Patent Publication Number: US-11044964-B2

Title: Footwear sole structure with bladder

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/678,251, filed May 30, 2018 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present teachings generally relate to a sole structure for an article of footwear. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Footwear typically includes a sole structure configured to be located under a wearer&#39;s foot to space the foot away from the ground. Sole structures may typically be configured to provide one or more of cushioning, motion control, and resiliency. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration in lateral side view of a sole structure. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration in top view of the sole structure of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration in bottom view of the sole structure of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration in exploded perspective view of the sole structure of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration in top view of a polymeric bladder included in the sole structure of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration in bottom view of the polymeric bladder of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration in cross-sectional view of the polymeric bladder of  FIG. 5  taken at lines  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration in medial side view of the polymeric bladder of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration in cross-sectional view of the forefoot region of the sole structure of  FIG. 2  taken at lines  9 - 9  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration in cross-sectional view of the heel region of the sole structure of  FIG. 2  taken at lines  10 - 10  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration in cross-sectional view of the forefoot region of an alternative sole structure. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration in cross-sectional view of the heel region of the sole structure of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     An inflated bladder may have contoured surfaces near its outer periphery in order to provide desired cushioning characteristics, responsiveness, and/or motion control. Bonding to the contoured surfaces presents greater manufacturing challenges than does bonding to relatively flat surfaces. A sole structure for an article of footwear provided herein has an interfitting bladder, midsole layer and sole plate that stack together to capture the bladder between the midsole and the sole plate, achieving a secure bond at the periphery of the sole structure while accommodating even the contoured surfaces of the bladder near the outer periphery of the bladder. Additionally, the sole structure may provide staged cushioning with different cushioning characteristics in different regions of the sole structure. 
     A sole structure for an article of footwear may comprise a midsole layer, a sole plate, and a polymeric bladder. The midsole layer may have a lower surface with a first recess and a peripheral bonding region between an outer periphery of the midsole layer and an outer periphery of the first recess. The outer periphery of the first recess may be spaced inward of the outer periphery of the midsole layer. The sole plate may have an upper surface with a second recess. The first recess and the second recess may together form a cavity between the sole plate and the midsole layer. The upper surface of the sole plate may have a peripheral bonding region between an outer periphery of the sole plate and an outer periphery of the second recess. The polymeric bladder may be nested in the cavity between the midsole layer and the sole plate with a contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder inward of the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer and a contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder inward of the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. Because the midsole layer and the sole plate are configured to allow the bladder to nest in the recess with a bonding region outward of the contoured upper and lower surfaces, secure bonding and the desirable cushioning characteristics of the contoured surfaces near the bonding region can both be achieved. 
     In one or more embodiments, bonding may be at a peripheral flange of the polymeric bladder. For example, the polymeric bladder may have a peripheral flange establishing at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the polymeric bladder and at least partially surrounding the fluid-filled interior cavity. The peripheral flange may be disposed between the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer and the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. The peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer may be bonded to an upper side of the peripheral flange and the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate may be bonded to a lower side of the peripheral flange. Alternatively, in one or more other embodiments, the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer may be bonded to the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. For example, the entire polymeric bladder may be inward of the peripheral bonding regions, with the midsole layer and the sole plate contacting one another at the bonding regions outward of the polymeric bladder. 
     In one or more embodiments, the midsole layer and the sole plate may be configured to interfit with the polymeric bladder&#39;s upper and lower surfaces, respectively. The contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder may be mated with the lower surface of the midsole layer in the first recess. Similarly, the contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder may be mated with the upper surface of the sole plate in the second recess. Accordingly, in such embodiments and within the dimensional tolerances of the manufacturing processes utilized in forming the components of the sole structure, the surface profile of the contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder is configured to be the same as the surface profile of the lower surface of the midsole layer in the first recess so that the surfaces are coincident. Similarly, the surface profile of the contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder may be configured to be the same as the surface profile of the upper surface of the sole plate in the second recess so that the surfaces are coincident. 
     In one or more embodiments, the contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder may include a plurality of rounded protrusions, and the lower surface of the midsole layer may include a plurality of rounded concavities corresponding with the plurality of rounded protrusions. In the same embodiment or in one or more different embodiments, the contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder may include a plurality of domed portions, and the upper surface of the sole plate may include a plurality of rounded concavities corresponding with the plurality of domed portions. 
     The polymeric bladder may include an upper polymeric sheet and a lower polymeric sheet bonded to one another and enclosing the fluid-filled interior cavity. A tensile component may be disposed in the fluid-filled interior cavity. For example, the tensile component may include a first tensile layer secured to the upper polymeric sheet, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile layer to the second tensile layer. The lower polymeric sheet may be joined to the second tensile layer at a plurality of lower bonds, and the lower polymeric sheet may be displaced from the second tensile layer between at least some of the lower bonds by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity. For example, if the lower bonds are arranged to form closed shapes, the portions of the lower polymeric sheet surrounded by the closed shapes are unbonded (i.e., not bonded to the second tensile layer), and may therefore be displaced from the second tensile layer by the fluid, forming domed surfaces. In such an embodiment, the majority of the contours at the upper surface of the polymeric bladder may extend along the medial side and the lateral side. The majority of the lower surface of the polymeric bladder may be contoured due to the domed portions. For example, the lower surface of the polymeric bladder may have domed surfaces over its entirety. 
     In one or more embodiments, a plurality of upper bonds joins the upper polymeric sheet to the first tensile layer. The upper polymeric sheet may be displaced from the first tensile layer between the upper bonds along a medial side of the polymeric bladder by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity, forming a plurality of rounded protrusions extending along the medial side. The upper polymeric sheet may also be displaced from the first tensile layer between the upper bonds along a lateral side of the polymeric bladder by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity, forming a plurality of rounded protrusions extending along the lateral side. The upper polymeric sheet may be secured to the first tensile layer between the rounded protrusions along the lateral side and the rounded protrusions along the medial side, and therefore does not form protrusions or domed surfaces in the area where it is secured to the first tensile layer. Between the rounded protrusions along the lateral and medial sides, the polymeric bladder may be relatively flat. 
