the upper side 264 and extends between the front channel wall 284 and the rear channel wall 286. The width of the lower forefoot channel 272 extends continuously from the peripheral side surface 268 on the inner side 22 to the peripheral side surface 268 on the outer side 24, thereby extending the lower forefoot channel 272 across the entire width of the lower cushioning element 210. Optionally, the lower channel wall 288 may include a lower internal cushioning groove 280 recessed within the lower channel wall 288 and configured to engage with corresponding chambers 412, 414 of the forefoot internal cushioning element 212, as described in more detail below.

[0046] The second lower channel 282 includes a lower heel channel 282 substantially formed in the heel area 16 on the upper side 264 of the lower cushioning element 210. The length of the lower heel channel 282 extends along the longitudinal axis A10 from the anterior channel wall 284 adjacent to the midfoot area 14 to the rear channel wall 286 in the heel area 16. Figure 4 As shown, the lower channel wall 288 is recessed from the upper side 264 and extends between the front channel wall 284 and the rear channel wall 286. The width of the lower heel channel 282 extends continuously from the peripheral side surface 228 on the inner side 22 to the peripheral side surface 228 on the outer side 24, thereby extending the lower heel channel 282 across the entire width of the lower cushioning element 210. Optionally, the lower channel wall 288 may include a lower internal cushioning groove 290 recessed within the lower channel wall 288 and configured to mate with the chambers 438, 440 of the heel internal cushioning element 214, as described in more detail below.

[0047] The upper side 264 of the lower cushioning element 210 also includes a plurality of lower pads 292, 294, and 296 arranged in series between the first end 260 and the second end 262. The lower pads 292, 294, and 296 include a toe pad 292 extending between the first end 260 and the lower forefoot channel 272. Therefore, the rear end of the toe pad 292 terminates in and is defined by the front channel wall 284. The midfoot pad 294 extends between the lower forefoot channel 272 and the lower heel channel 282. Therefore, the front end of the midfoot pad 294 terminates in and is defined by the rear channel wall 276 of the lower forefoot channel 272, and the rear end of the midfoot pad 294 terminates in and is defined by the front channel wall 284 of the lower heel channel 282. The heel pad 296 extends between the lower heel channel 282 and the second end 262 of the lower cushioning element 210. Therefore, the front end of the heel pad 296 terminates at and is defined by the rear channel wall 286 of the heel channel 282. Optionally, and as... Figure 4 As shown, each of the lower pads 292, 294, 296 extends successively across the width of the lower cushioning element 210 and defines a substantially flat distal surface 293, 295, 297.

[0048] When assembling the sole structure 200, the upper pads 252, 254, and 256 are aligned and adjacent to the lower pads 292, 294, and 296, so that the upper cushioning element 208 is supported on the lower cushioning element 210. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As best shown, the upper forefoot channel 232 and the lower forefoot channel 272 are vertically aligned to define a forefoot cushioning recess 298 within the midsole chassis 206 between the top side 224 and the bottom side 266. Specifically, the front channel wall 234 of the upper forefoot channel 232 and the front channel wall 274 of the lower forefoot channel 272 cooperate to define the front wall of the forefoot cushioning recess 298, while the rear channel wall 236 of the upper forefoot channel 232 and the rear channel wall 276 of the lower forefoot channel 272 cooperate to define the rear wall of the forefoot cushioning recess 298. Similarly, the upper heel channel 242 and the lower heel channel 282 are vertically aligned to define a heel cushioning recess 300 within the midsole chassis 206 between the top side 224 and the bottom side 266. Specifically, the anterior channel wall 244 of the upper heel channel 242 and the anterior channel wall 284 of the lower heel channel 282 cooperate to define the anterior wall of the heel cushioning recess 300, while the posterior channel wall 246 of the upper heel channel 242 and the posterior channel wall 286 of the lower forefoot channel 282 cooperate to define the posterior wall of the heel cushioning recess 300.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figures 2 to 5Each of the cushioning recesses 298 and 300 extends continuously across the width of the sole structure 200 to provide corresponding openings on the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24. Specifically, the forefoot cushioning recess 298 extends from a medial forefoot opening 302 formed on the medial side 22 through the peripheral side of the midsole plate 206 to a lateral forefoot opening 304 formed on the lateral side 24 through the peripheral side of the midsole plate 206. The heel cushioning recess 300 extends from a medial heel opening 306 formed on the medial side 22 through the peripheral side of the midsole plate 206 to a lateral heel opening 308 formed on the lateral side 24 through the peripheral side of the midsole plate 206. Therefore, when the sole structure 200 is assembled, the internal cushioning elements 208 and 210 are exposed along the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 through each of the openings 302, 304, 306, and 308.

