Patent Publication Number: US-2023144343-A1

Title: Sole structure for article of footwear

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/278,280, filed on Nov. 11, 2021, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference, for any and all purposes. 
    
    
     REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a sole structure for an article of footwear with a rounded (e.g., hemispherical, ellipsoidal, or otherwise convex) forefoot region to provide improved traction while a user is moving along an angled surface, or to minimize pronation and supination while a user is turning so as to ensure that the user&#39;s ankle is aligned over the respective foot. The sole structure includes a midsole having a lower surface that is rounded along a length or a width of the sole structure, and an outsole. In addition, the sole structure can include a stiffening element that is coupled to the midsole. The stiffening element generally extends along a length of the sole structure, e.g., from a heel end to a toe end, and includes tines extending along the forefoot region. The tines can be tuned to provide the forefoot region with differing levels of support and stability to reduce supination or pronation. 
     2. Description of the Background 
     Many conventional shoes or other 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 that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, the 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 medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue can be disposed below a lacing or other closure system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may be manipulable by a user to permit entry or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes. 
     The upper may comprise a wide variety of materials, which may be chosen 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. 
     The sole is attached to a lower surface or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. 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 or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular material or be configured in a particular shape that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. 
     Sole assemblies generally extend between a ground surface and the upper. In some examples, the sole assembly 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 enhancing traction with the ground surface. 
     However, while many currently available shoes have varying features related to the above-noted properties, many shoes, including athletic shoes and hiking shoes, have sole structures with bottom surfaces that are generally flat along a width of the sole structure, e.g., a direction extending between lateral and medial sides of the sole structure, which can require kinematic modulations from a user in order to maintain appropriate contact with the ground when on uneven surfaces or while moving along a curve. Put another way, a user must intentionally pronate or supinate so as to maintain contact between the bottom surface of the sole structure and the ground. Pronation and supination, especially when under increased loading due to strenuous activities, such as running and hiking, can lead to injuries. In addition, pronation and supination can reduce efficient power transfer between the user and the ground, thereby decreasing performance. 
     Therefore, articles of footwear having features that aid in stability and traction are desired. These and other deficiencies with the prior art are outlined in the following disclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     A number of advantages of the articles of footwear described herein will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, an article of footwear can include a midsole with a rounded forefoot portion to allow a foot of a user to maintain a neutral position while moving along uneven ground or along a curve, and may also include a stiffening member to tune the stiffness and support provided by the midsole. 
     According to one aspect, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper can include a midsole that can be coupled to the upper along an upper surface of the midsole and to an outsole along a lower surface that is opposite the upper surface. Both the upper surface and the lower surface can be curved along a width of the sole structure to curve away from the upper and toward the outsole within a forefoot region. The sole structure can further include a stiffening member that can be coupled to the midsole. The stiffening member can extend from a heel end toward a toe end, and can include a base disposed within at least a midfoot region and a plurality of tines extending into the forefoot region from the base. 
     In some embodiments, along the width of the sole structure, the upper surface can define a first curvature and the lower surface can define a second curvature. The first curvature can be different from the second curvature so that the midsole has a crescent-like cross-sectional shape taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. In some cases, the first curvature can define a first radius of curvature and the second curvature can define a second radius of curvature, which can be smaller than the first radius of curvature. 
     In some embodiments, the lower surface can be curved to have an ellipsoidal shape in the forefoot region, or more specifically, a hemispherical shape. In some cases, a plurality of ground engaging elements can extend radially outward from the lower surface in the forefoot region. 
     In some embodiments, the midsole can include a first midsole portion that can be disposed in the forefoot region and a second midsole portion that can be disposed in a heel region of the sole structure. The first midsole portion and the second midsole portion can be spaced apart from one another by a gap in the midfoot region. The stiffening member can bridge the gap between the first midsole portion and the second midsole portion, such that the first midsole portion and the second midsole portion can be in a fixed spaced relationship. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of tines can include a first tine extending along a lateral side of the sole structure and a second tine extending along a medial side of the sole structure. In some cases, a third tine can be positioned between the first tine and the second tine. The third tine can extend along a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. In some cases, the base of the stiffening member can extend into a heel region of the sole structure. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of tines can be disposed within the midsole in the forefoot region. More specifically, the midsole can include an upper midsole layer defining the upper surface and a lower midsole layer defining the lower surface, and the plurality of tines can be disposed between the upper midsole layer and the lower midsole layer. In some cases, the base of the stiffening member can extend along the upper surface in the midfoot region. 
     According to another aspect, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper can include a midsole and a stiffening member. The midsole can define an upper surface configured to couple to the upper and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The lower surface can be curved in a forefoot region of the sole structure so that the lower surface has an ellipsoidal shape. The stiffening member can include a plurality of tines that extend from a base. The plurality of tines can extend in a heel-to-toe direction within the forefoot region and can include at least a first tine and a second tine. The first tine can extend along a first curvature along a lateral side of the midsole to provide the lateral side of the midsole with a first stiffness and the second tine can extend along a second curvature along a medial side of the midsole to provide the medial side of the midsole with a second stiffness. 
