Sole structure for article of footwear

Abstract

A sole structure includes a cushioning element having a bottom side including an anterior portion defining a first portion of a ground-engaging surface extending from an anterior end of the sole structure to a mid-foot region of the sole structure, and a second portion offset from the first portion from the mid-foot region to a posterior end of the sole structure. The structure includes a support plate embedded within the cushioning element and including a planar platform, a first arcuate segment extending in a first direction from a first platform end to a first distal end, and a second arcuate segment extending in a second direction from a second platform end to a second distal end. Additionally, one or more compressible elements are disposed between the support plate and the cushioning element, and one or more outsole plates are attached to the bottom side of the cushioning element.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEARCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This PCT International application claims priority to U.S. Non-Pro visional Application No. 19 / 566,410, filed on March 13, 2026, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 772,042, filed on March 14, 2025. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear and, more particularly, to a sole structure for an article of footwear.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.

[0005] Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasionresistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliency under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate groundreaction forces. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located164237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper and a strobel attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner.

[0006] Midsoles employing bladders typically include a bladder formed from two barrier layers of polymer material that are sealed or bonded together. The bladders may contain air, and are designed with an emphasis on balancing support for the foot and cushioning characteristics that relate to responsiveness as the bladder resiliently compresses under an applied load.DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sole structure for an article of footwear according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a medial side view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 3 is lateral side view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 8 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along Line 9-9 in FIG. 6;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plate of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along Line 10-10 in FIG. 6;

[0018] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along Line 11-11 in FIG. 6;

[0019] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along Line 12-12 in FIG. 6;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 1, taken along Line 13-13 in FIG. 6;

[0021] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the plate of the sole structure of FIG. 1;264237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01

[0022] FIG. 15 is a side view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the sole structure of FIG. 15; and

[0024] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 15 taken along Line 17- 17 of FIG. 16.

[0025] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0028] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.364237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0030] A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes a cushioning element having a bottom side including an anterior portion defining a first portion of a ground-engaging surface extending from an anterior end of the sole structure to a mid-foot region of the sole structure, and a second portion offset from the first portion from the mid-foot region to a posterior end of the sole structure. The structure includes a support plate embedded within the cushioning element, featuring a planar platform extending from a first platform end to a second platform end, a first arcuate segment extending in a first direction from the first platform end to a first distal end, and a second arcuate segment extending in an opposite second direction from the second platform end to a second distal end. Additionally, a cushioning arrangement includes one or more compressible elements disposed between the support plate and the cushioning element, and one or more outsole plates attached to the bottom side of the cushioning element.

[0031] The sole structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the one or more outsole plates may include an anterior outsole plate attached to the first portion of the bottom side. In one configuration, the anterior outsole plate may extend from a first end at the anterior end of the sole structure to a second end at the mid-foot region. The anterior outsole plate may include a first leg extending along a medial side of the sole structure from the anterior end to the mid-foot region and a second leg extending along a lateral side of the sole 464237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01structure from the anterior end to the mid-foot region. The first leg and the second leg may be connected at the anterior end and disconnected at the mid-foot region.

[0032] The one or more outsole plates may include a posterior outsole plate attached to the second portion of the bottom side. In one configuration, the posterior outsole plate may extend from a first end in a heel region of the sole structure to a second end at the posterior end of the sole structure. The posterior outsole plate may extend along an arcuate path from the first end on a lateral side of the sole structure to the second end on a medial side of the sole structure. Each of the one or more outsole plates may include a material having a Young's modulus of at least 10 gigapascals. The support plate may include a material having a Young's modulus of at least 70 gigapascals.

[0033] In another configuration, a sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes a cushioning element having a bottom side including an anterior portion defining a first portion of a ground-engaging surface extending from an anterior end of the sole structure to a midfoot region of the sole structure, and a second portion offset from the first portion from the midfoot region to a posterior end of the sole structure. The structure includes a support plate embedded within the cushioning element, and a cushioning arrangement including a first cushioning structure disposed adjacent to a medial side of the sole structure and a second cushioning structure disposed adjacent to a lateral side of the sole structure, each of the first cushioning structure and the second cushioning structure including an upper bladder and a lower bladder. One or more outsole plates are attached to the bottom side of the cushioning element.

[0034] The sole structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the one or more outsole plates may include an anterior outsole plate attached to the first portion of the bottom side. In one configuration, the anterior outsole plate may extend from a first end at an anterior end of the sole structure to a second end at the mid-foot region. The anterior outsole plate may include a first leg extending along a medial side of the sole structure from the anterior end to the mid-foot region and a second leg extending along a lateral side of the sole structure from the anterior end to the mid-foot region. The first leg and the second leg may be connected at the anterior end and disconnected at the mid-foot region.

[0035] The one or more outsole plates may include a posterior outsole plate attached to the second portion of the bottom side. In one configuration, the posterior outsole plate may extend from a first end in a heel region of the sole structure to a second end at the posterior end of the sole 564237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01structure. The posterior outsole plate may extend along an arcuate path from the first end on a lateral side of the sole structure to the second end on the medial side of the sole structure. Each of the one or more outsole plates may include a plurality of traction elements. The support plate and the outsole plates may include a material having a Young's modulus of at least 70 gigapascals.

[0036] In yet another configuration, a sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes a cushioning element having a bottom side including a first portion defining a portion of a ground-engaging surface extending from an anterior end of the sole structure to a mid-foot region of the sole structure, and a second portion offset from the first portion from the mid-foot region to a posterior end of the sole structure. The structure includes a support plate embedded within the cushioning element, a cushioning arrangement including one or more compressible elements disposed between the support plate and the cushioning element, and one or more outsole plates attached to the bottom side of the cushioning element.

[0037] The sole structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the one or more outsole plates may include an anterior outsole plate attached to the first portion of the bottom side. In one configuration, the anterior outsole plate may extend from a first end at an anterior end of the sole structure to a second end at the mid-foot region. The anterior outsole plate may include a first leg extending along a medial side of the sole structure from the anterior end to the mid-foot region and a second leg extending along a lateral side of the sole structure from the anterior end to the mid-foot region. The first leg and the second leg may be connected at the anterior end and disconnected at the mid-foot region.

[0038] The one or more outsole plates may include a posterior outsole plate attached to the second portion of the bottom side. In one configuration, the posterior outsole plate may extend from a first end in a heel region of the sole structure to a second end at the posterior end of the sole structure. The posterior outsole plate may extend along an arcuate path from the first end on a lateral side of the sole structure to the second end on a medial side of the sole structure. Each of the one or more outsole plates may include a material having a Young's modulus of at least 10 gigapascals. The support plate may include a material having a Young's modulus of at least 70 gigapascals.

[0039] The cushioning arrangement may define a central axis oriented at an oblique angle relative to a footbed of the cushioning element. Each of the compressible elements may include a bladder having an upper barrier layer and a lower barrier layer enclosing a chamber. Each bladder 664237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01may include a tensile member including a plurality of tensile strands each extending between the upper barrier layer and the lower barrier layer. The tensile strands may cooperate with the upper barrier layer and the lower barrier layer to provide each bladder with a substantially planar top side and a substantially planar bottom side. The compressible elements may include resilient polymeric materials. The compressible elements may include foam.

