Patent Publication Number: US-9833038-B2

Title: Multi-density midsole and plate system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Articles of footwear typically have at least two major components, an upper that provides the enclosure for receiving the wearer&#39;s foot, and a sole structure secured to the upper that is the primary contact to the ground or playing surface. The footwear may also use some type of fastening system, for example, laces or straps or a combination of both, to secure the footwear around the wearer&#39;s foot. The sole structure may comprise an inner sole, midsoles, and an outsole or a combination of one or more soles. The midsole may be used to provide cushioning that attenuates forces from walking, running, or the like. 
     The outsole is the primary contact to the ground of the playing surface. The outsole may carry a tread pattern and/or cleats, spikes or other protuberances that provide the wearer of the footwear with improved traction suitable to the particular athletic, work or recreational activity, or to a particular surface. The outsole may provide traction to the article of footwear by maintaining contact with the ground. When a user cuts or moves laterally a portion of the outsole may lift off of the ground, diminishing the contact area between the article of footwear and the ground thereby lessening the traction between the article of footwear and the ground. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the Figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an embodiment of two portions of a midsole; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion of a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a portion of a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion of a multi-density sole structure and a plate; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure exposed to a force; 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure exposed to a force; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 11  is sectional view of a forefoot portion and a heel portion of an embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 12  is a view of a user moving in a lateral direction with an embodiment of an article of footwear utilizing a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of an article of footwear that does not utilize a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of two portions of a midsole; 
         FIG. 15  is an explode isometric view of an alternate embodiment of two portions of a midsole; 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure exposed to a weak force; 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a lower layer of a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure exposed to a strong force; 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a lower layer of a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure; 
         FIG. 21  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure exposed to a force; 
         FIG. 22  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure exposed to a force; 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure exposed to a force; 
         FIG. 24  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure exposed to a force; and 
         FIG. 25  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure exposed to a force. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, a sole structure includes a plate, an upper midsole component, and a lower midsole component. The upper midsole component has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper midsole component has an opening. The lower midsole component has an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower midsole component being located adjacent to the upper midsole component. The lower midsole component includes a raised portion, the raised portion having an upper surface, the raised portion extending through the opening. The upper surface of the raised portion being in the same plane as the upper surface of the upper midsole component. The plate contacting the upper surface of the upper midsole component. The plate being secured to the upper surface of the raised portion. 
     In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure includes a plate, an upper midsole component, and a lower midsole component. The upper midsole component has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower midsole component has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower midsole component being located adjacent to the upper midsole component. The lower midsole component including a base portion and a raised portion. The base portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and the raised portion having an upper surface. The upper surface of the raised portion being in the same plane as the upper surface of the upper midsole component. The plate contacting a portion of the upper surface of the upper midsole component. The upper surface of the base portion being attached to the lower surface of the upper midsole component. The plate being secured to the upper surface of the raised portion. 
     In another aspect, a method of making a sole structure includes providing a lower midsole component and an upper midsole component. The upper midsole component having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower midsole component having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper midsole component further includes an opening. The lower midsole component includes a raised portion. The method further includes positioning the raised portion within the opening of the upper midsole component such that the upper surface of the raised portion is located within the same plane as the upper surface of the upper midsole component. Further, the method includes joining the lower midsole component adjacent to the upper midsole component. The method also includes locating a plate adjacent the lower midsole component and the upper midsole component and securing the plate to the raised portion of the lower midsole component. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
     For clarity, the detailed descriptions herein describe certain exemplary embodiments, but the disclosure herein may be applied to any article of footwear comprising certain features described herein and recited in the claims. In particular, although the following detailed description discusses exemplary embodiments in the form of footwear such as running shoes, jogging shoes, tennis, squash or racquetball shoes, basketball shoes, sandals and flippers, the disclosures herein may be applied to a wide range of footwear or possibly other kinds of articles. 
     For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal direction” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending from heel to toe, which may be associated with the length, or longest dimension, of an article of footwear such as a sports or recreational shoe and components thereof. Also, the term “lateral direction” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending from side to side (lateral side and medial side) or the width of an article of footwear or components thereof. The lateral direction may generally be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The term “vertical direction” as used with respect to an article of footwear throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to the direction that is normal to the plane of the sole structure of the article of footwear. Moreover, the vertical direction may generally be perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a multi-density sole structure  100 . Sole structure  100  may comprise a plate  102 , an upper midsole component  104 , and a lower midsole component  106 . In some embodiments, sole structure  100  may further comprise an outsole (not shown). In some embodiments, the outsole may comprise ground engaging devices. In some embodiments, the outsole may include studs or cleats. 
     Sole structure  100  has a heel region  108 , an instep or midfoot region  110 , and a forefoot region  112 . These regions may also be applied to components of sole structure  100  and their relative position in relation to sole structure  100 . The regions are not intended to demarcate precise areas of a sole structure or article of footwear. Rather, forefoot region  112 , midfoot region  110 , and heel region  108  are intended to represent general areas of sole structure  100  to aid in the following discussion. 
