Cushioning component for a wearable article

Abstract

An article of footwear includes a sole structure having a cushioning component. The cushioning component includes a bladder defining an interior void between opposing interior surfaces of first and second barrier sheets. The barrier sheets are sealed to one another along a peripheral bond. A core is disposed in the interior void and is entirely spaced inwardly from the peripheral bond. The core includes at least one polymeric sheet that traverses the interior void between the opposing interior surfaces of the barrier sheets and is directly bonded to the opposing interior surfaces of the barrier sheets at a plurality of bonds to secure the barrier sheets to one another. The bonds include at least one bond that continuously extends from a medial end adjacent a medial edge of the core to a lateral end adjacent a lateral edge of the core and is wider at the medial and lateral ends than at a narrowed portion located between the medial and lateral ends.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 632,059, filed April 10, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 681,951, filed August 12, 2024, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a cushioning component for wearable articles, the cushioning component comprising a bladder and a core of at least one polymer sheet disposed within the bladder. Background Technology

[0004] Wearable products, such as footwear, typically include cushioning components. Some cushioning components are configured as fluid-filled bladders that enclose an internal cavity to retain gas within that cavity, thereby providing cushioning under load. Attached Figure Description

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

[0006] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the bottom side of the polymer sheet, on which anti-welding material is disposed.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the opposite top sides of a polymer sheet, wherein anti-welding material is used with... Figure 1 The different patterns shown are set on the opposite top side.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the top side of another polymer sheet, where anti-welding material is provided on the top side and no anti-welding material is provided on the opposite second side.

[0009] Figure 4 It is by Figures 1 to 3 A plan view of a portion of the core formed from a polymer sheet, showing the lower chip material. Figures 1 to 2 The polymer sheet, and the solid lines indicate that... Figure 2 The bonding area on the top side of the polymer sheet is indicated by dashed lines. Figure 2 The bonding area on the bottom side of the polymer sheet.

[0010] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A close-up view of the shape of one of the joints in the lower chip material.

[0011] Figure 6 It is by Figures 1 to 3 A plan view of a portion of the core formed from a polymer sheet, showing the upper chip material. Figure 3 The polymer sheet is shown in solid lines, indicating the bonding area on the top side of the upper chip material, and in dashed lines, indicating the bonding area on the bottom side of the upper chip material.

[0012] Figure 7 It is located in Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the buffer component taken at line 7-7 along the longitudinal axis, the buffer component comprising... Figure 6 The core includes a bladder with a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet, wherein the cushioning component is in an uninflated state.

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A plan view of the cushioning component in its uninflated state.

[0014] Figure 9 yes Figures 7 to 8 A top-view perspective view of the cushioning component in its inflated state.

[0015] Figure 10 It includes Figure 9 An outside view of a footwear product with cushioning components.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a plan view of the bottom side of the polymer sheet, on which anti-welding material is disposed.

[0017] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A plan view of the opposite top sides of a polymer sheet, wherein anti-welding material is used with... Figure 11 The different patterns shown are set on the opposite top side.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a plan view of the top side of another polymer sheet, where anti-welding material is provided on the top side and no anti-welding material is provided on the opposite second side.

[0019] Figure 14 It is by Figures 11 to 13 A plan view of a portion of the core formed from a polymer sheet, showing the lower chip material. Figures 11 to 12 The polymer sheet, and the solid lines indicate that... Figure 12 The bonding area on the top side of the polymer sheet is indicated by dashed lines. Figure 12 The bonding area on the bottom side of the polymer sheet.

[0020] Figure 15 It is by Figures 11 to 13 A plan view of a portion of the core formed from a polymer sheet, showing the upper chip material. Figure 13 The polymer sheet is shown in solid lines, indicating the bonding area on the top side of the upper chip material, and in dashed lines, indicating the bonding area on the bottom side of the upper chip material.

[0021] Figure 16 It is located in Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of a buffer component taken at line 16-16 along the longitudinal axis, the buffer component including a core and a bladder having a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet, wherein the buffer component is in an uninflated state.

[0022] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A plan view of the cushioning component in its uninflated state.

[0023] Figure 18 yes Figures 16 to 17 The outer perspective view of the cushioning component in the inflated state.

[0024] Figure 19 It includes Figure 18 An outside view of a footwear product with cushioning components. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This disclosure generally relates to a footwear article including a sole structure having a cushioning member. In one example, the cushioning member includes a bladder and a core, the core being disposed within the bladder and coupled to the inner side of a barrier sheet of the bladder to act as a stretching member. Providing a stretching member within the bladder can help constrain the bladder during inflation, preventing the bladder from taking on a spherical shape. The stretching member (such as the core according to this disclosure) includes at least one polymer sheet and is coupled to these barrier sheets. The configuration of these barrier sheets and the coupling pattern can provide technical advantages in terms of the performance of the cushioning member and the ease of manufacture of the cushioning member.

[0026] More specifically, the capsule includes a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet. The first and second barrier sheets together define an internal cavity between their opposing inner surfaces. The first and second barrier sheets are sealed to each other along a peripheral joint to close the internal cavity and retain gas within it. A core is disposed within the internal cavity and is completely spaced inward from the peripheral joint. The core includes at least one polymer sheet that traverses the internal cavity between the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets and is directly bonded to the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets at a plurality of non-linear joints to secure the first barrier sheet to the second barrier sheet. At least one polymer sheet of the core is displaced from its opposing inner surface by gas at an unbonded area, such that the gas in the internal cavity is in fluid communication with the at least one polymer sheet of the core, without the at least one polymer sheet creating any sealed chamber within the bladder that is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity. In other words, the core does not subdivide the internal cavity into separate sealed chambers.

[0027] The plurality of joints may include at least one joint that extends continuously from an inner end of the joint adjacent to the inner edge of the core to an outer end of the joint adjacent to the outer edge of the core. The joint may be wider at the inner and outer ends in the front-back direction of the core than at the narrowed portion of the joint between the inner and outer ends. By configuring the at least one joint such that it is wider at its inner and outer ends than at the narrowed portion between the two ends, anti-delamination properties are increased when forces are applied to the core during wear (such as from lateral steps or other situations) compared to a joint with a narrower width at both ends. Configuring these joints to extend to the inner and outer edges of the core can further improve the integrity of the core's connection to the barrier sheet via these joints.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the at least one joint may be non-linear. In one or more configurations, at least some of the plurality of non-linear joints have linear segments. For example, the linear segments may be arranged to provide an overall non-linear shape for the joint.

[0029] In one or more configurations, the at least one joint may have peaks and valleys extending in the front-back direction of the core. By utilizing nonlinear joints and / or joints having peaks and valleys extending in the front-back direction, the front-back range of each such joint can be increased relative to a straight joint of the same width. This can improve the robustness of the joint and its ability to withstand repeated stresses (such as lateral forces), thereby reducing the likelihood of delamination.

[0030] In one aspect, the narrowed portion of the at least one joint may be located in the middle of the joint in the transverse direction of the core. In the same or different embodiments, the joint may be symmetrical about the narrowed portion along most of the transverse direction of the joint.

[0031] In one or more configurations, each of the plurality of joints may extend continuously from the inner edge of the core to the outer edge of the core, and may be wider in the front-back direction of the core at the inner and outer edges than at the narrowed portion of the joint located between the inner and outer edges. Configuring these joints to extend to the inner and outer edges of the core can further improve the integrity of the connection between the core and the barrier sheet via these joints.

[0032] In one embodiment, anti-welding material may be disposed on the core at unbonded areas. By utilizing anti-welding material disposed on at least one polymer sheet of the core, the bonding pattern between the core and the inner surface of the barrier sheet (and, in embodiments where the core comprises more than one polymer sheet) is controlled to determine the final geometry of the inflated cushioning component, including height differences in different areas of the footwear, toe upturn, etc.

[0033] Furthermore, anti-welding materials can be readily manufactured. For example, when the anti-welding material is a barrier ink, the pattern can be relatively easily achieved digitally compared to other stretched components that require specific molds or mold inserts to control the bonding between the barrier sheet and the internally placed polymer sheet. By depositing the anti-welding material such that it extends from the inner surface of the barrier sheet to the outer periphery of the core, and by ensuring that the outer periphery of the core is completely inside the outer periphery of the barrier sheet, the pattern of the core's bonding portion does not create any sealed chambers within the bladder that are not in fluid communication with the internal cavity. Thus, the core itself controls the final geometry of the inflated cushioning component without affecting its cushioning response under dynamic loads. Additionally, by utilizing the anti-welding material, the cushioning component can be relatively flat before inflation. In other words, when the internal cavity of the bladder is not inflated, the core can lie flat inside the bladder, with the unbonded areas contacting the opposing inner surfaces.

[0034] In one instance, the thickness of each polymer sheet of the core may be greater than (e.g., less than or equal to) the thickness of the first barrier sheet and not greater than the thickness of the second barrier sheet.

[0035] In one embodiment, the plurality of joints may include a first group of joints in the forefoot region of the footwear and a second group of joints in the heel region of the footwear. The spacing between adjacent joints in the first group of joints in the telotropic direction of the core may be smaller than the spacing between adjacent joints in the second group of joints, such that opposing inner surfaces are kept closer to each other in the forefoot region than in the heel region by at least one polymer sheet of the core.

[0036] In one example, the outer periphery of the at least one polymer sheet may be further inwardly spaced from the peripheral bonding portion in the heel area of ​​the footwear than in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear.

[0037] In one example, the opposing inner surfaces of the capsule may include a first inner surface of a first barrier sheet and a second inner surface of a second barrier sheet, and the core may be a multi-sheet core. At least one polymer sheet of the core may include a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet. The first polymer sheet may be disposed between the first barrier sheet and the second polymer sheet, and the second polymer sheet may be disposed between the first polymer sheet and the second barrier sheet, such that a first side of the first polymer sheet faces the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet, a second side of the first polymer sheet faces the first side of the second polymer sheet, and a second side of the second polymer sheet faces the second inner surface of the second barrier sheet. The first side of the first polymer sheet may be directly bonded to the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet at a first set of bonding portions among the plurality of bonding portions, the second side of the second polymer sheet may be directly bonded to the second inner surface of the second barrier sheet at a second set of bonding portions among the plurality of bonding portions, and the second side of the first polymer sheet may be directly bonded to the first side of the second polymer sheet at a third set of bonding portions among the plurality of bonding portions. The joint of the third group can alternate with the joint of the first group along the length of the core, and the joint of the third group can alternate with the joint of the second group along the length of the core.

[0038] In one or more configurations of such a core comprising a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet, each of the first set of joints, the second set of joints, and the third set of joints may include at least one joint that extends continuously from the inner edge of the core to the outer edge of the core and is wider in the front-back direction of the core at the inner and outer edges than at the narrowed portion of the joint located between the inner and outer edges.

[0039] Furthermore, the difference between the width of at least one joint in the second group at its inner edge and its width at the narrowed portion can be greater than the difference between the width of at least one joint in the first group at its inner edge and its width at the narrowed portion. This arrangement combines the arcuate effect of providing a wider joint in the lower part of the core with the anti-delamination advantage of providing a joint with a wider end.

[0040] Similarly, in the same configuration or different configurations, the difference between the width of at least one joint of the second group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowing portion can be greater than the difference between the width of at least one joint of the third group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowing portion.

[0041] On the one hand, the foremost joints of the first and second groups can be positioned further forward than the foremost joint of the third group. In the same or different configurations, the last joints of the first and second groups can be positioned further back than the last joint of the third group. Positioning the foremost and / or last joints near the top and / or bottom of the core (e.g., at the first and / or second group joints), rather than inside the core (e.g., at the third group joint), better distributes the force applied by the wearer across the core.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least some of the joints in the second group can be aligned with at least some of the joints in the first group (e.g., along the length of the core), at least when the internal cavity of the bladder is not inflated. For example, at least some of the joints in the second group can be wider in the tactile-posterior direction of the core than the joints in the first group that are aligned with at least some of the joints in the second group. As used herein, being wider in the tactile-posterior direction can also be referred to as being longer, and being narrower in the tactile-posterior direction can also be referred to as being shorter. In one example, the joints in the second group that are wider than the joints in the first group can be in the forefoot area or heel area of ​​the footwear.

[0043] By providing wider joints, these wider joints are positioned closer to the ground surface when the cushioning component is incorporated into the footwear. When the cushioning component is inflated, the side with the narrower (e.g., shorter) joints (e.g., the foot-facing side of the cushioning component, also referred to as the footbed side) will result in a greater bulge between the first set of joints than between the second set. Since the material paths of the barrier sheet on the foot-facing side are distributed in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the overall length of the side with the greater bulge will shrink more. Therefore, after inflation, the overall shape of the foot-facing side with the narrower joints will become more concave in the longitudinal direction. Thus, providing the first set of narrower joints on the footbed side and the wider joints on the ground-facing side helps to shape the inflated cushioning component to promote toe lift.

[0044] In some embodiments, all joints in the second group may be aligned with joints in the first group, and each joint in the second group may be wider in the front-back direction of the core than the corresponding joint in the first group aligned with that joint in the second group. In some embodiments, each joint in the second group may be wider in the front-back direction of the core than the adjacent joint in the third group.

[0045] In one example, a footwear article within the scope of this disclosure includes a sole structure having a cushioning component. The cushioning component includes a bladder and a core, the core being disposed within the bladder and bonded to the inner side of a barrier sheet of the bladder to act as a tensioning component. The bladder includes a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet. The first and second barrier sheets together define an internal cavity between opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets. The first and second barrier sheets are sealed to each other along a peripheral joint to close the internal cavity and retain gas within it. The core is disposed within the internal cavity and is completely spaced inward from the peripheral joint. The core includes at least one polymer sheet traversing the internal cavity between opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets and directly bonded to the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets at a plurality of non-linear joints to secure the first barrier sheet to the second barrier sheet. At least some of these nonlinear joints have linear segments. For example, the linear segments are arranged to form an overall nonlinear shape of the joint. At least one polymer sheet of the core is displaced from its opposing inner surface by gas at an unbonded area of ​​the at least one polymer sheet, such that the gas in the internal cavity is in fluid communication around the at least one polymer sheet of the core, while the at least one polymer sheet does not create any sealed chamber within the bladder that is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity.

[0046] By utilizing nonlinear joints with linear segments, the front-to-back range of each joint is increased relative to a straight joint of the same width. This improves the joint's robustness and its ability to withstand repeated stresses, such as lateral forces, thereby reducing the likelihood of delamination.

[0047] The inner edge of the bladder may define a first notch. The inner inner edge of the peripheral joint may protrude laterally inward (i.e., laterally inward) at the first notch. The outer edge of the bladder may define a second notch. The inner outer edge of the peripheral joint may protrude laterally inward (i.e., laterally inward) at the second notch. The plurality of joints may be configured such that gas in the internal cavity is in fluid communication with the at least one polymer sheet, while the at least one polymer sheet does not create any sealed chambers within the bladder that are not in fluid communication with the internal cavity.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the first notch may be at least partially aligned with the second notch in the lateral direction of the sole structure, such that the width of the internal cavity in the lateral direction (e.g., in the lateral direction) of the sole structure is narrowed between the first and second notches.

[0049] On one hand, the sole structure can be configured to flex at a first notch and a second notch during dorsiflexion. For example, the notches can be positioned along the length of the sole structure to facilitate flexion at these notches during dorsiflexion.

