Patent Publication Number: US-2023157409-A1

Title: Sole structure for article of footwear

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/771,706, filed Jun. 11, 2020, which is a national phase entry of PCT International Application No. PCT/US2018/065066, filed Dec. 12, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 62/598,782, filed Dec. 14, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to sole structures for articles of footwear and more particularly to sole structures incorporating a fluid-filled chamber having a plurality of segments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure. 
     Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to increase durability of the sole structure, as well as to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper and a strobel attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner. 
     Midsoles employing fluid-filled bladders typically include a bladder formed from two barrier layers of polymer material that are sealed or bonded together. The fluid-filled bladders are pressurized with a fluid such as air, and may incorporate tensile members within the bladder to retain the shape of the bladder when compressed resiliently under applied loads, such as during athletic movements. Generally, bladders are designed with an emphasis on balancing support for the foot and cushioning characteristics that relate to responsiveness as the bladder resiliently compresses under an applied load. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   , showing a sole structure having a midsole, a fluid-filled chamber, and an outsole arranged in a layered configuration; 
         FIG.  3    is a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   , showing a geometry and configuration of a plurality of chambers associated with a fluid-filled bladder of a sole structure; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  3   , showing a segment within a forefoot region of a sole structure and extending between a lateral side of the sole structure and the medial side of a sole structure and terminating at a distal end; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG.  3   , showing a segment within a forefoot region of a sole structure and extending between a lateral side of the sole structure and the medial side of a sole structure and terminating at a distal end; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  3   , showing segments disposed within a heel region of the sole structure and separated from one another by a web area; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG.  3   , showing segment spaced along the sole structure and disposed in the forefoot region, mid-foot region, and heel region and separated from one another by a web area; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a segment having an outsole segment attached thereto; and 
         FIG.  9    is a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   , showing cushioning support vectors defined by a fluid-filled bladder of a sole structure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations. 
     One aspect of the disclosure provides a sole structure for an article of footwear. The structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The structure also includes a bladder including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a first chamber having a first segment extending along one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure, a second segment extending from a first end of the first segment to the other of the medial side and the lateral side, a third segment extending from a second end of the first segment to the other of the medial side and the lateral side and diverging from the second segment, a fourth segment extending towards the heel region from one of the second segment and the third segment along the other of the medial side and the lateral side, and a fifth segment extending from the fourth segment towards the one of the medial side and the lateral side and terminating at a distal end between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the fourth segments extends from the second segment and the fifth segment extends between the second segment and the third segment. Here, the fifth segment may extend parallel to the third segment and may converge with the second segment along a direction from the other of the medial side and the lateral side to the one of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     In some configurations, the fourth segment extends from the third segment and the third segment extends between the second segment and the fifth segment. Here, the fifth segment may be convergent with the second segment and the third segment in a direction from the other of the medial side and the lateral side to the one of the medial side and the lateral side. Optionally, the distal end of the fifth segment may taper in a direction toward the upper. 
     In some examples, the first chamber includes a sixth segment extending towards the heel region from the other of the second segment and the third segment. The first chamber may also include a seventh segment extending from the sixth segment towards the one of the medial side and the lateral side and terminating at a distal end between the medial side and the lateral side. In this example, the fifth segment may extend between the second segment and the third segment and the second segment is disposed between the fifth segment and the seventh segment. Optionally, the bladder of the sole structure may include a second chamber surrounding the heel region of the sole structure. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides a sole structure for an article of footwear. The sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region including a toe portion, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a bladder including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a first chamber having a serpentine shape extending from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure within the forefoot region, a second chamber bounding a periphery of the heel region, a third chamber formed in the toe portion of the forefoot region, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some configurations, the first chamber is fluidly connected to the second chamber by a first conduit along the medial side and the third chamber is fluidly connected to the second chamber by a second conduit along the medial side. 
     In some examples, the first chamber includes a first segment extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side, a second segment extending from a first end of the first segment to the other of the medial side and the lateral side, a third segment extending from a second end of the first segment to the other of the medial side and the lateral side and diverging from the second segment, a fourth segment extending towards the heel region from one of the second segment and the third segment along the other of the medial side and the lateral side, and a fifth segment extending from the fourth segment towards the one of the medial side and the lateral side and terminating at a distal end between the medial side and the lateral side. Here, the third chamber may include a fifth segment extending around the toe portion from the one of the medial side and the lateral side to the other of the medial side and the lateral side, and a sixth segment extending from the fifth segment on the other of the medial side and the lateral side and towards the one of the medial side and the lateral side. The sixth segment may terminate at a distal end between the medial side and the lateral side. Additionally or alternatively, the sixth segment may be parallel to the second segment. The second chamber may also include a fifth segment extending from the mid-foot region through the heel region along one of the medial side and the lateral side, a sixth segment extending from the first segment in the mid-foot region to the other of the medial side and the lateral side in the heel region, and a seventh segment extending around the heel region and fluidly coupling the fifth segment to the sixth segment. Here, the seventh segment may be fluidly coupled to the fifth segment by a third conduit and the seventh segment may be fluidly coupled to the sixth segment by a fourth conduit. 
