Patent Publication Number: US-2022225737-A1

Title: Article of footwear having protruding members

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/137,899, filed on Jan. 15, 2021, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and is to be considered part of this application. 
    
    
     REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear including a cleat assembly having protruding members that extend from a base portion. 
     2. Description of the Background 
     Many conventional shoes or articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to a lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, to receive a foot of a wearer before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to a lower surface of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the wearer when the shoe is being worn and/or is in use. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole and may provide cushioning and/or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot and/or leg during running, walking, or another activity. 
     The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, an upper extends over instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of the upper that define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be provided below a lacing system, which may be provided to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness, and may be manipulable by a user to permit entry and/or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a wearer to adjust certain dimensions of the upper and/or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes. 
     The upper of many shoes may comprise a wide variety of materials, which may be utilized to form the upper and chosen for use based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper may also include portions comprising varying materials specific to a particular area of the upper. For example, added stability may be desirable at a front of the upper or adjacent a heel region so as to provide a higher degree of resistance or rigidity. In contrast, other portions of a shoe may include a soft woven textile to provide an area with stretch-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, or moisture-wicking properties. 
     However, in many cases, articles of footwear having uppers with an increased comfort and better fit are desired, along with soles having improved structural characteristics such as a cleat assembly secured to the sole structure to improve ground traction. 
     SUMMARY 
     An article of footwear, as described herein, may have various configurations. The article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure connected to the upper. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an article of footwear that includes an upper, a sole structure connected to the upper, and a cleat assembly connected to the sole structure. The cleat assembly can include a first protruding member that extends from a first base. The first protruding member can define a first midfoot-facing portion and a forefoot facing portion. A second protruding member can extend from a second base and can define a second midfoot-facing portion and a heel-facing portion. A first acute angle can be defined by the first base and the first midfoot-facing portion. A first obtuse angle can be defined by the first base and the forefoot facing portion. A second acute angle can be defined by the second base and the second midfoot-facing portion. A second obtuse angle can be defined by the second base and the heel-facing portion. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a first obtuse angle and a second obtuse angle that are both between 95 degrees and 145 degrees, inclusive. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a first acute angle and a second acute angle that are both between 35 and 85 degrees, inclusive. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a first base formed from a forefoot portion of a cleat assembly. The forefoot portion of the cleat assembly can be at least partially disposed in a forefoot region of the article of footwear. A second base can be formed from a heel portion of the cleat assembly. The heel portion of the cleat assembly can be at least partially disposed in a heel region of the article of footwear. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a first protruding member that is part of a first plurality of protruding members. A second protruding member can be part of a second plurality of protruding members. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include at least one protruding member of a first or second plurality of protruding members that includes a ground engaging surface that is parallel to a portion of a base. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a first plurality of protruding members and a second plurality of protruding members. Each of the protruding members of the first and second pluralities of protruding members can be angled toward a midfoot region of the article of footwear. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a first plurality of protruding members that are integrally formed. A second plurality of protruding members can be additionally or alternatively integrally formed. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include one or more protruding members that include a removable stud tip. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include one or more protruding members that are injection molded from a scratch-resistant polymer, such as, for example, polybenzimidazole, polyparaphenylene, polyetheretherketone, polyimide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, coated polypropylene, or other additives added to a polymer, such as polypropylene. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a first protruding member that includes a tapered geometry so that a wider portion of the first protruding member is disposed proximate to a first base and a second protruding member can include a tapered geometry so that a wider portion of the second protruding member is disposed proximate to a second base. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an article of footwear that includes an upper, a sole structure connected to the upper and defining a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and a cleat assembly secured to the sole structure. The cleat assembly can include a forefoot portion secured to the sole structure at the forefoot region. The forefoot portion can include a first plurality of protruding members that extend from a first base. The first plurality of protruding members can be angled toward the midfoot region. A heel portion of the cleat assembly can be secured to the sole structure at the heel region. The heel portion can include a second plurality of protruding member extending from a second base. The second plurality of protruding members can be angled toward the midfoot region. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a plurality of protruding members. Each protruding member of the plurality of protruding members can include a ground engaging surface. Each ground engaging surface can define a surface area that may vary between protruding members. The surface are of the protruding members closest to a midfoot region of the article of footwear may be greater than the surface area of the protruding members closest to a forefoot or a heel region of the article of footwear. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a plurality of protruding members that include a removable stud tip. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a first base portion integrally formed with a first protruding member and a second base portion integrally formed with a second protruding member. Each of the base portions may be separate and distinct. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a protruding member in a forefoot region that can define a midfoot-facing side wall and a forefoot-facing side wall (e.g., when viewed from a side view of the article of footwear). The midfoot-facing side wall can form an acute angle with a base and the forefoot-facing side wall can form an obtuse angle with the base. In general, the protruding member can extend downward from the base. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a protruding member having a midfoot-facing side wall and a forefoot-facing side wall that are integrally formed with each other. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a protruding member in a heel region that can define a midfoot-facing side wall and a heel-facing side wall (e.g., when viewed from a side view of the article of footwear). The midfoot-facing side wall can form an acute angle with a base and the heel-facing side wall can form an obtuse angle with the base. In general, the protruding member can extend downward from the base. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of forming a cleat assembly for an article of footwear. The method can include injecting a first material into a mold cavity to form a cleat assembly. The mold cavity can include a plurality of stud recesses that each define a respective stud recess base disposed along an incline that defines an acute exterior angle relative to horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may be disposed outside of the mold cavity. The method can also include removing the cleat assembly from the mold cavity at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. 
     In some embodiments, a method of forming a cleat assembly for an article of footwear can include securing a cleat assembly to a sole structure of the article of footwear. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an article of footwear including an upper, a sole structure, and a cleat assembly connected to the sole structure. The cleat assembly includes a plurality of protruding members that extend from a base. Each protruding member includes a side wall that defines a first exterior angle and a second exterior angle relative to the base when viewed from one of a medial side or a lateral side of the article of footwear. The first exterior angle is greater than the second exterior angle. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an article of footwear including an upper, a sole structure connected to the upper, and a cleat assembly connected to the sole structure. The cleat assembly can include a first protruding member that extends from a first base. The first protruding member can define a first midfoot-facing portion and a forefoot facing portion. A second protruding member can extend from a second base and define a second midfoot-facing portion and a heel-facing portion. A first acute angle can be defined by the first base and the first midfoot-facing portion. A first obtuse angle can be defined by the first base and the forefoot facing portion. A second acute angle can be defined by the second base and the second midfoot-facing portion. A second obtuse angle can be defined by the second base and the heel-facing portion. 
     Other aspects of the article of footwear, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the article of footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top lateral isometric view of an article of footwear configured as a left shoe that includes a cleat assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a lateral side view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of layers of an upper of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of a portion of a tongue of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of a mold for a portion of the cleat assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a mold opening of the mold of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a protruding member of the cleat assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of a profile of a protruding member according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is another schematic illustration of a profile of a protruding member according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a medial side view of a sole structure of an article of footwear that includes a cleat assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the sole structure of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a lateral side view of the sole structure of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side view of the sole structure of  FIG. 12  taken along line A-A thereof; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the sole structure of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG. 12  taken along line B-B thereof; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG. 12  taken along the line C-C thereof; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG. 12  taken along the line D-D thereof; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG. 12  taken along the line E-E thereof; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG. 12  taken along the line F-F thereof; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG. 12  taken along the line G-G thereof; and 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic illustration of a mold for a cleat assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe that may include an upper and a sole structure. Although embodiments of a shoe or sole structure are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe or the sole structure may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats, for example. Concepts of the shoe or the sole structure may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, particular concepts described herein may also be applied and incorporated in other types of apparel or other athletic equipment, including helmets, padding or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Even further, particular concepts described herein may be incorporated in cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Accordingly, concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products. 
     The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values ±5% of the numeric value that the term precedes. 
     The terms “weight percent,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “% by weight,” and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance or component as the weight of that substance or component divided by the total weight, for example, of the composition or of a particular component of the composition, and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used herein, “percent,” “%,” and the like may be synonymous with “weight percent” and “wt-%.” 