[0040] The sole structure may include a support plate with a planar platform extending from a first platform end to a second platform end. The support plate may include a first arcuate segment extending in a first direction from the first platform end to a first distal end, and a second arcuate segment extending in an opposite second direction from the second platform end to a second distal end. The cushioning arrangement may be disposed between the platform and the cushioning element, or within a receptacle formed between the platform of the support plate and the cushioning element. The cushioning element may include an arcuate ground-engaging surface that converges with a footbed plane in a forefoot region, with the platform being parallel to the ground-engaging surface in the forefoot region.

[0041] The ground-engaging surface of the cushioning element may extend closer to the footbed plane than the cushioning arrangement. The platform may be oriented at an oblique angle relative to a ground-reference plane. The first and second arcuate segments may include different lengths, with the first arcuate segment possibly including a first cambered portion defining a convex surface along a bottom side of the support plate having a first radius of curvature. The first arcuate segment may also include a first transition portion connecting the first cambered portion and the platform, which may curve in an opposite direction than the first cambered portion and be tangent with the platform and the first cambered portion. Similarly, the second arcuate segment may include a second cambered portion defining a second convex surface along the bottom side of the support plate having a second radius of curvature, which may be greater than the first radius of curvature. The second arcuate segment may also include a second transition portion connecting the second cambered portion and the platform, which may curve in an opposite direction than the second cambered portion and be tangent with the platform and the second cambered portion.

[0042] The first arcuate segment may define a first length extending from the first platform end to the first distal end, and the second arcuate segment may define a second length extending from the second platform end to the second distal end, with the second length possibly being greater than the first length. The first length may range from 45% to 55% of the total length of the support 764237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01plate, while the second length may range from 30% to 40% of the total length of the support plate. The total length of the platform may range from 10% to 20% of the total length of the support plate. The first length may be approximately 50% of the total length of the support plate, and the second length may be approximately 35% of the total length of the support plate. The support plate may have a constant thickness from the first distal end to the second distal end and may define a receptacle between the first arcuate segment and the second arcuate segment. The support plate may include a composite fiber material having a hardness of at least 70 gigapascals.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-14, an article of footwear 10 includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 300 attached to the sole structure 100. The footwear 10 may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10. As shown in FIG. 6, a longitudinal axis Aw of the footwear 10 extends along a length of the footwear 10 from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14 parallel to a ground surface, and generally divides the footwear 10 into a medial side 16 and a lateral side 18. Accordingly, the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18.

[0044] The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 may be subdivided into a toe portion 20T corresponding with phalanges and a ball portion 20B associated with metatarsal bones of a foot. Thus, reference to the forefoot region 20 throughout the description collectively refers to the region including the toe portion 20T and the ball portion 20B. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. As shown in FIG. 9, features of the article of footwear 10 may be defined relative to a ground reference plane Pground, which is defined as a horizontal plane that extends tangent to the ground-engaging surface 101 of the sole structure 100 when the sole structure 100 is configured in an unloaded or resting state. Alternatively, features may be defined relative to a footbed plane Pfootbed, which is a reference plane that extends through (i) an MTP point on the footbed corresponding to the MTP joint of the foot864237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01and (ii) a calcaneus point Ptcaic on the footbed corresponding to the calcaneus bone of the foot when the footwear 10 is donned by a user.

[0045] The sole structure 100 includes a midsole 102 configured to provide cushioning and support and an outsole 104 defining a ground-engaging surface 101 (i.e., contacts the ground during a stance phase of a gait cycle) of the sole structure 100. Unlike conventional sole structures, which include monolithic midsoles and outsoles, the sole structure 100 of the present disclosure is configured as a composite structure including a plurality of components joined together. For example, the midsole 102 includes a resilient cushion or cushioning element 106, a cushioning arrangement 108, and a support plate 110. The outsole 104 is attached to the midsole 102 to provide traction and abrasion resistance.

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the cushioning element 106 of the midsole 102 extends from a first end 112 at the anterior end 12 of the footwear 10 to a second end 114 at the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10. While the cushioning element 106 may be formed as a monolithic structure including a homogenous elastomeric material, the cushioning element 106 of the present example is defined in terms of a plurality of portions or subcomponents. For example, the cushioning element 106 includes an upper cushion or cushioning member 116 disposed adjacent to the upper 300 and a lower cushion or cushioning member 118 disposed adjacent to the outsole 104. Each of the upper cushioning member 116 and the lower cushioning member 118 extends continuously from the first end 112 of the cushioning element 106 to the second end 114 of the cushioning element 106.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper cushioning member 116 includes a top side 120 facing the upper 300 and defining a profile of a footbed of the sole structure 100, a lower side 122 formed on an opposite side of the cushioning element 106 from the top side 120, and a peripheral side 124 extending from the top side 120 to the lower side 122 and defining an outer peripheral profile of the upper cushioning member 116. The peripheral side 124 may include side reliefs 126 formed on each of the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 of the cushioning element 106. As shown, the side reliefs 126 include elongate recesses having a concave cross-sectional profile extending along each side of the cushioning element 106 in the mid-foot region 22 and the heel region 24. The side reliefs 126 may have an ellipsoidal profile, whereby a depth (i.e., measured inwardly from the peripheral side 124) is greatest at a central portion of the side relief 126 and tapers or decreases in a direction towards the edges or boundary of the side relief 126.964237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01

[0048] Likewise, the lower cushioning member 118 includes an upper side 128 that faces the lower side 122 of the upper cushioning member 116, a bottom side 130 formed on an opposite side from the upper side 128 and defining a profile of the ground-engaging surface 101 of the sole structure 100, and a peripheral side 132 extending from the upper side 128 to the bottom side 130 and defining an outer peripheral profile of the lower cushioning member 116.

[0049] As described in greater detail below, the cushioning element 106 includes a receptacle 134 formed within the cushioning element 106 between the top side 120 and the bottom side 130 in the forefoot region 20 and the mid-foot region 22. The receptacle 134 is configured to receive and support the cushioning arrangement 108 within the cushioning element 106. In other words, the cushioning element 106 extends above the cushioning arrangement 108 (i.e., between the cushioning arrangement 108 and the upper 300) and beneath the cushioning arrangement 108 (i.e., between the cushioning arrangement 108 and the outsole 104). In the illustrated example, the receptacle 134 is defined between the lower side 122 of the upper cushioning member 116 and the upper side 128 of the lower cushioning member 118.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the upper cushioning member 116 extends continuously from the first end 112 of the cushioning element 106 to the second end 114 of the cushioning element 106. The lower side 122 of the upper cushioning member 116 is generally configured to mate or interface with a top side of the support plate 110, as discussed more below. Thus, the upper cushioning member 116 may be described as including a forefoot section 136, a mid-foot section 138, and a heel section 140. The sections 136, 138, 140 of the upper cushioning member 116 are associated with geometries of the lower side 122 that correspond to the geometries of the support plate 110. For example, the lower side 122 defines generally convex surfaces extending through the forefoot section 136 and the heel section 140, while the portion of the lower side 122 disposed between the forefoot section 136 and the heel section 140 is recessed towards the top side 120 (i.e. a thickness of the upper cushioning member 116 is reduced) relative to the forefoot section 136 and the heel section 140. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower side 122 of the upper cushioning member 116 includes an upper plate pocket 142 configured to receive an upper portion of the support plate 110 when the sole structure 100 is assembled.