     In some implementations, the sole structure also includes an outsole attached to at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber and defining a ground-engaging surface. In this example, the web area may be recessed from the ground-engaging surface. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , an article of footwear  10  includes an upper  100 , a midsole  200  attached to the upper  100 , and an outsole  300  extending between the midsole  200  and a ground surface. The article of footwear  10  may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region  12 , a mid-foot region  14 , and a heel region  16 . The forefoot region  12  may correspond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot. The mid-foot region  14  may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region  16  may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The footwear  10  may include lateral and medial sides  18 ,  20 , respectively, corresponding with opposite sides of the footwear  10  and extending through the regions  12 ,  14 ,  16 . 
     The upper  100  includes interior surfaces that define an interior void  102  configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the midsole  200 . The upper  100  may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void  102 . Suitable materials of the upper may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, form, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. 
     In some examples, the upper  100  includes a strobel  104  having a bottom surface  106  opposing the midsole  200  and an opposing top surface defining a footbed  108  of the interior void  102 . Stitching or adhesives may secure the strobel  104  to the upper  100 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the footbed  108  may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. Optionally, the upper  100  may also incorporate additional layers such as an insole  110  or sockliner that may be disposed upon the strobel  104  and reside within the interior void  102  of the upper  100  to receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the article of footwear  10 . An ankle opening  112  in the heel region  16  may provide access to the interior void  102 . For example, the ankle opening  112  may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void  102  and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void  102 . 
     In some examples, one or more fasteners  114  extend along the upper  100  to adjust a fit of the interior void  102  around the foot and to accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper  100  may include apertures  116  such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners  114 . The fasteners  114  may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener. The upper  100  may include a tongue portion  118  that extends between the interior void  102  and the fasteners  114 . 
     As shown  FIGS.  4 - 7   , the midsole  200  includes a bladder  202  defined by an upper barrier layer  204  (hereinafter ‘upper layer  204 ’) and a lower barrier layer  206  (hereinafter ‘lower layer  206 ’). The upper layer  204  and the lower layer  206  define barrier layers for the bladder  202  by joining together and bonding at a plurality of discrete locations during a molding or thermoforming process to form a flange  208  extending around the periphery of the midsole  200  and a web area  210  extending between the lateral and medial sides  18  and  20  of the midsole  200 . The flange  208  and the web area  210  are disposed proximate to the upper  100  and, thus, are recessed relative to a ground-contacting surface  304  of the outsole  300 . 
     The upper layer  204  of the bladder  202  opposes and attaches (e.g., joins and bonds) to the bottom surface  106  of the strobel  104  of the upper  100 . Additionally, the upper layer  204  of the bladder  202  may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot to provide cushioning and support for the foot. The upper layer  204  may be formed from one or more polymer materials during a molding process or a thermoforming process and may include an outer peripheral edge that extends upward upon an outer periphery of the upper  100 . The lower layer  206  of the bladder  202  is disposed on an opposite side of the bladder  202  than the upper layer  204 . The lower layer  206  may include an outer peripheral edge that extends upward toward the upper  100  and bonds with the outer peripheral edge of the upper layer  204  to form the flange  208 . As with the upper layer  204 , the lower layer  206  may be formed from the same or a different polymer material during the molding or thermoforming process. 
     In some implementations, the upper and lower layers  204 ,  206  are formed by respective mold portions each defining various surfaces for forming depressions and pinched surfaces corresponding to locations where the flange  208  and/or the web area  210  are formed when the lower layer  206  and the upper layer  204  join and bond together. In some implementations, adhesive bonding joins the upper layer  204  and the lower layer  206  to form the flange  208  and the web area  210 . In other implementations, the upper layer  204  and the lower layer  206  are joined to form the flange  208  and the web area  210  by thermal bonding. In some examples, one or both of the upper and lower layers  204 ,  206  are heated to a temperature that facilitates shaping and melding. In some examples, the layers  204 ,  206  are heated prior to being located between their respective molds. In other examples, the mold may be heated to raise the temperature of the layers  204 ,  206 . In some implementations, a molding process used to form the bladder  202  incorporates vacuum ports within mold portions to remove air such that the upper and lower layers  204 ,  206  are drawn into contact with respective mold portions. In other implementations, fluids such as air may be injected into areas between the upper and lower layers  204 ,  206  such that pressure increases cause the layers  204 ,  206  to engage with surfaces of their respective mold portions. 