[0050] On one hand, the first and second notches can be located in the forefoot or midfoot area of ​​the footwear. These notches can be aligned with or located directly behind the wearer's metatarsal joints, for example, making it easier for the sole structure to bend during dorsiflexion at the metatarsal joints.

[0051] In one or more configurations, the inner edge of the sac may define a third notch, and the inner inner edge of the peripheral joint may protrude laterally inward (i.e., laterally inward) at the third notch. The outer edge of the sac may define a fourth notch, and the inner outer edge of the peripheral joint may protrude laterally inward (i.e., laterally inward) at the fourth notch.

[0052] On one hand, the third notch may be at least partially aligned with the fourth notch in the lateral direction of the sole structure, such that the width of the internal cavity in the lateral direction (e.g., in the transverse direction) of the sole structure is narrowed between the third and fourth notches.

[0053] In one or more configurations, the third and fourth notches may be located in the heel area of ​​the footwear.

[0054] In one example, a footwear article within the scope of this disclosure includes a sole structure having a cushioning component. The cushioning component includes a bladder and a core, the core being disposed within the bladder and coupled to the inner side of a barrier sheet of the bladder to act as a tensioning component. The bladder includes a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet. The first and second barrier sheets together define an internal cavity between opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets. The first and second barrier sheets are sealed to each other along a peripheral joint to close the internal cavity and retain gas within it. The core is disposed within the internal cavity and is completely spaced inward from the peripheral joint. The core includes at least one polymer sheet traversing the internal cavity between opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets and directly coupled to the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets at a plurality of joints to secure the first barrier sheet to the second barrier sheet. At least one polymer sheet of the core is displaced from its opposing inner surface by gas at an unbonded area, such that gas in the internal cavity is in fluid communication with the at least one polymer sheet of the core, without the at least one polymer sheet creating any sealed chamber within the bladder that is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The inner and outer edges of the bladder may define a first and a second notch, respectively. The second notch may be at least partially aligned with the first notch in one of the forefoot or midfoot areas of the sole structure, such that the inner inner edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the first notch, and the inner outer edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the second notch. The inner and outer edges of the bladder may define a third and a fourth notch, respectively. The fourth notch may be at least partially aligned with the third notch in the heel area of ​​the sole structure, such that the inner inner edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the third notch, and the inner outer edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the fourth notch.

[0055] In one aspect of footwear, the sole structure may be wider between the first and second notches than between the third and fourth notches, and the outer periphery of at least one polymer sheet of the core may be further inwardly spaced from the outer periphery at the third and fourth notches than at the first and second notches.

[0056] In one embodiment of the footwear article, the sole structure may include an outsole that is fixed to the distal surface of the bladder and extends upward at least partially along the sidewall of the bladder.

[0057] The foregoing features and advantages of this teaching, as well as other features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the manner in which this teaching is carried out when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that although embodiments may be described individually in the following drawings, individual features of these embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments.

[0058] Figures 1 to 3 It shows the method for forming Figure 7 The polymer sheets 10 and 11 of the core 12 are shown. The core 12 is included in... Figures 8 to 10 The buffer component 14 shown is included in the buffer member 14. More specifically, the buffer member 14 is included in the buffer member 14 as shown in the figure. Figure 10 In the sole structure 70 of the footwear article 72 shown. As further explained herein, the cushioning component 14 includes a pouch 20, which includes barrier sheets 16 and 18 joined together at a peripheral joint 38. Figure 7 As shown, core 12 is disposed within bladder 20 and coupled to the inner surface 17 of barrier sheet 16 and the inner surface 19 of barrier sheet 18 of bladder 20 to act as a tension member. Providing a tension member within the bladder helps to constrain the bladder during inflation, preventing it from taking on a spherical shape. The tension member of core 12, as described in this disclosure, enables the polymer sheets 10, 11 to be coupled to barrier sheets 16, 18 at joints 44 and 46, respectively, which have patterns that provide technical advantages in terms of the performance and ease of manufacture of the cushioning member 14.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the bottom side of polymer sheet 11, on which anti-welding material 24 is disposed. Polymer sheet 11 is referred to herein as the second polymer sheet. Figure 1 The side of the polymer sheet shown is the second side 13, and when the core 12 is bonded to the sole structure 70 of the footwear article 72, it is also referred to as the bottom side or distal side because this side of the polymer sheet is positioned further away from the foot. The second side 13 abuts against and is bonded to the inner surface 19 of the second barrier sheet 18, as shown. Figure 7 As shown and discussed in this article.

[0060] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the opposite first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11, wherein the anti-welding material 24 is used in conjunction with... Figure 1 The second side 13 shown has a different pattern on the opposite first side 15. When the core 12 is incorporated into the sole structure 70 of the footwear article 72, the first side 15 is also referred to as the top side or proximal side of the second polymer sheet 11 because it is positioned closer to the foot.

[0061] like Figure 4 as well as Figures 6 to 10 As best shown, each of the core 12, cushioning component 14, and footwear 72 includes a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot region. These regions are referred to as forefoot region 50, midfoot region 52, and heel region 54 relative to cushioning component 14, sole structure 70, and footwear 72. However, because the length of core 12 is shorter than each of cushioning component 14, sole structure 70, and footwear 72, the forefoot region, midfoot region, and heel region of core 12 are referred to as 50A, 52A, and 54A, respectively. Forefoot regions 50 and 50A generally include portions of footwear 72 or core 12 corresponding to the toe and the joints connecting the metatarsal and phalangeal bones of the wearer's foot. Midfoot regions 52 and 52A generally include portions of footwear 72 or core 12 corresponding to the arch region of the foot, and heel regions 54 and 54A correspond to the posterior portion of the foot (including the calcaneus). Each of the core 12, cushioning component 14, sole structure 70, and footwear article 72 includes a medial side 80 and a lateral side 82 extending through each of the forefoot areas 50 and 50A, midfoot areas 52 and 52A, and heel areas 54 and 54A and falling on Figure 8 On opposite sides of the longitudinal axis LM of the cushioning component 14. This longitudinal axis LM is also referred to herein as the longitudinal centerline. The forefoot areas 50 and 50A, midfoot areas 52 and 52A, heel areas 54 and 54A, medial side 80 and lateral side 82 are not intended to delineate the precise areas of the footwear 72, core 12, cushioning component 14, or sole structure 70, but are intended to represent the general areas of the footwear 72, core 12, cushioning component 14, and sole structure 70 to facilitate the discussion below.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the first side 22 of the first polymer sheet 10, where the anti-welding material 24 is disposed on the first side 22. No anti-welding material is disposed on the opposite second side 26. When the core 12 is assembled, the first polymer sheet 10 is stacked on the second polymer sheet 11 such that the second side 26 abuts and bonds to the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11, and the first side 22 abuts and bonds to the inner surface 17 of the first barrier sheet 16, as shown. Figure 7 As shown and discussed in this article.

[0063] Anti-welding material 24 is applied to the polymer sheets 10 and 11 of the core 12 in areas that will become unbonded during heat treatment of the core 12. By utilizing the anti-welding material 24 applied to the polymer sheets 10 and 11, the bonding pattern between the core 12 and the inner surfaces 17 and 19 of the barrier sheets 16 and 18 (and the bonding pattern between the second side 26 of the first polymer sheet 10 and the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11) is controlled to determine the final geometry of the complete cushioning component 14, including the height difference in different areas of the footwear 72 (e.g., the forefoot area 50 and the heel area 54), toe lift, etc. Figure 7 As shown, the portion of one or both of the inner surfaces 17 and 19 located outside the outer periphery 34 of the core 12 and inside the location where the peripheral joint 38 is formed can also be pre-printed with or otherwise prepared with anti-welding material 24, or otherwise treated so that these portions of the inner surfaces 17 and 19 will not bond to each other. This allows the peripheral portion 21A of the internal cavity 21 to be outside the core 12.

[0064] Anti-welding material 24 can be applied to polymer sheets 10 and 11 via one or more computer-controlled printheads (not shown) according to a storage algorithm representing a predetermined printed pattern. Figure 7 (On a portion of the inner surface 17 of the first barrier sheet 16 and / or the inner surface 19 of the second barrier sheet 18). As used herein, the anti-welding material 24 can be a barrier ink and can also be referred to as anti-welding ink. For example, when the anti-welding material is a barrier ink, the anti-welding material can be printed at all selected locations where the polymer sheets 10, 11 to which the core 12 is not desired are bonded to each other or to the barrier sheets 16, 18, according to different predetermined programming patterns for the first side 22 of the first polymer sheet 10, the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11, and the second side 13 of the second polymer sheet 11. After the sheets 10, 11 are cut to form the outer perimeters 34B, 34A, and when the sheets 10, 11 are bonded to each other, such as by heat treatment, the adjacent surfaces of the stacked flat polymer sheets 10, 11 and the barrier sheets 16, 18 are bonded to each other in places other than where the anti-welding material 24 is provided. Therefore, the pattern of the anti-welding material 24 determines the corresponding pattern of the joint obtained in the finished buffer component 14.

[0065] Figure 1 The predetermined pattern of the anti-welding material 24 on the second side 13 of the second polymer sheet 11 is referred to as the second predetermined pattern, and generates a pattern related to... Figures 4 to 5 , Figures 7 to 8 as well as Figure 10 The second set of joints discussed is 46. Figure 2The predetermined pattern of the anti-welding material 24 on the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11 is referred to as the third predetermined pattern, and produces a pattern related to... Figure 4 as well as Figures 6 to 10 The third set of joints 47 discussed. The predetermined pattern of the anti-welding material 24 on the first side 22 of the first polymer sheet 10 is referred to as the first predetermined pattern, and produces a pattern related to... Figures 6 to 10 The first set of joints discussed is 44.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 Anti-welding material 24 is disposed on the second side 13 of the second polymer sheet 11 in a second predetermined pattern, located at the intervals A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O of the deposited anti-welding material 24. The region of the second side 13 of the second polymer sheet 11 located between any two adjacent intervals A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O does not contain anti-welding material 24. More specifically, region 13A between adjacent regions A and B does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13B between adjacent interval regions B and C does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13C between adjacent interval regions C and D does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13D between adjacent interval regions D and E does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13E between adjacent interval regions E and F does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13F between adjacent interval regions F and G does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 13G between adjacent interval regions G and H does not contain anti-welding material 24. Region 13H between adjacent intervals H and I does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13I between adjacent intervals I and J does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13J between adjacent intervals J and K does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13K between adjacent intervals K and L does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13L between adjacent intervals L and M does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 13M between adjacent intervals M and N does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 13N between adjacent intervals N and O does not contain anti-welding material 24. Regions 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F, 13G, 13H, 13I, 13J, 13K, 13L, 13M, and 13N will become Figure 4 , Figures 7 to 8 as well as Figure 10 The second set of joints 46 shown corresponds to one of the regions 13A to 13N.

[0067] Each of regions 13A to 13N has a non-linear shape including linear segments, such that the second set of joints 46 is as described above. Figure 6 and Figure 8Further description of the nonlinear joint. After printing the anti-welding material 24, the second polymer sheet 11 is cut to... Figure 4 and Figure 7 The outer perimeter 34A shown causes regions A to O of the anti-welding material 24 to extend to the perimeter 34A, and regions 13A to 13N and the corresponding resulting joint 46 also extend to the perimeter 34A at the inner side 80 and the outer side 82.

[0068] refer to Figure 2 Anti-welding material 24 is disposed on the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11 in a third predetermined pattern, located at the spacer regions P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, B1, and C1 of the deposited anti-welding material 24. The region of the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11 located between any two adjacent spacer regions P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, B1, and C1 does not contain anti-welding material 24. More specifically, region 15P between adjacent regions P and Q does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 15Q between adjacent interval regions Q and R does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 15R between adjacent interval regions R and S does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 15S between adjacent interval regions S and T does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 15T between adjacent interval regions T and U does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 15U between adjacent interval regions U and V does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 15V between adjacent interval regions V and W... The following areas are excluded: Area 15W (without anti-welding material 24), Area 15X (within adjacent intervals X and Y), Area 15Y (within adjacent intervals Y and Z), Area 15Z (within adjacent intervals Z and A1), Area 15A1 (within adjacent intervals A1 and B1), and Area 15B1 (within adjacent intervals B1 and C1). Areas 15P, 15Q, 15R, 15S, 15T, 15U, 15V, 15W, 15X, 15Y, 15Z, 15A1, and 15B1 will become... Figure 4 as well as Figures 6 to 8 The third set of joints 47 shown corresponds to one of the regions 15P to 15B1.

[0069] Each of regions 15P to 15B1 has a non-linear shape including linear segments, such that the third set of joints 47 is as described above. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 Further description of the nonlinear joint. After printing the anti-welding material 24, the second polymer sheet 11 is cut to... Figure 4 and Figure 7The outer perimeter 34A shown is such that regions P to C1 of the anti-welding material 24 extend to the perimeter 34A, and regions 15P to 15B1 and the corresponding resulting joint 47 also extend to the perimeter 34A.

[0070] refer to Figure 3 Anti-welding material 24 is disposed on the first side 22 of the first polymer sheet 10 in a first predetermined pattern, located in the spacer regions D1, E1, F1, G1, H1, I1, J1, K1, L1, M1, N1, P1, Q1, R1, and S1 of the deposited anti-welding material 24. The region of the first side 22 of the first polymer sheet 10 between any two adjacent spacer regions D1, E1, F1, G1, H1, I1, J1, K1, L1, M1, N1, P1, Q1, R1, and S1 does not contain anti-welding material 24. More specifically, region 22A between adjacent regions D1 and E1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22B between adjacent interval regions E1 and F1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22C between adjacent interval regions F1 and G1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22D between adjacent interval regions G1 and H1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22E between adjacent interval regions H1 and I1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22F between adjacent interval regions I1 and J1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 22G between adjacent interval regions J1 and K1 does not contain anti-welding material 24. Region 22H between adjacent intervals K1 and L1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22I between adjacent intervals L1 and M1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22J between adjacent intervals M1 and N1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22K between adjacent intervals N1 and P1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22L between adjacent intervals P1 and Q1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 22M between adjacent intervals Q1 and R1 does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 22N between adjacent intervals R1 and S1 does not contain anti-welding material 24. Regions 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, 22I, 22J, 22K, 22L, 22M, and 22N will become Figures 6 to 10 The first set of joints 44 shown corresponds to one of the regions 22A to 22N.

[0071] Each of regions 22A to 22N has a non-linear shape including linear segments, such that the first set of joints 44 is as described above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Further description of the nonlinear joint. After printing the anti-welding material 24, the first polymer sheet 10 is cut to... Figure 6 and Figure 7The outer perimeter 34B shown extends the regions D1 to S1 of the anti-welding material 24 to the outer perimeter 34B, and the regions 22A to 22N and the corresponding resulting joint 44 also extend to the outer perimeter 34B.

[0072] Figure 4 It is by Figures 1 to 3 A plan view of the top side of a portion of the core 12 formed from a polymer sheet, not showing the first polymer sheet 10 or the barrier sheets 16, 18 to which the core 12 is bonded, but only showing the second polymer sheet 11 as the lower chip material when the core 12 is assembled, in order to illustrate the relative positions of the third set of bonding portions 47 and the second set of bonding portions 46. The bonding area at the top side (first side 15) is the third set of bonding portions 47 (where the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11 of the core 12 is bonded to the first polymer sheet 10 (in Figure 4 The bottom side (second side 26) of the second polymer sheet 11 (not shown in the figure) is indicated by solid lines. The bonding area at the opposite bottom side 13 (second side) of the second polymer sheet 11 is indicated by dashed lines and is the second set of bonding portions 46, wherein the second side 13 of the second polymer sheet 11 is bonded to the inner surface 19 of the second barrier sheet 18. Regions 15P to 15B1 corresponding to each bonding portion in the third set of bonding portions 47 and regions 13A to 13N corresponding to each bonding portion in the second set of bonding portions 46 are also indicated by reference numerals.