[0051] The mid-foot section 138 of the upper cushioning member 116 includes a substantially planar portion of the lower side 122 and defines an upper portion of the receptacle 134 for receiving the cushioning arrangement 108 between the upper cushioning member 116 and the lower 1064237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01cushioning member 118. As best shown in FIG. 9, the planar portion defined by the mid-foot section 138 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the footbed plane Pfootbed defined by the sole structure 100. As discussed in greater detail below, the angle Opiate of the mid-foot section 138 corresponds to a relative angle between the footbed plane Pfootbed and a reference plane Ppiate of the support plate 110, which is oriented to be parallel with an MTP reference plane PMTP that extends tangent to the ground-engaging surface 101 of the sole structure 100 at the MTP joint. Thus, FIG.9 shows an angle 9MTP between the MTP reference plane PMTP and the ground reference plane Pground that is the same as the relative angle Opiate of orientation between the footbed plane Pfootbed and each of the mid-foot section 138 and the plate reference plane Ppiate.

[0052] Referring still to FIGS. 7-9, the lower cushioning member 118 extends continuously from the first end 112 of the cushioning element 106 to the second end 114 of the cushioning element 106 and includes the upper side 128 and the bottom side 130, as described previously. When the sole structure 100 is assembled, the upper side 128 of the lower cushioning member 118 faces and is attached to the lower side 124 of the upper cushioning member 116 to form the cushioning element 106. As with the upper cushioning member 116, the lower cushioning member 118 includes a forefoot section 144, a mid-foot section 146, and a heel section 148. Generally, the forefoot section 144 and the heel section 148 of the lower cushioning member 118 form anterior and posterior support segments of the lower cushioning member 118, which are configured to interface or mate with a bottom side of the support plate 110, while a portion of the upper side 128 defined by the mid-foot section 146 is configured to be spaced apart from the bottom side of the support plate 110 to define the receptacle 134 for receiving the cushioning arrangement 108. Thus, the mid-foot section 146 may be referred to as forming a tray having a reduced thickness Ti46 relative to the forefoot section 144 and the heel section 148.

[0053] The mid-foot section 146 of the lower cushioning member 118 extends from a first end 150 adjacent to the toe portion 20T to a second end 151 in the mid-foot region 22. An intermediate portion 154 of the mid-foot section 146 extends between and connects the first end 150 and the second end 151. The first end 150 is defined by a front surface 152 that extends from the upper side 128 of the forefoot section 144 at an oblique angle relative to the footbed plane Pfootbed, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The second end 151 is defined by a rear surface 153 that extends from the upper side 128 of the heel section 148 to the intermediate portion 154. As shown, the rear surface 153 includes a concave profile and is tangent with the intermediate portion 154. Thus, bending 1164237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01forces applied along the mid-foot region 22 may be evenly distributed between the second end 151 and the intermediate portion 154 to minimize localization of stresses in the mid-foot region 22.

[0054] The recessed portion of the upper side 128 defined by the intermediate portion 154 of the mid-foot section 146 includes a substantially planar support surface 156 for supporting and attaching to the cushioning arrangement 108. While not shown in the illustrated example, the intermediate portion 154 may include one or more bladder retainers, such as annular ribs or recesses configured to mate with a lower portion of the cushioning arrangement 108. However, the illustrated example is formed without retainers, whereby the interface between the cushioning arrangement 108 and the planar surface permits maximum deflection or expansion of the cushioning arrangement 108 when compressed.

[0055] The recessed support surface 156 is spaced apart from the bottom of the support plate 110 by a distance defining a height H134 of the receptacle 134 and is substantially parallel to the planar portion of the mid-foot section 138 of the upper cushioning member 116. The height H134 of the receptacle 134 corresponds to a thickness Tios of the cushioning arrangement 108 such that the cushioning arrangement 108 contacts a bottom side of the support plate 110 when the sole structure 100 is assembled. Thus, a central axis Aios defined by the cushioning arrangement 108 is oriented perpendicular to the support plate 110 and the recessed support surface 156. In other words, the central axis A108 of the cushioning arrangement is also oriented at an oblique angle relative to the footbed plane Pfootbcd. In the illustrated example, each of the surfaces 152, 153, 156 extends continuously through an entire width of the midsole 102 from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18 such that the receptacle 134 effectively forms a channel extending across the width of the sole structure 100. As shown, the cushioning arrangement 108 is displayed and unconstricted along the sides 16, 18 when the sole structure 100 is assembled.

[0056] When the sole structure 100 is assembled, the length L134 of the receptacle 134 is sufficient to provide gaps 158, 160 between the cushioning arrangement 108 and the respective end surfaces 152, 153. The gaps 158, 160 include a first gap 158 disposed between the front surface 152 and the cushioning arrangement 108 and a second gap 160 disposed between the rear surface 153 and the cushioning arrangement 108. The gaps 158, 160 provide an expansion space between the cushioning arrangement 108 and the lower cushioning member 118. Thus, when the forefoot region 20 of the sole structure 100 is compressed, the cushioning arrangement 108 and1264237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01the lower cushioning member 118 may deform and extend into the gaps 158, 160 without contacting each other or the end surfaces 152, 153.

[0057] With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bottom side 130 of the lower cushioning member 118 is formed with a discontinuous profde extending between the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the cushioning element 106. Particularly, the bottom side 130 includes an anterior portion 161 extending through the forefoot region 20 and a posterior portion 162 extending through the mid-foot region 22 and the heel region 24. The anterior portion 161 is connected to the posterior portion 162 by a transition portion 163. As shown, the anterior portion 161 of the bottom side 130 defines a first portion of the ground-engaging surface 101 in the forefoot region 20 of the sole structure 100. The posterior portion 162 of the bottom side 130 defines a second portion of the ground-engaging surface 101 in the mid-foot region 22 and heel region 24 of the sole structure 100 that is offset from the first portion of the ground-engaging surface 101 defined by the anterior portion 161 of the bottom side 130.

[0058] Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the anterior portion 161 of the bottom side 130 extends from a first end 164 associated with the first end 112 of the cushioning element 106 to a second end 165 disposed adjacent to the mid-foot region 22. The posterior portion 162 of the bottom side 130 extends from a first end 166 disposed adjacent to the forefoot region 20 to a second end 167 associated with the second end 114 of the cushioning element 106. The transition portion 163 of the bottom side 130 extends between the second end 165 of the anterior portion 161 and the first end 166 of the posterior portion 162 and defines a vertical offset along the bottom side 130 between the anterior portion 161 and the posterior portion 162. Thus, the first end 166 of the posterior portion 162 of the bottom side 130 is offset away from the ground reference plate PgrOund (i.e., towards the footbed plane Pfootbed) relative to the second end 165 of the anterior portion 161. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, this offset relationship results in the entire posterior portion 162 of the bottom side 130 being spaced apart from the plane that extends tangent to the anterior portion 161 at the second end 165 of the anterior portion 161 (i.e., represented by the ground plane Pground in FIG. 9).