     The midsole  200  may include a polymer foam layer (not shown) disposed between the upper layer  204  of the bladder  202  and the upper  100 . Thus, the optional foam layer of the midsole  200  is an intermediate layer that indirectly attaches the upper layer  204  of the bladder  202  to the upper  100  by joining the upper layer  204  of the bladder  202  to the upper  100  and/or to the bottom surface  106  of the strobel  104 , thereby securing the midsole  200  and the outsole  300  to the upper  100 . Moreover, the foam layer of the footwear  10  may also reduce the extent to which the upper layer  204  extends onto the peripheral surfaces of the upper  100  and, therefore, increases durability of the footwear  10  by reducing the possibility of the upper layer  204  detaching from the upper  100  over extended use of the footwear  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the bladder  202  includes one or more chambers  212 ,  214 ,  216 . In the illustrated example, a first chamber  212  extends from the mid-foot region  14  to a toe portion of the forefoot region  12 , a second chamber  214  extends through the heel region  16 , and a third chamber  216  is formed in the toe portion of the forefoot region  12 . The second chamber  214  is fluidly coupled to the first chamber  212  by a first conduit  220   a  and the third chamber  216  is fluidly coupled to the first chamber  212  by a second  220   b , as described in greater detail below. 
     The chambers  212 ,  214 ,  216  are each defined by a plurality of segments  218   a - 2181 , which are fluidly coupled to each other by one or more of the conduits  220   a - 220   d . In some implementations, the lower layer  206  defines a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the plurality of segments  218   a - 2181  and the conduits  220   a - 220   d . The lower layer  206  and the upper layer  204  may join and bond together in a plurality of discrete areas between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  of the bladder  202  to form portions of the web area  210  that bound and separate each segment  218   a - 2181  and conduit  220   a - 220   d . Thus, each segment  218   a - 2181  and conduit  220   a - 220   d  is associated with an area of the bladder  202  where the upper and lower layers  204 ,  206  are not joined together and, thus, are separated from one another to form respective voids. 
     The flange  208  and the web area  210  may cooperate to bound and extend around each of the segments  218   a - 2181  to seal the fluid (e.g., air) within the segments  218   a - 218   l . In some examples, regions of the web area  210  are bounded entirely by segments  218   a - 2181  and/or conduits  220   a - 220   c  while other regions of the web area  210  are bounded by a combination of segments  218   a - 2181  and/or conduits  220   a - 220   c  along one of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 , and the flange  208  along the other of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . In some configurations, regions of the web area  210  define flexion zones to facilitate flexing of the footwear  10  as the midsole  200  rolls along the ground surface. As shown in  FIG.  3   , no portion of the web area  210  extends continuously between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 7   , each segment  218   a - 2181  may define a substantially tubular cross-sectional shape and a thickness that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole  200  between the upper layer  204  and the lower layer  206 . As such, the thickness of each segment  218   a - 2181  is defined by a distance the lower layer  206  protrudes away from the upper layer  204  in a direction away from the upper  100 . At least two of the segments  218   a - 2181  may define different thicknesses. For example, one or more segments  218   h - 218   j  disposed in the heel region  16  may be associated with greater thicknesses than thicknesses associated one or more segments  218   a - 218   g  disposed in the forefoot region  12  or the mid-foot region  14 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , a thickness of the midsole  200  gradually decreases from the heel region  16  to the forefoot region  12  to provide a greater degree of cushioning for absorbing ground-reaction forces of greater magnitude that initially occur in the heel region  16  and lessen as the forefoot region  12  of the midsole  200  rolls for engagement with the ground surface. 
     Each of the segments  218   a - 2181  and the conduits  220   a - 220   d  may be filled with a pressurized fluid (i.e., gas, liquid) to provide cushioning and stability for the foot during use of the footwear  10 . In some implementations, compressibility of a first portion of the plurality of segments  218   a - 2181  of the chambers  212 ,  214 ,  216  under an applied load provides a responsive-type cushioning, while a second portion of the segments  218   a - 2181  of the chambers  212 ,  214 ,  216  may be configured to provide a soft-type cushioning under an applied load. Accordingly, the segments  218   a - 2181  of the bladder  202  may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear  10  that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the segments  218   a - 2181  are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear  10  performs). 
     In other implementations, one or more cushioning materials, such as polymer foam and/or particulate matter, are enclosed by one or more of the segments  218   a - 2181  in place of, or in addition to, the pressurized fluid to provide cushioning for the foot. In these implementations, the cushioning materials may provide one or more of the segments  218   a - 2181  with cushioning properties different from the segments  218   a - 2181  filled with the pressurized fluid. For example, the cushioning materials may be more or less responsive or provide greater impact absorption than the pressurized fluid. 
     In some implementations, an overmold portion extends over a portion of the bladder  202  to provide increased durability and resiliency for the chambers  212 ,  214 ,  216  when under applied loads. The overmold portion may extend over the forefoot region  12 , the mid-foot region  14 , and/or the heel region  16  by attaching to the lower layer  206  to provide increased durability and resiliency for the bladder  202  where the separation distance between the lower layer  206  and the upper layer  204  is greater, or to provide increased thickness in specific areas of the bladder  202 , such as the heel region  16 . In some examples the overmold portion is bonded to the lower layer  206  and includes at least one of a different thickness, a different hardness, and a different material than the lower layer  206 . The overmold portion may be limited to only attaching to areas of the lower layer  206  that partially define the segments residing in the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel regions  12 ,  14 ,  16  and, therefore, the overmold portion may be absent from the flange  208  and web area  210 . Accordingly, the overmold portion may partially define a plurality of the segments  218   a - 218   l.    