     In some embodiments, plate  102  may correspond to the shape of a foot. In some embodiments, plate  102  may extend from medial side  124  to lateral side  122  of plate  102 . Lateral side  122  corresponds with an outside area of the foot, and medial side  124  corresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces toward the other foot). Lateral side  122  and medial side  124  may also be applied to sole structure  100  and individual elements thereof, as well as additional elements such as an upper. In other embodiments, plate  102  may extend partially from medial side  124  to lateral side  122 . That is, in some embodiments, plate  102  may not cover the entire surface area of upper midsole component  104  or lower midsole component  106 . 
     In some embodiments, plate  102  may be continuous from heel region  108  to forefoot region  112 . In other embodiments, plate  102  may comprise distinct sections. That is, in some embodiments, plate  102  may include a heel portion and a forefoot portion without a midfoot portion. In other embodiments, plate  102  may include discrete portions corresponding to heel region  108 , midfoot region  110 , and forefoot region  112  of sole structure  100 . In other embodiments, plate  102  may extend from forefoot region  112  to midfoot region  110  of sole structure  100 . In still further embodiments, plate  102  may extend from midfoot region  110  to heel region  108  of sole structure  100 . 
     In some embodiments, a portion of upper midsole component  104  and/or a portion of lower midsole component  106  may contact plate  102 . Upper surface  114  of plate  102  may be oriented toward a foot and lower surface  116  of plate  102  may be oriented toward upper midsole component  104  and lower midsole component  106 . In some embodiments, lower surface  116  of plate  102  may contact upper surface  118  of upper midsole component  104 . In other embodiments, lower surface  116  of plate  102  may contact the upper surface of lower midsole component  106 . In still further embodiments, lower surface  116  of plate  102  may contact upper surface  118  of upper midsole component  104  as well as the upper surface of lower midsole component  106 . 
     Compressibility as used throughout this Detailed Description relates to the volume change of a material in response to a force or pressure. For example, in order to compare the compressibility of a first material and a second material, each of the first material and the second material may be exposed to the same force. If the volume of the first material is decreased by a greater amount than the volume of the second material then the first material may be characterized as more compressible than the second material. Compressibility as used throughout this Detailed Description may also be used to describe the properties of an object rather than the material itself. 
     Rigidity as used throughout this Detailed Description relates to the extent to which a material deforms in response to an applied force. Stiffness as used throughout this Detailed Description relates to the rigidity of an object, rather than the material itself. In some cases, rigidity and stiffness may be used interchangeably. 
     In different embodiments, a plate could be made of various materials. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to: plastics, composite materials, metals, as well as possibly other materials. In some cases, a material that is relatively rigid or incompressible could be selected for plate  102 . Examples of such materials include, for example, fiber composite materials, such as carbon fiber composites. 
     In different embodiments, the rigidity of plate  102  could vary. In some embodiments, plate  102  could have a substantially uniform rigidity throughout forefoot region  112 , midfoot region  110  and heel region  108 . In other embodiments, plate  102  may be composed of materials of varying rigidity throughout plate  102 . For example, plate  102  may be relatively rigid in forefoot region  112 . Plate  102  may be relatively flexible in heel region  108 . Midfoot region  110  of plate  102  may be composed of a material that has a rigidity between the rigidity of plate  102  in forefoot region  112  and heel region  108 . 
     In some embodiments upper midsole component  104  may be made of a various materials. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to: a polymer foam element (e.g. a polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam), plastics, rubber and other materials that may compress during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. 
     In some embodiments lower midsole component  106  may be made of a various materials. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to: a polymer foam element (e.g. a polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam), plastics, rubber and other materials that may compress during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. 
     Materials for each of plate  102 , upper midsole component  104  and lower midsole component  106  may be selected to achieve desired properties for each component, such as compressibility, rigidity and/or stiffness. In some embodiments, each of plate  102 , upper midsole component  104  and lower midsole component  106  could have different material properties in order to enhance cushioning and dynamic properties of sole structure  100 , as discussed in further detail below. 
     In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may have a first compressibility, lower midsole component  106  may have a second compressibility and plate  102  may have a third compressibility. The first compressibility of upper midsole component  104  may be more compressible than the second compressibility of lower midsole component  106 . In some embodiments, the second compressibility of lower midsole component  106  may be more compressible than the third compressibility of plate  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the material used to form plate  102  may have a first rigidity, the material used to form lower midsole component  106  may have a second rigidity, and the material used to form upper midsole component  104  may have a third rigidity. The first rigidity of the material used to form plate  102  may be greater than the second rigidity of the material used to form lower midsole component  106 . The second rigidity of the material used to form lower midsole component  106  may be greater than the third rigidity of the material used to form upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may be formed from a material having a higher rigidity than the material used to form lower midsole component  106 . 
     In some embodiments, plate  102  may have a first stiffness, lower midsole component  106  may have a second stiffness, and upper midsole component  104  may have a third stiffness. The first stiffness of plate  102  may be greater than the second stiffness of lower midsole component  106 . The second stiffness of lower midsole component  106  may be greater than the third stiffness of upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may be stiffer than lower midsole component  106 . 
     In some embodiments, the density or compressibility of a material may be manipulated or changed throughout upper midsole component  104 . For example, in some embodiments, the material of upper midsole component  104  may be greater in density, or less compressible, in heel region  108  of upper midsole component  104  than in midfoot region  110  or forefoot region  112 . Additionally, the material of lower midsole component  106  may be varied in a similar manner. 