     The midsole layer may be configured in a complementary manner (i.e., with a complementary geometry) to interfit with the particular contoured shape of the upper polymeric sheet, and the sole plate may be configured to interfit with the particular contoured shape of the lower polymeric sheet. For example, the lower surface of the midsole layer may include a plurality of rounded concavities corresponding with the plurality of rounded protrusions of the upper polymeric sheet along the medial side and along the lateral side of the polymeric bladder so that the lower surface of the midsole layer fits flush against the contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder. The contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder may include a plurality of domed portions where the lower polymeric sheet is displaced from the second tensile layer by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity, and the upper surface of the sole plate may include a plurality of rounded concavities corresponding with the plurality of domed portions so that the upper surface of the sole plate fits flush against the contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder. 
     In one or more embodiments, the midsole layer may define a through-hole extending through the midsole layer over the polymeric bladder. This may allow the polymeric bladder to be viewed through the through-hole. The cushioning received by the portion of the wearer&#39;s foot resting on the sole structure at the through-hole will be primarily provided by the polymeric bladder. Cushioning received by the portion of the wearer&#39;s foot resting on the sole structure away from the through hole may be provided by a combination of the midsole and the polymeric bladder underlying the midsole, as those two components are vertically stacked under that portion of the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     The sole plate may provide a variety of characteristics and features. For example, the sole plate may be stiffer than the midsole layer and the bladder, both in compressive stiffness and in bending stiffness. The sole plate may have integral cleat mounting features that may extend at the outer surface of the sole plate, away from the bladder. For example, the cleat mounting features may be downwardly-extending protrusions with central apertures that are each configured to receive and retain a cleat. 
     Additionally, the sole plate may have a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and the sole structure may include a forked reinforcement plate secured to or integrally formed as a portion of the sole plate. The forked reinforcement plate may have a central portion. The central portion may be at the midfoot region of the sole plate. The forked reinforcement plate may have a forward medial arm and a forward lateral arm both extending forward from the central portion. The forked reinforcement plate may have a rearward medial arm and a rearward lateral arm both extending rearward from the central portion. The forward medial arm and the rearward medial arm may border a medial side of the sole plate, and the forward lateral arm and the rearward lateral arm may border a lateral side of the sole plate. The forked reinforcement plate increases the thickness of the sole structure and the bending stiffness of the sole structure in the areas where the forked reinforcement plate extends. By extending along the lateral side and the medial side, increased support is provided to react forces in these areas, such as due to lateral (i.e., sideways) movements. 
     Additionally, the arms of the forked reinforcement plate generally correspond with and underlie the portions of the polymeric bladder having domed portions at the medial and lateral sides of the lower surface of the bladder. The additional cushioning of the domed portions and the added support of the forked reinforcement plate provide comfort and support during lateral movements. 
     The arms of the forked reinforcement plate may also extend along those portions of the sole plate having the cleat mounting features. Accordingly, the sole plate is reinforced at the areas that may undergo relatively high stresses due to the forces on the cleats transferred to the sole plate. 
     A method of manufacturing a sole structure for an article of footwear comprises stacking a sole plate, a polymeric bladder, and a midsole layer so that the polymeric bladder is nested in a cavity that is formed by a first recess in a lower surface of the midsole layer and by a second recess in an upper surface of the sole plate. As stacked, a contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder is inward of a peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer and a contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder is inward of a peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. The polymeric bladder defines a sealed, fluid-filled interior cavity. The method further comprises securing the midsole layer relative to the sole plate at the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer. 
     In one or more embodiments, the midsole layer is secured directly to the sole plate. More specifically, securing the midsole layer relative to the sole plate may include bonding the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer to the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. In such embodiments, the polymeric bladder is entirely inward of the peripheral bonding regions. 
     In other embodiments, the midsole layer is secured to a peripheral flange of the polymeric bladder. More specifically, in such embodiments, the polymeric bladder includes a peripheral flange establishing at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the polymeric bladder and at least partially surrounding the fluid-filled interior cavity. Securing the midsole layer relative to the sole plate includes bonding the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer to an upper side of the peripheral flange and bonding the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate to a lower side of the peripheral flange. 
     The method may further comprise inflating the fluid-filled interior cavity of the polymeric bladder prior to stacking the sole plate, the polymeric bladder, and the midsole layer. Accordingly, the lower surface of the midsole layer and the upper surface of the sole plate are configured to conform to the inflated polymeric bladder with its contoured surfaces. 
     The method may further comprise securing a forked reinforcement plate to the sole plate. The forked reinforcement plate may be secured to the upper surface of the sole plate, in which case it is between the sole plate and the polymeric bladder. In other embodiments, the forked reinforcement plate may be secured to the lower surface of the sole plate. Alternatively, the forked reinforcement plate may be integrally formed with the sole plate. 
     The midsole layer, the polymeric bladder, and the sole plate may be provided in an already formed state, ready to be stacked. In other embodiments, the method may include forming one or more of the midsole layer, the polymeric bladder, or the sole plate. 
     For example, the method may comprise, prior to stacking the sole plate, the polymeric bladder, and the midsole layer, forming the lower surface of the midsole layer with the first recess and with a plurality of concavities at which the midsole layer is configured to mate with a plurality of rounded protrusions of the contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder. 
     The method may comprise, prior to stacking the sole plate, the polymeric bladder, and the midsole layer, forming the upper surface of the sole plate with the second recess and with a plurality of concavities at which the sole plate is configured to mate with a plurality of domed portions of the contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder. 