[0059] As described above, the components 116, 118 of the cushioning element 106 are formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as foam or rubber, to impart properties of cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the foot of the wearer. In the illustrated example, the upper cushioning member 116 includes a first foam material and the lower cushioning member 1364237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01118 includes a second foam material. For example, the upper cushioning member 116 may include first foam materials providing greater cushioning and impact distribution, while the lower cushioning member 118 includes a foam material having a greater hardness or stiffness in order to provide increased stability to the bottom of the sole structure 100.

[0060] Example resilient polymeric materials for the cushioning element 106 may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.

[0061] In some aspects, the one or more polymers may include olefinic homopolymers, olefinic copolymers, or blends thereof. Examples of olefinic polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof. In other aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated mono-fatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0062] In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof.

[0063] In yet further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomeric polymers. In these aspects, the ionomeric polymers may include polymers with carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and / or anhydrides thereof. For instance, the ionomeric polymer(s) may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomeric polymers, polystyrene sulfonate, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0064] In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.1464237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01

[0065] In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-poly ether copolymers) and / or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethanes and / or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0066] When the resilient polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and / or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and / or an isocyanate.

[0067] In some embodiments, the foamed polymeric material may be a crosslinked foamed material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide may be used. Furthermore, the foamed polymeric material may include one or more fillers such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc glass fiber, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, and the like.

[0068] The resilient polymeric material may be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the resilient polymeric material is a molded elastomer, the uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) may be mixed in a Banbury mixer with an optional filler and a curing package such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package, calendared, formed into shape, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.

[0069] In another example, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the material may be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process. A thermoplastic polymeric material may be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical blowing agent and optionally a crosslinking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions which activate the blowing agent, forming a molded foam.

[0070] Optionally, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the foamed material may be a compression molded foam. Compression molding may be used to alter the physical properties (e.g., density, stiffness and / or durometer) of a foam, or to alter the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., to fuse two or more pieces of foam, to shape the foam, etc.), or both.1564237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01

[0071] The compression molding process desirably starts by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming a polymeric material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting foamed sheet stock, and the like. The compression molded foam may then be made by placing the one or more preforms formed of foamed polymeric material(s) in a compression mold, and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in a closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and / or pressure is applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient duration of time to alter the preform(s) by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fuse individual foam particles to each other, permanently increase the density of the foam(s), or any combination thereof. Following the heating and / or application of pressure, the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.

[0072] With continued reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the support plate 110 is disposed between the upper cushioning member 116 and the lower cushioning member 118 and defines a total length Luo extending along a direction of the longitudinal axis Aio from a first end 170 in the toe portion 20T to a second end 172 in the heel region 26. As shown, the total length Luo of the support plate 110 is less than a length Lioe of the cushioning element 106 measured from the first end 112 to the second end 114 at the joint between the upper cushioning member 116 and the lower cushioning member 118. In other words, the first end 170 and the second end 172 of the support plate 110 are offset inwardly from each of the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the cushioning element 106. In the illustrated example, the total length Luo of the support plate 110 ranges from 75% to 85% of the length Lioe of the cushioning element 106 and, more particularly, is approximately 80% of the length Lioe of the cushioning element 106. Relative to the sole structure 100, the second end 172 of the support plate 110 terminates at a location between mid-foot region 22 and the calcaneus point Ptcaiethat corresponds to the calcaneus bone of the foot when the footwear 10 is donned by user. In other words, the support plate 110 is configured such that the second end 172 does not extend below the calcaneus bone of the foot during use.

[0073] The support plate 110 and features thereof may be described as including a top side 174 facing the upper 300 and an opposite bottom side 176 facing the outsole 104, whereby a distance from the top side 174 to the bottom side 176 defines a thickness of the support plate 110. In some implementations, the support plate 110 includes a substantially uniform thickness. Thus, it will be1664237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01understood that the top side 174 of the support plate 110 and the bottom side of the support plate 110 have corresponding profiles. For example, an arcuate portion of the support plate 110 that defines a concavity on one of the top side 174 or the bottom side 176 also defines a corresponding convexity on the other of the top side or the bottom side 176. In some examples, the thickness of the support plate 110 ranges from about 0.6 millimeters (mm) to about 3.0 mm. In one example, the thickness of the support plate 110 is substantially equal to one 1.0 mm. In other implementations, the thickness of the support plate 110 is non-uniform such that the support plate 110 may have a greater thickness in one region 20, 22, 24 of the sole structure 100 than the thicknesses in the other regions 20, 22, 24.

[0074] The support plate 110 includes a material providing relatively high strength and stiffness, such as polymeric material and / or composite materials. In some examples, the support plate 110 is a composite material manufactured using fiber sheets or textiles, including pre-impregnated (i.e., “prepreg”) fiber sheets or textiles. Alternatively or additionally, the support plate 110 may be manufactured by strands formed from multiple filaments of one or more types of fiber (e.g., fiber tows) by affixing the fiber tows to a substrate or to each other to produce a plate having the strands of fibers arranged predominately at predetermined angles or in predetermined positions. When using strands of fibers, the types of fibers included in the strand can include synthetic polymer fibers which can be melted and re-solidified to consolidate the other fibers present in the strand and, optionally, other components such as stitching thread or a substrate or both. Alternatively or additionally, the fibers of the strand and, optionally the other components such as stitching thread or a substrate or both, can be consolidated by applying a resin after affixing the strands of fibers to the substrate and / or to each other. In other configurations, the support plate 110 includes one or more layers / plies of unidirectional tape. In some examples, each layer in the stack includes a different orientation than the layer disposed underneath. The support plate 110 may be formed from unidirectional tape including at least one of carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymeric fibers. In some examples, the one or more materials forming the support plate 110 include a Young’s modulus of at least 70 gigapascals (GPa).

[0075] With continued reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the support plate 110 includes an intermediate platform 178 and a pair of arcuate segments 180, 182 extending from opposite ends of the intermediate platform 178. For the sake of describing the geometries of the support plate 110, reference will be made to the profiles of the bottom side 176. Thus, reference to a “planar”1764237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01geometry or an “arcuate” geometry is directed to the bottom side 176 of the support plate 110 unless otherwise stated. However, as noted above, it should be understood that the top side 174 of the support plate 110 would have a complementary profile, such that a convex surface on the bottom side 176 equates to a concave surface on the top side 174, and vice versa.

[0076] The platform 178 defines a substantially planar portion of the support plate 110 extending through the mid-foot region 22 of the sole structure 100 from a first platform end 184 to a second platform end 186. Particularly, the platform 178 opposes the intermediate portion 154 of the lower cushioning member 118, whereby the bottom side 176 of the platform 178 is spaced part from the intermediate portion 154 of the lower cushioning member 118 to define the height H134 of the receptacle 134. As previously discussed, when installed in the sole structure 100, the platform 178 is generally oriented parallel to the MTP reference plane PMTP and at an oblique angle relative to the footbed plane Pfootbed. For example, the platform 178 may be oriented at approximately a five (5) degree incline relative to the footbed plane Pfootbed. The platform 178 is parallel to the support surface 156 of the intermediate portion 154 such that the receptacle 134 has a substantially constant height for receiving the cushioning arrangement 108. Additionally, the platform 178 is substantially parallel with a portion of the ground-engaging surface 101 of the sole structure 100 extending along the opposite side of the intermediate portion 154 from the support surface 156. In other words, although the ground-engaging surface 101 is shown as being generally convex along the anterior portion 161 of the bottom side 130, the portion of the ground-engaging surface 101 associated with the forefoot region (e.g., a tangent point aligned with the cushioning arrangement 108 at the MTP joint) is formed at an oblique angle 9MTP relative to the footbed plane Pfootbed.