     In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may correspond to the shape of a foot. In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may further correspond to the shape of plate  102 . In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may extend along the length of plate  102 . In other embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may be discontinuous. For example, in some embodiments, forefoot region  112  of upper midsole component  104  may be a discrete separate piece from the heel region  108  of upper midsole component  104 . 
     In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may have a uniform thickness. In other embodiments, thickness  130  may vary throughout upper midsole component  104 . For example, in some embodiments, thickness  130  may be greater in heel region  108  of upper midsole component  104  than in forefoot region  112  of upper midsole component  104 . In still further embodiments, thickness  130  may vary from lateral side  122  to medial side  124 . 
     In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may include an opening  126 . In some embodiments, opening  126  may extend from upper surface  118  to lower surface  128  of upper midsole component  104 . In other embodiments, opening  126  may pass only partially through upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, lower surface  128  may include a depression that extends from lower surface  128  toward upper surface  118  of upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, the depression may not extend completely from lower surface  128  to upper surface  118 . 
     In some embodiments, opening  126  may have a regular shape. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , opening  126  may have a rectangular shape. In other embodiments, opening  126  may be irregular in shape. In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 15 , opening  126  may have a triangular shape. 
     In some embodiments, opening  126  may be located within a particular region of upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, opening  126  may be located in forefoot region  112  of upper midsole component  104 . In other embodiments, opening  126  may be located in midfoot region  110  of upper midsole component  104 . In still further embodiments, opening  126  may be located in heel region  108  of upper midsole component  104 . In further embodiments, opening  126  may be present in one or more of heel region  108 , midfoot region  110 , and/or forefoot region  112 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , opening  126  is disposed in forefoot region  112  and extends partially into midfoot region  110 . 
     In some embodiments, multiple openings may be present in upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, multiple distinct openings may be present in a particular region. For example, in some embodiments, multiple openings may be located in forefoot region  112 . In other embodiments, multiple openings may be located within various regions. For example, in some embodiments, a distinct opening may be located in forefoot region  112 , and a distinct opening may be located within heel region  108 . Additionally, multiple openings may be located within upper midsole component  104  in forefoot region  112 , midfoot region  110  and/or heel region  108 . 
     In some embodiments, inner faces  132  of opening  126  may extend in a completely vertical direction. That is, in some embodiments, the edge of inner faces  132  located on upper surface  118  may be located directly above the edge of inner faces  132  located on lower surface  128  of upper midsole component  104 . In other embodiments, inner faces  132  may flare towards edge  134  as inner faces  132  extend from upper surface  118  to lower surface  128  of upper midsole component  104 . 
     In some embodiments, lower midsole component  106  may comprise a base portion  136  and a raised portion  138 . In some embodiments, base portion  136  and raised portion  138  may be made of the same material. In other embodiments, base portion  136  and raised portion  138  may be made of different materials. 
     In some embodiments, base portion  136  may be made of a less compressible material than is raised portion  138 . In other embodiments, raised portion  138  may be less compressible than base portion  136 . In still further embodiments, base portion  136  and raised portion  138  may be formed from material having the same compressibility properties. In some embodiments, for example, base portion  136  and raised portion  138  may comprise a single monolithic component (e.g., base portion  136  and raised portion  138  are integrally formed together). 
     In some embodiments, the compressibility of lower midsole component  106  may vary from forefoot region  112  to heel region  108 . That is, in some embodiments, forefoot region  112  of lower midsole component  106  may include a material that has a higher compressibility than the material in heel region  108  of lower midsole component  106 . 
     In some embodiments, lower midsole component  106  may correspond in shape to a foot. In other embodiments, lower midsole component  106  may correspond in shape to upper midsole component  104 . 
     In some embodiments, lower midsole component  106  may extend along the length of upper midsole component  104 . In other embodiments, lower midsole component  106  may be discontinuous. For example, in some embodiments, the forefoot region  112  of lower midsole component  106  may be a discrete, separate piece from the heel region  108  of lower midsole component  106 . 
     In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be a discrete piece. That is, in some embodiments, there may be no base portion  136 . In other embodiments, base portion  136  may be smaller. For example, base portion  136  may only be located in forefoot region  112  of lower midsole component  106 . In other embodiments, base portion  136  may extend from forefoot region  112  to midfoot region  110  or heel region  108 . In still further embodiments, base portion  136  may only be located in the region or regions in which raised portion  138  is located. 
     In some embodiments, upper surface  120  of base portion  136  may contact lower surface  128  of upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, upper surface  120  and lower surface  128  may be bonded together as shown in  FIG. 2  and discussed in further detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the shape of raised portion  138  may correspond to the shape of opening  126 . In some embodiments, lower midsole component  106  may be brought together with upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be inserted into opening  126 . In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be aligned with opening  126  such that upper surface  152  of raised portion  138  may be located in the same plane as upper surface  118  of upper midsole component  104 . 