     The outsole  300  attaches to and conforms in shape with the midsole  200 . The outsole  300  may include a plurality of ground contacting pads  302  for defining the ground-contacting surface  304  of the article of footwear  10 . In some examples, the contact pads  302  extend from the lower layer  206  of the bladder  202  in a direction away from the upper  100  to provide increased traction with the ground surface. The contact pads  302  may also cause the bottom surface of the foot to reside higher above the ground surface. 
     In some examples, the outsole  300  includes the ground-engaging surface  304  and an opposite inner surface  306  that attaches to regions of the lower layer  206  that define the segments  218   a - 218   l . Accordingly, the outsole  300  may include a plurality of segments each defining a shape that conforms to the shape of a respective segments  218   a - 2181 , whereby the outsole  300  is absent in regions between the segments  218   a - 2181  to thereby expose the flange  208  and web area  210  of the bladder  202 . The outsole  300  generally provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface and may be formed from one or more materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. For example, rubber may form at least a portion of the outsole  300 . 
     In the illustrated example, the outsole  300  is formed as the overmold portion, as described above. Accordingly, the outsole  300  may be formed integrally with the lower layer  206  of the bladder  202  using an overmolding process. In other examples the outsole  300  may be formed separately from the lower layer  206  of the bladder  202  and may be adhesively bonded to the lower layer  206 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  3   , the geometry and configuration of the segments  218   a - 2181  is shown with reference to a bottom perspective view of the footwear  10 . At least one of the segments  218   a - 2181  may have a different length than the other segments  218   a - 218   l . As described above, the segments  218   a - 2181  are formed in areas of the midsole  200  where the upper layer  204  and the lower layer  206  are separated and spaced apart from one another to define respective voids for enclosing the pressurized fluid or cushioning material. As such, the flange  208  and the web area  210  correspond to areas of the bladder  202  where the upper layer  204  and the lower layer  206  are joined and bonded, and cooperate to bound and define a perimeter of each segments  218   a - 2181  to thereby seal the pressurized fluid therein. Accordingly, the segments  218   a - 2181  may be disposed within corresponding ones of the regions  12 ,  14 ,  16  of the midsole  200  and may be spaced apart from one another by the web area  210 . In other words, the one or more segments  218   a - 2181  may cooperate to bound corresponding regions of the web area  210 . 
     In some implementations, at least two of the segments  218   a - 2181  extend along the lateral side  18  of the midsole  200  while at least two other segments  218   a - 2181  extend along the medial side  20  of the midsole  200 . Moreover, some of the segments  218   a - 2181  extend between the lateral side  18  of the midsole  200  and the medial side  20  of the midsole  200 . For instance, at least one segment  218   a - 2181  may extend continuously from one of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  to the other one of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the segments  218   a - 2181  extends from one of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  to a distal end  222  that terminates at a location between the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18 . Here, the distal end(s)  222  may taper in a direction toward the upper  100 , i.e., the lower layer  206  tapers toward the upper layer  204  of the bladder  202  so the thickness of the segment  218   a - 2181  decreases along a direction towards the distal end  222 . 
     In some implementations, the segments  218   a - 2181  are in fluid communication with one another to form a unitary pressure system for the bladder  202 . The unitary pressure system directs fluid through the segments  218   a - 2181  when under an applied load as the segments  218   a - 2181  compress or expand to provide cushioning, stability, and support by attenuating ground-reaction forces especially during forward running movements of the footwear  10 . Optionally, one or more of the segments  218   a - 2181  may be fluidly isolated from the other segments  218   a - 2181  so that at least one of the segments  218   a - 2181  can be pressurized differently. 
     In some configurations, at least two adjacent segments  218   a - 2181  are connected to one another at a bend  224  or turn, whereby each of the segments connected by the corresponding bend  224  extend in different directions from one another. Each bend  224  is associated with an internal radius extending toward the periphery of the midsole  200 . In some examples, the radius of each bend  224  is at least 3 mm. Moreover, each bend  224  is disposed proximate to the periphery of the midsole  200  on an opposite side of the respective segment  218   a - 2181  than the flange  208 . By positioning the bends  224  on opposite sides of the segments than the flange  208 , collapsing by the segments  218   a - 2181  is restricted during directional shifts between loads applied to the midsole  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the segments  218   a - 218   g  of the first chamber  212  may cooperate to define a unitary serpentine shape for the first chamber  212  that extends between the distal end  222   e  of the segment  218   e  disposed in the forefoot region  12  and the distal end  222   g  of the segment  218   g  disposed within the mid-foot region  14 . More particularly, the unitary serpentine shape of the first chamber  212  extends along the longitudinal axis L of the midsole  200  and includes one or more segments  218   d ,  218   f  extending along the lateral side  18 , one or more segments  218   c  extending along the medial side  20 , segments  218   a ,  218   b  extending continuously between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 , as well as segments  218   e ,  218   g  extending toward the medial side  20  to distal ends  222  that terminate at respective distal ends  222   e ,  222   g  between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . 