     The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear and/or specific components of the article of footwear, such as an upper and/or a sole or sole structure. The upper may comprise a knitted component, a woven textile, and/or a non-woven textile. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarn, the woven textile by weaving of yarn, and the non-woven textile by manufacture of a unitary non-woven web. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by way of warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, and/or other suitable knitting operations. The knit textile may have a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, and/or a rib knit structure, for example. Woven textiles include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by way of any of the numerous weave forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weaves, and/or double cloth weaves, for example. Non-woven textiles include textiles made by air-laid and/or spun-laid methods, for example. The upper may comprise a variety of materials, such as a first yarn, a second yarn, and/or a third yarn, which may have varying properties or varying visual characteristics. 
       FIGS. 1-3  depict an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear  100  including an upper  102  and a sole structure  104 . The upper  102  is attached to the sole structure  104  and together define an interior cavity  106  into which a foot may be inserted. For reference, the article of footwear  100  defines a forefoot region  108 , a midfoot region  110 , and a heel region  112 . The forefoot region  108  generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear  100  that encase portions of the foot that include the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region  110  is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region  108 , and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear  100  that encase the arch of a foot, along with the bridge of a foot. The heel region  112  is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region  110  and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear  100  that encase rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, and/or the Achilles tendon. 
     Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather) that are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In particular, with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the upper  102  may be formed from a first layer  114  and a second layer  116 . The first layer  114  can include a plurality of recesses  118  configured as holes that promote breathability through the upper  102 . The second layer  116  can be at least partially transparent and pressed to the first layer  114 . Illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the second layer  116  is configured as a skin having a pattern such as dots or pixels. As shown in FIG.  5 , a tongue portion  120  of the article of footwear  100  similarly includes the first layer  114  having the plurality of recesses  118  to further increase breathability in the upper  102 . 
     The article of footwear  100  also includes a medial side  122  and a lateral side  124  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In particular, the lateral side  124  corresponds to an outside portion of the article of footwear  100  and the medial side  122  corresponds to an inside portion of the article of footwear  100 . As such, left and right articles of footwear have opposing lateral and medial sides, such that the medial sides  122  are closest to one another when a user is wearing the articles of footwear  100 , while the lateral sides  124  are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while being worn. The medial side  122  and the lateral side  124  adjoin one another at opposing, distal ends of the article of footwear  100 . 
     Unless otherwise specified, the forefoot region  108 , the midfoot region  110 , the heel region  112 , the medial side  122 , and the lateral side  124  are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear  100 . To that end, the forefoot region  108 , the midfoot region  110 , the heel region  112 , the medial side  122 , and the lateral side  124  generally characterize sections of the article of footwear  100 . Further, both the upper  102  and the sole structure  104  may be characterized as having portions within the forefoot region  108 , the midfoot region  110 , the heel region  112 , and on the medial side  122  and the lateral side  124 . Therefore, the upper  102  and the sole structure  104 , and/or individual portions of the upper  102  and the sole structure  104 , may include portions thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region  108 , the midfoot region  110 , the heel region  112 , and on the medial side  122  and the lateral side  124 . 
     The sole structure  104  is connected or secured to the upper  102  and extends between a foot of a user and the ground when the article of footwear  100  is worn by the user. The sole structure  104  may include one or more components, which may include an outsole, a midsole, a heel, a vamp, and/or an insole. For example, in some embodiments, a sole structure may include an outsole that provides structural integrity to the sole structure, along with providing traction for a user, a midsole that provides a cushioning system, and an insole that provides support for an arch of a user. 
     With reference again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the sole structure  104  includes a cleat assembly  130 . The cleat assembly  130  includes a forefoot portion  132  and a heel portion  134 . The forefoot portion  132  includes a plurality of protruding members  136  and a base portion  138 . The plurality of protruding members  136  extend from the base portion  138  and can define at least two distinct angles between a side wall  140  of each protruding member  136  and the base portion  138  when viewed in a side view. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall  140  is configured as an outer surface of a cylinder. As shown, for example in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cylinder can be configured as a tapered cylinder (e.g., a frustum) with a wider portion disposed proximate to the base portion  138 . In other embodiments, the protruding member  136  may be faceted and a side wall may be only a single facet of the faceted outer surface of the protruding member  136 . As such, a first side wall defined by a first facet can define a first angle between the first facet and the base portion  138  and a second side wall defined by a second facet of the same protruding member can define a second angle between the second facet and the base portion  138 . The first angle can be different from the second angle. 