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, the front and rear walls of the buffer recesses 298 and 300 are spaced apart from the corresponding ends of the internal buffer elements 212 and 214. Therefore, the peripheries of the internal buffer elements 212 and 214 are unconstrained within the buffer recesses 298 and 300, thereby allowing the buffer elements 212 and 214 to expand freely in the lateral direction through the corresponding openings 302, 304, 306, and 308, and to expand freely in the longitudinal direction within the space provided by the front and rear walls adjacent to the buffer recesses 298 and 300.

[0051] refer to Figures 4 to 6 The lower cushioning element 208 also includes a pair of holes 310, 312 that extend from the bottom side 266 through the thickness of the lower cushioning element 208 to the upper side 264. The holes 310, 312 include a forefoot hole 310 defined by a forefoot hole wall 316 that extends continuously from the bottom side 266 and through the lower channel wall 278 of the lower forefoot channel 272. (Reference) Figure 7 The width W310 of the forefoot hole 310 is defined by opposing straight portions of the forefoot hole wall 316, which converge towards each other along a direction from the bottom side 266 to the lower channel wall 278. (Reference) Figure 9 The opposite ends of the forefoot hole wall 316 are convex, and the forefoot hole 310 has a gradually tapering length along the direction from the bottom side 266 to the lower channel wall 288. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the lower cushioning element 210 may include a forefoot blocking element groove 314 formed around the forefoot hole 310 in the lower channel wall 278. The forefoot blocking element groove 314 is recessed from the lower channel wall 278 and provides a receiving portion for supporting the forefoot blocking element 216 within the forefoot recess 298. In particular, the forefoot blocking element groove 314 is configured to receive the forefoot blocking element 216 such that the upper surface associated with the top side 330 of the forefoot blocking element 216 is flush with the lower channel wall 278 to provide a continuous support bed surface for the forefoot internal cushioning element 212.

[0052] Holes 310 and 312 also include a heel hole 312 defined by a heel hole wall 320 extending continuously from the bottom side 266 and through the lower channel wall 288 of the lower heel channel 282. (See reference) Figure 8 The width W312 of the heel hole 312 is defined by opposing straight portions of the heel hole wall 320, which converge towards each other along a direction from the bottom side 266 to the lower channel wall 288. (See reference) Figure 9 The opposite ends of the heel hole wall 320 are convex, and the heel hole 312 has a gradually tapering length along the direction from the bottom side 266 to the lower channel wall 288. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the lower cushioning element 210 may include a heel blocking element groove 318 formed around the heel hole 312 in the lower channel wall 288. The heel blocking element groove 318 is recessed from the lower channel wall 288 and provides a receiving portion for supporting the heel blocking element 218 within the heel recess 300. In particular, the heel blocking element groove 318 is configured to receive the heel blocking element 218 such that the upper surface associated with the top side 334 of the heel blocking element 218 is flush with the lower channel wall 288 to provide a continuous support bed surface for the internal heel cushioning element 214.

[0053] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lower cushioning element 210 includes an elongated bottom channel 322 extending along the longitudinal axis A10 on its bottom side 266. The channel 322 extends continuously from the rear side of the forefoot hole wall 316 to the second end 262 of the lower cushioning element. Thus, the middle portion of the bottom channel 322 intersects with and is interrupted by the heel hole 312. In other words, a first portion of the bottom channel 322 extends between the forefoot hole wall 316 and the heel hole wall 320, and a second portion of the bottom channel 322 extends between the heel hole wall 320 and the second end 262 of the lower cushioning element 210.

[0054] Upper cushioning element 208 and lower cushioning element 210 may include elastic polymer materials, such as foam or rubber, to impart cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution properties to the wearer's feet. Example elastic polymer materials used for cushioning elements 208, 210 may include those based on foamed or molded one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)). One or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.