     In some examples, the first chamber  212  includes a plurality of segments  218   a - 218   g  extending from the forefoot region  12  through the mid-foot region  14 . First and second segments  218   a ,  218   b  are disposed within the forefoot region  12  and extend continuously from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20  of the midsole  200 . The second segment  218   b  is disposed forward of the first segment  218   a  with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole  200 . The first segment  218   a  and the second segment  218   b  converge with each other in a direction from lateral side  18  to the medial side. A third segment  218   c  extends along the medial side  20  in the forefoot region  12  and includes a first end fluidly coupled to the first segment  218   a  and a second end fluidly coupled to the second segment  218   b  at respective bends  224  of the first chamber  212 . The first chamber  212  further includes a fourth segment  218   d  extending from the second segment  218   b  towards the first segment  218   a  along the lateral side  18  of the midsole  200 . A fifth segment  218   e  is disposed between the first segment  218   a  and the second segment  218   b  and extends from the fourth segment  218   d . The fifth segment  218   e  extends towards the medial side  20  from the fourth segment  218   d , and terminates at a distal end  222   e  between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . In some scenarios, the fifth segment  218   e  is substantially parallel to the first segment  218   a  and is convergent with the second segment  218   b  in a direction from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20 . A sixth segment  218   f  extends from the first segment  218  in a direction away from the second segment  218   b  (i.e., towards the heel region) along the lateral side  18 . In some examples, the sixth segment  218   f  extends into the mid-foot region  14 . A seventh segment  218   g  of the first chamber  212  extends from the sixth segment  218   f  towards the medial side  18  and terminates at a distal end  222   g  between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . The seventh segment  218   g  is convergent with the first segment  218   a  in a direction from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  3   , the second chamber  214  includes an eighth segment  218   h  extending along the medial side  20  from the mid-foot region  14 . A ninth segment  218   i  includes a first portion extending from the eighth segment  218   h  on the medial side  20  and across the midsole to the lateral side  18 , and a second portion extending along the lateral side through the heel region  16 . A tenth segment  218   j  of the second chamber  214  extends around the heel region  16  from the eighth segment  218   h  on the medial side  20  to the ninth segment  218   i  on the lateral side  18 . The tenth segment  218   j  may be fluidly coupled to each of the eighth segment  218   h  and the ninth segment  218   i  by third and fourth conduits  220   c ,  220   d , respectively. As provided above, each of the segments  218   h - 218   j  and the conduits  220   c ,  220   d  of the second chamber  214  may be filled with a pressurized fluid to impart desirable properties of cushioning and responsiveness. Additionally or alternatively, the tenth segment  218   j  surrounding the heel region  16  may include a cushioning material to provide different cushioning characteristics from the pressurized fluids of the eighth and ninth segments  218   h ,  218   i.    
     The third chamber  216  includes an eleventh segment  218   k  extending from the medial side  20  to the lateral side  18  around the toe portion of the forefoot region  12 . A twelfth segment  2181  extends from the eleventh segment  218   k  at the lateral side  18  towards the medial side  20  and terminates at a distal end  222   l  between the lateral side  18  and the medial side. The twelfth segment  2181  is substantially parallel to the second segment  218   b.    
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  5 , and  8    the distal ends  222   e ,  222   g ,  222   l  of the fifth, seventh, and twelfth segments  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   l  include a compound taper, wherein both the thickness T and a width of the segments decrease along a direction towards the distal end  222   e ,  222   g ,  222   l . The tapered distal ends  222   e ,  222   g ,  222   l  operate as an anchor point for the respective segments  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   l , as well as an anchor point for the bladder  202  as a whole, for retaining the shape thereof when loads such as shear forces are applied thereto. 
     In some examples, the segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   k ,  218   l  each extend generally along a direction from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20 , and are configured to compress in succession as the outsole  300  rolls for engagement with the ground surface while the footwear  10  is performing a running movement to provide cushioning for the foot. The web area  210  may separate the segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   k ,  218   l  from one another such that the web area  210  defines a flexion zone extending from the forefoot region  12  through the mid-foot region  14 . Further, as described above, each of the segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   k ,  218   l  is either parallel to or convergent with each of the other segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   k ,  2181  in a direction from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20 . The parallel and/or convergent arrangement of the segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   k ,  218   l  as well as the web area  210  separating the segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   k ,  218   l  allow the segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   k ,  218   l  to compress under an applied load to provide cushioning for the forefoot by attenuating ground-reaction forces during running movements, while simultaneously dampening oscillation by the foot while the segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   k ,  218   l  are under compression. 