     The distinct and different angles of the protruding members  136  formed by the side walls  140  and the base portion  138  when viewed in a side view can vary between individual protruding members  136  of the plurality of protruding members. Additional details of such distinct angles will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 8-10 . Similarly, the heel portion  134  includes a plurality of protruding members  144  that extend from a base portion  146 . Like the forefoot portion  132 , one or more of the protruding members  144  of the heel portion  134  can define at least two distinct angles between a side wall  148  of each protruding member  144  and the base portion  146 . 
     Each of the plurality of protruding members  136 ,  144  include a respective ground engaging surface  150  that is generally bounded by the respective side wall  140 ,  148 . In an embodiment where the plurality of protruding members  136 ,  144  include faceted surfaces, a ground engaging surface can be generally bound by the faceted surfaces. Each protruding member  136  of the forefoot portion  132  can include varying sizes (e.g., surface area) of ground engaging surfaces  150 . For example, the ground engaging surfaces  150  of the protruding members  136  closer to the midfoot region  110  of the article of footwear  100  may be greater than the ground engaging surfaces  150  of the protruding members  136  closer to the forefoot region  108 . Likewise, the surface area of the grounding engaging surfaces  150  may vary with respect to the position of the protruding members  136  relative to the medial side  122  and the lateral side  124  of the article of footwear  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the ground engaging surfaces  150  are generally planar. However, in other embodiments, protruding members can include ground engaging surfaces having generally convex or concave geometries. 
     In general, each of the forefoot portion  132  and the heel portion  134  of the cleat assembly  130  can be formed via injection molding. For example, in some embodiments, an injection mold, such as mold  160  illustrated in  FIG. 6 , can be used to form the forefoot portion  132  of the cleat assembly  130 . The mold  160  is configured as a two-piece rigid mold and includes a cavity  162  having a plurality of recesses that correspond to the geometry of the plurality of protruding members  136 . The cavity  162  is formed in an angled portion  164  of the mold  160 . The angled portion  164  relative to the cavity  162  promotes successful removal of the forefoot portion  132  of the cleat assembly  130  from the mold  160  and eliminates undercut features of the cleat assembly  130 . 
     In some embodiments, during a manufacturing process, preformed stud tips may be added to the cavity  162  and inserted into the plurality of recesses before the injection molding process. The preformed stud tips can be formed from a different material than the injection material to form the cleat assembly  130 . For example, the stud tips may be formed from a relatively abrasion or scratch-resistant material compared to the injection material, which may be a polymer injection material. Additionally, in some embodiments the cleat assembly  130  can include removable stud tips. For example, the stud tips can be secured to the forefoot portion  132  and the heel portion  134  via a threaded fastener. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the portion of the mold  160  that corresponds to the ground engaging surfaces  150  of the protruding members  136  is generally parallel (e.g., angled acutely or substantially parallel) to the angled portion  164  of the mold  160 . Such geometry further reduces undercut features formed in the cleat assembly  130 . Corresponding molds and mold features illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  can be used to produce the heel portion  134  of the cleat assembly  130 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a single protruding member  136 A of the forefoot portion  132  of the cleat assembly  130 . It should be understood that the protruding member  136 A is illustrated by way of example and can correspond to one or more of any of the protruding members  136 ,  144 . In particular, the reference lines illustrated in  FIG. 8  can generally correspond to any of the protruding members  136 ,  144  regardless of relative angle with respect to an axis, such as axis  170 , that extends along the base portion  138  adjacent to one of the plurality of protruding members  136  in an elevational side view. In this regard, the reference lines (e.g., lines  172 ,  174 ) can correspond to a variety of side walls of the protruding members  134 ,  144 , and can intersect a base reference line (e.g., line  170 ) at a variety of angles. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the protruding member  136 A defines an axis  170  that extends along the base portion  138 . A first portion of the side wall  140  is disposed at least partially along a first line  172  and a second portion of the side wall  140  is disposed along a second line  174 . The first line  172  intersects the axis  170  at a first exterior angle  176  and the second line  174  intersects the axis  170  at a second exterior angle  178 . The first exterior angle  176  is obtuse (i.e., greater than 90 degrees) and faces the forefoot region  108  of the article of footwear  100  (see, for example,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The second exterior angle  178  is acute (i.e., less than 90 degrees) and faces the midfoot region  110  of the article of footwear  100 . In general, the angles illustrated in  FIG. 8  can facilitate removal from an injection mold while providing sufficient ground contacting area and strength during use. 