     In some embodiments, outer faces  140  of raised portion  138  may correspond in shape with inner faces  132  of upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, inner faces  132  and outer faces  140  may correspond so as to create a compression fit between raised portion  138  and opening  126 . In other embodiments, raised portion  138  and opening  126  may be shaped and sized such that outer faces  140  and inner faces  132  do not interact. In other embodiments, outer faces  140  and inner faces  132  may contact each other without forming a compression fit. 
     In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be of uniform height, or distance in the vertical direction. Height  402  (See  FIG. 4 ) of raised portion  138  may correspond to the distance from upper surface  120  of base portion  136  to upper surface  152  of raised portion  138 . In some embodiments, height  402  of raised portion  138  may vary along the longitudinal direction or the length of raised portion  138 . In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be a greater height at the location furthest from heel region  108 . In other embodiments, raised portion may be a smaller height at the location furthest from heel region  108 . In still other embodiments, height  402  of raised portion  138  may correspond to the thickness of upper midsole component  104 . In such embodiments, upper surface  152  of raised portion  138  may match the plane of upper surface  118  of upper midsole component  104  when assembled with upper midsole component  104 . 
     In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may extend from forefoot region  112  to heel region  108 . In other embodiments, raised portion  138  may extend through one or more of forefoot region  112 , midfoot region  110 , and heel region  108 . In still further embodiments, raised portion  138  may be located in a distinct region. As shown, a portion of base portion  136  is located between raised portion  138  and forefoot end  142 . In some embodiments, raised portion may extend to, or near, forefoot end  142  of lower midsole component  106 . In some embodiments, the length of raised portion  138  may approximately correspond to the length of opening  126  in upper midsole component  104 . 
     In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may extend from lateral side  122  to medial side  124 . The width of raised portion  138  may be the distance that raised portion  138  covers or extends between lateral side  122  and medial side  124 . In some embodiments, a portion of base portion  136  may extend between medial edge  146  and raised portion  138 . Additionally, in some embodiments, a portion of base portion  136  may extend between lateral edge  144  and raised portion  138 . 
     In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be located along bisecting line  148  of lower midsole component  106 . In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be located offset from bisecting line  148 . That is, in some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be skewed towards lateral edge  144 , or towards medial edge  146 . 
     In some embodiments, outer faces  140  may be linearly shaped. That is, in some embodiments, outer faces  140  may extend from upper surface  120  of base portion  136  to upper surface  152  of raised portion  138  in a completely vertical manner. In other embodiments, outer faces  140  may extend in a diagonally linear manner from upper surface  120  of base portion  136  to upper surface  152  of raised portion  138 . In other embodiments, outer faces  140  may curve or bend towards upper surface  152  of raised portion  138  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . In still further embodiments, outer faces  140  may include irregular shapes or curves. 
     In some embodiments, the slope or grade of outer faces  140  may be steep. In other embodiments, the slope of outer faces  140  may be more gradual. In some embodiments in which outer faces are oriented at a gradual slope, outer faces may encompass a larger area than corresponding outer faces with a steeper slope. For example, in embodiments with a raised portion of consistent height, a steeper slope of outer faces may encompass a relatively small area in comparison to more gradual or moderately sloped outer faces. 
     In some embodiments, base portion  136  and raised portion  138  may be made of unitary construction. That is, in some embodiments, base portion  136  and raised portion  138  may be one continuous piece or part. In other embodiments, raised portion  138  may be a separate piece or part from base portion  136 . In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be attached to base portion  136  by adhesives, mechanical means, by heat bonding, or other techniques. 
       FIGS. 2 through 5  illustrate exemplary steps in an embodiment of assembling various components to form a sole structure. Referring to  FIG. 2 , lower midsole component  106  may be attached or joined to upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, lower midsole component  106  and upper midsole component  104  are discrete pieces. In some embodiments, during assembly raised portion  138  of lower midsole component  106  is inserted into opening  126 . In other embodiments, a material used to form upper midsole component  104  may be placed on lower midsole component  106  such that the material fills the contours of lower midsole component  106 . For example, in some embodiments, the material used to form upper midsole component  104  may be sprayed upon or poured upon lower midsole component  106 . Further, the material may then be allowed to cure, thereby forming upper midsole component  104 . 
     In some embodiments, lower midsole component  106  and upper midsole component  104  may be attached by mechanical means. In some embodiments, lower midsole component  106  and upper midsole component  104  may be attached by an adhesive. In other embodiments, upper midsole component  104  and lower midsole component  106  may be attached by sewing, tacks, nails or other fastening devices. In other embodiments, upper midsole component  104  and lower midsole component  106  may be combined using thermal bonding or other techniques. As shown, in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , an adhesive  200  is placed on lower midsole component  106 . Adhesive  200  may be placed on base portion  136  as well as raised portion  138 . In some embodiments, adhesive may also be placed on outer faces  140 . 