[0073] Figure 4 As shown, the joint 47 in the third set of joints is offset from the joint 46 in the second set of joints in the longitudinal direction of the core 12 (e.g., from the forefoot region 50A to the heel region 54A of the core 12). In other words, each joint 47 in the third set of joints is disposed between two adjacent joints 46 in the second set of joints, without overlapping with the second set of joints 46. In this way, when the internal cavity 21 of the bladder 20 is inflated, the second polymer sheet 11 will... Figure 10 As shown, it extends vertically between adjacent joints 46 and 47, thereby securing the second barrier sheet 18 to the first polymer sheet 10.

[0074] Still referencing Figure 4 Each of the joints 46 extends continuously from the inner end 46A adjacent to the inner edge 80A of the core 12 to the outer end 46B adjacent to the outer edge 82A of the core 12. For clarity of the drawings, only some of the inner ends 46A and outer ends 46B are shown. Figure 4 The inner end 46A is located at the inner edge 80A, and the outer end 46B is located at the outer edge 82A.

[0075] Similarly, each of the joints 47 extends continuously from the inner end 47A adjacent to the inner edge 80A of the core 12 to the outer end 47B adjacent to the outer edge 82A of the core 12. For clarity of the drawings, only some of the inner ends 47A and outer ends 47B are shown. Figure 4 The inner end 47A is located at the inner edge 80A, and the outer end 47B is located at the outer edge 82A.

[0076] The integrity of the connection between the core 12 and the barrier sheet 16 can be further improved by configuring the joint 46 to extend to the inner edge 80A and the outer edge 82A of the core 12 and the joint 47 to extend to the inner edge 80A and the outer edge 82A.

[0077] Each of the joints 46 is wider at its inner end 46A and outer end 46B in the anteroposterior direction of the core 12 than at the narrowed portion 46C located between the inner end 46A and outer end 46B of the joint 46. The anteroposterior direction of the core 12 is along the longitudinal axis LM from the forefoot region 50A to the heel region 54A. Although this is for Figure 4 Each of the joints 46 shown is valid, but in other embodiments, fewer than all of the joints 46 (such as only one of the joints 46) may have a greater width at their inner and outer ends than at the narrowed portion between the two ends. In other words, within the scope of this disclosure, at least one of the joints 46 is wider in the front-rear direction of the core 12 at its inner end 46A and outer end 46B than at the narrowed portion 46C of the joint 46 located between its inner end 46A and outer end 46B.

[0078] As illustrated with respect to one of the joints 46 in the heel region 54A, the front-to-back width of the joint 46 at its medial end 46A and lateral end 46B is a first width W1. The front-to-back width of the same joint 46 at its narrowed portion 46C located between the medial end 46A and the lateral end 46B is a second width W2. This second width W2 is smaller than the first width W1. Although the width of each joint 46 at its medial end 46A and lateral end 46B may differ from the first width W1 (for example, the width at the medial end 46A and lateral end 46B may be smaller in the forefoot region 50A than the width in the heel region 54A), the width of the narrowed portion 46C of each joint 46 is smaller than the width of the same joint 46 at its medial end 46A and smaller than the width at its lateral end 46B. Furthermore, the width of the joint 46 at the inner end 46A does not need to be exactly equal to the width at the outer end 46B, but for each joint 46, both widths are greater than the width of the narrowed portion 46C. By configuring the joint 46 such that it is wider at its inner end 46A and outer end 46B than at the narrowed portion 46C located between the two ends, anti-delamination properties are increased when force is applied to the core 12 during wear (such as from lateral steps or other situations), compared to a joint with a narrower width at both ends.

[0079] As in Figure 4 As is evident, the narrowed portion 46C of each joint 46 (only some of these narrowed portions are shown) is located in the middle of the joint 46 in the transverse direction of the core 12. For example, the transverse direction of the core 12 is from the inner side 80 to the outer side 82 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LM. Each joint 46 is also shown as being symmetrical about the narrowed portion 46C along most of the transverse direction of the joint 46 in the transverse direction of the core 12.

[0080] The stress on the core 12 can be greatest at the inner edge 80A and the outer edge 82A. By configuring the joints 46 such that they are wider at their inner ends 46A and outer ends 46B, and by placing the inner end 46A at the inner edge 80A of the core 12 and the outer end 46B at the outer edge 82A of the core 12, greater force is required to overcome the joints 46, and the risk of delamination between the core 12 and the barrier sheet 18 is reduced. In other words, the wider ends 46A, 46B enhance the integrity of the joints 46 at the inner edge 80A and the outer edge 82A compared to joints with narrower ends. Furthermore, the joint is configured to be relatively narrow between ends 46A and 46B (e.g., at the narrowing portion 46C), allowing for greater vertical displacement of the barrier sheet 18 and the lower sheet 11 of the core 12 adjacent to the narrower portion 46C (e.g., between the narrower portions 46C of adjacent joints 46). Therefore, the second polymer sheet 11 of the core 12 can be displaced further from the second barrier sheet 18 near the narrowing portion 46C than near the ends 46A and 46B. The wider ends 46A and 46B of the joint 46 thus enhance the connection between the second polymer sheet 11 and the second barrier sheet 18, while a greater portion of the second polymer sheet 11 disengages from the barrier sheet 18 near the narrowing portion 46C (and is displaced further from the barrier sheet 18).

[0081] Figure 4 The connecting portion 47 shown is similarly configured such that, in the front-rear direction of the core 12, the inner end 47A and the outer end 47B of the connecting portion 47 are wider than the narrowed portion 47C located between the inner end 47A and the outer end 47B. As illustrated with respect to one of the connecting portions 47, the width W4 at the inner end 47A and the outer end 47B is smaller than the width W5 at the narrowed portion 47C.

[0082] exist Figure 4 It is evident that each of the joints 46 and 47 is non-linear. Although non-linear, each joint 46 and 47 consists of a series of linear segments. This series of linear segments in each joint 46 and 47 produces a relatively blocky waveform shape. Figure 5 This is a close-up view of the shape of one of the joints in joint 46. Joint 46 is illustrated as having a central axis CA that extends along its lateral length between the inner end 46A and the outer end 46B. Figure 5It is clear that, as illustrated by the central axis CA of the joint 46, the joint 46 is a series of linear segments. For example, the central axis CA is a series of linear segments CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5, CA6, CA7, CA8, CA9, CA10, CA11, CA12, and CA13 that extend from the inner end 46A to the outer end 46B. The linear segments CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5, CA6, CA7, CA8, CA9, CA10, CA11, CA12, and CA13 of the central axis CA correspond to the linear segments 46A1, 46A2, 46A3, 46A4, 46A5, 46A6, 46A7, 46A8, 46A9, 46A10, 46A11, 46A12, and 46A13 of the joint 46, respectively. These linear segments 46A1, 46A2, 46A3, 46A4, 46A5, 46A6, 46A7, 46A8, 46A9, 46A10, 46A11, 46A12 and 46A13 are arranged to provide an overall non-linear shape for the joint 46.

[0083] As shown in the figure, these nonlinear segments give the joint 46 flat peaks and flat valleys extending in the front-back direction of the core 12. These flat peaks are located at segments 46A5 and 46A9. Figure 5 At the top edge of the joint 46, and these flat valleys are located at segments 46A3, 46A7 and 46A11. Figure 5 At the bottom edge of the joint 46. By utilizing a non-linear joint and / or a joint having flat peaks and flat valleys extending in the front-rear direction (such as... Figure 5 As illustrated, the front-to-back extent of each such joint can be greater than that of a straight joint of the same width. This increases the strength of the joint and its ability to withstand repeated stresses (such as lateral forces), thereby reducing the likelihood of delamination.

[0084] Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 The joint 47 shown and Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The joint 44 shown is also a non-linear joint, and the shape of these joints is similar to that of... Figure 5The shape described for joint 46 has non-linear segments that produce flat peaks and flat valleys. For clarity, the flat peaks and flat valleys of other joints 44 and 47 are not labeled. The number of peaks and valleys in each joint 44, 46, and 47 depends on the lateral width of the core 12 at a given joint. By utilizing non-linear joints with linear segments, the front-to-back extent of each joint (e.g., the longitudinal distance between the top edge of the segment defining the flat peak of the joint and the segment defining the flat valley of the joint) increases relative to a straight joint of the same width. This improves the robustness of the joint and its ability to withstand repeated stresses (such as lateral forces), thereby reducing the likelihood of delamination.

[0085] exist Figure 5 As clearly seen in the close-up view of the joint 46 in the core 12, the narrowed portion 46C is located in the middle of the joint 46 in the direction that will become the transverse direction. Furthermore, the joint 46 is symmetrical about the narrowed portion 46C along most of the transverse direction of the core 12. In other words, the joint 46 is symmetrical about its centerline CL (the portion of the joint 46 from the inner end 46A to the centerline CL is symmetrical with respect to the portion of the joint 46 between the outer end 46B and the centerline CL). The joints 44 and 47 are also configured to have a narrowed portion located in the middle of the joint in the transverse direction of the core 12, and are symmetrical about this narrowed portion along most of the transverse direction of the joint 46 in the transverse direction of the core 12, as shown herein. Due to the difference in curvature between the periphery 34A at the inner 80 and the periphery 34A at the outer 82, some joints may be symmetrical in the transverse direction, except for the outermost segments of the joint (e.g., segments CA1 and CA13 in the illustrated example).

[0086] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a portion of chip 12, showing only the upper chip material. Figure 3The polymer sheet 10 is shown in the figure, with the bonding area at the top side 22 of the polymer sheet 10 indicated by solid lines and the bonding area at the bottom side 26 of the polymer sheet 10 indicated by dashed lines, to illustrate the relative positions of the third set of bonding portions 47 and the first set of bonding portions 44. The bonding area at the top side (first side 22) is the first set of bonding portions 44, in which the first side 22 of the first polymer sheet 10 of the core 12 is bonded to the inner surface 17 of the first barrier sheet 16. The bonding area at the opposite bottom side 26 (second side) of the first polymer sheet 10 is indicated by dashed lines and is the third set of bonding portions 47, in which the second side 26 of the first polymer sheet 10 is bonded to the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11. Regions 15P to 15B1 corresponding to each bonding portion in the third set of bonding portions 47 and regions 22A to 22N corresponding to each bonding portion in the first set of bonding portions 44 are also indicated by reference numerals. Figure 6 As shown, the joint 47 in the third set of joints is offset from the joint 44 in the first set of joints in the longitudinal direction of the core 12 (e.g., from the forefoot region 50A of the core 12 to the heel region 54A of the core 12). In other words, each joint 47 in the third set of joints is disposed between two adjacent joints 44 in the first set of joints, without overlapping with the first set of joints 44. In this way, when the internal cavity 21 of the bladder 20 is inflated, the first polymer sheet 10 will... Figure 10 As shown, it extends vertically between adjacent joints 44 and 47, thereby securing the first barrier sheet 16 to the first polymer sheet 10 and securing the second polymer sheet 11 to the first polymer sheet 10.

[0087] Each of the joints 44 extends continuously from the inner end 44A adjacent to the inner edge 80A of the core 12 to the outer end 44B adjacent to the outer edge 82A of the core 12. For clarity of the drawings, only some of the inner ends 44A and outer ends 44B are shown. Figure 6 It is marked in the middle.

[0088] Each of the joints 44 is wider at its medial end 44A and lateral end 44B in the anteroposterior direction of the core 12 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis LM from the forefoot region 50A to the heel region 54A) than at the narrowed portion 44C of the joint 44 located between the medial end 44A and the lateral end 44B. Although this is... Figure 6Each of the joints 44 shown is valid, but in other embodiments, fewer than all of the joints 44 (such as only one of the joints 44) may have a greater width at their inner and outer ends than at the narrowed portion between the two ends. In other words, within the scope of this disclosure, at least one of the joints 44 is wider in the front-rear direction of the core 12 at its inner end 44A and outer end 44B than at the narrowed portion 44C of the joint 44 located between its inner end 44A and outer end 44B.

[0089] As illustrated with respect to one of the joints 44 in the heel region 54A, the front-to-back width of the joint 44 at its medial end 44A and lateral end 44B is a first width W6. The front-to-back width of the same joint 44 at its narrowed portion 44C is a second width W7. This second width W7 is smaller than the first width W6. Although the width of each joint 44 at its medial end 44A and lateral end 44B may differ from the first width W6 (for example, the width at the medial end 44A and lateral end 44B may be smaller in the forefoot region 50A than the width in the heel region 54A), the width of the narrowed portion 44C of each joint 44 is smaller than the width of each joint 44 at its medial end 44A and smaller than the width at its lateral end 44B. Furthermore, the width at the medial end 44A does not need to be exactly equal to the width at the lateral end 44B, but for each joint 44, both widths are greater than the width of the narrowed portion 44C.

[0090] also, Figure 4 The difference between the width W1 at the inner end 46A and the width W2 at the narrowed portion 46C of the second group shown can be greater than [missing information]. Figure 4 The difference between the width W6 at the inner end 44A and the width W7 at the narrowed portion 44C of the first group of joints is illustrated. Similarly, the difference between the width W1 at the inner end 46A and the width W2 at the narrowed portion 46C of the second group of joints can be greater than the difference between the width W4 at the inner end 47A and the width W5 at the narrowed portion 47C of the third group of joints. This arrangement combines the arcuate effect of providing a wider joint in the lower part of the core 12 with the anti-delamination advantage of the relatively wide inner and outer ends of the joint.

[0091] As in Figure 6 As is evident, the narrowed portion 44C of each joint 44 (only some of the narrowed portions are shown) is located in the middle of the joint 44 in the transverse direction of the core 12. Each joint 44 is also shown as being symmetrical about the narrowed portion 44C along most of the transverse direction of the joint 44 in the transverse direction of the core 12.

[0092] Refer again Figure 7After cutting the first polymer sheet 10 and the second polymer sheet 11 to form their respective outer peripheries 34B, 34A, the first polymer sheet 10 is stacked on the second polymer sheet 11, wherein the second side 13 of the second polymer sheet 11 is adjacent to the inner surface 19 of the second barrier sheet 18, and the first side 22 of the first polymer sheet 10 is adjacent to the inner surface 17 of the first barrier sheet 16. The aligned outer peripheries 34B and 34A of the stacked polymer sheets 10 and 11 form the outer periphery 34 of the core 12, and can be collectively referred to as the outer periphery 34 of the core 12. In this relative positioning, the barrier sheets 16, 18 and the polymer sheets 10, 11 are heat-treated to form the joints 38, 44, 46 and 47 discussed herein. The first barrier sheet 16 and the second barrier sheet 18 together define an internal cavity 21 between the opposing inner surfaces 17, 19 of the first barrier sheet 16 and the second barrier sheet 18.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, the cushioning component 14 is relatively flat before inflation. In other words, when the internal cavity 21 of the bladder 20 is not inflated, the core 12 lies flat inside the bladder 20, with unbonded areas contacting the opposing inner surfaces 17, 19. These unbonded areas are as described above. Figures 1 to 6 What is being discussed, and in Figure 7 The location of the anti-welding material 24 is shown in the figure. To make the figure clearer, in... Figure 7 Only some areas with anti-welding material 24 are indicated by the attached diagram.