[0077] Referring still to FIGS. 9 and 10, the support plate 110 further includes an anterior arcuate segment 180 extending from the first platform end 184 to the first end 170 of the support plate 110. In other words, the first end 170 of the support plate 110 defines a distal or terminal end of the anterior arcuate segment 180. The anterior arcuate segment 180 includes a compound curvature defining an anterior cambered segment 190 having a convex profile, an anterior transition segment 192 having an opposite concave profile between the anterior cambered segment 190 and the first platform end 184, and an anterior tip segment 194 extending between the anterior cambered segment 190 and the first end 170. As shown, the anterior cambered segment 190 has a first radius of curvature R190 defining the convexity and the anterior transition segment 192 has a second radius of curvature R192 in the opposite direction than the first radius of curvature R190. The 1864237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01anterior transition segment 192 is generally tangentially formed with each of the platform 178 and the anterior cambered segment 190. The anterior tip segment 194 may be planar or have a larger radius of curvature than the anterior cambered segment 190, whereby the anterior tip segment 194 defines a flatter portion of the support plate 110 adjacent to the first end 170.

[0078] With continued reference to FIG. 10, the support plate 110 further includes the posterior arcuate segment 182 extending from the second platform end 186 to the second end 172 of the support plate 110. In other words, the second end 172 of the support plate 110 defines a distal or terminal end of the posterior arcuate segment 182. The posterior arcuate segment 182 includes a compound curvature defining a posterior cambered segment 196 having a convex profile, a posterior transition segment 198 having an opposite concave profile between the posterior cambered segment 196 and the second platform end 186, and a posterior tip segment 200 extending between the posterior cambered segment 196 and the second end 172. As shown, the posterior cambered segment 196 has a third radius of curvature Ri96 defining the convexity and the posterior transition segment 198 has a fourth radius of curvature Ri98 in the opposite direction than the third radius of curvature. The posterior transition segment 198 is generally tangentially formed with each of the platform 178 and the posterior cambered segment 196. The posterior tip segment 200 may be planar or have a larger radius of curvature than the posterior cambered segment 196, whereby the posterior tip segment 200 defines a flatter portion of the support plate 110 adjacent to the second end 172.

[0079] With continued reference to FIG. 9, the length Li34of the receptacle may be greater than a length Lns of the platform, whereby the gaps 158, 160 defined by opposite ends of the receptacle 134 extend beyond the first platform end 184 and the second platform end 186. Particularly, the first gap 158 disposed between the front surface 152 and the cushioning arrangement 108 extends along the anterior transition segment 192 of the anterior arcuate segment 180, whereby the anterior transition segment 192 can flex into the first gap 158 under load. Similarly, the second gap 160 disposed between the rear surface 153 and the cushioning arrangement 108 extends along the posterior transition segment 198 of the posterior arcuate segment 182, whereby the posterior transition segment 198 can flex into the second gap 160 under load.

[0080] Referring still to FIG. 9, the support plate 110 is configured in a manner such that when the support plate 110 is assembled within the sole structure 100, the anterior cambered segment 190 and the posterior cambered segment 196 generally complement the profile of the ground- 1964237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01engaging surface of the sole structure 100. More particularly, the ground-engaging surface of the sole structure 100 is provided with a continuous convex shape from the first end 112 to the second end 114, whereby when the sole structure 100 is in the resting state (FIG. 9) the ground-engaging surface 101 is generally tangent to the ground-reference plane adjacent to the mid-foot region 22 and curves away from the ground-reference plane Pground in the forefoot region 20. Thus, each of the anterior cambered segment 190 and the posterior cambered segment 196 also curve away from the ground reference plane Pground (i . e., towards the footbed plane Pfootbed) in the forefoot region 20 and the heel region 24. In the illustrated example, the anterior cambered segment 190 is oriented at a lesser angle than the corresponding portion of the ground-engaging surface in the toe portion 20T, whereby the anterior cambered segment 190 and the ground-engaging surface converge along a direction towards the anterior end 12. Conversely, the posterior cambered segment 196 is oriented generally parallel to or slightly divergent from the ground-engaging surface in the heel region 26.

[0081] Referring now to FIG. 10, the geometries and features of the support plate 110 are described in greater detail and relative to a local plate reference plane Ppiate defined by the platform 178. Particularly, the plate reference plane Ppiate is generally associated or coincident with the planar profile of the platform 178 and extends through each of the first platform end 184 and the second platform end 186. Although the platform 178 and the plate reference plane Ppiateare oriented at an oblique angle relative to the footbed plane Pfootbed, FIG. 10 provides the support plate 110 with the plate reference plane Ppiate in a horizontal orientation for the sake of defining the geometries of the support plate 110.

[0082] Referring still to FIG. 10, the platform 178 has a length Li78 extending from the first platform end 184 to the second platform end 186. The anterior arcuate segment 180 defines a length Li8o extending from the first platform end 184 to the first end 170 of the support plate 110 and the posterior arcuate segment 182 defines a length of the support plate 110 extending from the second platform end 186 to the second end 172 of the support plate 110. As best shown in FIG.14, the second end 172 of the support plate 110 may be blunted or straight from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18 to minimize the overall weight of the sole structure 100.

[0083] In combination, the lengths Lns, Liso, Li82, of the plate portions 178, 180, 182 define the overall length Luo of the support plate 110. In the illustrated example, the length LI?8 of the platform 178 ranges from 10% to 20% of the total length of the support plate 110 and, more 2064237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01particularly, is approximately 15% of the total length of the support plate 110. The length Liso of the anterior arcuate segment 180 ranges from 45% to 55% of the total length of the support plate 110 and, more particularly, is approximately 50% of the total length of the support plate 110. The length Li82 of the posterior arcuate segment 182 ranges from 30% to 40% of the total length of the support plate 110 and, more particularly, is approximately 35% of the total length of the support plate 110.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 10, the anterior transition segment 192 defines a first convex curvature that diverges from the plate reference plane Ppiate to a first transition point PTI between the anterior transition segment 192 and the anterior cambered segment 190. The first transition point PTI defines the point of the anterior arcuate segment 180 where the convex curvature of the anterior transition segment 192 meets the concave curvature of the anterior cambered segment 190. From the first transition point PTI, the anterior cambered segment 190 extends along the concave radius of curvature R190 to an anterior plate apex point P190. The radius of curvature R190 continues through the anterior plate apex point Pi$>o to a second transition point PT2 between the anterior cambered segment 190 and the anterior tip segment 194, where the radius of the support plate 110 increases or flattens. As shown, the anterior arcuate segment 180 extends to the first end 170 of the support plate 110, which is above the platform 178 (i.e., above the plate reference plane Ppiate).