     In some embodiments, adhesive  200  may bond upper surface  120  of base portion  136  to lower surface  128  of upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, adhesive  200  may further bond outer faces  140  of lower midsole component  106  to inner faces  132  of upper midsole component  104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , an embodiment of midsole  300  is shown after a step of attaching upper midsole component  104  and lower midsole component  106 , and prior to attaching plate  102 . In some embodiments, adhesive  200  is placed on upper surface  120  of base portion  136  as well as upper surface  152  of raised portion  138 . As shown, outer faces  140  may have a concave shape. Inner faces  132  may have a corresponding convex shape that aligns with the shape of outer faces  140 . In some embodiments, the shape of outer faces  140  and inner faces  132  may not correspond. Further, in some embodiments, the shape of outer faces  140  and inner faces  132  may be irregularly shaped. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a cross section of midsole  300  is shown. In some embodiments, the cross sectional area of upper midsole component  104  may be the same or similar on lateral side  122  and medial side  124 . In other embodiments, the cross sectional area of upper midsole component  104  may differ. In some embodiments, the shape or orientation of raised portion  138  may impact the cross sectional area of upper midsole component  104 . As shown, the cross-section of midsole  300  is largely rectangular. Additionally, lower midsole component  106  has a largely flat or linear lower surface. The shape of lower surface  150  of lower midsole component  106  may allow for outsoles (such as outsole  1004  in  FIG. 10 ) of different shapes to be attached. Additionally, height  402  of raised portion  138  may be approximately the same as the thickness of upper midsole component  104 . Additionally, cleats or studs may also be secured to midsole  300  and/or outsole  1004 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , sole structure  100  is shown. Plate  102  may be attached to midsole  300 . In some embodiments, plate  102  may be attached only to upper midsole component  104 . In other embodiments, plate  102  may be attached to upper midsole component  104  and lower midsole component  106 . In still further embodiments, plate  102  may be attached only to lower midsole component  106 . As shown, adhesive  200  may be placed on upper surface  152  of raised portion  138  of lower midsole component  106 . In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may not include adhesive  200 . That is, in some embodiments, plate  102  may be attached to lower midsole component  106  without being attached to upper midsole component  104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-9 , a force  801  may be applied to sole structure  100 . As shown, raised portion  138  may act as a fulcrum as force  801  is exerted on lateral side  122  (in  FIG. 9 ) and medial side  124  (in  FIG. 8 ). For example, referring to  FIG. 8 , as force  801  is exerted on medial side  124 , plate  102  may press into upper midsole component  104 . As upper midsole component  104  experiences force, upper midsole component  104  may compress, thereby allowing plate  102  to move along the direction of force  801  (e.g., vertically downward). In this manner, plate  102  may pivot about raised portion  138 . 
     In some embodiments, plate  102  may be unsecured to upper midsole component  104 . As such, in some embodiments, as force  801  is exerted on medial side  124  of plate  102 , lateral side  122  of plate  102  may raise above upper midsole component  104  as shown in  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, a gap or space may be formed between upper midsole component  104  and plate  102  as shown on lateral side  122  of sole structure  100 . In this case, lateral side  122  of plate  102  may form a non-zero angle  806  with upper midsole component  104 , which indicates the degree of titling of plate  102  under force  801 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 9 , medial side  124  of plate  102  may form non-zero angle  806  with upper midsole component  104  as force  801  is applied to lateral side  122  of plate  102 . Because upper midsole component  104  may be unsecured to plate  102 , plate  102  may have an increased range of motion compared to embodiments in which plate  102  is attached to upper midsole component  104 . In embodiments in which upper midsole component  104  is attached to plate  102  along lateral side  122 , upper midsole component  104  may restrict the motion of plate  102  to lift or raise along lateral side  122 . Likewise, in embodiments in which upper midsole component  104  is attached to plate  102  along medial side  124 , upper midsole component  104  may restrict the motion of plate  102  to lift or raise along lateral side  122 . 
     In some embodiments, upper surface  152  of raised portion  138  may bend or compress as a force is applied to sole structure  100 . In some embodiments, medial edge  800  of raised portion  138  may compress as force  801  is applied on medial side  124  of sole structure  100 . The degree to which medial edge  800  compresses may depend on the compressibility of upper midsole component  104  as well as the magnitude of the force applied. In some embodiments, the more compressible upper midsole component  104  is, the more medial edge  800  may compress. 
     In some embodiments, the amount medial edge  800  compresses may also depend on the width  802  of upper surface  152  of raised portion  138 . Width  802  may be defined as the distance from medial edge  800  to lateral edge  804  of raised portion  138  (see  FIG. 7 ). In embodiments with a larger width  802  than depicted in  FIG. 7 , medial edge  800  may compress to a lesser degree when sole structure  100  is subjected to the same force  801  of  FIG. 8 . Additionally, the smaller width  802  is, the more medial edge  800  may compress. Because lower midsole component  106  may be generally less compressible than upper midsole component  104 , reducing the volume of lower midsole component  106  relative to the volume of upper midsole component  104  (or increasing the volume of upper midsole component  104  relative to the volume of lower midsole component  106 ) may result in a more compressible sole structure  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the magnitude of force necessary to alter angle  806  of plate  102  may be impacted by width  802  of raised portion  138 . In some embodiments, the greater the distance of width  802 , the greater the magnitude of force is necessary to alter plate  102  to an angle  806 . Conversely, in some embodiments, the smaller the distance of width  802 , the smaller the magnitude of force is necessary to alter plate  102  to an angle  806 . 