       FIG.  4    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  3    showing the midsole  200  in the forefoot region  12  with the insole  110 , the strobel  104  of the upper  100 , and the upper layer  204  of the bladder  202  arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   . As provided above, the peripheral edges of the lower layer  206  may extend upward toward the upper  100  and join with the peripheral edges of the upper layer  204  to form the flange  208  along the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18 . The lower layer  206  of the bladder  202  may also extend toward the upper  100  and join with the upper layer  204  to form a region of the web area  210  that extends between and separates the segments  218   k ,  218   l . For instance, the segment  218   k  extending along the medial side  20  of the midsole  200  is bounded by the web area  210  and the flange  208  formed at the medial side  20 , while the segment  218   l  extending from the segment  218   k  at the lateral side  18  toward the medial side  20  is bounded by the web area  210  and the flange  208  formed at the lateral side  18 . The distal end  222   l  of the segment  218   l  tapers in the direction toward the upper  100  and terminates at the web area  210  formed at a location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . 
     The outsole  300  attaches to and conforms in shape with each of the segments  218   k ,  218   l . In some examples, the contact pad  302  extends from the outsole  300  in a direction away from the upper  100  and along respective lengths of the segments  218   k ,  218   l  to provide increased traction with the ground surface. 
       FIG.  5    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG.  3    showing the midsole  200  in the forefoot region  12  with the insole  110 , the strobel  104  of the upper  100 , and the upper layer  204  of the bladder  202  arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The peripheral edges of the lower layer  206  may extend upward toward the upper  100  and join with the peripheral edges of the upper layer  204  to form the flange  208  along the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18 . The lower layer  206  of the bladder  202  may also extend toward the upper  100  and join with the upper layer  204  to form a region of the web area  210  that extends between and separates the segments  218   c ,  218   e . For instance, the segment  218   c  extending along the medial side  20  of the midsole  200  is bounded by the web area  210  and the flange  208  formed at the medial side  20 , while the segment  218   e  extending from the segment  218   d  at the lateral side  18  toward the medial side  20  is bounded by the web area  210  and the flange  208  formed at the lateral side  18 . The distal end  222   e  of the segment  218   e  tapers in the direction toward the upper  100  and terminates at the web area  210  formed at the location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . 
     The outsole  300  attaches to and conforms in shape with each of the segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   e . In some examples, the contact pad  302  extends from the outsole  300  in a direction away from the upper  100  and along respective lengths of the segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   e  to provide increased traction with the ground surface. 
       FIG.  6    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  3    showing the midsole  200  in the heel region  14  with the insole  110 , the strobel  104 , and the upper layer  204  of the bladder  202  arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The peripheral edges of the lower layer  206  may extend upward toward the upper  100  and join with the peripheral edges of the upper layer  204  to form the flange  208  along the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18 . Relative to the view of  FIG.  6   , the lower layer  206  protrudes away from the upper layer  204  in a direction away from the upper  100  to define the eighth segment  218   h  and the conduit  220   d  that extend along the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18  of the heel region  16 , respectively. As shown, the lower layer  206  protrudes away from the upper layer  204  a greater distance at the medial side  20  than the lateral side  18 . Accordingly, a thickness of the conduit  220   d  formed along the lateral side  18  is less than a thickness of the eighth segment  218   h , wherein the lower layer  206  is recessed from the ground-contacting surface  304  of the contact pads  302 . 
       FIG.  7    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG.  3    showing the midsole  200  and outsole  300  extending through the heel region  16 , the mid-foot region  14 , and the forefoot region  12 . The second chamber  214  extends along the medial side  20  of the midsole  200  within the heel region  16  and the mid-foot region  14 . As described above with reference to the footwear  10  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the outsole  300  attaches to portions of the lower layer  206  in regions where the chambers  212 ,  214 ,  216  protrude away from the upper  100  to provide increased durability and resiliency for the bladder  202  in the heel region  16 , the mid-foot region  14 , and the forefoot region  12 . Moreover, the segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   li ,  218   j ,  218   k ,  218   l  extend between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . The web area  210  may separate and extend between the segments  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   e ,  218   li ,  218   j ,  218   k ,  218   l  relative to the view of  FIG.  7   . In some examples, the segments  218   a - 218   g ,  218   k ,  218   l  extend into the forefoot region  12  and are associated with a smaller thickness than the segments  218   h - 218   j  in the heel region  16  and/or the mid-foot region  14 . 
       FIG.  8    provides a bottom perspective view of the segments  218   b - 218   e ,  218   k ,  218   l  fluidly connected to one another and disposed within the forefoot region  12  of the midsole  200 . In some examples, the segments  218   e ,  218   l  extend toward the medial side  20  to the distal ends  222   e ,  222   l  that terminate at a location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . The distal ends  222   e ,  222   l  may taper in a direction toward the upper  100 . The tapering by the distal end  222   e ,  222   l  of the segments  218   e ,  218   l  may function as an anchor point for the segments  218   e ,  2181  when under an applied load, as described above. 