[0094] Conventional stretching components may include a first polymer sheet bonded only to the inner surface of a first barrier sheet, a second polymer sheet bonded only to the inner surface of a second barrier sheet, and a plurality of tethers extending from the first polymer sheet to the second polymer sheet. Due to this configuration, such conventional stretching components are not relatively flat or sheet-like before the internal cavity of the bladder in which the stretching components are provided is inflated, and are not suitable for hot pressing—whether for producing a core of multiple polymer sheets or for bonding a single polymer sheet or a core of multiple polymer sheets to the inner surface of a barrier sheet.

[0095] like Figure 7 As indicated, polymer sheets 10 and 11 are shown as having the same thickness T1. Barrier sheets 16 and 18 are shown as having the same thickness T2. Thickness T1 is not greater than thickness T2. Maintaining that the sheet thickness of each polymer sheet 10 and 11 is not greater than the sheet thickness of each of the barrier sheets 16 and 18 helps ensure the flexibility of the core 12 to act as a tether, which relatively easily moves towards the target under compressive load. Figure 7 The relatively flat state collapsed backward.

[0096] like Figures 7 to 10As shown, the first barrier sheet 16 and the second barrier sheet 18 seal each other along the peripheral joint 38 to enclose the internal cavity 21 and retain gas within it. The barrier sheets 16 and 18 of the bladder 20 can be formed of various materials including a variety of polymers that can resiliently retain fluids such as air or another gas. The polymer sheets 10 and 11 can be formed of one or more of the same materials as the barrier sheets 16 and 18 described herein, or they can be formed of polymeric materials that do not necessarily retain fluids. Unlike the barrier sheets 16 and 18, the polymer sheets 10 and 11 act as tethers but do not seal any internal cavity as the barrier sheets 16 and 18 do. Examples of polymeric materials used for the barrier sheets 16 and 18, and the polymer sheets 10 and 11, can include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester-type polyurethane, and polyether-type polyurethane. Furthermore, the barrier sheets 16 and 18, and the polymer sheets 10 and 11, can be formed of layers of different materials. In one embodiment, barrier sheets 16, 18 and / or polymer sheets 10 and 11 are formed of films having one or more thermoplastic polyurethane layers and one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) barrier layers that are impermeable to pressurized fluids contained therein, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,082,025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Barrier sheets 16, 18 and polymer sheets 10 and 11 may also be formed of materials comprising alternating layers of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, as disclosed in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Alternatively, these layers may comprise ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and re-grinding materials of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane. Barrier sheets 16 and 18, and polymer sheets 10 and 11, may each be flexible microfilms comprising alternating layers of gas barrier material and elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S. Patents 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Additional suitable materials for barrier sheets 16 and 18, and polymer sheets 10 and 11, are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 to Rudy, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other suitable materials for use in barrier sheets 16, 18 and polymer sheets 10 and 11 include thermoplastic films containing crystalline materials (as disclosed in Rudy’s U.S. Patent Nos. 4,936,029 and 5,042,176) and polyurethanes comprising polyester polyols (as disclosed in Bonk et al.'s U.S. Patent Nos. 6,013,340, 6,203,868 and 6,321,465), which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.When selecting materials for barrier sheets 16 and 18, and polymer sheets 10 and 11, engineering properties such as tensile strength, elongation characteristics, fatigue characteristics, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent can be considered. The thicknesses of barrier sheets 16 and 18, and polymer sheets 10 and 11 can be selected to provide these properties.

[0097] exist Figure 8 In the diagram, the joint 44 of the first group is indicated by a solid line. The joint 46 of the second group is indicated by a dashed line. The joint 47 of the third group is indicated by a combination of dashed and dotted lines. (Example) Figure 8 As shown, each of the plurality of nonlinear joints 44, 46, and 47 extends continuously from the inner edge 34C of the core 12 to the outer edge 34D of the core 12. The inner edge 34C is a portion of the periphery 34 at the inner side 80 of the longitudinal axis LM. The outer edge 34D is a portion of the periphery 34 at the outer side 82 of the longitudinal axis LA. The inner side 80 and the outer side 82 also describe the sides of the cushioning member 14 and the footwear 72, as well as other components of the footwear 72. By depositing the anti-welding material 24 such that the anti-welding material 24 extends to the outer periphery 34 of the core 12 at the inner surfaces 17, 19 of the barrier sheets 16, 18 and between the polymer sheets 10, 11 (e.g., on the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11), and by ensuring that the outer periphery 34 of the core 12 is completely inside the outer periphery joint 38 of the barrier sheets 16, 18, for example, as Figure 8 As shown, the resulting patterns of the joints 44, 46, and 47 of the core 12 do not create any sealed chambers within the bladder 20 that are not in fluid communication with the internal cavity 21. Thus, the core 12 itself controls the final geometry of the inflated buffer member 14 without affecting the buffer response of the buffer member 14 under dynamic loads.

[0098] Figure 8 The illustration shows the first side 22 of the first polymer sheet 10 (see figure). Figure 3 On the second polymer sheet 11, the second side 13 (see) Figure 1 On the first side 15 of the second polymer sheet 11 (see) Figure 2 The relative alignment of multiple sets of joints 44, 46, and 47 is achieved by the precise predetermined pattern of the anti-welding material 24 on the surface. Figure 8 For clarity, only some joints 44, 46, and 47 are labeled with reference numerals. Figure 6 and Figure 8 It can be clearly seen that the joint 47 of the third group alternates with the joint 44 of the first group along the length of the core 12 (e.g., along the length of the first polymer sheet 10 of the core 12), and thus alternates along the length of the resulting buffer member 14. Figure 4 and Figure 8It can also be clearly seen that the joint 47 of the third group alternates with the joint 46 of the second group along the length of the core 12 (e.g., along the length of the second polymer sheet 11 of the core 12), and thus alternates along the length of the resulting buffer member 14. Using this configuration, as... Figure 8 and Figure 10 As indicated, at least some of the joints 46 in the second group are aligned with at least some of the joints 44 in the first group. More specifically, the joints 44 in the first group are vertically positioned above the joints 46 in the second group, wherein the joints 47 in the third group are offset from the joints 44 in each group of vertically stacked joints 44 and the joints 46 in each group of vertically stacked joints 46 and are located at a height between the height of the joints 44 and the height of the joints 46.

[0099] Figure 8 and Figure 10 It is also shown that the foremost joint 44E of the first group and the foremost joint 46E of the second group are further forward than the foremost joint 47E of the third group. Additionally, the last joint 44F of the first group and the last joint 46F of the second group are further backward than the last joint 47F of the third group. Positioning the foremost and / or last joints near the top and / or bottom of the core 12 (e.g., in the first and / or second groups), rather than inside the core (e.g., in the third group), can further improve the distribution of force applied by the wearer on the core 12.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 8 and Figure 10 As best shown, at least some of the joints 46 in the second group are wider than the joints 44 of the first group aligned with the joints 46 in the tactile direction of the core 12, cushioning member 14, and footwear 72. In the illustrated example, all joints 46 in the second group are aligned with the joints 44 of the first group, and each joint 46 in the second group is wider than the corresponding joint 44 of the first group aligned with that joint 46 in the second group. Therefore, the joints 46 of the second group, which are wider than the joints 44 of the first group, are located in both the forefoot area 50 and the heel area 54 of the footwear 72, as well as in the midfoot area 52. In other examples, for example, the joints 46 of the second group may be wider than the joints 44 of the first group only in the forefoot area 50 or only in the heel area 54.

[0101] By providing wider joints 46, these wider joints 46 are joined to the buffer member 14 as... Figure 10In the footwear 72 shown, the footwear is positioned closer to the ground surface GS. When inflated, the side with the narrower (e.g., shorter) joint (e.g., the first barrier sheet 16 on the foot-facing side of the cushioning member 14) will cause a greater bulge between the first set of joints 44 than between the second set of joints 46. Since the material path of the barrier sheet 16 on the foot-facing side (e.g., the footbed side) is distributed in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the side with the greater bulge (e.g., the first barrier sheet 16 on the foot-facing side) experiences a greater overall length contraction. Therefore, the first barrier sheet 16 with the narrower joint 44 on the foot-facing side will become more concave after inflation than the second barrier sheet 18 with the wider joint 46, and may cause the overall shape of the cushioning member 14 to bend upwards in the forefoot area 50 and heel area 54 on the ground-facing side (e.g., at the second barrier sheet 18). Therefore, providing a narrower joint 44 on the footbed side and a wider joint 46 on the ground-facing side helps to shape the inflated cushioning member 14 to promote toe lift.

[0102] Figure 10 As shown, the tension generated in the bonded polymer sheets 10, 11 of the core 12 by inflating the internal cavity 21 causes the portion of the first barrier sheet 16 located inside the outer periphery 34 of the core 12 to be pulled downward at the joint 44, similarly... Figure 9 The first barrier sheet 16 is shown as shaped outer surface 39 in a slightly perspective top view. Since the outer periphery 34 of the core 12 is entirely inside the peripheral joint 38, the barrier sheets 16 and 18 will not be secured together at the peripheral portion 21A of the internal cavity 21, which is located outside the outer periphery 34 of the core 12 and inside the peripheral joint 38. The distance between the inner surfaces 17 and 19, and the resulting height of the buffer member 14, can therefore be maximized outside the core 12. The top outer surface 39 is only partially shown and... Figure 10 The first barrier sheet 16 is pulled downward by the first polymer sheet 10 at the joint 44, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0103] Similarly, the tension generated in the bonded polymer sheets 10 and 11 of the core 12 by inflating the internal cavity 21 causes the portion of the second barrier sheet 18 located inside the outer periphery 34 of the core 12A to be pulled upward at the joint 46, as... Figure 10The pattern of the shaped outer surface 41 of the second barrier sheet 18 (e.g., the bottom surface of the buffer member 14) can be selected. The resulting patterns of the anti-welding material 24 disposed on the polymer sheets 10 and 11, as well as the resulting patterns of the joint 44 between the polymer sheet 10 and the barrier sheet 16 and the joint 46 between the polymer sheet 11 and the barrier sheet 18, can be selected to control the resulting contours of the outer surfaces 39 and 41 of the barrier sheets 16 and 18.

[0104] Figure 10 As shown, the sole structure 70 also includes an outsole 73, which is secured to the bottom of the cushioning member 14 (e.g., secured to the second barrier sheet 18). The footwear upper 75 is secured to the sole structure 70 to support the foot on the cushioning member 14. The sole structure 70 is a non-limiting example, and the cushioning member 14 can be used to have... Figure 9 In sole structures with different configurations. For example, there may be another sub-layer (such as a foam sub-layer) that is fixed to and covers the cushioning member 14 (e.g., fixed to the first barrier sheet 16), wherein the upper 75 is fixed to the foam sub-layer.

[0105] in addition, Figures 7 to 10 As best shown, the joint 47 of the third group is offset from the joint 46 of the second group and the joint 44 of the first group, and each joint 46 in the second group is wider than the adjacent joint 47 in the third group.

[0106] like Figure 10 As shown, the width of some or all of the nonlinear joints in the second group of nonlinear joints 46 gradually decreases from the heel area 54 of the footwear 72 to the forefoot area 50 of the footwear 72. For example, in Figure 8 In this embodiment, the width of the joint 46 typically decreases from the joint 46F in the heel region 54 to the joint 46E in the forefoot region 50. In some embodiments, the width of the joint 44 may similarly decrease from the heel region 54 to the forefoot region 50.

[0107] In addition, such as in Figure 8 and Figure 10 Clearly, joints 44 are closer together in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54; joints 46 are closer together in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54; and joints 47 are also closer together in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54. For example, as... Figure 8 and Figure 10As indicated, multiple non-linear joints include a first group of joints (e.g., adjacent joints 44E and 44G) in the forefoot region 50 and a second group of joints (e.g., adjacent joints 44F and 44H) in the heel region 54. The spacing between adjacent joints 44E and 44G in the first group of joints is smaller than the spacing between adjacent joints 44F and 44H in the second group of joints, such that the opposing inner surfaces 17 and 19 of the barrier sheets 16 and 18 remain closer to each other in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54. This configuration also produces a toe-up, which is such that when in a position as Figure 10 In the stable position shown (e.g., unloaded or at least not under dynamic compressive load), the second barrier sheet 18 gradually rises in the forward direction away from the ground surface GS in the forefoot zone 50. This toe-up pre-shaping, achieved by placing the cushioning member 14 at the joint, helps generate forward foot roll and easier toe lift during the wearer's forward movement.

[0108] refer to Figures 8 to 9 In addition to the placement of the joint used to promote the toe lift, the outer periphery 34 of the core 12 and the outer joint 38 are spaced further inward in the heel area 54 than in the forefoot area 50. This is in Figure 8 The best way to show, in Figure 8 In this case, the distance D2 from the outer periphery 34 of the core 12 to the peripheral junction 38 in the heel area 54 is greater than the distance D3 from the outer periphery 34 of the core 12 to the peripheral junction 38 in the forefoot area 50. This creates a larger and higher peripheral portion 21A of the internal cavity 21 surrounding the core 12 in the heel area 54 than in the forefoot area 50, as... Figure 10 As best shown. The outer portion 21A is positioned on the outside of the core 12 (e.g., in front of the core 12, behind the core 12, and further outward at the inner side 80 and outer side 82). This allows the cushioning member 14 to nest around the heel, wherein the joint 44 on the first blocking sheet 16 tends to pull the blocking sheet 16 down to the inside of the outer portion 21A. In other words, as Figure 9 As shown in the best embodiment, the first barrier sheet 16 may be slightly recessed in the heel area 54 above the core 12 between the inner side 80 and the outer side 82, thereby helping to cover the heel.

[0109] Figures 11 to 13 It shows the method for forming Figures 14 to 16 The polymer sheets 110 and 111 of the core 112 are shown. The core 112 is included in... Figures 16 to 19 The buffer component 114 is shown. More specifically, the buffer component 114 is included in, as shown in... Figure 19In the sole structure 170 of the footwear article 172 shown, as further explained herein, the cushioning member 114 includes a pouch 120, which includes barrier sheets 116 and 118 joined together at a peripheral joint 138. Figure 16 As shown, a core 112 is disposed within a pouch 120 and is bonded to the inner surfaces 117 of the barrier sheet 116 and 119 of the barrier sheet 118 of the pouch 120 to act as a tension member. The tension member of the core 112, as described in this disclosure, enables the polymer sheets 110 and 111 to be bonded to the barrier sheets 116 and 118 at joints 144 and 146, respectively, which have patterns that provide technical advantages in terms of the performance and ease of manufacture of the cushioning member 114.

[0110] Figure 11 This is a plan view of the bottom side of polymer sheet 111, on which anti-welding material 24 is disposed. Polymer sheet 111 is referred to herein as the second polymer sheet. Figure 11 The side of the polymer sheet shown is the second side 113, and when the core 112 is incorporated into the sole structure 170 of the footwear article 172, this side of the polymer sheet is also referred to as the bottom side or distal side because it is positioned further away from the foot. The second side 113 abuts against and is bonded to the inner surface 119 of the second barrier sheet 118, as shown. Figure 16 As shown and discussed in this article.