[0055] In some aspects, one or more polymers may include olefin homopolymers, olefin copolymers, or blends thereof. Examples of olefin polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof. In other aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated monofatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0056] In another aspect, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylate acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0057] In another aspect, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomer polymers. In these aspects, the ionomer polymers may include polymers having carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, their salts (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and / or their anhydrides. For example, these ionomer polymers may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomer polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0058] In another aspect, the one or more polymers may include one or more styrene block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0059] In another aspect, the one or more polymers may comprise one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and / or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethanes and / or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed below for barrier layers 404, 406, 430, and 432. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may comprise one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0060] When the elastic polymer material is a foaming polymer material, the foaming material can be foamed using a physical foaming agent that changes phase to gas based on changes in temperature and / or pressure, or a chemical foaming agent that forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, a chemical foaming agent can be an azo compound, such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and / or isocyanate.

[0061] In some embodiments, the foamed polymer material may be a cross-linked foam material. In these embodiments, peroxide-based cross-linking agents, such as dicumyl peroxide, may be used. Furthermore, the foamed polymer material may 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.

[0062] Elastic polymer materials can be formed using molding processes. In one example, when the elastic polymer material is a molded elastomer, the uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) can be mixed with optional fillers and curing packages (such as sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing packages) in a Banbury mixer, calendered, shaped, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.

[0063] In another example, when the elastic polymer material is a foaming material, it can be foamed during a molding process such as injection molding. 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 optional crosslinking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions that activate the foaming agent to form molded foam.

[0064] Optionally, when the elastic polymer material is a foaming material, the foaming material can be 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 foam sheets, shaping the foam, etc.), or both.

[0065] Compression molding ideally begins by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming polymer material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting foamed sheets, etc. Compression molded foam can then be produced by placing one or more preforms formed from foamed polymer material in a compression mold and applying sufficient pressure to the preforms to compress them within the closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and / or pressure are applied to the preforms within the closed mold for a sufficient duration to alter the preforms by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fusing the individual foam particles together, permanently increasing 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.

[0066] Blocking elements 216, 218 include a forefoot blocking element 216 configured to be received within a forefoot blocking element groove 314 and a heel blocking element 218 configured to be received within a heel blocking element groove 318. Blocking elements 216, 218 may comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymer. Optionally, blocking elements 216, 218 may be translucent (e.g., translucent, transparent) to provide visibility of the internal cushioning elements 212, 214 through holes 310, 312. Forefoot blocking element 216 includes a top side 330 and an opposing bottom side 332. When assembled within the sole structure 200, the bottom side 332 mates with the forefoot blocking element groove 314, and the top side 330 is flush with the lower channel wall 278 to provide a continuous support surface for the internal forefoot cushioning element 212 within the lower forefoot channel 272. Similarly, heel blocking element 218 includes a top side 334 and an opposing bottom side 336. When assembled within the sole structure 200, the bottom side 336 engages with the heel blocking element groove 318, and the top side 334 is flush with the lower channel wall 288 to provide a continuous support surface for the internal heel cushioning element 214 within the lower forefoot channel 282.

[0067] refer to Figures 4 to 9 The internal cushioning elements 212, 214 include a forefoot internal cushioning element 212 disposed in the forefoot recess 298 and a heel internal cushioning element 214 disposed in the heel recess 300. In the illustrated example, each of the internal cushioning elements 212, 214 is implemented as a fluid-filled bladder disposed in a corresponding one of the recesses 298, 300, adjacent to the blocking elements 216, 218.

[0068] Go to Figures 4 to 7 The forefoot internal cushioning element 212 includes a pair of opposing barrier layers 404, 406, which may be connected to each other at discrete locations to define a peripheral joint 408, a central weld 410, and a pair of chambers 412, 414. In the illustrated example, barrier layers 404, 406 include a first upper barrier layer 404 and a second lower barrier layer 406. Alternatively, the forefoot internal cushioning element 212 may be produced by any suitable combination of one or more barrier layers.

[0069] In some embodiments, the upper barrier layer 404 and the lower barrier layer 406 cooperate to define the geometry (e.g., thickness, width, and length) of the fluid-filled chambers 412, 414. For example, the weld 410 and the peripheral joint 408 may cooperate to define and extend around the fluid-filled chambers 412, 414 to seal the fluid (e.g., air) within the fluid-filled chambers 412, 414. Thus, each of the fluid-filled chambers 412, 414 is associated with a region of the forefoot internal cushioning element 212 in which the internal surfaces of the upper barrier layer 404 and the lower barrier layer 406 are not bonded together and are therefore separated from each other.