       FIG.  9    provides a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear  10  of  FIG.  1    showing a plurality of cushioning support vectors  30   a - 301  defined by the segments  218   a - 218   l . More particularly, a longitudinal axis of each of the segments  218   a - 2181  define respective ones of the cushioning support vectors  30   a - 301 . Applied loads associated with directions parallel to a cushioning support vector cause the one or more corresponding segments to substantially retain their shape without collapsing to provide support and stability for the foot in those regions. On the other hand, applied loads associated with directions transverse to a cushioning support vector cause the one or more corresponding segments to compress and collapse to provide cushioning for the foot in those regions by attenuating the ground-reaction force associated with the applied load. The longitudinal cushioning support vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h  may extend along the longitudinal axis L of the midsole  200  while the lateral cushioning support vectors  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   e ,  30   j , and  301  extend transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole  200 . For instance, the lateral cushioning support vectors  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   e ,  30   j ,  301  may define angles within 15 degrees (15°) from perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole  200 . The seventh, ninth, tenth, and eleventh segments  218   g ,  218   i - 218   k  each define compound cushioning support vectors  30   g ,  30   i   1,2 ,  30   j   1,2 ,  30   k   1,2 , whereby the angled and/or curved segments  218   g ,  218   i - 218   k  provide responsive support along both the longitudinal and lateral directions of the midsole  200 . 
     During forward movements, such as walking or running movements, loads applied to the midsole  200  are associated with a direction parallel to the longitudinal cushioning support vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h  to cause the respective segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   f ,  218   h  to be under shear force, thereby causing the respective segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   f ,  218   h  to retain their shape (e.g., not compress) and provide support and stability as the outsole rolls for engagement with the ground surface through the heel region  16  and the mid-foot region  14 . The web area  210  extending between the segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   f ,  218   h  reduces torsional forces from acting upon the segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   f ,  218   h  when under an applied load to thereby dampen oscillations by the foot while providing gradient responsive-type cushioning. 
     During lateral movements, such as shifting or cutting movements, loads applied to the midsole  200  are associated with a direction transverse and generally perpendicular to longitudinal cushioning support vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h . Thus, the segments  218   c ,  218   h  defining one of the vectors  30   c ,  30   h  will compress to provide cushioning for the medial side of the foot when the applied load is in a direction toward the medial side  20  of the midsole  200 , while the segments  218   d ,  218   f  defining the other vectors  30   d ,  30   f  will compress to provide cushioning for the lateral side of the foot when the applied load is in a direction toward the lateral side  18  of the midsole  200 . 
     In some implementations, a series of lateral cushioning support vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h  are disposed within the mid-foot  14  and forefoot region  12  and extend substantially parallel to one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole  200 . During forward movements, such as walking or running movements, loads applied to the midsole  200  are associated with a direction transverse to the lateral cushioning support vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h . Thus, the respective segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   f ,  218   h  defining respective ones of the vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h  successively compress and collapse to provide cushioning for the metatarsal region of the foot through push off from the ground-surface. The direction of the vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h  relative to the direction of the applied load as well as a length of the respective segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   f ,  218   h  dictates how the segments will compress for attenuating the ground-reaction force. 
     During lateral movements, such as shifting or cutting movements, loads applied to the midsole  200  are associated with a direction generally parallel or only slightly transverse to the lateral cushioning support vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h  to cause the respective segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   f ,  218   h  to be under shear force, thereby causing the respective segments  218   c ,  218   d ,  218   f ,  218   h  to retain the their shape (e.g., not compress or slightly compress) and provide support and stability for the metatarsal region of the foot responsive to the footwear  10  performing a lateral movement. With reference to  FIG.  3   , the distal ends  222  of the segments  218   e ,  218   g ,  218   l  may each taper in the direction toward the upper  100  and serve as anchor points for the bladder  202  as a whole. 
     As provided above, the midsole  200  further defines a series of compound cushioning support vectors  30   g ,  30   j - 301 , which are each configured to provide a degree of both longitudinal cushioning and responsiveness and lateral cushioning and responsiveness, thereby supplementing the lateral cushioning support vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h  and the longitudinal cushioning support vectors  30   c ,  30   d ,  30   f ,  30   h.    
     The segments  218   a - 2181  associated with the chambers  212 ,  214 ,  216  may cooperate to enhance the functionality and cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsole provides, while simultaneously providing increased stability and support for the foot by dampening oscillations of the foot that occur in response to a ground-reaction force during use of the footwear  10 . For instance, an applied load to the midsole  200  during forward movements, such as walking or running movements, may cause some of the segments  218   a - 2181  to compress to provide cushioning for the foot by attenuating the ground-reaction force, while other segments  218   a - 2181  may retain their shape to impart stability and support characteristics that dampen foot oscillations relative to the footwear  10  responsive to the initial impact of the ground-reaction force. 