     Each protruding member  144  of the heel portion  134  can correspondingly define a first exterior angle formed by the portion of the side wall  148  that faces the heel region  112  of the article of footwear  100  and the base portion  146 . Additionally, each protruding member  144  of the heel portion  134  can define a corresponding second exterior angle formed by the portion of the side wall  148  that faces the midfoot region  110  of the article of footwear  100  and the base portion  146 . Like the protruding member  136 A, the first exterior angle of the protruding member  144  of the heel portion  134  is obtuse and the second exterior angle of the protruding member  144  of the heel portion  134  is acute. 
     In general, the first exterior angle  176  can be between approximately 95 degrees and 145 degrees. Additionally, the second exterior angle  178  can be between approximately 35 degrees and 85 degrees. Therefore, each exterior angle of the protruding members  136 ,  144  that faces an outer end of the article of footwear  100  (i.e., the forefoot region  108  or the heel region  112 ) can be between approximately 95 and 145 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, each exterior angle of the protruding members  136 ,  144  that faces the midfoot region  110  of the article of footwear  100  can be between approximately 45 degrees and 85 degrees. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate additional geometries of protruding members according to some embodiments of the disclosure. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates a protruding member  200  that extends from a base surface  202  and includes a side wall  204  and a ground engaging surface  206 . One side of the side wall  204  that faces an end of an article of footwear (i.e., a forefoot region or a heel region) forms a first angle  208  with the base surface  202 . A second side of the side wall  204  that faces a midfoot region of the article of footwear forms a second angle  210  with the base surface  202 . In the illustrated example, the first angle  208  is approximately 110 degrees and the second angle  210  is approximately 70 degrees. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a protruding member  220  that extends from a base surface  222  and includes a side wall  224  and a ground engaging surface  226 . One side wall of  224  that faces an end of an article of footwear forms a first angle  228  with the base surface. A second side of the side wall  224  that faces a midfoot region of the article of footwear forms a second angle  230  with the base surface  222 . In the illustrated example, the first angle  228  is approximately 110 degrees and the second angle  230  is approximately 80 degrees. 
     The ground engaging surfaces  206 ,  226  illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , respectively, are generally parallel to the corresponding base surface  202 ,  222 . However, in other embodiments, one or more ground engaging surfaces of a cleat assembly can be skewed relative to a base portion. Each of the protruding members  200 ,  220  provide an example geometry that may be used by one or more of the plurality of protruding members  136 ,  144  of the cleat assembly  130 . 
       FIGS. 11-21  depict an exemplary embodiment of a sole structure  240  according to one embodiment of the invention. Similar to the sole structure  104 , the sole structure  240  is configured to be attached to an upper and together define an interior cavity into which a foot may be inserted. For reference the sole structure  240  defines a forefoot region  248 , a midfoot region  250 , and a heel region  252 . The forefoot region  248  generally corresponds with portions of an article of footwear, such as the article of footwear  100 , for example, that encase portions of the foot that include the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region  250  is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region  248 , and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear that encase the arch of a foot, along with the bridge of a foot. The heel region  252  is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region  250  and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear that encase rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, and/or the Achilles tendon. 
     The sole structure  240  also includes a medial side  256  illustrated in  FIG. 11  and a lateral side  258  illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In particular, the lateral side  258  corresponds to an outside portion of the article of footwear and the medial side  256  corresponds to an inside portion of the article of footwear. As such, left and right articles of footwear have opposing lateral and medial sides, such that the medial sides are closest to one another when a user is wearing the articles of footwear, while the lateral sides are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while being worn. The medial side  256  and the lateral side  258  adjoin one another at opposing, distal ends of the article of footwear. 