     The method may comprise, prior to stacking the sole plate, the polymeric bladder, and the midsole layer, forming the polymeric bladder by disposing a tensile component between an upper polymeric sheet and a lower polymeric sheet, the tensile component including a first tensile layer, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile layer to the second tensile layer. Forming the polymeric bladder may further comprise bonding the lower polymeric sheet to the upper polymeric sheet around the tensile component, and to the second tensile layer at a plurality of bonds. The lower polymeric sheet may be unbonded to and displaced from the second tensile layer adjacent to at least some of the bonds by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity when the fluid-filled interior cavity is inflated. 
     The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the views,  FIG. 1  shows a sole structure  10  for an article of footwear  11 . The sole structure  10  includes a midsole layer  12 , a polymeric bladder  14  (also referred to as the bladder  14 ), shown for example in  FIG. 7 , and a sole plate  16  that interfit with one another and stack together to capture the polymeric bladder  14  between the midsole layer  12  and the sole plate  16  as best shown in  FIGS. 9-12  and as discussed herein. The sole structure  10  may also include a forked reinforcement plate  19  that is secured to the sole plate  16  or is integrally formed as a portion of the sole plate  16 . The midsole layer  12  has an upper surface  18  that serves as a foot-receiving surface on which a foot is supported when the sole structure  10  is secured to a lower extent of a footwear upper  23  (indicated in phantom in  FIG. 1 ) with the sole structure  10  is disposed between the foot and the ground. 
     The sole structure  10  has a forefoot region  22 , a midfoot region  24 , and a heel region  26 . The forefoot region  22  may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. The midfoot region  24  may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. The heel region  26  may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. The sole structure  10  has a lateral side  28  and a medial side  30 . In particular, the lateral side  28  and the medial side  30  may be opposing sides of the sole structure  10 , and may extend along the forefoot region  22 , the midfoot region  24 , and the heel region  26 . As shown, the sole structure  10  is for an athletic shoe, such as for but not limited to use for athletic activities such as baseball. In other embodiments, the article of footwear  11  could be a dress shoe, a work shoe, a sandal, a slipper, a boot, or any other category of footwear. 
     The midsole layer  12  may be a resilient foam layer that provides cushioning and is resiliently deformable to provide energy return. By way of non-limiting example, the midsole layer  12  may include any of a polyurethane foam, a polyurethane ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and heat-expanded and molded EVA foam pellets. Only a portion of an upper surface  32  of the polymeric bladder  14  is visible in  FIG. 2 , through a through-hole  34  that extends through the midsole layer  12  in the forefoot region  22  of the midsole layer  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the polymeric bladder  14  includes an upper polymeric sheet  36  and a lower polymeric sheet  38  bonded to one another at a peripheral bond  40  along a peripheral flange  41  to enclose an interior cavity  42 . The peripheral flange  41  establishes an outer perimeter  43  of the polymeric bladder  14  and peripherally surrounds the fluid-filled interior cavity  42 . When the sheets  36 ,  38  are bonded together at the peripheral bond  40  and sealed together, such as by sealing an inflation port  44  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the upper polymeric sheet  36  and the lower polymeric sheet  38  retain a fluid in the interior cavity  42 . As used herein, a “fluid” filling the interior cavity  42  may be a gas, such as air, nitrogen, another gas, or a combination thereof. 
     The upper and lower polymeric sheets  36 ,  38  can be a variety of polymeric materials that can resiliently retain a fluid such as nitrogen, air, or another gas. Examples of polymeric materials for the upper and lower polymeric sheets  36 ,  38  include thermoplastic urethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. Moreover, the upper and lower polymeric sheets  36 ,  38  can each be formed of layers of different materials including polymeric materials. In one embodiment, each of the upper and lower polymeric sheets  36 ,  38  is formed from thin films having one or more thermoplastic polyurethane layers with one or more barrier layers of a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol (EVOH) that is impermeable to the pressurized fluid contained therein such as a flexible microlayer membrane that includes alternating layers of a gas barrier material and an elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al. which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Alternatively, the layers may include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and a regrind material of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane. Additional suitable materials for the upper and lower polymeric sheets  36 ,  38  are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 to Rudy which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Further suitable materials for the upper and lower polymeric sheets  36 ,  38  include thermoplastic films containing a crystalline material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,936,029 and 5,042,176 to Rudy, and polyurethane including a polyester polyol, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,013,340, 6,203,868, and 6,321,465 to Bonk et al. which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. In selecting materials for the bladder  14 , engineering properties such as tensile strength, stretch properties, fatigue characteristics, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent can be considered. For example, the thicknesses of the upper and lower polymeric sheets  36 ,  38  used to form the bladder  14  can be selected to provide these characteristics. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 7 , the bladder  14  includes a tensile component  46  disposed in the interior cavity  42 . The tensile component  46  includes a first tensile layer  48 , a second tensile layer  50 , and a plurality of tethers  52  spanning the interior cavity  42  from the first tensile layer  48  to the second tensile layer  50 . The tethers  52  connect the first tensile layer  48  to the second tensile layer  50 . Only some of the tethers  52  are indicated with reference numbers in  FIG. 7 . The tethers  52  may also be referred to as fabric tensile members or threads and may be in the form of drop threads that connect the first tensile layer  48  and the second tensile layer  50 . The tensile component  46  may be formed as a unitary, one-piece textile element having a spacer-knit textile. It should be appreciated that the first tensile layer  48  and the second tensile layer  50  are permeable by the gas in the interior cavity  42 . As such, the interior cavity  42  extends through the first tensile layer  48  and the second tensile layer  50 , in between and around the tethers  52 , from the inner surface of the upper polymeric sheet  36  to the inner surface of the lower polymeric sheet  38 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the upper polymeric sheet  36  is bonded to the upper surface of the first tensile layer  48  at a plurality of bonds  54  that may be formed by protrusions of a mold tool used during radio frequency welding, thermoforming, or other forming process, that force the upper polymeric sheet  36  against the first tensile layer  48 . The bonds  54  protrude inward into the interior cavity  42  and slightly deform the upper polymeric sheet  36 , creating grooves  56 . Tethers  52  that are aligned with (i.e., directly under) the inwardly-protruding bonds  54  are deformed by heat, by compression of the overlaying of material of the first tensile layer  48 , and/or by the overlaying material of the first tensile layer  48  coating the tethers  52  such that the tethers  52  are shorter, thicker, or both shorter and thicker at the inwardly-protruding bonds  54  than elsewhere. Such tethers are indicated with reference numeral  52 A in  FIG. 7  and may be referred to as modified tethers. However, references to tethers  52  herein include tethers  52  and tethers  52 A unless otherwise specified. 