[0111] Figure 12 This is a plan view of the opposite first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111, wherein the anti-welding material 24 is used in conjunction with... Figure 11 The different patterns shown on the second side 113 are provided on the opposite first side 115. The first side 115 is also referred to as the top side or proximal side of the second polymer sheet 111 because the first side 115 is positioned closer to the foot when the core 112 is incorporated into the sole structure 170 of the footwear article 172.

[0112] like Figures 14 to 17 as well as Figure 19 As best shown, as described with respect to cushioning member 14, sole structure 70, and footwear article 72, each of core 112, cushioning member 114, and footwear article 172 includes a forefoot area 50, a heel area 54, and a midfoot area 52. Because the length of core 112 is shorter than that of each of cushioning member 114, sole structure 170, and footwear article 172, the forefoot area, midfoot area, and heel area of ​​core 112 are referred to as 50A, 52A, and 54A, respectively, as described with respect to core 12.

[0113] More specifically, the forefoot regions 50 and 50A typically include portions of the footwear 172 or core 112 corresponding to the toe and the joints connecting the metatarsal and phalangeal bones of the wearer's foot. The midfoot regions 52 and 52A typically include portions of the footwear 172 or core 112 corresponding to the arch region of the foot, and the heel regions 54 and 54A correspond to the posterior portion of the foot (including the calcaneus). Each of the core 112, cushioning member 114, sole structure 170, and footwear 172 includes medial and lateral sides 180 and 182, similar to the previously described medial and lateral sides 82, extending through each of the forefoot regions 50 and 50A, midfoot regions 52 and 52A, and heel regions 54 and 54A, and falling within... Figure 17 On opposite sides of the longitudinal axis LM (also referred to herein as the longitudinal centerline) of the cushioning component 114. The forefoot areas 50 and 50A, midfoot areas 52 and 52A, heel areas 54 and 54A, medial side 180 and lateral side 182 are not intended to delineate the precise areas of the footwear 172, core 112, cushioning component 114 or sole structure 170, but are intended to indicate the general areas of the footwear 172, core 112, cushioning component 114 and sole structure 170 to facilitate the discussion below.

[0114] Figure 13 This is a plan view of the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110, wherein the anti-welding material 24 is disposed on the first side 122. No anti-welding material is disposed on the opposite second side 126. When the core 112 is assembled, the first polymer sheet 110 is stacked on the second polymer sheet 111, such that the second side 126 abuts and bonds to the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111, and the first side 122 abuts and bonds to the inner surface 117 of the first barrier sheet 116, as shown. Figure 16 As shown and discussed in this article.

[0115] Anti-welding material 24 is applied to the polymer sheets 110 and 111 of the core 112 in areas that will become unbonded during the heat treatment of the core 112. By utilizing the anti-welding material 24 applied to the polymer sheets 110 and 111, the bonding pattern between the core 112 and the inner surfaces 117 and 119 of the barrier sheets 116 and 118 (and the bonding pattern between the second side 126 of the first polymer sheet 110 and the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111) is controlled to determine the final geometry of the completed cushioning component 114, including the height difference in different areas of the footwear 172 (e.g., the forefoot area 50 and the heel area 54), toe lift, etc. Figure 16As shown, the portion of one or both of the inner surfaces 117 and 119 located outside the outer periphery 134 of the core 112 and inside the location where the peripheral joint 138 is formed can also be pre-printed with anti-welding material 24 or otherwise prepared or treated so that these portions of the inner surfaces 117 and 119 will not bond to each other. This allows the peripheral portion 121A of the internal cavity 121 to be outside the core 112.

[0116] Anti-welding material 24 can be applied to polymer sheets 110 and 111 via one or more computer-controlled printheads (not shown) according to a storage algorithm representing a predetermined printed pattern. Figure 16 On the inner surface 117 of the first barrier sheet 116 and / or a portion of the inner surface 119 of the second barrier sheet 118 (as shown). Anti-welding material 24 can be printed at all selected locations where the polymer sheets 110, 111 to which the core 112 is not desired are bonded to each other or to the barrier sheets 116, 118, according to different predetermined programming patterns for the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110, the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111, and the second side 113 of the second polymer sheet 111. After the sheets 110, 111 are cut to form the outer perimeters 134B, 134A, and when the sheets 110, 111 are bonded to each other, such as by heat treatment, the adjacent surfaces of the stacked flat polymer sheets 110, 111 and the barrier sheets 116, 118 are bonded to each other in places other than where the anti-welding material 24 is provided. Therefore, the pattern of the anti-welding material 24 determines the corresponding pattern of the resulting joint in the finished buffer member 114.

[0117] Figure 11 The predetermined pattern of the anti-welding material 24 on the second side 113 of the second polymer sheet 111 is referred to as the second predetermined pattern, and produces a pattern related to... Figure 14 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 19 The second set of joints 146 is discussed. Figure 12 The predetermined pattern of the anti-welding material 24 on the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111 is referred to as the third predetermined pattern, and produces a pattern related to... Figures 14 to 17 as well as Figure 19 The third set of joints 147 discussed. The predetermined pattern of the anti-welding material 24 on the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110 is referred to as the first predetermined pattern, and produces about Figures 15 to 19 The first set of joints discussed is 144.

[0118] refer to Figure 11Anti-welding material 24 is disposed on the second side 113 of the second polymer sheet 111 in a second predetermined pattern, located in the spacer regions AZ, BZ, CZ, DZ, EZ, FZ, GZ, HZ, IZ, JZ, KZ, LZ, and MZ of the deposited anti-welding material 24. The area between any two adjacent spacer regions AZ, BZ, CZ, DZ, EZ, FZ, GZ, HZ, IZ, JZ, KZ, LZ, and MZ on the second side 113 of the second polymer sheet 111 does not contain anti-welding material 24. More specifically, region 113A between adjacent regions AZ and BZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 113B between adjacent interval regions BZ and CZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 113C between adjacent interval regions CZ and DZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 113D between adjacent interval regions DZ and EZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 113E between adjacent interval regions EZ and FZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 113F between adjacent interval regions FZ and GZ does not contain anti-welding material 24. Region 113G between adjacent intervals GZ and HZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 113H between adjacent intervals HZ and IZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 113I between adjacent intervals IZ and JZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 113J between adjacent intervals JZ and KZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 113K between adjacent intervals KZ and LZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 113L between adjacent intervals LZ and MZ does not contain anti-welding material 24. Regions 113A, 113B, 113C, 113D, 113E, 113F, 113G, 113H, 113I, 113J, 113K, and 113L will become Figure 14 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 19 The second set of joints 146 shown corresponds to one of the regions 113A to 113L.

[0119] Each of regions 113A to 113L has a non-linear shape, such that the second set of joints 146 is a non-linear joint, as shown in the figure. Figure 14 Further described. The nonlinear joint discussed herein can also be referred to as a wavy joint. After printing the anti-welding material 24, the second polymer sheet 111 is cut to... Figure 14 and Figure 16 The outer perimeter 134A shown causes regions AZ to MZ of the anti-welding material 24 to extend to the perimeter 134A, and regions 113A to 113L and the corresponding resulting joint 146 also extend to the perimeter 134A at the inner side 180 and the outer side 182.

[0120] refer to Figure 12Anti-welding material 24 is disposed on the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111 in a third predetermined pattern, located in the spacer regions NZ, OZ, PZ, QZ, RZ, SZ, TZ, UZ, VZ, WZ, XZ, YZ, and ZZ of the deposited anti-welding material 24. The area between any two adjacent spacer regions NZ, OZ, PZ, QZ, RZ, SZ, TZ, UZ, VZ, WZ, XZ, YZ, and ZZ on the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111 does not contain anti-welding material 24. More specifically, region 115A between adjacent regions NZ and OZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 115B between adjacent interval regions OZ and PZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 115C between adjacent interval regions PZ and QZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 115D between adjacent interval regions QZ and RZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 115E between adjacent interval regions RZ and SZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 115F between adjacent interval regions SZ and TZ does not contain anti-welding material 24. Region 115G between adjacent intervals TZ and UZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 115H between adjacent intervals UZ and VZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 115I between adjacent intervals VZ and WZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 115J between adjacent intervals WZ and XZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 115K between adjacent intervals XZ and YZ does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 115L between adjacent intervals YZ and ZZ does not contain anti-welding material 24. Regions 115A, 115B, 115C, 115D, 115E, 115F, 115G, 115H, 115I, 115J, 115K, and 115L will become Figures 14 to 17 as well as Figure 19 The third set of joints 147 shown corresponds to one of the regions 115A to 115L.

[0121] Each of regions 115A to 115L has a non-linear shape, such that the third set of joints 147 is a non-linear joint (e.g., a wavy joint), as per [reference to...]. Figure 14 Further described. After printing the anti-welding material 24, the second polymer sheet 111 is cut to... Figure 14 The outer perimeter 134A shown causes regions NZ to ZZ of the anti-welding material 24 to extend to the perimeter 134A, and regions 115A to 115L and the corresponding resulting joint 147 also extend to the perimeter 134A.

[0122] refer to Figure 13Anti-welding material 24 is disposed on the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110 in a first predetermined pattern, located in the spacer regions A1Z, B1Z, C1Z, D1Z, E1Z, F1Z, G1Z, H1Z, I1Z, J1Z, K1Z, and L1Z of the deposited anti-welding material 24. The area between any two adjacent spacer regions A1Z, B1Z, C1Z, D1Z, E1Z, F1Z, G1Z, H1Z, I1Z, J1Z, K1Z, and L1Z on the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110 does not contain anti-welding material 24. More specifically, region 122A between adjacent regions A1Z and B1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 122B between adjacent interval regions B1Z and C1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 122C between adjacent interval regions C1Z and D1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 122D between adjacent interval regions D1Z and E1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24; region 122E between adjacent interval regions E1Z and F1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24; and region 122D between adjacent interval regions F1Z and G1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24. Region 122F does not contain anti-welding material 24; Region 122G between adjacent intervals G1Z and H1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24; Region 122H between adjacent intervals H1Z and I1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24; Region 122I between adjacent intervals I1Z and J1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24; Region 122J between adjacent intervals J1Z and K1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24; and Region 122K between adjacent intervals K1Z and L1Z does not contain anti-welding material 24. Regions 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E, 122F, 122G, 122H, 122I, 122J, and 122K will become... Figures 15 to 19 The first set of joints 144 shown corresponds to one of the regions 122A to 122K.

[0123] Each of regions 122A to 122K has a non-linear shape, such that the first set of joints 144 is a non-linear joint (e.g., a wavy joint), as per [reference to...]. Figure 15 Further described. After printing the anti-welding material 24, the first polymer sheet 110 is cut to... Figure 15 and Figure 16 The outer perimeter 134B shown causes regions A1Z to L1Z of the anti-welding material 24 to extend to the outer perimeter 134B, and regions 122A to 122K and the corresponding resulting joint 144 also extend to the outer perimeter 134B.

[0124] Figure 14 It is by Figures 11 to 13A plan view of the top side of a portion of the core 112 formed from polymer sheets, not showing the first polymer sheet 110 or the barrier sheets 116, 118 to which the core 112 is bonded, but only showing the second polymer sheet 111 as the lower chip material when the core 112 is assembled, in order to illustrate the relative positions of the third set of bonding portions 147 and the second set of bonding portions 146. The bonding area at the top side (first side 115) is the third set of bonding portions 147 (where the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111 of the core 112 is bonded to the first polymer sheet 110 (in Figure 14 The bottom side (second side 126) of the second polymer sheet 111 (not shown in the figure) is indicated by solid lines. The bonding area at the opposite bottom side 113 (second side) of the second polymer sheet 111 is indicated by dashed lines and is the second set of bonding portions 146, wherein the second side 113 of the second polymer sheet 111 is bonded to the inner surface 119 of the second barrier sheet 118. Regions 115A to 115L corresponding to each of the bonding portions in the third set of bonding portions 147 and regions 113A to 113L corresponding to each of the bonding portions in the second set of bonding portions 146 are also indicated by reference numerals. The front end of the second side 113 of the second polymer sheet 111 forms a bonding portion 146A1, which is located exactly at the bottom side 113 of the second polymer sheet 111. Figure 11 Place the barrier ink 24 in front of the location of the area AZ (after cutting at the perimeter 134A).

[0125] Figure 14 As shown, the joint 147 in the third set of joints is offset from the joint 146 in the second set of joints in the longitudinal direction of the core 112 (e.g., from the forefoot region 50A of the core 112 to the heel region 54A of the core 112). In other words, each joint 147 in the third set of joints is disposed between two adjacent joints 146 in the second set of joints without overlapping with the second set of joints 146. In this way, when the internal cavity 121 of the bladder 120 is inflated, the second polymer sheet 111 will... Figure 19 As shown, the second barrier sheet 118 extends vertically between adjacent joints 146 and 147, thereby securing the second barrier sheet 118 to the first polymer sheet 110.

[0126] Still referencing Figure 14 Each of the joints 146 extends continuously from the inner end 146A adjacent to the inner edge 180A of the core 112 to the outer end 146B adjacent to the outer edge 182A of the core 112. For clarity of the drawings, only some of the inner ends 146A and outer ends 146B are shown. Figure 14 The inner end 146A is located at the inner edge 180A, and the outer end 146B is located at the outer edge 182A.

[0127] Similarly, each of the joints 147 extends continuously from the inner end 147A of the joint 147 adjacent to the inner edge 180A of the core 112 to the outer end 147B of the joint 147 adjacent to the outer edge 182A of the core 112. For clarity of the drawings, only some of the inner ends 147A and outer ends 147B are shown. Figure 14 The inner end 147A is located at the inner edge 180A, and the outer end 147B is located at the outer edge 182A.

[0128] Configuring the joints 146 and 147 to extend to the inner edge 180A and outer edge 182A of the core 112 can further improve the integrity of the connection between the core 112 and the barrier sheets 116 and 118 via these joints.

[0129] Figure 14 The figures also show that joint 146 in the second group of joints and joint 147 in the third group of joints are wavy joints. In other words, when the core 112 is provided in the footwear 172, each of the joints 146 and each of the joints 147 has a wave-like shape with peaks P1Z and valleys V1Z extending in the front-to-back direction. For example, joint 147 at region 115C is illustrated as having three peaks P1Z and two valleys V1Z. The adjacent joint 146 at region 113C has three peaks P1Z and three valleys V1Z. Some of the joints 146 and 147 have partial peaks or partial valleys near perimeter 134A. For clarity, the peaks and valleys of other joints 146 and 147 are not labeled. The number of peaks P1Z and valleys V1Z in each joint 146 and each joint 147 depends on the width of the core 112 at a particular joint, because the spacing between the peaks P1Z and valleys V1Z in each of the joints 146 and 147 remains relatively equal. By utilizing wavy joints, the front-to-back extent of each joint (e.g., the longitudinal distance between the peaks P1Z and valleys V1Z of that joint) is increased relative to a straight joint of the same width. This improves the robustness of the joint and its ability to withstand repeated stresses (such as lateral forces), thereby reducing the likelihood of delamination.

[0130] One or more of the joints 144, 146, and / or 147 may be wider at their inner and outer ends in the anteroposterior direction of the core 112 than the narrowed portion of the joint located between the inner and outer ends. The anteroposterior direction of the core 112 is the direction along the longitudinal axis LM from the forefoot region 50A to the heel region 54A.