[0085] The posterior transition segment 198 defines a first convex curvature that diverges from the plate reference plane Ppiate to a third transition point PT3 between the posterior transition segment 198 and the posterior cambered segment 196. The third transition point PT3 defines the point of the posterior arcuate segment 182 where the convex curvature of the posterior transition segment 198 meets the concave curvature of the posterior cambered segment 196. From the third transition point PT3, the posterior cambered segment 196 extends along the concave radius of curvature Ri96 to a posterior plate apex point Pi96. The radius of curvature Ri96 continuous through the posterior plate apex point Pi96 to a fourth transition point PT4 between the posterior cambered segment 196 and the posterior tip segment 200, where the radius of the support plate 110 increases or flattens. As shown, the posterior arcuate segment 182 extends to the second end 172 of the support plate 110, which is above the platform 178 (i.e., above the plate reference plane Ppiate). Thus, each of the first end 170 and the second end 172 of the support plate 110 extend above the plate reference plane Ppiate defined by the platform 178.2164237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01

[0086] With particular reference to FIG. 11, the cushioning arrangement 108 is shown to include a medial cushion or cushioning structure 210 and a lateral cushion or cushioning structure 212. The medial cushioning structure 210 is disposed proximate to the medial side 16 of the sole structure 100 while the lateral cushioning structure 212 is disposed proximate to the lateral side 18 of the sole structure 100. As shown in FIG. 11, each of the medial cushioning structure 210 and the lateral cushioning structure 212 includes an upper bladder 214 and a lower bladder 216. As referred to herein, the cushioning arrangement 108 includes a central axis Aws extending along a thickness direction of the cushioning arrangement 108 between top and bottom sides.

[0087] Each of the bladders 214, 216 may include a pair of barrier layers 218 formed and joined together along a peripheral seam to define a chamber 220 within the bladder 214, 216. Here, an upper barrier layer 218 defines a top side of the bladder 214, 216 and a lower barrier layer 218 defines a bottom side of each bladder 214, 216.

[0088] As used herein, the term “barrier layer” (e.g., barrier layers 218) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 218 are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 218 are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 micrometers to about be about 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

[0089] One or both of the barrier layers 218 can independently be transparent, translucent, and / or opaque. As used herein, the term “transparent” for a barrier layer and / or a fluid-filled chamber means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier layer. In comparison, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer, in that light passes through a translucent layer but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the layer.

[0090] The barrier layers 218 can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and / or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an aspect, the 2264237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

[0091] As used herein, "polyurethane" refers to a copolymer (including oligomers) that contains a urethane group (-N(C=O)O-). These polyurethanes can contain additional groups such as ester, ether, urea, allophanate, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocynaurate, uretdione, carbonate, and the like, in addition to urethane groups. In an aspect, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (-N(C=O)O-) linkages.

[0092] Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3' - dimethyldiphenyl -4, 4' -diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4 '-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

[0093] In particular aspects, the polyurethane polymer chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, Hl 2 aliphatics, and combinations thereof. In an aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

[0094] In another aspect, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-m ethyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.2364237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01

[0095] The barrier layers 218 may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in Mitchell et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,713,141 and Mitchell et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,952,065, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where the barrier layers 218 include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in Bonk et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In further embodiments, barrier layers 218 may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers 218 includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and / or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

[0096] The bladders 214, 216 can be produced from the barrier layers 218 using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an aspect, the barrier layers 218 can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce an inflatable chamber 220, which can optionally include one or more valves (e.g., one-way valves) that allows the chamber 220 to be filled with the fluid (e.g., gas).

[0097] The chamber 220 can be provided in a fluid-filled (e.g., as provided in footwear 10) or in an unfilled state. The chamber 220 can be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid. In an aspect, the gas can include air, nitrogen (N2), or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, the chamber 220 can alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled material, and the like (e.g., foamed beads and / or rubber beads). The fluid provided to the chamber 220 can result in the chamber 220 being pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to the chamber 220 can be at atmospheric pressure such that the chamber 220 is not pressurized but, rather, simply contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

[0098] The fluid-filled chamber 220 desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the fluid-filled chamber 220 has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten (10) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, fluid-filled chamber 220 has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of 15 cubic-centimeter / square-meter*atmosphere’day 2464237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01(cm3 / m2*atm«day) or less for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on thicknesses of the barrier layers 218). In further aspects, the transmission rate is 10 cm3 / m2»atm»day or less, 5 cm3 / m2«atm»day or less, or 1 cm3 / m2«atm»day or less.

[0099] The chamber 220 of each of the bladders 214, 216 may receive a tensile element 222 therein. Each tensile element 222 may include a series of tensile strands 224 extending between an upper tensile sheet 226 and a lower tensile sheet 226. The upper tensile sheet 226 may be attached to a first one of the barrier layers 218 while the lower tensile sheet 226 may be attached to a second one of the barrier layers 218. In this manner, when the chamber 220 receives the pressurized fluid, the tensile strands 224 of the tensile element 222 are placed in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet 226 is attached to the upper barrier layer 218 and the lower tensile sheet 226 is attached to the lower barrier layer 218, the tensile strands 224 retain a desired shape of the bladders 214, 216 when the pressurized fluid is injected into the chamber 220.

[0100] In the illustrated example, the heights of the upper bladders 214 and the lower bladders 216 cooperate to define an overall height of the cushioning structures 210, 212, which corresponds to the height H134 of the receptacle 134. When the sole structure 100 is assembled, the lower barrier layer 218 of each of the lower bladders 216 is received on the support surface 156 of the intermediate portion 154 such that the cushioning arrangement 108 is supported on the foam material of the lower cushioning member 118. Conversely, the upper barrier layer 218 of each of the upper bladders 214 is received against the bottom side 176 of the platform 178 of the support plate 110. In this example, the upper barrier layer 218 of the lower bladder 216 supports and is attached to the lower barrier layer 218 of the upper bladder 214. Thus, the lower bladders 216 may serve as a functional base of each cushioning structure 210, 212.

[0101] While the illustrated example of the cushioning arrangement 108 includes the cushioning structures 210, 212 including the upper and lower bladders 214, 216 of similar sizes, other examples of the sole structure 100 may be provided with medial and lateral cushioning structures each including upper and lower bladders having different sizes. In other examples, the cushioning arrangement 108 may include medial and lateral cushioning structures each including only a single, column-shaped bladder. In other examples, the cushioning arrangement may include elongate upper and lower bladders arranged in a single stack, whereby each bladder extends from a first end at the medial side 16 to a second end at the lateral side 18. In yet another example, the2564237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01cushioning arrangement 108 may include a single bladder extending between the medial side and the lateral side and having a height corresponding to the height Hi34of the receptacle.