     When the interior cavity  42  is inflated, the modified tethers  52 A result in the depressed grooves  56  in the upper surface  32  of the bladder  14 . The bonds  54  and grooves  56  are arranged to define closed shapes that may be polygonal, as best shown in  FIG. 5  or alternatively could be circular, oval, etc. The grooves  56  encourage articulation of the bladder  14 , as the overall thickness of the bladder  14  is reduced at the grooves  56 , decreasing bending stiffness. The pattern of bonds  54  and resulting grooves  56  may be arranged so that the grooves  56  present flexion axes where flexion is desired, such as under the metatarsal phalangeal joints. 
     In  FIG. 5 , only some of the bonds  54  are labelled for clarity in the drawings. Anti-weld material is applied to selected areas of the outer surface of the first tensile layer  48  and/or to the inner surface of the upper polymeric sheet  36  where bonding of the first tensile layer  48  to the upper polymeric sheet  36  is not desired. To provide rounded protrusions  60  in the locations shown in  FIG. 5 , the anti-weld material is applied only along the perimeter of the first tensile layer  48  and/or the upper polymeric sheet  36  where it overlays the perimeter along the medial side, the lateral side, and around the rear of the heel region  26  at portions between the bonds  54  of the outermost closed shapes. The upper polymeric sheet  36  is not bonded to the first tensile layer at those portions, and is displaced from the first tensile layer  48  adjacent to the bonds  54  along the medial side  28  of the polymeric bladder  14  by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity  42 , forming a plurality of rounded protrusions  60  along the medial side  30  where the upper polymeric sheet  36  is displaced from the first tensile layer  48 , and along the lateral side  28  of the polymeric bladder  14  and around the rear of the heel region  26 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , portions of the upper polymeric sheet  36  between the forwardmost row of closed shapes formed by the bonds  54  are bonded to the first tensile layer  48  at surface bonds  55 , as are portions between closed shapes formed by the bonds  54  and that fall between the rounded protrusions  60  along the lateral side  30  and the rounded protrusions  60  along the medial side  28  (i.e., transversely across the upper surface  32  in  FIG. 5 ). Only some of the surface bonds  55  are labeled in  FIG. 5 , but portions at all of the closed shapes not labelled as rounded protrusions  60  have surface bonds  55 . Accordingly, the upper polymeric sheet  36  is not displaced from the first tensile layer  48  in these areas, and so does not form protrusions or domed surfaces in these areas. Stated differently, the upper polymeric sheet  36  has a contoured upper surface  32 , with the rounded protrusions  60  along the lateral and medial sides  28 ,  30  and around the rear of the heel region  26 . Due to the absence of anti-weld material, the upper polymeric sheet  36  has a relatively flat expanse between the rounded protrusions  60  across the upper surface  32 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , anti-weld material is also applied to the outer surface of the second tensile layer  50  and/or the inner surface of the lower polymeric sheet  38  at selected areas where bonding is not desired. The anti-weld material is applied at portions between the bonds  54  not only in the same regions as on the upper polymeric sheet  36  (i.e., at the outermost closed shapes at the perimeter along the medial side  30 , the lateral side  28 , and around the rear of the heel region  26 ), but also at the portions between the bonds  54  at the more inwardly-disposed closed shapes in the heel region  26  and at a rearward extent of the midfoot region  24 ). When the bladder  14  is inflated, this results in domed portions  61  similar to the rounded protrusions  60 . As used herein, “domed” means rounded, and need not be hemispherical. 
     Portions of the lower polymeric sheet  38  between the forwardmost row of closed shapes formed by the bonds  54  are bonded to the second tensile layer  50  at surface bonds  55 , as are portions between closed shapes formed by the bonds  54  falling between the domed portions  61  along the lateral side  28  and domed portions  61  along the medial side  30  (i.e., transversely across the lower surface  62  of the bladder  14  in  FIG. 6 ) in the forefoot region  22  and the forward extent of the midfoot region  24 . Only some of the surface bonds  55  are labeled in  FIG. 6 , but surface bonds  55  are at all of the closed shapes not labelled as domed portions  61 . Accordingly, the lower polymeric sheet  38  is not displaced from the second tensile layer  50  in these areas having surface bonds  55 , and so does not form protrusions or domed surfaces in these areas. Stated differently, the lower polymeric sheet  40  has a contoured lower surface  62 , with the domed portions  61  everywhere except at a relatively flat expanse in the forefoot region  22  and at a forward extent of the midfoot region  24  between the domed portions  61  at the lateral and medial sides  28 ,  30 . In the portion of the lower polymeric sheet  38  at which there are surface bonds  55 , slight recesses may be formed across from the inwardly-protruding bonds  54  at the upper polymeric sheet  36  by the tension caused by the shortened and thickened tethers  52 A. Locating the rounded protrusions  60  and the domed portions  61  along the lateral and medial sides  28 ,  30  provides cushioning that reacts against forces that are at least partially transverse (i.e., sideways toward the medial side  30  or toward the lateral side  28 ) as may be caused by lateral cutting movements of the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     The midsole layer  12  and bladder  14 , including the rounded protrusions  60  and the domed portions  61 , provide staged cushioning under compressive forces experienced during dynamic loading of the sole structure  10 . For example, if the midsole layer  12  has a lower compressive stiffness than the inflated bladder  14 , then a first stage of cushioning may occur as the midsole layer  12  begins to compress, and a second stage of cushioning occurs as the stiffer bladder  14  subsequently begins to compress, with the rounded protrusions  60  and/or the domed portions  61  at least partially flattening under the dynamic load. The sole plate  16  and forked reinforcement plate  19  may be stiffer than both the midsole layer  12  and the bladder  14 . For example, the sole plate  16  and forked reinforcement plate  19  may be a carbon fiber, a carbon fiber composite, such as a carbon fiber-filled nylon, a fiberglass-reinforced nylon, which may be an injected, fiber-reinforced nylon, a fiber strand-lain composite, a thermoplastic elastomer, steel, or another material or combinations of these, but is not limited to these materials. When the bladder  14  is compressed, it reacts against the conforming surfaces of the sole plate  16 . Both the midsole layer  12  and the polymeric bladder  14  are elastically resilient and return to their uncompressed shapes as the dynamic compressive load is removed, returning at least some of the deformation energy. 