[0131] The stress on core 112 can be greatest at the inner edge 180A and the outer edge 182A. By configuring one or more of the joints 144, 146, and / or 147 such that they are wider at their inner and outer ends, and by positioning the inner end at the inner edge 180A of core 112 and the outer end at the outer edge 182A of core 112, a larger force is required to overcome the joints, and the risk of delamination between core 112 and barrier sheets 116, 118 is reduced. In other words, the wider ends enhance the integrity of the joints at the inner edge 180A and the outer edge 182A compared to joints with narrower ends. Furthermore, configuring the joints to be relatively narrow between these ends allows the barrier sheet 118 to achieve greater vertical displacement from the core adjacent to the narrower portion. The wider end of the joint thus serves to reinforce the connection between the core 112 and the second barrier sheet 116 and / or 118, while a further portion of the core 112 disengages from (and shifts further away from) the barrier sheet 116 and / or 118 near the narrowed portion. For example, Figure 15 One of the joints 144 shown is indicated to have a width W9 at its inner end 144A and its outer end 144B, which is greater than the width W10 at the narrowed portion 144C between the inner end 144A and the outer end 144B. Figure 14 and Figure 17 The review shows that this also applies to at least one of the joints 146 and at least one of the joints 147.

[0132] Figure 15 This is a plan view of a portion of chip 112, showing only the upper chip material. Figure 13 The polymer sheet 110 is shown in the figure, with solid lines indicating the bonding area at the top side 122 and dashed lines indicating the bonding area at the bottom side 126, to illustrate the relative positions of the third set of bonding portions 147 and the first set of bonding portions 144. The bonding area at the top side (first side 122) is the first set of bonding portions 144, where the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110 of the core 112 is bonded to the inner surface 117 of the first barrier sheet 116. The bonding area at the opposite bottom side 126 (second side) of the first polymer sheet 110 is indicated by dashed lines and is the third set of bonding portions 147, where the second side 126 of the first polymer sheet 110 is bonded to the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111. Regions 115A to 115L corresponding to each bonding portion in the third set of bonding portions 147 and regions 122A to 122K corresponding to each bonding portion in the first set of bonding portions 144 are also indicated by reference numerals. A bonding portion 144A1 is formed at the front end of the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110, and the bonding portion 144A1 is located exactly at the front end of the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110. Figure 13 The blocking ink 24 is placed in front of the location in area A1Z (after being cut at the perimeter 134B). Similarly, a joint 144B1 is formed at the rear end of the first side 122, which is located exactly behind the location where the blocking ink 24 is placed in area L1Z. Figure 15 As shown, the joint 147 in the third set of joints is offset from the joint 144 in the first set of joints in the longitudinal direction of the core 112 (e.g., from the forefoot region 50A of the core 112 to the heel region 54A of the core 112). In other words, each joint 147 in the third set of joints is disposed between two adjacent joints 144 in the first set of joints, without overlapping with the first set of joints 144. In this way, when the internal cavity 121 of the bladder 120 is inflated, the first polymer sheet 110 will... Figure 19 As shown, it extends vertically between adjacent joints 144 and 147, thereby securing the first barrier sheet 116 to the first polymer sheet 110 and securing the second polymer sheet 111 to the first polymer sheet 110.

[0133] Each of the joints 144 extends continuously from the inner end 144A adjacent to the inner edge 180A of the core 112 to the outer end 144B adjacent to the outer edge 182A of the core 112. For clarity of the drawings, only some of the inner ends 144A and outer ends 144B are shown. Figure 15 It is marked in the middle.

[0134] Figure 15 The figures also show that the joints in the first set of joints 144 and the joints in the third set of joints 147 are wavy joints. In other words, when the core is provided in the footwear 172, each of the joints 144 and each of the joints 147 has a wave-like shape with peaks P1Z and valleys V1Z extending in the front-to-back direction. For example, the joint 144 at region 122C is illustrated as having three peaks P1Z and three valleys V1Z. The adjacent joint 147 at region 115D also has three peaks P1Z and three valleys V1Z (not shown). For clarity, the peaks and valleys of other joints 144 and 147 are not shown. Some joints 144 and 147 have partial peaks or partial valleys near the outer periphery 134B. The number of peaks P1Z and valleys V1Z in each joint 144, 147 depends on the width of the core 112 at a particular joint, because the spacing between the peaks P1Z and valleys V1Z in each of the joints 144, 147 remains relatively equal.

[0135] Refer again Figure 16After cutting the first polymer sheet 110 and the second polymer sheet 111 to form their respective outer peripheries 134B and 134A, the first polymer sheet 110 is stacked on top of the second polymer sheet 111, wherein the second side 113 of the second polymer sheet 111 is adjacent to the inner surface 119 of the second barrier sheet 118, and the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110 is adjacent to the inner surface 117 of the first barrier sheet 116. The aligned outer peripheries 134B and 134A of the stacked polymer sheets 110 and 111 form the outer periphery 134 of the core 112, and can be collectively referred to as the outer periphery 134 of the core 112. In this relative positioning, the barrier sheets 116 and 118 and the polymer sheets 110 and 111 are heat-treated to form the joints 138, 144, 146, and 147 discussed herein. The first barrier sheet 116 and the second barrier sheet 118 together define an internal cavity 121 between the opposing inner surfaces 117 and 119 of the first barrier sheet 116 and the second barrier sheet 118.

[0136] like Figure 16 As shown, the cushioning component 114 is relatively flat before inflation. In other words, when the internal cavity 121 of the bladder 120 is not inflated, the core 112 lies flat inside the bladder 120, with unbonded areas contacting opposing inner surfaces 117, 119. These unbonded areas are as described above. Figures 11 to 15 What is being discussed, and in Figure 16 The location of the anti-welding material 24 is shown in the figure. For clarity, the figure is... Figure 16 In the figure, only some areas with anti-welding material 24 are indicated by reference numeral 24.

[0137] like Figure 16 As indicated, polymer sheets 110 and 111 are shown as having the same thickness T1. Barrier sheets 116 and 118 are shown as having the same thickness T2. In the example shown, thickness T1 is no greater than thickness T2. Maintaining that the sheet thickness of each polymer sheet 110 and 111 is no greater than the sheet thickness of each of the barrier sheets 116 and 118 helps ensure the flexibility of core 112 to act as a tether, which relatively easily moves towards the target under compressive load. Figure 16 The relatively flat state collapsed backward.

[0138] like Figures 16 to 19 As shown, the first barrier sheet 116 and the second barrier sheet 118 seal each other along the peripheral joint 138 to close the internal cavity 121 and retain the gas within the internal cavity. The barrier sheets 116 and 118 of the capsule 120, as well as the polymer sheets 110 and 111, can be formed from any of the materials described herein with respect to the barrier sheets 16 and 18 and the polymer sheets 10 and 11.

[0139] exist Figure 17 In the diagram, the joint 144 of the first group is indicated by a solid line. The joint 146 of the second group is indicated by a dashed line. The joint 147 of the third group is indicated by a combination of dashed and dotted lines. (Example) Figure 17 As shown, each of the plurality of nonlinear joints, 144, 146, and 147, extends continuously from the inner edge 134C of the core 112 to the outer edge 134D of the core 112. The inner edge 134C is a portion of the periphery 134 at the inner side 180 of the longitudinal axis LM. The outer edge 134D is a portion of the periphery 34 at the outer side 182 of the longitudinal axis LM. The inner side 180 and the outer side 182 also describe the sides of the cushioning member 114 and the footwear article 172, as well as other components of the footwear article 172. By depositing the anti-welding material 24 such that it extends from the inner surfaces 117, 119 of the barrier sheets 116, 118 and between the polymer sheets 110, 111 (e.g., on the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111) to the outer periphery 134 of the core 112, and by ensuring that the outer periphery 134 of the core 112 is completely inside the outer junction 138 of the barrier sheets 116, 118, for example, as Figure 17 As shown, the resulting patterns of the joints 144, 146, and 147 of the core 112 do not create any sealed chambers within the bladder 120 that are not in fluid communication with the internal cavity 121. Thus, the core 112 itself controls the final geometry of the inflated buffer member 114 without affecting the buffer response of the buffer member 114 under dynamic loads.

[0140] Figure 17 The illustration shows the first side 122 of the first polymer sheet 110 (see figure). Figure 13 On the second polymer sheet 111, the second side 113 (see) Figure 11 On the first side 115 of the second polymer sheet 111 (see) Figure 12 The relative alignment of multiple sets of joints 144, 146, and 147 is achieved by the precise predetermined pattern of the anti-welding material 24 on the surface. Figure 17 For clarity, only some joints 144, 146, and 147 are labeled with reference numerals. Figure 16 and Figure 17 It can be clearly seen that the joint 147 of the third group alternates with the joint 144 of the first group along the length of the core 112 (e.g., along the length of the first polymer sheet 110 of the core 112), and thus alternates along the length of the resulting buffer member 114. Figure 16 and Figure 17It can also be clearly seen that the joint 147 of the third group alternates with the joint 146 of the second group along the length of the core 112 (e.g., along the length of the second polymer sheet 111 of the core 112), and thus alternates along the length of the resulting buffer member 114. Using this configuration, as... Figure 17 and Figure 19 As indicated, at least some of the joints in the second group of joints 146 are aligned with at least some of the joints in the first group of joints 144. More specifically, as Figure 19 As shown, when the footwear 172 is in an upright position (with the outsole 173 resting on the ground surface GS), the first set of joints 144 is vertically positioned above the second set of joints 146, wherein the third set of joints 147 is offset from the joints 144 in each set of vertically stacked joints 144 and the joints 146 in each set of vertically stacked joints 146 and is vertically located at a height between the height of the joint 144 and the height of the joint 146.

[0141] Figure 17 and Figure 19 It is also shown that the foremost joint 144A1 of the first group and the foremost joint 146A1 of the second group are further forward than the foremost joint 147A1 of the third group. Additionally, the last joint 144B1 of the first group and the last joint 146B1 of the second group are further rearward than the last joint 147B1 of the third group. Positioning the foremost and / or last joints near the top and / or bottom of the core 112 (e.g., in the first and / or second groups), rather than inside the core 112 (e.g., in the third group), can further improve the distribution of forces applied by the wearer on the core 112.

[0142] In addition, such as Figure 17 and Figure 19 As best shown, at least some of the joints 146 in the second group are wider than the joints 144 of the first group aligned with the joints 146 in the tactile direction of the core 112, cushioning member 114, and footwear 172. In the illustrated example, all joints 146 in the second group are aligned with the joints 144 of the first group, and each joint 146 in the second group is wider than the corresponding joint 144 of the first group aligned with that joint 146 in the second group. Therefore, the joints 146 of the second group, which are wider than the joints 144 of the first group, are located in both the forefoot area 50 and the heel area 54 of the footwear 172, as well as in the midfoot area 52. In other examples, for example, the joints 146 of the second group may be wider than the joints 144 of the first group only in the forefoot area 50 or only in the heel area 54.

[0143] By providing wider joints 146, these wider joints 146 are joined to the buffer member 114 as... Figure 19 In the footwear 172 shown, the cushioning member 114 is positioned closer to the ground surface GS. When the cushioning member 114 is inflated, the side with the narrower (e.g., shorter) joint (e.g., the first barrier sheet 116 on the foot-facing side of the cushioning member 114) will cause a greater bulge between the first set of joints 144 than between the second set of joints 146. Because the material path of the barrier sheet 116 on the foot-facing side (e.g., the footbed side) is distributed in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the side with the greater bulge (e.g., the first barrier sheet 116 on the foot-facing side) experiences a greater overall length contraction. Therefore, the first barrier sheet 116, with a narrower joint 144 on the foot-facing side, will become more concave after inflation than the second barrier sheet 118, which has a wider joint 146, and may cause the overall shape of the cushioning member 114 to bend upwards in the forefoot area 50 and heel area 54 on the ground-facing side (e.g., at the second barrier sheet 118). Thus, providing a first set of narrower joints 144 on the footbed side and a second set of wider joints 146 on the ground-facing side helps to shape the inflated cushioning member 114 to promote toe lift.

[0144] refer to Figure 17 The inner edge 190 of the sac 120 defines a first notch 191. The inner inner edge 192 of the peripheral joint 138 protrudes laterally inward at the first notch 191. The outer edge 193 of the sac 120 defines a second notch 194. The inner outer edge 195 of the peripheral joint 138 protrudes laterally inward at the second notch 194.

[0145] The first notch 191 is at least partially aligned with the second notch 194 in the lateral direction of the sole structure 170, such that the width WA of the internal cavity 121 in the lateral direction (also referred to as the transverse direction) of the sole structure 170 narrows between the first notch 191 and the second notch 194. For example, the width WB of the internal cavity 121 just in front of the notches 191, 194 is greater than the width WA. The width of the internal cavity 121 is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LM. Figure 17As can be seen, the first notch 191 and the second notch 194 are located near the anterior portion of the midfoot region 52. Alternatively, the notches 191 and 194 may be located in the forefoot region 50. Specifically, the first notch 191 and the second notch 194 are positioned near the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot resting on the sole structure 170. For example, the notches 191 and 194 may be aligned with or located directly behind the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joints, making it easier for the sole structure 170 to bend during dorsiflexion at the metatarsophalangeal joints by means of the notches 191 and 194. With this arrangement and due to the lateral narrowing of the internal cavity 121 at the notches 191 and 194, the sole structure 170 is configured to bend at the first notch 191 and the second notch 194 during dorsiflexion.

[0146] The inner edge 190 of the pouch 120 further defines a third notch 196, and the inner inner edge 192 of the peripheral joint 138 protrudes laterally inward at the third notch 196. The outer edge 193 of the pouch 120 defines a fourth notch 197, and the inner outer edge 195 of the peripheral joint 138 protrudes laterally inward at the fourth notch 197. The inner inner edge 192 of the peripheral joint 138 protrudes laterally inward at the third notch 196, and the inner outer edge 195 of the peripheral joint 138 protrudes laterally inward at the fourth notch 197. The third notch 196 and the fourth notch 197 shown are provided in the heel area 54, located near the forward portion of the heel area 54.

[0147] The third notch 196 is at least partially aligned with the fourth notch 197 in the lateral direction of the sole structure 170, such that the width of the internal cavity 121 in the lateral direction of the sole structure 170 is narrowed between the third notch 196 and the fourth notch 197, as can be seen by comparing the width WC between the third notch 196 and the fourth notch 197 with the width WD just in front of the notches 196 and 197.

[0148] As shown in the figure, the sole structure 170 is wider between the first recess 191 and the second recess 194 than between the third recess 196 and the fourth recess 197. In other words, the width WA is greater than the width WC. The outer peripheries 134 (e.g., outer peripheries 134B and 134A, respectively) of the polymer sheets 110 and 111 of the core 112 are further inwardly spaced from the outer periphery 138 at the third recess 196 and the fourth recess 197 than at the first recess 191 and the second recess 194. For example, Figure 17 The distances WE and WF shown are greater than the distances WG and WH, respectively. The higher height of the sac 120 in the heel area 54 is therefore maintained relative to the height of the sac 120 at the first notch 191 and the second notch 194 at the third notch 196 and the fourth notch 197, as in... Figure 19 It is clearly visible in the middle.