[0070] Special Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The forefoot internal cushioning element 212 is shown as comprising an inner chamber 412 and an outer chamber 414. The inner chamber 412 is disposed near the inner side 22 of the sole structure 200, while the outer chamber 414 is disposed near the outer side 24 of the sole structure 200. The inner chamber 412 is physically and fluidly separated from the outer chamber by a weld 410, wherein the barrier layers 404, 404 are attached to each other. Figure 7 As best shown, the distance or width measured from the outer seam 408 to the weld 410 across the inner cavity 412 is greater than the distance or width measured from the outer seam 408 to the weld 410 across the outer cavity 414. In other words, the weld 410 is offset outward 24 relative to the longitudinal axis A10 of the footwear article 10. The weld 410 is elongated and extends continuously along the length of the forefoot inner cushioning element 212, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A10 of the footwear article 10.

[0071] A weld 410 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A10 of the footwear article 10, providing the forefoot internal cushioning element 212, allows the forefoot internal cushioning element 212 to bend more easily during cornering motions (i.e., when making cornering or cutting motions). Therefore, the weld 410 provides a longitudinal flexible joint extending between the chambers 412, 414, which allows the chambers 412, 414 to hinge relative to each other. Furthermore, offsetting the weld 410 from the center of the sole structure 200 results in the inner chamber 412 being larger than the outer chamber 414, thereby providing more cushioning to the wearer's foot during movement in the medial direction.

[0072] The internal cavities of the inner chamber 412 and the outer chamber 414 can each receive a corresponding tension element 416. Each tension element 416 may include a series of tension strands 418 extending between an upper tension sheet 420 and a lower tension sheet 422. The upper tension sheet 420 may be attached to an upper barrier layer 404, and the lower tension sheet 422 may be attached to a lower barrier layer 406. In this way, when the inner chamber 412 and the outer chamber 414 receive pressurized fluid, the tension strands 418 of the tension element 416 are in a taut state. Because the upper tension sheet 420 is attached to the upper barrier layer 404 and the lower tension sheet 422 is attached to the lower barrier layer 406, the tension strands 418 maintain the desired shape of the inner chamber 412 and the desired shape of the outer chamber 414 when pressurized fluid is injected into the internal cavity.

[0073] Continue to refer to Figure 8The internal heel cushioning element 214 also includes an upper blocking layer 430 and a lower blocking layer 432, which are joined together along a peripheral seam 434 and a central weld 436 to form a medial heel chamber 438 and a lateral heel chamber 440. Similar to the forefoot internal cushioning element 214, the internal heel cushioning element 214 is configured such that the width or distance across the medial heel chamber 438 from the peripheral seam 434 to the weld 436 is greater than the width or distance across the lateral chamber 440 from the peripheral seam 434 to the weld 436. In other words, the weld 436 of the internal heel cushioning element 214 is offset outward 24 relative to the longitudinal axis A10 of the footwear. The weld 436 provides a flexible joint between the chambers 438, 440 to allow the chambers 438, 440 to hinge relative to each other within the heel cushioning recess 300. The chambers 438 and 440 of the internal cushioning element 214 of the heel each include a corresponding tension element 442 composed of tension strands 444 and tension sheets 446 and 448, in a manner that is basically the same as that discussed above regarding the tension element 416 of the internal cushioning element of the forefoot.

[0074] As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layers 404, 406, 430, 432) encompasses both single-layer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or more of barrier layers 404, 406, 430, 432 are produced from a single-layer film (monolayer) (e.g., thermoforming or blow molding). In other embodiments, one or more of barrier layers 404, 406, 430, 432 are produced from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers) (e.g., thermoforming or blow molding). In any aspect, each layer or sublayer may have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 micrometers to about 1 millimeter. In another embodiment, the film thickness of each layer or sublayer may range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In yet another embodiment, the film thickness of each layer or sublayer may range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

[0075] One or both of the barrier layers 404, 406, 430, and 432 may be independently transparent, translucent, and / or opaque. As used herein, the term "transparent" for the barrier layer and / or fluid-filled chamber means that light passes through the barrier layer in a substantially straight line, and that an observer can see through the barrier layer. In contrast, with an opaque barrier layer, light cannot pass through the barrier layer, and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer because light passes through the translucent layer, but some of the light is scattered, making it impossible for an observer to see clearly through the layer.