     The contoured upper surface  32  and the contoured lower surface  62  of the polymeric bladder  14  present challenges to securely bonding to adjacent components of the sole structure  10 , especially at the lateral and medial sides  28 ,  30 . This may be due to bonding processes that generally involve pressure applied relative to the bladder  14  in a vertical direction (i.e., normal to the top and bottom views of  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), which may be less effective in bonding surfaces with large contours having normal vectors that are at significantly large angles to the vertical direction. 
     In order to address this problem, the polymeric bladder  14 , the midsole layer  12  and the sole plate  16  are configured to stack together to capture the bladder  14  between the midsole layer  12  and the sole plate  16  such that bonding occurs outward of the contoured surfaces. More specifically, as best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9-12 , the midsole layer  12  has a lower surface  70  with a first recess  72 . The first recess  72  has an outer periphery  74  that is spaced inward of an outer periphery  76  of the midsole layer  12 . A peripheral bonding region  78  of the lower surface  70  is disposed between the outer periphery  76  of the midsole layer  12  and the outer periphery  74  of the first recess  72 . Similarly, the sole plate  16  has an upper surface  80  with a second recess  82  aligned with the first recess  72  of the midsole layer  12  to form a cavity  84  between the sole plate  16  and the midsole layer  12 . The upper surface  80  of the sole plate  16  has a peripheral bonding region  86  between an outer periphery  88  of the sole plate  16  and an outer periphery  90  of the second recess  82 . 
     The polymeric bladder  14  is nested in the cavity  84  between the midsole layer  12  and the sole plate  16  with the contoured upper surface  32  of the polymeric bladder  14  inward of the peripheral bonding region  78  of the midsole layer  12 , and with the contoured lower surface  62  of the polymeric bladder inward of the peripheral bonding region  86  of the sole plate  16 . The midsole layer  12  and the sole plate  16  are configured to interfit with the polymeric bladder  14  at both its upper and lower surfaces  32 ,  62 . As shown in  FIGS. 9-12 , the contoured upper surface  32  of the polymeric bladder  14  is mated with the lower surface  70  of the midsole layer  12  in the first recess  72 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9-12 , the lower surface  70  of the midsole layer  12  includes a plurality of rounded concavities  92  corresponding with the plurality of rounded protrusions  60  of the contoured upper surface  32  of the polymeric bladder  14  along the medial side  30  and along the lateral side  28  of the polymeric bladder  14  so that the lower surface  70  of the midsole layer  12  fits flush against the contoured upper surface  32  of the polymeric bladder  14 . Only some of the rounded concavities  92  and rounded protrusions  60  are labelled in  FIG. 4   
     Similarly, the contoured lower surface  62  of the polymeric bladder  14  is mated with the upper surface  80  of the sole plate  16  in the second recess  82 . The upper surface  80  of the sole plate  16  includes a plurality of rounded concavities  94  corresponding with the plurality of domed portions  61  of the bottom surface  62  of the polymeric bladder  14  so that the upper surface  80  of the sole plate  16  fits flush against the contoured lower surface  62  of the polymeric bladder  14 . The sole plate  16  may be a transparent material so that the polymeric bladder  14  is visible through the sole plate at the bottom and sides of the sole structure, such as in  FIG. 3  at least at those portions not covered by the forked reinforcement plate  19 . If the forked reinforcement plate  19  is not transparent, or at all portions if the forked reinforcement plate  19  is transparent. 
     The midsole layer  12  is thus configured in a geometrically complementary manner to interfit with the particular contoured shape of the upper polymeric sheet  36 , and the sole plate  16  is configured to interfit with the particular contoured shape of the lower polymeric sheet  38  of the inflated polymeric bladder  14 . 
     Accordingly, within the dimensional tolerances of the manufacturing processes utilized in forming the components of the sole structure  10 , the surface profile of the contoured upper surface  32  of the polymeric bladder  14  is configured to be the same as the surface profile of the lower surface  70  of the midsole layer  12  in the first recess  72  so that the surfaces  32 ,  70  are coincident. The surface profile of the contoured lower surface  62  of the polymeric bladder  14  is configured to be the same as the surface profile of the upper surface  80  of the sole plate  16  in the second recess  82  so that the surfaces  62 ,  80  may be coincident at least in embodiments in which any forked reinforcement plate  19  is at the lower surface  102  of the sole plate  16 . As is apparent in  FIG. 4 , the bladder  14  is shorter in length than the midsole layer  12  and sole plate  16 . Forward of the forward edge  81  of the bladder  14 , the bonding region  78  of the midsole layer  12  contacts and bonds directly to the bonding region  86  of the sole plate  16 . The bonds  54  and the closed shapes of the upper surface  32  of the bladder  14  that have surface bonds  55  to the first tensile layer  48  and do not form rounded protrusions  60  are not shown in  FIG. 4  for clarity in the drawings. 