     Moreover, one or more of the segments  218   a - 2181  may interact with the web area  210  within different regions  12 ,  14 ,  16  of the midsole  200  to provide isolated areas of responsive-type cushioning. For example, the segments  218   h - 218   j  within the heel region  16  may bound a respective portion of the web area  210  to provide responsive-type cushioning in the heel region  16  by causing the segments  218   h - 218   j  around the perimeter of the heel region  16  to absorb the initial impact of a ground-reaction force by creating a trampoline effect as the segments  218   j - 218   j  compress in succession, and thereby provide a gradient responsive-type cushioning in the heel region  16 . The segments  218   j - 218   j  may cooperate with one another to surround a portion of the web area  210  at the heel region  16 , thereby causing this portion of the web area  210  to act as a trampoline during use in an effort to absorb forces associated with a heel strike. 
     Additionally, the geometry and positioning of the segments  218   a - 2181  along the midsole  200  may enhance traction between the outsole  300  and the ground surface during forward movements as the outsole  300  rolls for engagement with the ground surface from the heel region  16  to the forefoot region  12 , as well as during lateral movements as the outsole  300  rolls for engagement with the ground surface from one of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  to the other one of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . 
     The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an article of footwear described above. 
     Clause 1: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising a heel region, a forefoot region, a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region, and a bladder including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a first chamber having a first segment extending along one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure, a second segment extending from a first end of the first segment to the other of the medial side and the lateral side, a third segment extending from a second end of the first segment to the other of the medial side and the lateral side and diverging from the second segment, and a fourth segment extending towards the heel region from one of the second segment and the third segment along the other of the medial side and the lateral side, and a fifth segment extending from the fourth segment towards the one of the medial side and the lateral side and terminating at a distal end between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 2: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the fourth segments extends from the second segment and the fifth segment extends between the second segment and the third segment. 
     Clause 3: The sole structure of Clause 2, wherein the fifth segment extends parallel to the third segment and converges with the second segment along a direction from the other of the medial side and the lateral side to the one of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 4: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the fourth segment extends from the third segment and the third segment extends between the second segment and the fifth segment. 
     Clause 5: The sole structure of Clause 4, wherein the fifth segment is convergent with the second segment and the third segment in a direction from the other of the medial side and the lateral side to the one of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 6: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the distal end of the fifth segment tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 7: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the first chamber further includes a sixth segment extending towards the heel region from the other of the second segment and the third segment. 
     Clause 8: The sole structure of Clause 7, wherein the first chamber further includes a seventh segment extending from the sixth segment towards the one of the medial side and the lateral side and terminating at a distal end between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 9: The sole structure of Clause 8, wherein the fifth segment extends between the second segment and the third segment and the second segment is disposed between the fifth segment and the seventh segment. 
     Clause 10: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the bladder further includes a second chamber surrounding the heel region of the sole structure. 
     Clause 11: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising a heel region, a forefoot region including a toe portion, a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region, and a bladder including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a first chamber having a serpentine shape extending from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure within the forefoot region, a second chamber bounding a periphery of the heel region, a third chamber formed in the toe portion of the forefoot region, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, the first barrier layer being attached to the second barrier layer within the web area. 
     Clause 12: The sole structure of Clause 11, wherein the first chamber is fluidly connected to the second chamber by a first conduit along the medial side and the third chamber is fluidly connected to the second chamber by a second conduit along the medial side. 
     Clause 13: The sole structure of Clause 11, wherein the first chamber includes a first segment extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side, a second segment extending from a first end of the first segment to the other of the medial side and the lateral side, a third segment extending from a second end of the first segment to the other of the medial side and the lateral side and diverging from the second segment, and a fourth segment extending towards the heel region from one of the second segment and the third segment along the other of the medial side and the lateral side, and a fifth segment extending from the fourth segment towards the one of the medial side and the lateral side and terminating at a distal end between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 14: The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein the third chamber includes a fifth segment extending around the toe portion from the one of the medial side and the lateral side to the other of the medial side and the lateral side, and a sixth segment extending from the fifth segment on the other of the medial side and the lateral side and towards the one of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 15: The sole structure of Clause 14, wherein the sixth segment terminates at a distal end between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 16: The sole structure of Clause 14, wherein the sixth segment is parallel to the second segment. 
     Clause 17: The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein the second chamber includes a fifth segment extending from the mid-foot region through the heel region along one of the medial side and the lateral side, a sixth segment extending from the first segment in the mid-foot region to the other of the medial side and the lateral side in the heel region, and a seventh segment extending around the heel region and fluidly coupling the fifth segment to the sixth segment. 
     Clause 18: The sole structure of Clause 17, wherein the seventh segment is fluidly coupled to the fifth segment by a third conduit and the seventh segment is fluidly coupled to the sixth segment by a fourth conduit. 
     Clause 19: The sole structure of Clause 11, further comprising an outsole attached to at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber and defining a ground-engaging surface. 
     Clause 20: The sole structure of Clause 19, wherein the web area is recessed from the ground-engaging surface. 
     The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.