     As discussed previously, in some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be located off-center, or offset from bisecting line  148 . As the gait or walk of a user may not be perfectly symmetric, raised portion  138  may be altered to accommodate the lack of symmetry. For example, some users walk or gait may place more pressure on medial side  124  of sole structure  100 . As such, in some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be skewed toward medial side  124  so as to accommodate the gait of a user. By moving raised portion  138  to accommodate a user&#39;s gait, the foot of a user may be able to remain relatively horizontal and improve comfort during linear movement. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , an embodiment of an article of footwear  1000  (also referred to as plainly article  1000 ) incorporating sole structure  100  is shown. In some embodiments, article  1000  may include an upper  1002 , sockliner, and/or strobel. In some embodiments, article  1000  may also include an outsole  1004  between lower midsole component  106  and the ground or a surface. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , article of footwear  1000  may tilt along medial edge  146 . Forces applied by a foot (not shown) may compress upper midsole component  104  along medial side  124  thereby angling plate  102 . As shown in cross sections through forefoot region  112  and heel region  108 , plate  102  may be oriented at different angles. Angle  1100 , between plate  102  and upper midsole component  104 , in forefoot region  112  may be greater than angle  1102 , between plate  102  and upper midsole component  104 , in heel region  108 . In some embodiments, raised portion  138 , which may be stiffer than upper midsole component  104 , may allow for plate  102  to more readily angle or tilt in forefoot region  112  than in heel region  108 . In some embodiments, because no raised portion is located in heel region  108  to act as a fulcrum, the ability of plate  102  to angle may be diminished in heel region  108 . 
     In some embodiments, plate  102  may angle in heel region  108 . In other embodiments, plate  102  and midsole  300  may be oriented at the same angle when subjected to a force. That is, in some embodiments, in heel region  108  a portion of sole structure  100  may lift off of the ground or contact surface such that a space may exist between lower midsole component  106  and the ground or contact surface when a vertical force is placed along medial side  124  of sole structure  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a user is shown in a cutting motion and a cross-sectional view of the forefoot region  112  of article  1000  is shown. A cutting motion generally refers to a lateral motion, that is, a motion along the width, or from lateral side  122  to medial side  124  (or vice versa). As a user cuts, more force may be placed on one side than the other. As user  1200  is cutting, more weight is placed on medial side  124  of article  1000 . As such, in this view, medial side  124  of upper midsole component  104  may be compressed more than lateral side  122  of upper midsole component  104 . Additionally, a similar reaction may occur when a force is exerted on the lateral side  122  of sole structure  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the design of sole structure  100  may increase contact area with the ground or contact surface. Referring to article  1300  of  FIG. 13 , article  1000  of  FIG. 12  has a larger contact area  1202  than contact area  1302  of article  1300 , which shows an alternative embodiment of an article with a different sole structure. As user  1200  puts pressure or force on medial side  124 , the combination of lower midsole component  106  and upper midsole component  104  may absorb the force. Further, the ankle or foot of user  1200  may be able to angle with plate  102  during the cutting motion. The design may allow for a substantial majority of the ground contacting portion of sole structure  100  to remain in contact with the ground, increasing traction and control. In comparison, article  1300  does not include a similar type of force distribution mechanism. Article  1300  lacks substantial provisions for distributing the force exerted by user  1200  in a manner that maintains maximum contact area between a sole and a ground surface. As seen by comparing  FIGS. 12 and 13 , contact area  1302  is smaller in comparison to contact area  1202 . As a user cuts with article  1300 , contact area  1302  is reduced, thereby reducing traction and control. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, gap  1204  may occur during a cutting motion. In some embodiments, gap  1204  may be separated or sealed from outside elements. In some embodiments, upper  1002  may extend across gap  1204 . In some embodiments, upper  1002  may be attached to midsole  300 . As such, as plate  102  angles or rotates, upper  1002  may seal gap  1204  from outside elements. In other embodiments, a separate portion may seal gap  1204  from outside elements. In still further embodiments, gap  1204  may remain exposed to outside elements. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , in some embodiments, the raised portion may extend from forefoot region  112  to heel region  108 . Referring to  FIG. 14 , upper midsole component  1400  and lower midsole component  1402  are depicted. As shown, raised portion  1404  of lower midsole component  1402  extends from forefoot region  112  to heel region  108 . Additionally, opening  1406  extends from forefoot region  112  to heel region  108 . In some embodiments, opening  1406  may correspond in shape to raised portion  1404 . In  FIG. 15 , raised portion  1504  of lower midsole component  1502  may extend from forefoot region  112  to heel region  108 . Opening  1506  of upper midsole component  1500  may correspond to raised portion  1504 . 
     In some embodiments, the raised portion of lower midsole components may have a variety of shapes. For example, raised portion  1404  has a largely rectangular-shaped upper surface  1408 . In some embodiments, the shape of upper surface  1408  may remain substantially the same throughout the length of raised portion  1404 . That is, in some embodiments, width  1410  may remain substantially the same from forefoot region  112  to heel region  108 . Additionally, in some embodiments, length  1412  may remain substantially the same from lateral side  122  to medial side  124 . In other embodiments, width  1410  may change depending on the location within raised portion  1404 . Additionally, in some embodiments, length  1412  may change between lateral side  122  and medial side  124 . 