[0076] Barrier layers 404, 406, 430, and 432 may each be made of an elastomeric material comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers and / or one or more crosslinkable polymers. In one aspect, the elastomeric material may include one or more thermoplastic elastomer materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, etc.

[0077] As used herein, “polyurethane” refers to copolymers (including oligomers) containing urethane groups (-N(C=O)O-). In addition to urethane groups, these polyurethanes may contain additional groups such as esters, ethers, ureas, urethane esters, biuret, carbodiimides, oxazolidinyl esters, isocyanurates, diuretes, carbonates, etc. In one aspect, one or more 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.

[0078] 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 and trimethylolpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylphenyl dimethylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3'-dimethyldiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4'-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chain is substantially free of aromatic groups.

[0079] In certain aspects, the polyurethane polymer chain is generated from diisocyanates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatic compounds, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, thermoplastic TPUs may include polyester-based TPUs, polyether-based TPUs, polycaprolactone-based TPUs, polycarbonate-based TPUs, polysiloxane-based TPUs, or combinations thereof.

[0080] On the other hand, the polymer layer can be formed from one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene ethylene 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, polyacrylamide, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas permeability. Blends of these materials, as well as blends with the TPU copolymers described herein (and optionally combinations of polyimide and crystalline polymers), are also suitable.

[0081] Barrier layers 404, 406, 430, and 432 may comprise two or more sublayers (multilayer films), as illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where barrier layers 404, 406, 430, and 432 comprise two or more sublayers, suitable examples of multilayer films include microlayer 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 another embodiment, the barrier layers 404, 406, 430, and 432 may each independently comprise alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, wherein the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers 404, 406, 430, and 432 includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and / or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

[0082] The internal buffer elements 208, 210 can be produced from the barrier layers 404, 406, 430, 432 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 404, 406, 430, 432 can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to create inflatable chambers 412, 414, which may optionally include one or more valves (e.g., check valves) that allow the chambers 412, 414 to be filled with a fluid (e.g., gas).

[0083] The internal cushioning elements 208, 210 can be provided in a fluid-filled state (e.g., as provided in footwear 10) or an unfilled state. Chambers 412, 414, 438, 440 can be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid. In one aspect, the gas may include air, nitrogen (N2), or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, chambers 412, 414, 438, 440 may alternatively include other media, such as granules, beads, ground recycled materials, etc. (e.g., foamed beads and / or rubber beads). Fluid supplied to chambers 412, 414, 438, 440 can cause chambers 412, 414, 438, 440 to be pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid supplied to chambers 412, 414, 438, and 440 may be at atmospheric pressure, so that chambers 412, 414, 438, and 440 are not pressurized, but simply contain a certain volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

[0084] The fluid-filled chambers 412, 414, 438, and 440 ideally have low gas permeability to maintain the gas pressure they hold. In some embodiments, the gas permeability of the fluid-filled chambers 412, 414, 438, and 440 to nitrogen 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 micrometers (based on the thickness of the barrier layers 404, 406, 430, and 432), the fluid-filled chambers 412, 414, 438, and 440 have a nitrogen permeability of 15 cubic centimeters per square meter atm per day (cm³ / m²·atm·day) or less. In another aspect, the permeability is 10 cm³ / m²·atm·day or less, 5 cm³ / m²·atm·day or less, or 1 cm³ / m²·atm·day or less.

[0085] refer to Figures 5 to 9 The outsole 204 is attached to the bottom side 266 of the lower cushioning element 210 and includes a forefoot outsole hole 340 corresponding to and exposing the forefoot hole 310 of the lower cushioning element 210, a heel outsole hole 342 corresponding to and exposing the heel hole 312 of the lower cushioning element 210, and an outsole slot corresponding to and exposing the bottom channel 322 of the lower cushioning element 210. Therefore, when assembled, the outsole 204 cooperates with the lower cushioning element 210 to allow the lower cushioning element 210 to hinge around the inner cushioning elements 212, 214 during lateral movement.