     In some embodiments, the midsole can have a crescent-like cross-sectional shape taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. Accordingly, the midsole can be thickest proximate the longitudinal axis and can gradually thin moving outward toward each of a medial side and a lateral side of the sole structure. 
     In some embodiments, the sole structure can further include an outsole that is coupled to the lower surface of the midsole to provide a ground engaging surface. The outsole can conform with the shape of the lower surface, such that the ground engaging surface also conforms with the shape of the lower surface. 
     According to yet another aspect, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper can include a midsole and a stiffening member. The midsole can be configured to couple to the upper along an upper surface of the midsole and to an outsole along a lower surface that is opposite the upper surface. The lower surface can be curved along both of a width and a length of the sole structure to form a continuously rounded and convex surface that extends throughout a forefoot region of the sole structure. The stiffening member can be coupled to the midsole and can include a plurality of tines that extend from a base. The plurality of tines can extend in a heel-to-toe direction within the forefoot region and can include at least a first tine and a second tine. The first tine can extend along a first curvature along a lateral side of the midsole to provide the lateral side of the midsole with a first stiffness and the second tine extending along a second curvature along a medial side of the midsole to provide the medial side of the midsole with a second stiffness. 
     Other aspects of the articles of footwear described herein, 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 articles of footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a top, front, and lateral perspective view of a sole structure for an article of footwear according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a lateral side elevational view of the sole structure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a medial side elevational view of the sole structure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a top plan view of the sole structure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG.  1    taken along line VI-VI in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a top, front, and lateral perspective view of another sole structure for an article of footwear according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG.  7    taken along line VIII-VIII; 
         FIG.  9    is a top, front, and lateral perspective view of another sole structure for an article of footwear according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG.  9    taken along line X-X; 
         FIG.  11    is a top schematic view of the sole structure of  FIG.  9    showing lines of curvature of a midsole; 
         FIG.  12    is a top view of the sole structure of  FIG.  9   , with a stiffening member shown in phantom; and 
         FIG.  13    is lateral exploded view of another sole structure for an article of footwear according to aspects of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe having an upper and a sole structure. Although embodiments 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 may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including basketball shoes, 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 may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. 
     The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variations 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. 
     Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “or” indicates a non- exclusive list of components or operations that can be present in any variety of combinations, rather than an exclusive list of components that can be present only as alternatives to each other. For example, a list of “A, B, or C” indicates options of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Correspondingly, the term “or” as used herein is intended to indicate exclusive alternatives only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” For example, a list of “only one of A, B, or C” indicates options of: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B. In contrast, a list preceded by “one or more” (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of one or more of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “one or more of A, B, or C” and “at least one of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C. Similarly, a list preceded by “a plurality of” (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of multiple instances of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “a plurality of A, B, or C” and “two or more of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C. 
     Further, as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of reference for discussion of particular figures or examples. For example, references to “downward,” or other directions, or “lower” or other positions, may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but do not necessarily require similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations. 
     The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers 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. 
     The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear having a sole structure attached to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole that may be attached to the upper, and an outsole attached below the midsole to define a bottom of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the midsole and the outsole may be a unitary body made from a foam or a rubber material, which cushion the user&#39;s foot as it impacts the ground and gives the user traction. In other embodiments, the midsole and the outsole can be different components that can be co-molded or adhered together by a glue or other adhesive. For example, the midsole may be made of a foam material (e.g., EVA) to provide cushioning, and the outsole may be a rubber material to increase traction and durability, among other types of materials. Moreover, the midsole can be a multi-density midsole with two or more layers having different densities to provide tuned cushioning characteristics. Both the midsole and the outsole can vary in thickness, e.g., a dimension taken normal to a bottom surface of the outsole. Additionally, one or both of the midsole and the outsole may be formed from one or more sections. 
     A midsole can be shaped to have a rounded bottom surface that can reduce the need for a user to provide kinematic modulations, e.g., intentional pronation or supination, to maintain contact, and therefore traction, between the outsole and the ground. For example, a midsole can define a rounded or curved midsole portion that is configured to have a crescent-like cross-section when taken perpendicular to the length of the article of footwear. That is, the midsole portion can define an upper surface that is configured to couple with an upper and a lower surface that is configured to couple with an outsole. 
     Both the upper surface and the lower surface can be curved along a width, e.g., a local width extending between a lateral side and a medial side, of the article of footwear to curve away from the upper and toward the outsole. In some cases, the upper surface can define a first curvature (e.g., a first radius of curvature) that is larger than a second curvature (e.g., a second radius of curvature) of the lower surface. Accordingly, the midsole has a thickness, e.g., a dimension taken normal to the lower surface between the lower surface and the upper surface, that is greatest proximate a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear and gradually becomes thinner moving outward toward each of the medial and lateral sides. 