[0102] With continued reference to FIGS. 4-8, the outsole 104 includes one or more outsole plates 240, 242 attached to the bottom side 130 of the lower cushioning member 118. In the illustrated example, the outsole 104 includes an anterior outsole plate 240 attached to the anterior portion 161 of the bottom side 130 of the lower cushioning member 118 and an optional posterior outsole plate 242 attached to the posterior potion 162 of the bottom side 130 of the lower cushioning member 118. Optionally, one or both of the outsole plates 240, 242 may include traction elements 244 extending therefrom to provide a traction interface along the groundengaging surface 101 of the sole structure 100. Materials forming the outsole plates 240, 242 have a Young’s modulus of at least 10 gPa. The outsole plates 240, 242 may include polymeric materials or may be formed using composite materials, similar to the methods disclosed herein with respect to the support plate 110.

[0103] The traction elements 244 may be formed from a suitable material such as, for example, a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. For example, the traction elements 244 may be formed from titanium or carbon fiber. In addition, the traction elements 244 may be molded or printed using a three-dimensional (3D) printer. In the case of the traction elements 244 being formed from a polymer, the traction elements 244 may be overmolded onto the support plate 110 or could be separately formed from the support plate 110 and subsequently attached to the support plate 110 via a suitable adhesive. In the case of the traction elements being formed from a metal such as titanium, the traction elements 244 could be casted, machined, or formed using a 3D printer before being attached to the support plate 110. Finally, if the traction elements 244 are formed from a composite material such as carbon fiber, the traction elements 244 could be integrally formed with the support plate 110 when the support plate 110 is formed or, alternatively, could be separately formed and attached to the support plate 110 via a suitable adhesive. Regardless of the material(s) and process(es) used to form the traction elements 244, in the present example, the traction elements 244 are spikes, which may be used during a track-and-field event, for example, to provide a wearer with the ability to grip a ground surface during use. While the traction elements 244 are described and shown as being spikes and, further, described for use in a track-and-field event, the traction elements 244 could have virtually any shape and could be used for other activities.2664237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01

[0104] As best shown in FIG. 6-8, the anterior outsole plate 240 extends from a first end 246 adjacent to the anterior end 12 of the sole structure 100 to a second end 248 in the mid-foot region 22 of the sole structure 100. Particularly, the second end 248 of the anterior outsole plate 240 terminates adjacent to the second end of the anterior portion 161 of the bottom side 130 of the lower cushioning member 118. Thus, the second end 248 of the anterior outsole plate 240 is disposed on the anterior side of the transition portion 163 of the bottom side 130. The anterior outsole plate 240 includes a top side 250 that faces the bottom side 130 of the lower cushioning member 118 and an opposite bottom side 252 that defines a portion of the ground-engaging surface 101 of the sole structure 100. The anterior outsole plate 240 further includes a peripheral edge 254 extending between the top side 250 and the bottom side 252 and defining a peripheral profile of the anterior outsole plate 240.

[0105] The anterior outsole plate 240 includes a pair of outsole plate legs 256, 258 each extending from the first end 246 of the anterior outsole plate 240 to the second end 248 of the anterior outsole plate 240. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the outsole plate legs 256, 258 include a medial outsole plate leg 256 extending from a first proximal end 260 at the first end 246 of the anterior outsole plate 240 to a first distal end 262 at the second end 248 of the anterior outsole plate 240. The outsole plate legs 256, 258 further include a lateral outsole plate leg 258 extending from a second proximal end 264 connected to the first proximal end 260 at the first end 246 of the anterior outsole plate 240 to a second distal end 266 at the second end 248 of the anterior outsole plate 240.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 6, the outsole plate legs 256, 258 extend independently from the first end 246 of the anterior outsole plate 240 to their respective distal ends 262, 266. Each outsole plate leg 258, 260 extends generally along an arcuate path corresponding to a profile of the peripheral side 132 of the lower cushioning member 118, whereby the peripheral edge 254 of the anterior outsole plate 240 is disposed adjacent to the peripheral side 132 of the lower cushioning member 118 along the anterior portion 161 of the bottom side 130 of the lower cushioning member 118. Interior portions of the outsole plate legs 256, 258 are spaced apart from each other by a gap 268 that extends continuously from the first end 246 and through the second end 248 of the anterior outsole plate 240. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the outsole plate legs 256, 258 may have widths W258, W260 that are reduced along intermediate portions extending through the toe portion 20T between the first end 246 and the respective distal ends 262, 266, whereby the widths W258, W2602764237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01at the distal ends 262, 266 associated with the ball portion 20B define bulbous portions of the outsole plate legs 256, 258.

[0107] The posterior outsole plate 242 is formed separately from the anterior outsole plate 240 and is attached to posterior portion 162 of the bottom side 130 of the lower cushioning member 118. The posterior outsole plate 242 extends adjacent to the peripheral side 132 of the lower cushioning member 118 from a first end 270 disposed adjacent to the lateral side 18 to a second end 272 on the medial side 16 at the posterior end 14 of the sole structure 100. The posterior outsole plate 242 includes a top side 274 facing the bottom side 130 of the lower cushioning member 118 and a bottom side 276 formed on an opposite side. A peripheral edge 278 extends between the top side 274 and the bottom side 276 and defines a peripheral profile of the posterior outsole plate 242. Optionally, the bottom side 276 may be formed with a tread or traction pattern to provide traction properties at the heel region 24 of the sole structure 100.

[0108] The upper 300 forms an enclosure having plurality of components that cooperate to define an interior void 302 and an ankle opening 304, which cooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 100. The upper 300 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define the interior void 302. Suitable materials of the upper 300 may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The example upper 300 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper 300 to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between the tightened state and the loosened state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, without limitation, spandex, elastane, rubber or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material / fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

[0109] In use, the sole structure 100 provides an optimized configuration for use in activities that predominantly concentrate forces associated with the gait cycle in the forefoot region 20 of the sole structure, such as short distance running. In the resting state, weight applied by the plantar surface of the foot is evenly distributed along the length Luo of the sole structure 100, whereby both the anterior outsole plate 240 and the posterior outsole plate 242 support portions of the sole structure. However, in use during a sprint or short distance race, forces associated with the gait 2864237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01cycle are primarily applied along the forefoot region 20 of the sole structure. For example, at an initial contact phase during a sprint, the sole structure 100 contacts the ground surface along the second end 248 of the anterior outsole plate 240 such that the posterior cambered segment 196, or at least a portion thereof, is generally parallel with the ground reference plane Pground. As the gait cycle advances to from the initial contact phase to the loading response phase, the convexity of the anterior outsole plate 240 and the posterior cambered segment 196 facilitates a gradual transition to through the forefoot without imparting reactive bending forces along the bottom of the foot. In other words, the posterior cambered segment 196 and the anterior outsole plate complement the forward rolling motion of the sole structure 100. As the sole structure 100 transitions through the mid-stance from the loading response phase to the terminal stance phase, the platform 178 is oriented generally parallel to the ground reference plane Pground, whereby each of the anterior cambered segment 190 and the posterior cambered segment 196 extends towards the ground reference plane Pground and distributes or absorbs some of the forces imparted to the platform by the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the foot. Thus, the anterior arcuate segment 180 and the posterior arcuate segment 182 may function as biasing or damping elements at opposite ends of the support plate 110. In the push-off phase, the convexity of the anterior cambered segment 190 allows the toe portion 20T to roll along the ground reference plane Pground toward the anterior end 12. Thus, the cambered segments 190, 196 cooperate with the platform 178 to provide improved energy dissipation while simultaneously accommodating both the beginning and end phases of the natural gait cycle.