[0086] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations for sole structures used in the aforementioned footwear articles.

[0087] Clause 1. A sole structure for footwear articles, the sole structure comprising a midsole plate, the midsole plate including a first side defining a footbed, a second side disposed on a side opposite to the first side, a first recess formed within the midsole plate between the first side and the second side, and a first hole extending between the second side and the first recess. A first internal cushioning element is disposed in the first recess of the midsole plate, and a first blocking element is disposed within the first recess of the midsole plate between the first internal cushioning element and the first hole.

[0088] Clause 2. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the midsole chassis further includes a second recess formed within the midsole chassis between the first side and the second side, and a second hole extending between the second side and the second recess; the sole structure further includes: a second internal cushioning element disposed within the second recess of the midsole chassis, and a second blocking element disposed within the second recess of the midsole chassis between the second internal cushioning element and the second hole.

[0089] Clause 3. The sole structure according to Clause 2, wherein the first recess is provided in one of the forefoot area of ​​the sole structure or the heel area of ​​the sole structure, and the second recess is provided in the other of the forefoot area of ​​the sole structure or the heel area of ​​the sole structure.

[0090] Clause 4. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first internal cushioning element comprises a first chamber disposed on the inner side of the sole structure and a second chamber disposed on the outer side of the sole structure.

[0091] Clause 5. The sole structure according to Clause 4, wherein the first chamber is separated from the second chamber by a flexible joint extending along the longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

[0092] Clause 6. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first hole extends continuously from the second side of the midsole chassis to the first recess, and the first blocking element is exposed through the hole.

[0093] Clause 7. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first recess extends continuously from the inside of the sole structure to the outside of the sole structure.

[0094] Clause 8. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first internal cushioning element is a bladder having a first barrier layer connected to a second barrier layer to define a chamber.

[0095] Clause 9. The sole structure according to Clause 8, wherein the first blocking element is disposed adjacent to the first blocking layer of the bladder.

[0096] Clause 10. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first blocking element comprises a light-transmitting material.

[0097] Clause 11. A sole structure for footwear articles, the sole structure including a lower cushioning element, the lower cushioning element including a first side defining a cushioning support bed, a second side disposed on a side opposite to the first side, a first channel defined by the cushioning support bed on the first side, and a first hole extending between the second side and the first channel. A first internal cushioning element is disposed in the first channel of the lower cushioning element, and a first blocking element is disposed in the first channel of the lower cushioning element between the first internal cushioning element and the first hole.

[0098] Clause 12. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the lower cushioning element further includes a second channel defined by the cushioning support bed on the first side, and a second hole extending between the second side and the second channel; the sole structure further includes: a second internal cushioning element disposed within the second channel of the lower cushioning element, and a second blocking element disposed within the second channel of the lower cushioning element between the second internal cushioning element and the second hole.

[0099] Clause 13. The sole structure according to Clause 12, wherein the first channel is provided in one of the forefoot area of ​​the sole structure or the heel area of ​​the sole structure, and the second channel is provided in the other of the forefoot area of ​​the sole structure or the heel area of ​​the sole structure.

[0100] Clause 14. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first internal cushioning element comprises a first chamber disposed on the inner side of the sole structure and a second chamber disposed on the outer side of the sole structure.

[0101] Clause 15. The sole structure according to Clause 14, wherein the first chamber is separated from the second chamber by a flexible joint extending along the longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

[0102] Clause 16. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first hole extends continuously from the second side of the lower cushioning element to the cushioning support bed, and the first blocking element is exposed through the hole.

[0103] Clause 17. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first channel extends continuously from the inside of the sole structure to the outside of the sole structure.

[0104] Clause 18. The sole structure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first internal cushioning element is a bladder having a first barrier layer connected to a second barrier layer to define a chamber.

[0105] Clause 19. The sole structure according to Clause 18, wherein the first blocking element is disposed adjacent to the first blocking layer of the bladder.

[0106] Clause 20. A sole structure for footwear articles, the sole structure including an upper cushioning element, the upper cushioning element including a first upper side defining a footbed, a first lower side disposed on a side opposite to the first upper side, and a first channel defined by the first lower side. A lower cushioning element including a second upper side defining a cushioning support bed, a second lower side disposed on a side opposite to the second upper side, a second channel defined by the cushioning support bed and cooperating with the first channel to define a recess, and an aperture extending between the second lower side and the recess. An internal cushioning element is disposed in the recess, and a first blocking element is disposed between the internal cushioning element and the aperture within the second channel of the lower cushioning element.