     Because the midsole layer  12  and the sole plate  16  are configured to allow the bladder  14  to nest in the cavity  84  that is specifically configured to accommodate the bladder&#39;s  14  contoured upper and lower surfaces  32 ,  62 , with the bonding regions  78 ,  86  outward of the contoured upper and lower surfaces  32 ,  62  (i.e., outward of the rounded protrusions  60  and the domed portions  61 ), both secure bonding and desirable cushioning characteristics of the contoured surfaces  32 ,  62  near the bonding regions  78 ,  86  can be achieved. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the peripheral bonding region  78  of the midsole layer  12  is bonded directly to the peripheral bonding region  86  of the sole plate  16 . For example, the entire polymeric bladder  14  may be inward of the peripheral bonding regions, with the peripheral flange  41  of the bladder  14  formed very narrow or trimmed to be very narrow so that the midsole layer  12  and the sole plate  16  contact one another at the bonding regions  78 ,  86  outward of the polymeric bladder  14 . Bonding at the bonding regions  78 ,  86  may occur by thermal bonding of the midsole layer  12  to the sole plate  16  and/or by adhesive disposed on one or both of the bonding regions  78 ,  86 . 
     In the embodiment of the sole structure  110  of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the sole structure  110  is identical to the sole structure  10 , with the bladder  14  resting in the cavity formed by the recesses  72 ,  82 , except that the peripheral flange  41  of the polymeric bladder  14  is relatively wide in comparison to that of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Accordingly, the peripheral flange  41  is disposed between the peripheral bonding region  78  of the midsole layer  12  and the peripheral bonding region  86  of the sole plate  16 . The peripheral bonding region  86  of the midsole layer  12  is bonded to an upper side  87  of the peripheral flange  41  and the peripheral bonding region  86  of the sole plate  16  is bonded to a lower side of the peripheral flange. 
     The sole plate  16  may provide a variety of characteristics and features. For example, the sole plate  16  may be stiffer than both the midsole layer  12  and the bladder  14 , both in compressive stiffness and in bending stiffness. The sole plate  16  also has integral cleat mounting features  100  that extend at the lower surface  102  of the sole plate, away from the bladder  14 , as best shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 . The cleat mounting features  100  are downwardly-extending protrusions with central apertures  104 . The central apertures  104  are each configured to receive and retain a cleat  106 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 and 9-10 , the forked reinforcement plate  19  is secured to the upper surface  80  of the sole plate  16  between the sole plate  16  and the bladder  14 . Alternatively, in the sole structure  110  shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , the forked reinforcement plate  19  is secured to the lower surface  102  of the sole plate  16 . In either embodiment, the forked reinforcement plate  19  may be integrally formed as a portion of the sole plate  16 , such as if the sole plate  16  and the forked reinforcement plate  19  are co-molded together in the same mold. The forked reinforcement plate  19  has a central portion  108  that is disposed at a rearward part of the midfoot region  24  and a forward part of the heel region  26  in  FIG. 3 . A forward medial arm  110 A and a forward lateral arm  110 B both extend forward from the central portion  108 . A rearward medial arm  112 A and a rearward lateral arm  112 B both extend rearward from the central portion  108 . The forward medial arm  110 A and the rearward medial arm  112 A border the medial side  30  of the sole plate  16 , and the forward lateral arm  110 B and the rearward lateral arm  112 B border the lateral side  28  of the sole plate  16 . The forked reinforcement plate  19  increases the thickness and the bending stiffness of the sole structure  10  in the areas where the forked reinforcement plate  19  extends. By extending along the lateral side  28  and the medial side  30 , increased support is provided to react forces in those areas, such as due to lateral (i.e., sideways) movement. 
     The arms of the forked reinforcement plate  19  generally correspond with and underlie portions of the polymeric bladder  14  having domed portions  61  at the medial and lateral sides of the lower surface  62  of the bladder  14 . The additional cushioning of the domed portions  61  and the added support of the forked reinforcement plate  19  provide comfort and support during lateral movements. The arms  110 A,  110 B,  112 A,  112 B of the forked reinforcement plate  19  also extend along those portions of the sole plate  16  having the cleat mounting features  100 . Accordingly, the sole plate  16  is reinforced at the areas that may undergo relatively high stresses due to the forces on the cleats  106 . 
     The sole structure  10  or  110  of  FIGS. 1-12  may be manufactured according to a method  200  the steps of which are listed in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 STEP 
                 ACTION 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 202 
                 FORM MIDSOLE 
               
               
                 204 
                 FORM SOLE PLATE 
               
               
                 206 
                 FORM POLYMERIC BLADDER 
               
               
                 208 
                 INFLATE POLYMERIC BLADDER 
               
               
                 210 
                 SECURE FORKED REINFORCEMENT PLATE TO SOLE 
               
               
                   
                 PLATE 
               
               
                 212 
                 STACK SOLE PLATE, POLYMERIC BLADDER AND 
               
               
                   
                 MIDSOLE LAYER 
               
               
                 214 
                 SECURE MIDSOLE LAYER RELATIVE TO SOLE PLATE AT 
               
               
                   
                 PERIPHERAL BONDING REGION 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In some embodiments, the method  200  may include forming the components of the sole structure  10  or  110  (e.g., steps  202 - 208 ). In other embodiments, the method  200  may begin with the components pre-formed, e.g., beginning at step  210 . For completeness, the steps of forming the components are described. For example, the method  200  may begin with step  202 , forming the midsole layer  12 , including forming the lower surface  70  of the midsole layer  12  with the first recess  72  and with the plurality of rounded concavities  92  at which the midsole layer  12  is configured to mate with the plurality of rounded protrusions  60  of the contoured upper surface  32  of the polymeric bladder  14 . 
     The method  200  may comprise step  204 , forming the sole plate  16 , including forming the upper surface  80  of the sole plate  16  with the second recess  82  and with the plurality of rounded concavities  94  at which the sole plate  16  is configured to mate with a plurality of domed portions  61  of the contoured lower surface  62  of the polymeric bladder  14 . 