[0110] With particular reference to FIGS. 15-17, an article of footwear 10a is provided and includes a sole structure 100a. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the article of footwear 10a with respect to the article of footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing a letter extension are used to identify components that have been modified.[oni] As with the article of footwear 10, the article of footwear 10a includes a sole structure 100a having a midsole 102a including a cushion or cushioning element 106a, a cushion arrangement 108, and a support plate 110. The cushion 106a includes an upper cushion 116a and a lower cushion 118a disposed on opposite sides of the cushion arrangement 108 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the cushion 106. However, the upper cushion 116a and the lower cushion 118a have different shapes than the respective upper cushion 116 and lower 2964237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01cushion 118 of the cushion 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the upper cushion 116a includes a relief 126a having a different shape than the relief 126 of the upper cushion 116. Additionally, the upper cushion 116a and the lower cushion 118a also include opposing surfaces that define a receptacle 134a having a different shape than the receptacle 134 of the cushion 106.

[0112] With particular reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the lower cushion 118a is shown as being bifurcated such that the lower cushion 118a includes a first segment 400 and a second segment 402. As shown in FIG. 16, the segments 400, 402 are spaced apart from one another by a gap 404 and each extends along a respective longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure 100a. Namely, and as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the gap 404 separates the segments 400, 402 at the anterior end 12 and at the posterior end 14. Separating the segments 400, 402 from one another provides the sole structure 100a with a degree of flexibility, thereby allowing the sole structure 100a to flex and move during wear.

[0113] The segments 400, 402 respectively extend along the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 of the sole structure 100a and each includes a substantially non-uniform cross-section along its length. Accordingly, the resulting gap 404 is likewise non-uniform from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. For example, and in one configuration, the gap 404 between the segments 400, 402 widens proximate to the mid-foot region 22 of the sole structure 102a and is generally narrower at the anterior end 12 and the posterior end 14. The segments 400, 402 each include an arcuate, undulating surface 406 opposing one another across the gap 404, which defines the shape of the segments 400, 402 and a shape of the gap 404.

[0114] The outsole 104a includes an outsole plate 240 disposed in the forefoot region 20 and an outsole plate 242a disposed in the heel region 24. The outsole plate 240 includes a plurality of traction elements 244 and includes a substantially horseshoe or U-shape extending from the anterior end 12 and proximate to the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 of the sole structure 100a. The outsole plate 242a includes a first portion 408 disposed on the first segment 400, a second portion 410 disposed on the second segment 402, and a third portion 412 extending between and connecting the first portion 408 and the second portion 410. The third portion 412 spans the gap 404, as shown in FIG. 16, and generally defines a narrow or necked region of the outsole plate 242a. The first and second portions 408, 410 may be adhesively bonded to the respective segments 400, 402 of the lower cushion 118a and may include integrally formed traction elements 414. The outsole plate 242a provides the sole structure 100a with enhanced traction and, further, provides 3064237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01structure and rigidity to the sole structure 100a by connecting the segments 400, 402 of the lower cushion 118a.

[0115] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.3164237005.1

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO01CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising:a cushioning element having a bottom side including (i) an anterior portion defining a first portion of a ground-engaging surface extending from an anterior end of the sole structure to a mid-foot region of the sole structure and (ii) a second portion offset from the first portion from the mid-foot region to a posterior end of the sole structure;a support plate embedded within the cushioning element and including a planar platform extending from a first platform end to a second platform end, a first arcuate segment extending in a first direction from the first platform end to a first distal end, and a second arcuate segment extending in an opposite second direction from the second platform end to a second distal end;a cushioning arrangement including one or more compressible elements disposed between the support plate and the cushioning element; andone or more outsole plates attached to the bottom side of the cushioning element.

2. The sole structure of Claim 1, wherein the one or more outsole plates includes an anterior outsole plate attached to the first portion of the bottom side.

3. The sole structure of Claim 2, wherein the anterior outsole plate extends from a first end at the anterior end of the sole structure to a second end at the mid-foot region.

4. The sole structure of Claim 2, wherein the anterior outsole plate includes a first leg extending along a medial side of the sole structure from the anterior end to the mid-foot region and a second leg extending along a lateral side of the sole structure from the anterior end to the midfoot region.

5. The sole structure of Claim 4, wherein the first leg and the second leg are connected at the anterior end and disconnected at the mid-foot region.3264237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO016. The sole structure of Claim 1, wherein the one or more outsole plates includes a posterior outsole plate attached to the second portion of the bottom side.

7. The sole structure of Claim 6, wherein the posterior outsole plate extends from a first end in a heel region of the sole structure to a second end at the posterior end of the sole structure.

8. The sole structure of Claim 7, wherein the posterior outsole plate extends along an arcuate path from the first end on a lateral side of the sole structure to the second end on a medial side of the sole structure.

9. The sole structure of Claim 1, wherein each of the one or more outsole plates includes a material having a Young’s modulus of at least 10 gigapascals.

10. The sole structure of Claim 1, wherein the support plate includes a material having a Young’s modulus of at least 70 gigapascals.

11. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising:a cushioning element having a bottom side including (i) an anterior portion defining a first portion of a ground-engaging surface extending from an anterior end of the sole structure to a mid-foot region of the sole structure and (ii) a second portion offset from the first portion from the mid-foot region to a posterior end of the sole structure;a support plate embedded within the cushioning element;a cushioning arrangement including a first cushioning structure disposed adjacent to a medial side of the sole structure and a second cushioning structure disposed adjacent to a lateral side of the sole structure, each of the first cushioning structure and the second cushioning structure including an upper bladder and a lower bladder; andone or more outsole plates attached to the bottom side of the cushioning element.

12. The sole structure of Claim 11, wherein the one or more outsole plates includes an anterior outsole plate attached to the first portion of the bottom side.3364237005.1Attorney Docket No.: 201882-578342 / 250168WO0113. The sole structure of Claim 12, wherein the anterior outsole plate extends from a first end at the anterior end of the sole structure to a second end at the mid-foot region.

14. The sole structure of Claim 12, wherein the anterior outsole plate includes a first leg extending along the medial side of the sole structure from the anterior end to the mid-foot region and a second leg extending along the lateral side of the sole structure from the anterior end to the mid-foot region.

15. The sole structure of Claim 14, wherein the first leg and the second leg are connected at the anterior end and disconnected at the mid-foot region.

16. The sole structure of Claim 11, wherein the one or more outsole plates includes a posterior outsole plate attached to the second portion of the bottom side.

17. The sole structure of Claim 16, wherein the posterior outsole plate extends from a first end in a heel region of the sole structure to a second end at the posterior end of the sole structure.

18. The sole structure of Claim 17, wherein the posterior outsole plate extends along an arcuate path from the first end on the lateral side of the sole structure to the second end on the medial side of the sole structure.

19. The sole structure of Claim 11, wherein each of the one or more outsole plates includes a plurality of traction elements.

20. The sole structure of Claim 11, wherein the support plate and the one or more outsole plates include a material having a Young’s modulus of at least 70 gigapascals.3464237005.1

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