[0149] Figure 19 As shown, the tension generated in the bonded polymer sheets 110 and 111 of the core 112 by inflating the internal cavity 121 causes the portion of the first barrier sheet 116 located inside the outer periphery 134 of the core 112 to be pulled downward at the joint 144, as... Figure 18 The first barrier sheet 116 is indicated by its shaped outer surface 139. Because the outer periphery 134 of the core 112 is entirely inside the peripheral joint 138, the barrier sheets 116 and 118 will not be secured together at the peripheral portion 121A of the internal cavity 121, which is located outside the outer periphery 134 of the core 112 and inside the peripheral joint 138. The distance between the inner surfaces 117 and 119 and the resulting height of the buffer member 114 can therefore be maximized outside the core 112. The top outer surface 139 is only partially shown and Figure 19 The first barrier sheet 116 is pulled downward by the first polymer sheet 110 at the joint 144, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0150] Similarly, the tension generated in the bonded polymer sheets 110 and 111 of the core 112 by inflating the internal cavity 121 causes the portion of the second barrier sheet 118 located inside the outer periphery 134 of the core 112 to be pulled upward at the joint 146, as... Figure 19 The pattern of the anti-welding material 24 disposed on the polymer sheets 110 and 111, as well as the resulting pattern of the joint 144 of the polymer sheet 110 with the barrier sheet 116 and the joint 146 of the polymer sheet 111 with the barrier sheet 118, can be selected to control the resulting contours of the outer surfaces 139 and 141 of the barrier sheets 116 and 118.

[0151] Figure 19 As shown, the sole structure 170 also includes an outsole 173, which is secured to the bottom of the cushioning member 114 (e.g., secured to a second barrier sheet 118). The footwear upper 175 is secured to the sole structure 170 to support the foot on the cushioning member 114. The sole structure 170 is a non-limiting example, and the cushioning member 114 can be used to have... Figure 19 In sole structures with different configurations. For example, there may be another sub-layer (such as a foam sub-layer) that is fixed to and covers the cushioning member 114 (e.g., fixed to the first barrier sheet 116), wherein the upper 175 is fixed to the foam sub-layer.

[0152] in addition, Figure 19As best shown, the joint 147 of the third group is offset from the joint 146 of the second group and the joint 144 of the first group, and each joint 146 in the second group is wider than the adjacent joint 147 in the third group.

[0153] like Figure 19 As shown, the width of some or all of the nonlinear joints in the second group of nonlinear joints 146 can gradually decrease from the heel area 54 of the footwear 172 to the forefoot area 50 of the footwear 172. For example, in Figure 19 In this embodiment, the width of the joint 146 typically decreases from the joint 146B1 in the heel area 54 to the joint 146A1 in the forefoot area 50. In some embodiments, the width of the joint 144 may also decrease similarly from the heel area 54 to the forefoot area 50.

[0154] In addition, such as in Figure 19 Clearly, joints 144 are closer together in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54; joints 146 are closer together in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54; and joints 147 are also closer together in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54. For example, as... Figure 19 As indicated, multiple non-linear joints include a first group of joints (e.g., adjacent joints 144A1 and 144G) in the forefoot region 50 and a second group of joints (e.g., adjacent joints 144B1 and 144H) in the heel region 54. The spacing between adjacent joints 144A1 and 144G in the first group of joints is smaller than the spacing between adjacent joints 144B1 and 144H in the second group of joints, such that the opposing inner surfaces 117 and 119 of the barrier sheets 116 and 118 remain closer to each other in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54. This configuration also produces a toe-up, which is such that when in a position as Figure 19 In the stable position shown (e.g., unloaded or at least not under dynamic compressive load), the second barrier sheet 118 gradually rises in the forward direction away from the ground surface GS in the forefoot zone 50. This toe-up pre-shaping, achieved by placing the cushioning member 114 at the joint, helps generate forward foot roll and easier toe lift during the wearer's forward movement.

[0155] refer to Figure 17 In addition to the placement of the joint used to promote the toe lift, the outer periphery 134 of the core 112 and the outer joint 138 are spaced further inward in the heel area 54 than in the forefoot area 50. This is in Figure 17 The best way to show, in Figure 8In this case, the distance D2Z from the outer periphery 134 of the core 112 to the peripheral junction 138 in the heel area 54 is greater than the distance D3Z from the outer periphery 134 of the core 112 to the peripheral junction 138 in the forefoot area 50. This creates a larger and higher peripheral portion 121A of the internal cavity 121 around the core 112 in the heel area 54 than in the forefoot area 50, as... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As best shown. The outer portion 121A is positioned outside the core 112 (e.g., in front of the core 112, behind the core 112, and further outward at the inner side 180 and outer side 182). This allows the cushioning member 114 to nest around the heel, wherein the joint 144 on the first blocking sheet 116 tends to pull the blocking sheet 116 downward toward the inner side of the outer portion 121A. In other words, as Figure 18 As shown, the first barrier sheet 116 can be slightly recessed in the heel area 54 above the core 112 between the inner side 180 and the outer side 182, thereby helping to cover the heel.

[0156] Therefore, by providing a footwear article having a sole structure with notches at the inner and / or outer edges of the bladder, as shown and described, wherein the inner inner edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the first notch and the inner outer edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the second notch, increased flexibility of the sole structure is achieved in addition to lacing via the core and the cushioning properties of the sole structure. Further flexibility is provided in embodiments including a third and fourth notch as described herein.

[0157] The following terms provide example configurations of footwear articles having cushioning components as disclosed herein.

[0158] Clause 1. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure having a cushioning component, the cushioning component comprising: a bladder including a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet defining an internal cavity between opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet sealing each other along a peripheral joint to close the internal cavity and retain gas in the internal cavity; and a core disposed in the internal cavity and completely spaced inward from the peripheral joint, the core comprising at least one polymer sheet traversing the internal cavity between the opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet and directly bonded to the opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet at a plurality of joints to retain the first barrier sheet. A barrier sheet is fixed to the second barrier sheet, and the at least one polymer sheet is displaced from the opposing inner surface by the gas at an unbonded area of ​​the at least one polymer sheet. The plurality of bonding portions include at least one bonding portion that extends continuously from an inner end of the at least one bonding portion adjacent to the inner edge of the core to an outer end of the at least one bonding portion adjacent to the outer edge of the core; wherein the at least one bonding portion is wider at the inner end and the outer end in the posterior-posterior direction of the core than at the narrowed portion of the at least one bonding portion located between the inner end and the outer end; and wherein the plurality of bonding portions are configured such that the gas in the internal cavity is in fluid communication around the at least one polymer sheet, while the at least one polymer sheet does not create any sealed chambers within the bladder that are not in fluid communication with the internal cavity.

[0159] Clause 2. Footwear articles according to Clause 1, wherein at least one joint is non-linear.

[0160] Clause 3. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the at least one joint has a peak and a valley extending in the front-back direction of the core.

[0161] Clause 4. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the narrowed portion of the at least one joint is located in the middle of the at least one joint in the transverse direction of the core.

[0162] Clause 5. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the at least one joint is symmetrical about the narrowed portion in the transverse direction of the core along most of the transverse direction of the at least one joint.

[0163] Clause 6. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein each of the plurality of joints extends continuously from the inner edge of the core to the outer edge of the core, and is wider at the inner and outer edges in the front-back direction of the core than at the narrowed portion of the joint located between the inner and outer edges.

[0164] Clause 7. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein anti-welding material is disposed on the core at the unbonded area.

[0165] Clause 8. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein when the internal cavity of the bladder is not inflated, the core lies flat inside the bladder, wherein the unbonded area contacts the opposing inner surface.

[0166] Clause 9. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the thickness of each of the at least one polymer sheet of the core is less than or equal to the thickness of the first barrier sheet and less than or equal to the thickness of the second barrier sheet.

[0167] Clause 10. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein: the plurality of joints include a first group of joints in the forefoot region of the footwear article and a second group of joints in the heel region of the footwear article; and the spacing between adjacent joints of the first group of joints in the telotropic direction of the core is less than the spacing between adjacent joints of the second group of joints in the telotropic direction of the core, such that the opposing inner surfaces are kept closer to each other in the forefoot region than in the heel region by the at least one polymer sheet of the core.

[0168] Clause 11. A cushioning member according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the outer periphery of the at least one polymer sheet of the core is spaced further inwardly from the outer periphery in the heel area of ​​the footwear than in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear.

[0169] Clause 12. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein: the opposing inner surfaces of the pouch include a first inner surface of the first barrier sheet and a second inner surface of the second barrier sheet; the at least one polymer sheet of the core includes a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet, the first polymer sheet being disposed between the first barrier sheet and the second polymer sheet, and the second polymer sheet being disposed between the first polymer sheet and the second barrier sheet, such that a first side of the first polymer sheet faces the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet, a second side of the first polymer sheet faces the first side of the second polymer sheet, and a second side of the second polymer sheet faces the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet. The second inner surface of the second barrier sheet; and the first side of the first polymer sheet is directly bonded to the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet at a first group of the plurality of joints, the second side of the second polymer sheet is directly bonded to the second inner surface of the second barrier sheet at a second group of the plurality of joints, the second side of the first polymer sheet is directly bonded to the first side of the second polymer sheet at a third group of the plurality of joints, the joints of the third group alternating with the joints of the first group along the length of the core, and the joints of the third group alternating with the joints of the second group along the length of the core.

[0170] Clause 13. Footwear articles according to Clause 12, wherein each of the first group, the second group and the third group includes at least one joint that extends continuously from the inner edge of the core to the outer edge of the core and is wider at the inner and outer edges in the front-back direction of the core than at the narrowed portion of the joint located between the inner and outer edges.

[0171] Clause 14. Footwear articles according to Clause 13, wherein the difference between the width of the at least one joint of the second group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowing portion is greater than the difference between the width of the at least one joint of the first group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowing portion.

[0172] Clause 15. Footwear articles according to Clause 13, wherein the difference between the width of the at least one joint of the second group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowing portion is greater than the difference between the width of the at least one joint of the third group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowing portion.

[0173] Clause 16. Footwear articles according to Clause 12, wherein the foremost joints of the first group and the foremost joints of the second group are further forward than the foremost joints of the third group.

[0174] Clause 17. Footwear articles according to Clause 12, wherein the last joint of the first group and the last joint of the second group are further back than the last joint of the third group.

[0175] Clause 18. Footwear article according to Clause 12, wherein when the internal cavity of the bladder is in an uninflated state, at least some of the joints of the second group are aligned with at least some of the joints of the first group along the length of the core.

[0176] Clause 19. Footwear article according to Clause 18, wherein at least some of the joints in the second group are wider in the front-back direction of the core than at least some of the joints in the first group that are aligned with at least some of the joints in the second group.

[0177] Clause 20. Footwear article according to Clause 19, wherein at least some of the joints of the second group are in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear article.

[0178] Clause 21. Footwear article according to Clause 19, wherein at least some of the joints of the second group are in the heel area of ​​the footwear article.

[0179] Clause 22. Footwear article according to Clause 19, wherein: all joints in the second group are aligned with the joints in the first group; and each joint in the second group is wider in the front-back direction of the core than the corresponding joint in the first group aligned with the joints of the second group.

[0180] Clause 23. Footwear articles according to Clause 19, wherein each joint of the second group is wider in the front-back direction of the core than the adjacent joint of the third group.

[0181] Clause 24. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure having a cushioning member, the cushioning member comprising: a bladder including a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet defining an internal cavity between opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet sealing each other along a peripheral joint to close the internal cavity and retain gas within the internal cavity; and a core disposed in the internal cavity and completely spaced inward from the peripheral joint, the core comprising at least one polymer sheet traversing the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet. The internal cavity between the opposing inner surfaces of the second barrier sheet and directly bonded to the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets at a plurality of nonlinear joints to secure the first barrier sheet to the second barrier sheet, wherein the at least one polymer sheet is displaced from the opposing inner surfaces by the gas at the unbonded areas of the at least one polymer sheet such that the gas in the internal cavity is in fluid communication around the at least one polymer sheet, and the at least one polymer sheet does not create any sealed chambers within the bladder that are not in fluid communication with the internal cavity; and at least some of the plurality of nonlinear joints have linear segments.

[0182] Clause 25. Footwear articles according to Clause 24, wherein anti-welding material is disposed on the core at the unbonded area.

[0183] Clause 26. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 24 to 25, wherein when the internal cavity of the bladder is not inflated, the core lies flat inside the bladder, wherein the unbonded area contacts the opposing inner surface.

[0184] Clause 27. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 24 to 25, wherein the thickness of each of the at least one polymer sheet of the core is less than or equal to the thickness of the first barrier sheet and less than or equal to the thickness of the second barrier sheet.

[0185] Clause 28. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 24 to 25, wherein: the plurality of nonlinear joints include a first group of joints in the forefoot region of the footwear article and a second group of joints in the heel region of the footwear article; and the spacing between adjacent joints of the first group of joints in the anteroposterior direction of the core is less than the spacing between adjacent joints of the second group of joints in the anteroposterior direction of the core, such that the opposing inner surfaces are kept closer to each other in the forefoot region than in the heel region by the at least one polymer sheet.

[0186] Clause 29. A cushioning member according to any one of Clauses 24 to 25, wherein the outer periphery of the at least one polymer sheet of the core is spaced further inwardly from the peripheral junction in the heel area of ​​the footwear than in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear.

[0187] Clause 30. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 24 to 25, wherein: the opposing inner surfaces of the pouch include a first inner surface of the first barrier sheet and a second inner surface of the second barrier sheet; the at least one polymer sheet of the core includes a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet, the first polymer sheet being disposed between the first barrier sheet and the second polymer sheet, and the second polymer sheet being disposed between the first polymer sheet and the second barrier sheet such that a first side of the first polymer sheet faces the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet, a second side of the first polymer sheet faces the first side of the second polymer sheet, and a second side of the second polymer sheet faces the second barrier sheet. The second inner surface of the sheet; and the first side of the first polymer sheet is directly bonded to the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet at a first group of bonding portions in a plurality of nonlinear bonding portions, the second side of the second polymer sheet is directly bonded to the second inner surface of the second barrier sheet at a second group of bonding portions in a plurality of nonlinear bonding portions, the second side of the first polymer sheet is directly bonded to the first side of the second polymer sheet at a third group of bonding portions in a plurality of nonlinear bonding portions, the bonding portions of the third group alternating with the bonding portions of the first group along the length of the core, and the bonding portions of the third group alternating with the bonding portions of the second group along the length of the core.

[0188] Clause 31. Footwear article according to Clause 30, wherein when the internal cavity of the bladder is in an uninflated state, at least some of the joints of the second group are aligned with at least some of the joints of the first group.

[0189] Clause 32. Footwear article according to Clause 31, wherein at least some of the joints in the second group are wider in the front-back direction of the core than at least some of the joints in the first group that are aligned with at least some of the joints in the second group.

[0190] Clause 33. Footwear article according to Clause 32, wherein at least some of the joints of the second group are in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear article.

[0191] Clause 34. Footwear article according to Clause 32, wherein at least some of the joints of the second group are in the heel area of ​​the footwear article.

[0192] Clause 35. Footwear article according to Clause 32, wherein: all joints in the second group are aligned with the joints in the first group; and each joint in the second group is wider in the front-back direction of the core than the corresponding joint in the first group aligned with the joints of the second group.

[0193] Clause 36. Footwear articles according to Clause 32, wherein each joint of the second group is wider in the front-back direction of the core than the adjacent joint of the third group.