     The method  200  may also comprise step  206 , forming the polymeric bladder  14 . Step  206  may include disposing the tensile component  46  between the upper polymeric sheet  36  and the lower polymeric sheet  38 , bonding the upper polymeric sheet and the lower polymeric sheet to one another around the tensile component  46  at the peripheral flange  41 , and bonding the sheets  36 ,  38  to the tensile component  46  at the plurality of bonds  54  as described herein. 
     The method  200  may further comprise step  208 , inflating the interior cavity  42  of the polymeric bladder  14 . Accordingly, with the components formed as in steps  202 - 206 , the lower surface  70  of the midsole layer  12  and the upper surface  80  of the sole plate  16  are configured to conform to the inflated polymeric bladder  14 . 
     The method  200  may further comprise step  210 , securing the forked reinforcement plate  19  to the sole plate  16 , at the upper surface  80  in some embodiments at or at the lower surface  102  in other embodiments, as described herein. Alternatively, the forked reinforcement plate  19  may be co-molded with the sole plate  16  in step  204 . 
     After the components are formed and the forked reinforcement plate  19  is secured to or co-molded with the sole plate  16 , as in steps  202  to  210 , the method  200  includes step  212 , stacking the sole plate  16 , the polymeric bladder  14 , and the midsole layer  12  so that the polymeric bladder  14  is nested in the cavity  84  that is formed by the first recess  72  and the second recess  82 . As stacked, the contoured upper surface  32  of the polymeric bladder  14  is inward of the peripheral bonding region  78  of the midsole layer  12 , and the contoured lower surface  62  of the polymeric bladder  14  is inward of a peripheral bonding region  86  of the sole plate  16 . 
     The method  200  then includes step  214 , securing the midsole layer  12  relative to the sole plate  16 . In embodiments in which the midsole layer  12  is secured directly to the sole plate  16 , such as in the sole structure  10  shown in  FIGS. 9-10 , step  214  includes bonding the peripheral bonding region  78  of the midsole layer  12  to the peripheral bonding region  86  of the sole plate  16 . In such embodiments, the polymeric bladder  14 , including its relatively narrow peripheral flange  41 , is entirely inward of the peripheral bonding regions  78 ,  86 . 
     In other embodiments, such as in the sole structure  110  of  FIGS. 11-12 , the midsole layer  12  and the sole plate  16  are secured to the peripheral flange  41  of the polymeric bladder  14 . More specifically, in such embodiments, step  214  includes bonding the peripheral bonding region  78  of the midsole layer  12  to the upper side  87  of the peripheral flange  41  and bonding the peripheral bonding region  86  of the sole plate  16  to the lower side  89  of the peripheral flange  41 . The method  200  may also include securing the cleats  106  to the cleat mounting features  100  and securing the sole structure  10  or  110  to the upper  23 . 
     Accordingly, the components of both of the sole structures  10  and  110  are geometrically configured in a complementary manner to accommodate the contoured outer surfaces of the bladder  14  at the medial and lateral sides in order to allow manufacturing of each of the sole structures  10 ,  110  by vertically stacking and bonding the components to one another. 
     The following Clauses provide example configurations of a sole structure for an article of footwear disclosed herein. 
     Clause 1: A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a midsole layer, a sole plate, and a polymeric bladder; wherein the midsole layer has a lower surface with a first recess and a peripheral bonding region between an outer periphery of the midsole layer and an outer periphery of the first recess; the sole plate having an upper surface with a second recess, the first recess and the second recess together forming a cavity between the sole plate and the midsole layer, the upper surface of the sole plate having a peripheral bonding region between an outer periphery of the sole plate and an outer periphery of the second recess; and the polymeric bladder nested in the cavity between the midsole layer and the sole plate with a contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder inward of the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer and a contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder inward of the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. 
     Clause 2: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein: the polymeric bladder has a fluid-filled interior cavity and a peripheral flange establishing at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the polymeric bladder and at least partially surrounding the fluid-filled interior cavity; and the peripheral flange is disposed between the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer and the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate, with the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer bonded to an upper side of the peripheral flange and the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate bonded to a lower side of the peripheral flange. 
     Clause 3: The sole structure of any of Clauses 1-2, wherein the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer is bonded to the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. 
     Clause 4: The sole structure of any of Clauses 1-3, wherein the contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder is mated with the lower surface of the midsole layer in the first recess. 
     Clause 5: The sole structure of Clause 4, wherein: the contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder includes a plurality of rounded protrusions; and the lower surface of the midsole layer includes a plurality of rounded concavities corresponding with the plurality of rounded protrusions. 
     Clause 6: The sole structure of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder is mated with the upper surface of the sole plate in the second recess. 
     Clause 7: The sole structure of Clause 6, wherein the contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder includes a plurality of domed portions, and the upper surface of the sole plate includes a plurality of rounded concavities corresponding with the plurality of domed portions. 
     Clause 8: The sole structure of any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the polymeric bladder includes an upper polymeric sheet and a lower polymeric sheet bonded to one another and enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity; the sole structure further comprising: a tensile component disposed in the fluid-filled interior cavity, the tensile component including a first tensile layer secured to the upper polymeric sheet, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile layer to the second tensile layer; and wherein a plurality of lower bonds joins the lower polymeric sheet to the second tensile layer and the lower polymeric sheet is displaced from the second tensile layer between at least some of the lower bonds by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity. 
     Clause 9: The sole structure of Clause 8, wherein: a plurality of upper bonds joins the upper polymeric sheet to the first tensile layer; the upper polymeric sheet is displaced from the first tensile layer between at least some of the upper bonds along a medial side of the polymeric bladder and along a lateral side of the polymeric bladder by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity, forming a plurality of rounded protrusions along the medial side and along the lateral side where the upper polymeric sheet is displaced from the first tensile layer; and the upper polymeric sheet is secured to the first tensile layer between the rounded protrusions along the lateral side and between the rounded protrusions along the medial side. 