     In contrast to the article in  FIG. 10 , a user using an article that includes lower midsole component  1402  may utilize the fulcrum-like properties of raised portion  1404  in heel region  108 . As a user cuts, a substantial portion of the ground contacting surfaces of an article using lower midsole component  1402  may remain in contact with the ground or other surface. The ground contacting surface may remain in contact with the ground from forefoot region  112  to heel region  108 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , an embodiment of a midsole structure utilizing a triangular shaped raised portion is shown. As shown, upper surface  1508  of raised portion  1504  has a generally triangular shape. In some embodiments, width  1510  in forefoot region  112  may be larger than width  1512  located towards heel region  108 . In other embodiments, width  1510  may be smaller than width  1512 . In still further embodiments, the width of raised portion  1504  may vary throughout the length of raised portion  1504 . 
     In some embodiments, a triangular shaped raised portion may be utilized to provide a different feel within forefoot region  112  as opposed to heel region  108 . In some embodiments, a larger surface area of raised portion  1504  may be desired in forefoot region  112  than in heel region  108 . In some embodiments, a larger surface area of raised portion  1504  may increase the force necessary to angle a plate  102 , as discussed previously. In some embodiments, a user may desire that greater force be needed in forefoot region  112  as opposed to in heel region  108  to angle plate  102 . In other embodiments, a smaller surface area may be desired in forefoot region  112  so as to require less force to angle plate  102  in forefoot region  112 . Such a configuration may be desirable in activities where the force distribution over the forefoot and heel is uneven, thereby allowing tilting at the heel even when the applied force in the heel is less than the applied force in the forefoot. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-19 , different levels of deformation of lower midsole component  106  due to different magnitudes of force are shown.  FIG. 16  shows the cross section of sole structure  100  with a force  1600  exerted upon medial side  124  of sole structure  100 . As shown, plate  102  is forced into upper midsole component  104 . Additionally, medial edge  800  of lower midsole component  106  may compress. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , lower midsole component  106  of sole structure  100  of  FIG. 16  is shown in isolation from upper midsole component  104  and plate  102 . As shown, height  1700  located on medial side  124  of lower midsole component  106  and height  1702  located on lateral side  122  of lower midsole component  106  may be substantially the same. In some embodiments, as a force presses plate  102  into upper midsole component  104 , upper midsole component  104  may compress and absorb most or all of the force. As such, lower midsole component  106  may only slightly deform or compress, or may not substantially be deformed at all. In some embodiments, outer faces  140  of raised portion  138  may deform or compress from an uncompressed state (represented by dashed lines) to a compressed state. As upper surface  152  of raised portion  138  compresses, an angle  1704  may be formed. In some embodiments, angle  1704  may be the angle at which plate  102  is oriented. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-19 , sole structure  100  is exposed to a force  1800  which is of greater magnitude than force  1600  shown in  FIGS. 16-17 . As sole structure  100  is compressed, upper midsole component  104  may compress. In some embodiments, medial side  124  of lower midsole component  106  may compress as well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , lower midsole component  106  of sole structure  100  is shown in isolation from upper midsole component  104  and plate  102 . In some embodiments, force  1800  exerted upon plate  102  may transfer to upper midsole component  104  which may compress and absorb some of force  1800 . In some embodiments, some of force  1800  may not be absorbed by upper midsole component  104  and the residual force may be transferred to lower midsole component  106 . 
     In some embodiments, lower midsole component  106  may compress. As shown, height  1900  located on medial side  124  of lower midsole component  106  may be less than height  1902  located on lateral side  122  of lower midsole component  106 . Additionally, as shown, outer faces  140  of raised portion  138  may compress. Compared to lower midsole component  106  of  FIG. 17 , lower midsole component  106  of  FIG. 19  may compress to a greater degree. 
     In some embodiments, lower midsole component  106  may be made of a stiff or less compressible material such that under the greater force of  FIG. 18 , lower midsole component  106  of  FIGS. 18-19  may remain the same in appearance as lower midsole component  106  of  FIGS. 16-17  that is exposed to a force of less magnitude. 
     In some embodiments, a greater magnitude of force may cause upper surface  152  to compress to a greater degree. In some embodiments, angle  1904  may be larger than angle  1704  of  FIG. 17 . As medial side  124  of sole structure  100  is exposed to a greater force, medial edge  800  may compress to a greater degree. In some embodiments, as medial edge  800  is compressed, the angle at which plate  102  is oriented may increase. In some embodiments the angle at which plate  102  is oriented may be similar or the same to angle  1904 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-21 , sole structure  100  is shown subjected to an evenly distributed force  2100  parallel to bisecting line  2000 . In some embodiments, distributed force  2100  parallel to bisecting line  2000  may evenly distribute between medial side  124  and lateral side  122 . In other embodiments, force along bisecting line  2000  may distribute unevenly between medial side  124  and lateral side  122 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , an uncompressed sole structure  100  is shown. In  FIG. 21  sole structure  100  is shown in a compressed state. In some embodiments, sole structure  100  in a compressed state may have a shorter height than sole structure  100  in an uncompressed state. In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may compress and change height. In other embodiments, lower midsole component  106  may compress and change height. As shown, height  2004  of uncompressed sole structure  100  in  FIG. 20  is larger or greater than height  2104  of lower midsole component  106  when compressed in  FIG. 21 . Additionally, in some embodiments, height  2006  may be larger or greater than height  2106  of lower midsole component  106  when sole structure is subjected to a force. 