[0194] Clause 37. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure having a cushioning component, the cushioning component comprising: a bladder including a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet defining an internal cavity between opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet sealing each other along a peripheral joint to close the internal cavity and retain gas in the internal cavity; and a core disposed in the internal cavity and completely inwardly spaced from the peripheral joint, the core comprising at least one polymer sheet traversing the internal cavity between the opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet and directly bonded to the first barrier sheet at a plurality of joints. The opposing inner surfaces of a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet are used to secure the first barrier sheet to the second barrier sheet, and the at least one polymer sheet is displaced from the opposing inner surfaces by the gas at an unbonded area of ​​the at least one polymer sheet; wherein the inner edge of the bladder defines a first notch, and the inner inner edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the first notch; wherein the outer edge of the bladder defines a second notch, and the inner outer edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the second notch; and wherein the plurality of joints are configured such that the gas in the internal cavity is in fluid communication around the at least one polymer sheet, and the at least one polymer sheet does not create any sealed chambers within the bladder that are not in fluid communication with the internal cavity.

[0195] Clause 38. Footwear article according to Clause 37, wherein the first notch is at least partially aligned with the second notch in the lateral direction of the sole structure such that the width of the internal cavity in the lateral direction of the sole structure narrows between the first notch and the second notch.

[0196] Clause 39. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 37 to 38, wherein the sole structure is configured to flex at the first notch and at the second notch during dorsiflexion.

[0197] Clause 40. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 37 to 38, wherein the first notch and the second notch are provided in the forefoot area or midfoot area of ​​the footwear article.

[0198] Clause 41. Footwear article according to Clause 40, wherein: the inner edge of the pouch defines a third notch, and the inner inner edge of the peripheral joint bulges laterally inward at the third notch; and the outer edge of the pouch defines a fourth notch, and the inner outer edge of the peripheral joint bulges laterally inward at the fourth notch.

[0199] Clause 42. Footwear article according to Clause 41, wherein the third notch is at least partially aligned with the fourth notch in the lateral direction of the sole structure such that the width of the internal cavity in the lateral direction of the sole structure is narrowed between the third notch and the fourth notch.

[0200] Clause 43. Footwear articles according to Clause 41, wherein the third notch and the fourth notch are provided in the heel area of ​​the footwear articles.

[0201] Clause 44. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 37 to 38, wherein the plurality of joints includes at least one joint having an inner end adjacent to or located at the inner edge of the core and an outer end adjacent to or located at the outer edge of the core, the at least one joint extending continuously from the inner end of the at least one joint to the outer end of the at least one joint.

[0202] Clause 45. Footwear articles according to Clause 44, wherein at least one joint is non-linear.

[0203] Clause 46. Footwear article according to Clause 44, wherein the at least one joint has a peak and a valley extending in the front-back direction of the core.

[0204] Clause 47. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 37 to 38, wherein anti-welding material is disposed on the core at the unbonded area.

[0205] Clause 48. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 37 to 38, wherein when the internal cavity of the bladder is not inflated, the core lies flat inside the bladder, wherein the unbonded area contacts the opposing inner surface.

[0206] Clause 49. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 37 to 38, wherein the thickness of each of the at least one polymer sheet of the core is less than or equal to the thickness of the first barrier sheet and less than or equal to the thickness of the second barrier sheet.

[0207] Clause 50. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 37 to 38, wherein: the plurality of joints include a first group of joints in the forefoot region of the footwear article and a second group of joints in the heel region of the footwear article; and the spacing between adjacent joints of the first group of joints in the telotropic direction of the core is less than the spacing between adjacent joints of the second group of joints in the telotropic direction of the core, such that the opposing inner surfaces in the forefoot region are kept closer to each other by the at least one polymer sheet of the core than in the heel region.

[0208] Clause 51. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 37 to 38, wherein the outer periphery of the at least one polymer sheet of the core is more inwardly spaced from the peripheral junction in the heel area of ​​the footwear article than in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear article.

[0209] Clause 52. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 37 to 38, wherein: the opposing inner surfaces of the pouch include a first inner surface of the first barrier sheet and a second inner surface of the second barrier sheet; the at least one polymer sheet of the core includes a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet, the first polymer sheet being disposed between the first barrier sheet and the second polymer sheet, and the second polymer sheet being disposed between the first polymer sheet and the second barrier sheet, such that a first side of the first polymer sheet faces the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet, a second side of the first polymer sheet faces the first side of the second polymer sheet, and a second side of the second polymer sheet faces the first inner surface of the second barrier sheet. The second inner surface of the second barrier sheet; and the first side of the first polymer sheet is directly bonded to the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet at a first group of bonding portions in the plurality of bonding portions, the second side of the second polymer sheet is directly bonded to the second inner surface of the second barrier sheet at a second group of bonding portions in the plurality of bonding portions, the second side of the first polymer sheet is directly bonded to the first side of the second polymer sheet at a third group of bonding portions in the plurality of bonding portions, the bonding portions of the third group alternating with the bonding portions of the first group along the length of the core, and the bonding portions of the third group alternating with the bonding portions of the second group along the length of the core.

[0210] Clause 53. Footwear articles according to Clause 52, wherein each of the first group, the second group and the third group includes at least one joint that extends continuously from the inner edge of the core to the outer edge of the core.

[0211] Clause 54. Footwear articles according to Clause 52, wherein the foremost joints of the first group and the foremost joints of the second group are further forward than the foremost joints of the third group.

[0212] Clause 55. Footwear articles according to Clause 52, wherein the last joint of the first group and the last joint of the second group are further back than the last joint of the third group.

[0213] Clause 56. Footwear article according to Clause 52, wherein when the internal cavity of the bladder is in an uninflated state, at least some of the joints of the second group are aligned with at least some of the joints of the first group along the length of the core.

[0214] Clause 21. Footwear article according to Clause 20, wherein at least some of the joints in the second group are wider in the front-back direction of the core than at least some of the joints in the first group that are aligned with at least some of the joints in the second group.

[0215] Clause 57. Footwear article according to Clause 56, wherein at least some of the joints of the second group are in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear article.

[0216] Clause 59. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure having a cushioning member, the cushioning member comprising: a bladder including a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet defining an internal cavity between opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet sealing each other along a peripheral joint to close the internal cavity and retain gas in the internal cavity; and a core disposed in the internal cavity and completely inwardly spaced from the peripheral joint, the core comprising at least one polymer sheet traversing the internal cavity between the opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet and directly bonded to the opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet at a plurality of joints to secure the first barrier sheet to the second barrier sheet, the at least one polymer sheet being held in an unbonded area by the gas from the opposing inner surface. Surface displacement; wherein the inner edge of the bladder and the outer edge of the bladder define a first notch and a second notch, respectively, the second notch being at least partially aligned with the first notch in one of the forefoot or midfoot regions of the sole structure, such that the inner inner edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the first notch, and the inner outer edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the second notch; wherein the inner edge of the bladder and the outer edge of the bladder define a third notch and a fourth notch, respectively, the fourth notch being at least partially aligned with the third notch in the heel region of the sole structure, such that the inner inner edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the third notch, and the inner outer edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the fourth notch; and wherein the plurality of joints are configured such that the gas in the internal cavity is in fluid communication around the at least one polymer sheet, and the at least one polymer sheet does not create any sealed chambers within the bladder that are not in fluid communication with the internal cavity.

[0217] Clause 60. Footwear article according to Clause 59, wherein: the sole structure is wider between the first notch and the second notch than between the third notch and the fourth notch; and the outer periphery of the at least one polymer sheet of the core is further inwardly spaced from the peripheral junction at the third notch and the fourth notch than at the first notch and the second notch.

[0218] Clause 61. Footwear article according to Clause 59, wherein the sole structure further comprises: an outsole, the outsole being fixed to the distal surface of the bladder and extending upward at least partially along the sidewall of the bladder.

[0219] To aid and clarify the description of the various embodiments, a range of terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply throughout the specification (including the claims). Furthermore, all references cited are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0220] "Footwear articles", "footwear manufacturing articles", and "footwear" can be considered as machines and manufactured goods. Before being finally assembled into wearable footwear articles, assembled ready-to-wear footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and footwear articles' discrete components (e.g., midsoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) are considered herein and are instead referred to in the singular or plural as "footwear articles".

[0221] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one of the objects. Multiple such objects may be present unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Unless explicitly or clearly indicated otherwise in the context (including the appended claims), all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification shall be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (close to exact in value; close to or quite close to the value; approximately). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art in that ordinary sense, then “about” as used herein at least indicates variations that may arise from common methods of measuring and using such parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a scope shall be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that scope and further subdivisions of the scope.

[0222] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed where possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used herein, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of…” should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including “any of…”. The term “any of…” should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any of…”.

[0223] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and not to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0224] The term "longitudinal" specifically refers to the direction in which a component extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot and heel areas. The terms "forward" or "front" are specifically used to refer to the general direction from the heel area toward the forefoot area, and the terms "backward" or "rear" are specifically used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot area toward the heel area. In some cases, a component may be identified by a longitudinal axis and the forward and backward longitudinal directions along that axis. This longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as the front-back direction or axis.

[0225] The term "lateral" specifically refers to the direction of the width of an extending component. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the outer and inner sides of the shoe. This lateral direction or axis can also be referred to as the lateral direction or axis, or the inner-outer direction or axis.

[0226] The term "vertical" specifically refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, when the sole is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to various parts of the sole. The term "upward" or "upwardly" specifically refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a part, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downward" or "downwardly" specifically refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the bottom of a part, opposite to the upward direction, and can generally refer to the bottom of the sole structure of footwear.

[0227] The term "interior" in footwear (such as shoes) specifically refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The term "interior side" in a component specifically refers to a side or surface of a component oriented toward (or to be toward) the interior of the component or footwear in an assembled footwear. The term "exterior side" or "exterior" in a component specifically refers to a side or surface of a component oriented away from (or to be away from) the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the interior side of a component and the interior of the assembled footwear. Similarly, other components may be located between the exterior side of a component and the exterior of the assembled footwear. Furthermore, the terms "inward" and "inner" specifically refer to a direction toward the interior of a component or footwear (such as shoes), and the terms "outward" and "outer" specifically refer to a direction toward the exterior of a component or footwear (such as shoes). Additionally, the term "proximal" specifically refers to a direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the user inserts their foot into the footwear. Similarly, the term "distal" specifically refers to a relative position further away from the center of the footwear component or further away from the foot when the user inserts their foot into the footwear. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing generally relative terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0228] While various embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of these embodiments. Unless expressly limited, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in lieu of any other feature or element in any other embodiment. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0229] While several models for implementing many aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this teaching relates will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing this teaching within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all that is contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be construed as illustrative and exemplary of the full range of alternative embodiments that will be recognized by those skilled in the art, which are implied by the inclusions, structurally and / or functionally equivalent, or otherwise clearly presented, and should not be limited to those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described.

Claims

1. A footwear product, comprising: The sole structure has a cushioning component, the cushioning component comprising: A capsule, the capsule comprising a first barrier sheet and a second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet defining an internal cavity between opposing inner surfaces of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet sealing each other along a peripheral joint to close the internal cavity and retain gas within the internal cavity; and A core disposed within the internal cavity and completely spaced inward from the peripheral bonding portion, the core comprising at least one polymer sheet traversing the internal cavity between the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets and directly bonded to the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second barrier sheets at a plurality of bonding portions to secure the first barrier sheet to the second barrier sheet, the at least one polymer sheet being displaced from the opposing inner surfaces by the gas at unbonded areas of the at least one polymer sheet, the plurality of bonding portions including at least one bonding portion extending continuously from an inner end of the at least one bonding portion adjacent to the inner edge of the core to an outer end of the at least one bonding portion adjacent to the outer edge of the core; The at least one joint is wider at the inner and outer ends in the front-back direction of the core than at the narrowed portion of the at least one joint located between the inner and outer ends; and The plurality of joints are configured such that the gas in the internal cavity is in fluid communication with the at least one polymer sheet, while the at least one polymer sheet does not create any sealed chambers within the bladder that are not in fluid communication with the internal cavity.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the at least one joint is non-linear.

3. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the nonlinear at least one joint has a linear segment.

4. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one joint has a peak and a valley extending in the front-back direction of the core.

5. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the narrowed portion of the at least one joint is located in the middle of the at least one joint in the transverse direction of the core.

6. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one joining portion is symmetrical about the narrowing portion in the transverse direction of the core along a large portion of the at least one joining portion in the transverse direction.

7. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each of the plurality of joints extends continuously from the inner edge of the core to the outer edge of the core, and is wider at the inner and outer edges in the front-back direction of the core than at the narrowed portion of the joint located between the inner and outer edges.

8. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the anti-welding material is disposed on the core at the unbonded area.

9. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein when the internal cavity of the bladder is not inflated, the core lies flat inside the bladder, wherein the unbonded area contacts the opposing inner surface.

10. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the inner edge of the pouch defines a first notch, and the inner inner edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the first notch; and / or The outer edge of the sac defines a second notch, and the inner outer edge of the peripheral joint protrudes laterally inward at the second notch.

11. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The plurality of joints include a first group of joints in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear and a second group of joints in the heel area of ​​the footwear. and The spacing between adjacent joints of the first group in the front-back direction of the core is smaller than the spacing between adjacent joints of the second group in the front-back direction of the core, such that the opposing inner surfaces are kept closer to each other in the forefoot region than in the heel region by the at least one polymer sheet of the core.

12. The cushioning member according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the outer periphery of the at least one polymer sheet of the core is further inwardly spaced from the peripheral junction in the heel area of ​​the footwear than in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear.

13. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The opposing inner surfaces of the bladder include a first inner surface of the first barrier sheet and a second inner surface of the second barrier sheet; The core comprises at least one polymer sheet including a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet, wherein the first polymer sheet is disposed between the first barrier sheet and the second polymer sheet, and the second polymer sheet is disposed between the first polymer sheet and the second barrier sheet, such that a first side of the first polymer sheet faces the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet, a second side of the first polymer sheet faces the first side of the second polymer sheet, and a second side of the second polymer sheet faces the second inner surface of the second barrier sheet; and The first side of the first polymer sheet is directly bonded to the first inner surface of the first barrier sheet at a first set of bonding portions in the plurality of bonding portions; the second side of the second polymer sheet is directly bonded to the second inner surface of the second barrier sheet at a second set of bonding portions in the plurality of bonding portions; the second side of the first polymer sheet is directly bonded to the first side of the second polymer sheet at a third set of bonding portions in the plurality of bonding portions; the bonding portions of the third set alternate with the bonding portions of the first set along the length of the core, and the bonding portions of the third set alternate with the bonding portions of the second set along the length of the core.

14. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein each of the first group, the second group and the third group includes at least one joint, the at least one joint extending continuously from the inner edge of the core to the outer edge of the core, and being wider at the inner edge and the outer edge in the front-back direction of the core than at the narrowed portion of the joint located between the inner edge and the outer edge.

15. The footwear article of claim 14, wherein the difference between the width of the at least one joint of the second group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowed portion is greater than the difference between the width of the at least one joint of the first group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowed portion.

16. The footwear article of claim 14, wherein the difference between the width of the at least one joint of the second group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowed portion is greater than the difference between the width of the at least one joint of the third group at the inner edge and the width at the narrowed portion.

17. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein the foremost joint of the first group and the foremost joint of the second group are further forward than the foremost joint of the third group.

18. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein the last joint of the first group and the last joint of the second group are further back than the last joint of the third group.

19. The footwear article of claim 14, wherein when the internal cavity of the bladder is in an uninflated state, at least some of the joints of the second group are aligned with at least some of the joints of the first group along the length of the core.

20. The footwear article of claim 19, wherein at least some of the joints in the second group are wider in the front-back direction of the core than at least some of the joints in the first group that are aligned with at least some of the joints in the second group.

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