     Clause 10: The sole structure of Clause 8, wherein: the lower surface of the midsole layer includes a plurality of rounded concavities corresponding with a plurality of rounded protrusions of the upper polymeric sheet and extending along a medial side of the polymeric bladder and along a lateral side of the polymeric bladder; and the contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder includes a plurality of domed portions where the lower polymeric sheet is displaced from the second tensile layer by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity, and the upper surface of the sole plate includes a plurality of rounded concavities corresponding with the plurality of domed portions. 
     Clause 11: The sole structure of any of Clauses 1-10, wherein the midsole layer defines a through-hole extending through the midsole layer over the polymeric bladder. 
     Clause 12: The sole structure of any of Clauses 1-11, wherein the sole plate has integral cleat mounting features. 
     Clause 13: The sole structure of any of Clauses 1-12, wherein the sole plate has a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and further comprising: a forked reinforcement plate secured to the sole plate; wherein the forked reinforcement plate has a central portion, a forward medial arm, and a forward lateral arm; wherein the forward medial arm and the forward lateral arm both extend forward from the central portion; wherein the forked reinforcement plate has a rearward medial arm and a rearward lateral arm both extending rearward from the central portion; wherein the forward medial arm and the rearward medial arm border a medial side of the sole plate; and wherein the forward lateral arm and the rearward lateral arm border a lateral side of the sole plate. 
     Clause 14: A method of manufacturing a sole structure for an article of footwear, the method comprising: stacking a sole plate, a polymeric bladder, and a midsole layer so that the polymeric bladder is nested in a cavity formed by a first recess in a lower surface of the midsole layer and by a second recess in an upper surface of the sole plate, and with a contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder inward of a peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer and a contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder inward of a peripheral bonding region of the sole plate; wherein the polymeric bladder defines a sealed, fluid-filled interior cavity; and securing the midsole layer relative to the sole plate at the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer. 
     Clause 15: The method of Clause 14, wherein: the polymeric bladder includes a peripheral flange establishing an outer perimeter of the polymeric bladder and at least partially surrounding the fluid-filled interior cavity; and securing the midsole layer relative to the sole plate includes bonding the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer to an upper side of the peripheral flange and bonding the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate to a lower side of the peripheral flange. 
     Clause 16: The method of Clause 14, wherein securing the midsole layer relative to the sole plate includes bonding the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer to the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. 
     Clause 17: The method of Clause 14, further comprising: inflating the fluid-filled interior cavity of the polymeric bladder prior to stacking the sole plate, the polymeric bladder, and the midsole layer. 
     Clause 18: The method of Clause 14, further comprising: securing a forked reinforcement plate to the sole plate. 
     Clause 19: The method of Clause 14, further comprising: prior to stacking the sole plate, the polymeric bladder, and the midsole layer, forming the lower surface of the midsole layer with the first recess and with a plurality of concavities at which the midsole layer is configured to mate with a plurality of rounded protrusions of the contoured upper surface of the polymeric bladder; and prior to stacking the sole plate, the polymeric bladder, and the midsole layer, forming the upper surface of the sole plate with the second recess and with a plurality of concavities at which the sole plate is configured to mate with a plurality of domed portions of the contoured lower surface of the polymeric bladder. 
     Clause 20: The method of any of Clauses 14-19, further comprising: prior to stacking the sole plate, the polymeric bladder, and the midsole layer, forming the polymeric bladder by: disposing a tensile component between an upper polymeric sheet and a lower polymeric sheet, the tensile component including a first tensile layer, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile layer to the second tensile layer; and bonding the lower polymeric sheet to the upper polymeric sheet around the tensile component, and to the second tensile layer at a plurality of bonds; wherein the lower polymeric sheet is unbonded to and displaced from the second tensile layer adjacent to at least some of the bonds by fluid in the fluid-filled interior cavity when the fluid-filled interior cavity is inflated. 
     To assist and clarify the description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). Additionally, all references referred to are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     An “article of footwear”, a “footwear article of manufacture”, and “footwear” may be considered to be both a machine and a manufacture. Assembled, ready to wear footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), as well as discrete components of footwear articles (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper component, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready to wear footwear articles, are considered and alternatively referred to herein in either the singular or plural as “article(s) of footwear” or “footwear”. 
     “A”, “an”, “the”, “at least one”, and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. As used in the description and the accompanying claims, unless stated otherwise, a value is considered to be “approximately” equal to a stated value if it is neither more than 5 percent greater than nor more than 5 percent less than the stated value. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range. 
     The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims. 
     For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, etc., may be used descriptively relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. 
     The term “longitudinal” refers to a direction extending along a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of an article of footwear extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear. The term “forward” or “anterior” is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term “rearward” or “posterior” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis. 
     The term “transverse” refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of an article of footwear extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the article of footwear. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis. 
     The term “vertical” refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole structure is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole structure. The term “upward” or “upwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an upper. The term “downward” or “downwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear. 
     The “interior” of an article of footwear, such as a shoe, refers to portions at the space that is occupied by a wearer&#39;s foot when the article of footwear is worn. The “inner side” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented toward the interior of the component or article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. The “outer side” or “exterior” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented away from the interior of the article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. In some cases, other components may be between the inner side of a component and the interior in the assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components may be between an outer side of a component and the space external to the assembled article of footwear. Further, the terms “inward” and “inwardly” refer to the direction toward the interior of the component or article of footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms “outward” and “outwardly” refer to the direction toward the exterior of the component or article of footwear, such as the shoe. In addition, the term “proximal” refers to a direction that is nearer a center of a footwear component, or is closer toward a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Likewise, the term “distal” refers to a relative position that is further away from a center of the footwear component or is further from a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions. 
     While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. 
     While several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that an ordinarily skilled artisan would recognize as implied by, structurally and/or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise rendered obvious based upon the included content, and not as limited solely to those explicitly depicted and/or described embodiments.