     In some embodiments, plate  102  may retain approximately the same dimensions when a force is applied. For example, height  2002  of plate  102  for uncompressed sole structure  100  may be the same or similar to height  2102  of plate  102  for compressed sole structure  100  of  FIG. 21 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , a sole structure is shown subjected to forces which are not evenly distributed. Force  2220  is exerted in a vertical direction in a central area of sole structure  100 . Force  2222  is exerted in a vertical direction on medial side  124  of sole structure  100 . Such a force profile could be encountered when a user is cutting while pressing down toward the ground. 
     In some embodiments, upper midsole component  104  may be compressed. In some embodiments, plate  102  may press against medial side  124  of upper midsole component  104 . In some embodiments, plate  102  may also press against lateral side  122  of midsole component  104 . As such, upper midsole component  104  may be compressed along medial side  124  as well as along lateral side  122 . Additionally, medial side  124  may be compressed to a different degree than lateral side  122  of upper midsole component  104 . 
     In some embodiments, raised portion  138  may be compressed. In some embodiments, medial edge  800  may compressed. Additionally, in some embodiments, lateral edge  804  may also be compressed. As such, each edge of raised portion  138  may be compressed different amounts. 
     In some embodiments, the density or compressibility of midsole components may be varied to achieve particularized compressibility within an article of footwear. Referring to  FIGS. 23-25 , upper midsole and lower midsole properties may be altered to achieve various properties. Additionally, the sole structures in  FIGS. 23-25  may be exposed to the same magnitude of force at the same point along a plate. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , upper midsole component  2300  may be made of a less dense or more compressible material than lower midsole component  2302 . Additionally, plate  2304  may be made of a stiff or relatively incompressible material. In some embodiments, as force  2320  is placed on medial side  124  of sole structure  2306 , medial side  124  of upper midsole component  2300  may compress and change height (e.g., thickness). In some embodiments, lower midsole component  2302  may also compress and change height (e.g., thickness) to a relatively small degree compared to upper midsole component  2300 . Further, as force  2320  is placed on plate  2304 , plate  2304  may be oriented at an angle  2308 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , sole structure  2406  may comprise an upper midsole component  2400 , a lower midsole component  2402  and a plate  2404 . As force  2420  is exerted on medial side  124  of sole structure  2406 , upper midsole component  2400  may compress a small amount. Additionally, lower midsole component  2402  may compress to a small amount. In this embodiment, the density or compressibility of lower midsole component  2402  and upper midsole component  2400  may be closer to each other than is the compressibility of upper midsole component  2300  and lower midsole component  2302  shown in  FIG. 23 . That is, upper midsole component  2400  may be less compressible than upper midsole component  2300 . Lower midsole component  2402  may be more compressible than lower midsole component  2302 . In some embodiments, lower midsole component  2402  may still be less compressible than upper midsole component  2400 . 
     Additionally, plate  2404  may be oriented at an angle  2408 . In some embodiments, angle  2408  may be the same or similar to angle  2408 . As such, different combinations of upper midsole component compositions and lower midsole component compositions may be used in order to achieve the same results. That is, in some embodiments, the overall compressibility of a sole structure may be achieved in many alternative ways. 
     In some embodiments, a stiffer lower midsole component may be desired for determining an initial resistance when cutting. That is, in some embodiments, as a force is exerted on a side of the plate attached to a lower midsole component, the stiffer lower midsole component portion may have a certain resistance to allowing the plate to pitch or angle. In other embodiments, a more flexible or compressible lower midsole component may be desired in order to allow immediate feedback and angling upon cutting. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , a relatively stiff sole structure  2506  is shown. Sole structure  2506  includes upper midsole component  2500 , lower midsole component  2502 , and plate  2504 . As force  2520  is applied to plate  2504  on medial side  124  of sole structure  2506 , sole structure  2506  may compress. As shown, upper midsole component  2500  may be less compressible than upper midsole component  2400  or upper midsole component  2300 . 
     Upper midsole component  2500  may be more compressible than lower midsole component  2502 . In some embodiments, lower midsole component  2502  may be less compressible than lower midsole component  2402  or lower midsole component  2302 . As such, sole structure  2506  may be made of midsole components that are less compressible than corresponding components in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . 
     Due to the less compressible nature of sole structure  2506 , plate  2504  may angle to a smaller extent than plate  2404  or plate  2304 . In some embodiments, angle  2508  may be smaller than angle  2408  and angle  2308 . The less compressible composition of sole structure  2506  may be used in embodiments in which a stiffer feel may be desired. For example, in some embodiments, a user may desire to have plate  2504  angle only on stronger cuts. In such cases, a user may desire to have a stiffer sole structure composed of less compressible materials such as shown in  FIG. 25 . 
     It will be understood that other embodiments could utilize any combinations of a plate and midsole components having any desired compressibility, stiffness and/or other properties. The material properties for each component can be selected to tune the cushioning, support, traction and/or dynamic motion (e.g., titling) provided by a sole structure. 
     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. 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.