[0107] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. This foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, individual elements or features may be interchangeable and may be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration may also vary in various ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A sole structure for footwear products, the sole structure comprising: The midsole base includes a first side defining the footbed, a second side disposed on a side opposite to the first side, a first recess formed in the midsole base between the first side and the second side, and a first hole extending between the second side and the first recess. A first internal cushioning element is disposed in the first recess of the midsole chassis; as well as A first blocking element is disposed within the first recess of the midsole chassis between the first internal buffer element and the first hole.

2. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the midsole chassis further includes a second recess formed in the midsole chassis between the first side and the second side, and a second hole extending between the second side and the second recess; The sole structure also includes: The second internal cushioning element is disposed within the second recess of the midsole chassis; as well as A second blocking element is disposed within the second recess of the midsole chassis between the second internal buffer element and the second hole.

3. The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein the first recess is disposed in one of the forefoot area or the heel area of ​​the sole structure, and the second recess is disposed in the other of the forefoot area or the heel area of ​​the sole structure.

4. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the first internal cushioning element comprises a first chamber disposed on the inner side of the sole structure and a second chamber disposed on the outer side of the sole structure.

5. The sole structure according to claim 4, wherein the first chamber is separated from the second chamber by a flexible joint extending along the longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

6. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first hole extends continuously from the second side of the midsole chassis to the first recess, and the first blocking element is exposed through the hole.

7. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the first recess extends continuously from the inside of the sole structure to the outside of the sole structure.

8. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first internal cushioning element is a bladder having a first barrier layer connected to a second barrier layer to define a chamber.

9. The sole structure of claim 8, wherein the first blocking element is disposed adjacent to the first blocking layer of the bladder.

10. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the first blocking element comprises a light-transmitting material.

11. A sole structure for footwear articles, the sole structure comprising: The lower buffer element includes a first side defining a buffer support bed, a second side disposed on a side opposite to the first side, a first channel defined by the buffer support bed on the first side, and a first hole extending between the second side and the first channel; A first internal buffer element is disposed in the first channel of the lower buffer element; as well as A first blocking element is disposed within the first channel of the lower buffer element between the first internal buffer element and the first hole.

12. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the lower cushioning element further includes a second channel defined by the cushioning support bed on the first side, and a second hole extending between the second side and the second channel; The sole structure also includes: A second internal buffer element is disposed within the second channel of the lower buffer element; as well as A second blocking element is disposed within the second channel of the lower buffer element between the second internal buffer element and the second hole.

13. The sole structure of claim 12, wherein the first channel is disposed in one of the forefoot area of ​​the sole structure or the heel area of ​​the sole structure, and the second channel is disposed in the other of the forefoot area of ​​the sole structure or the heel area of ​​the sole structure.

14. The sole structure according to claim 11, wherein the first internal cushioning element comprises a first chamber disposed on the inner side of the sole structure and a second chamber disposed on the outer side of the sole structure.

15. The sole structure of claim 14, wherein the first chamber is separated from the second chamber by a flexible joint extending along the longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

16. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the first hole extends continuously from the second side of the lower cushioning element to the cushioning support bed, and the first blocking element is exposed through the hole.

17. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the first channel extends continuously from the inside of the sole structure to the outside of the sole structure.

18. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the first internal cushioning element is a bladder having a first barrier layer connected to a second barrier layer to define a chamber.

19. The sole structure of claim 18, wherein the first blocking element is disposed adjacent to the first blocking layer of the bladder.

20. A sole structure for footwear articles, the sole structure comprising: The upper cushioning element includes a first upper side defining the footbed, a first lower side disposed on a side opposite to the first upper side, and a first channel defined by the first lower side; The lower buffer element includes a second upper side defining a buffer support bed, a second lower side disposed on a side opposite to the second upper side, a second channel defined by the buffer support bed and cooperating with the first channel to define a recess, and a hole extending between the second lower side and the recess. An internal buffer element is disposed in the recess; as well as A first blocking element is disposed within the second channel of the lower buffer element, between the inner buffer element and the hole.

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