     Similar to the sole structure  104 , the sole structure  240  includes a cleat assembly  260 . The cleat assembly  260  includes a forefoot portion  262  and a heel portion  264 . The forefoot portion  262  includes a plurality of protruding members  266  and a base portion  268 . The plurality of protruding members  266  extend from the base portion  268  and can define a first exterior angle  270  a second exterior angle  272  with respect to the base portion  268 . Similarly, the heel portion  264  includes a plurality of protruding members  274  that extend from a base portion  276 . Like the forefoot portion  262 , one or more of the protruding members  274  of the heel portion  264  can define a first exterior angle  278  and a second exterior angle  280 . 
     In some embodiments, forefoot portion  262  can include a unitary body such that the plurality of protruding members  266  and the base portion  268  are integrally formed. Similarly, the heel portion  264  can include a unitary body such that at least one of the plurality of protruding members  274  are integrally formed with the base portion  274 . In other embodiments, each of the forefoot portion  262  and the heel portion  264  can include one or more base portions  268 ,  274 , respectively. 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , each of the first exterior angles  270 ,  278  face an outer end of the sole structure  240  (i.e., the forefoot region  248  or the heel region  252 ) and each of the second exterior angles  272 ,  280  face a center of the sole structure  240  (i.e., the midfoot region  250 ). The first exterior angles  270 ,  278  are between approximately 95 degrees and 145 degrees. The second exterior angles  280  are between approximately 35 degrees and 85 degrees. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 16-21 , the plurality of protruding members  266 ,  274  extend generally perpendicularly downward from the respective base portion  268 ,  276  when viewed from a toe or heel end of the article of footwear. Additionally, each protruding member  266 ,  274  can include a stud member  282  that extends beyond the respective protruding member  266 ,  274  that forms a ground engaging surface  284 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 21 , some ground engaging members  284  of the cleat assembly  260  can be disposed on substantially the same plane. Additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , some ground engaging surfaces  284  of the cleat assembly  260  can be disposed on distinct planes. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a mold  300  for a sole structure, such as the sole structure  104 , for example. Similar to the sole structure  104 , the mold  300  can include forefoot portion  302  and a heel portion  304 . In general, the mold  300  defines a negative space including a plurality of stud recesses  308  (e.g., stud recesses  308 A-D). Each of the plurality of stud recesses  308  define a respective base  310  (e.g., bases  310 A-D). Each of the plurality of bases  310  in the forefoot portion  302  are generally disposed along an incline  312 . For example, a first stud recess  308 A of the plurality of stud recesses  308  defines a first base  308 A disposed along a first incline, a second stud recess  308 B defines a second base  310 B disposed along a second incline, and a third stud recess  308 C defines a third base  308 C disposed along a third incline. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first, second, and third inclines are sloped in the same direction as the general incline  312 . Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the first sloped portion of the first base  310 A is slightly skewed relative to the general incline  312  (e.g., less than 30 degrees) and the third sloped portion of the third base  310 C is slightly skewed relative to the general incline  312  (e.g., less than 10 degrees). Further, as illustrated, the general incline  312 , and therefore each of the first, second, and third inclines, form an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane  318 . A fourth stud recess  308 D formed in the heel portion  304  defines a fourth base  308 D disposed along an incline having an opposing slope to the general incline  312  of the forefoot portion  302 . 
     The incline of each base  310  of the plurality of stud recesses  308  allows a sole structure to be removed from the mold  300  generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane  318 . When a material is injected into the mold  300  to form a sole structure, the general incline of each of the forefoot portion  302  and the heel portion  304 , (e.g., the incline  312 ) allows studs formed in the corresponding plurality of stud recesses  308  to define a straight center line  320  that is generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane  318 . Additionally, the general incline of each of the forefoot portion  302  and the heel portion  304  prevent undercut in the mold that could lock the sole structure in the mold  300 . 
     In general, the above-described protruding members, such as protruding members  136 ,  144 ,  200 ,  220 ,  266 ,  274  provide a structure for a cleat assembly where each cleat member is generally angled toward a midfoot portion of an article of footwear. Likewise, the mold  300  described above provides a mold for a sole structure having cleat members that are generally angled toward a midfoot portion of an article of footwear. Such cleat members can provide an aggressive style that can increase traction capabilities. Additionally, the geometry of such cleat members facilitate an injection molding process that overcomes undercut complications without introducing unnecessary parting lines. 
     Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to articles of footwear of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the articles of footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment. 
     As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.