     In some embodiments, a midsole can be curved in multiple directions. For example, a midsole portion of a midsole can be curved along a width of the article of footwear, as described above, and can be similarly curved along a length that is perpendicular to the width. Accordingly, the midsole can have a crescent-like cross-section taken both perpendicularly to the width and perpendicularly to the length. Put another way, a midsole can define a concave upper surface and a convex lower surface. The concave upper surface can be configured to couple with an upper so as to receive a foot of a user. The convex lower surface can be configured to couple to the outsole. Correspondingly, the outsole can be curved to follow along the lower surface of the midsole. The respective curvatures of the lower surface, e.g., a curvature along the width and a curvature along the length, can be tailored to give the lower surface a desired rounded shape, for example, an ellipsoidal, ovoid, or hemispherical shape. 
     Accordingly, a convex lower surface of a midsole can allow a foot of a user to remain neutral, i.e., neither pronated nor supinated, during activities. For example, when a user moves over an angled or uneven surface, e.g., while hiking or trail running, with a conventional, non-rounded sole structure, to maintain proper traction with the ground, the user must pronate or supinate to position the bottom surface of the sole structure in parallel with the ground. However, with a rounded midsole portion and a correspondingly rounded outsole, the curvature of the bottom surface of the sole structure can allow the foot of the user to remain in a neutral position by providing a portion of the bottom surface that is parallel to the ground, even with the foot in a neutral position. Similarly, if a user is running along a curve with a conventional shoe, the user will naturally lean into the curve, thereby requiring the user to supinate or pronate to place the bottom surface of the shoe in parallel with the ground. However, with a rounded midsole portion and a correspondingly rounded outsole, the curvature of the bottom surface of the sole structure inherently provides a surface that is, or is close to, parallel with the ground, thereby allowing the foot to maintain a more neutral position. Relatedly, with the foot of the user in a neutral position, a user may be able to more efficiently transfer force, i.e., energy, into the ground, thereby improving performance. 
     In some embodiments, a midsole can include multiple, discrete midsole portions. For example, a midsole can include a first midsole portion disposed generally throughout a forefoot region and a second midsole portion disposed generally throughout a heel region. The first midsole portion and the second midsole portion may be separated from one another by a gap extending across a local width of the article of footwear in a midfoot region. Both the first midsole portion and the second midsole portion can be rounded portions that are curved along one or both of a width and a length of the article of footwear to provide respective rounded bottom surfaces. 
     To provide enhanced stability, a sole structure can also include a stiffening member. For example, a sole structure can include a stiffening member that is configured to couple with an upper surface of a midsole, so as to be disposed between the midsole and an upper. Accordingly, the stiffening member can be a generally flat, curvilinear member with a curvature corresponding to a curvature of the upper surface of the midsole. The stiffening member can be a fork-like stiffening member with a plurality of tines that extend from a base, although other configurations are possible. In particular, the base can be disposed generally within a heel region and the tines can extend forward from the base and into the forefoot region, wherein each tine terminates at a respective distal end proximate a toe end. In other configurations, the stiffening member can be configured differently. For example, the base may extend throughout a heel region and into a midfoot region, and the tines may extend from the midfoot region and throughout the forefoot region, or the base may be generally disposed within a midfoot region and the tines may extend from the midfoot region into one or both of the forefoot region and the heel region. 
       FIGS.  1 - 6    depict an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear  100  including an upper  102  (shown in phantom in  FIG.  6   ) and a sole structure  104 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the upper  102  is coupled with the sole structure  104  and together with the sole structure  104  defines an interior cavity  106  (see  FIG.  6   ) into which a foot of a user may be inserted. The upper  102  can include an insole (not shown) positioned within the interior cavity  106 , which can be in direct contact with a user&#39;s foot while the article of footwear  100  is being worn. In some embodiments, the upper  102  may also include a liner (not shown) that can increase comfort, for example, by reducing friction between the foot of the user and the upper  102 , or providing moisture wicking properties. The liner may line the entire interior cavity  106  or only a portion thereof. In other embodiments, a binding (not shown) may surround the opening of the interior cavity  106  to secure the liner to the upper  102  or to provide an aesthetic element on the article of footwear  100 . Furthermore, the sole structure  104  includes a midsole  112  and an outsole  114  coupled to and disposed generally below the midsole  112 , which defines a bottom surface  116  of the article of footwear  100 . The outsole  114  can be configured to contact the ground. 
     For reference, the article of footwear  100  generally defines a forefoot region  120 , a midfoot region  122 , and a heel region  124  (see  FIGS.  1 - 5   ). The forefoot region  120  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  122  is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region  120 , 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  124  is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region  122  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, or the Achilles tendon. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the article of footwear  100  also defines a lateral side  126  and a medial side  128 . Further, the article of footwear  100  defines a longitudinal axis  130  that extends from a toe end  132 , located at a distal end of the forefoot region  120 , to a heel end  134 , located at a distal end of the heel region  124  opposite the toe end  132 . The longitudinal axis  130  defines a middle of the article of footwear  100  with the lateral side  126  extending from one side of the longitudinal axis  130  and the medial side  128  extending from the other. Put another way, the lateral side  126  and the medial side  128  adjoin one another along the longitudinal axis  130 . In particular, the lateral side  126  corresponds to an outside portion of the article of footwear  100  and the medial side  128  corresponds to an inside portion of the article of footwear  100 . As such, left and right articles of footwear have opposing lateral  126  and medial  128  sides, such that the medial sides  128  are closest to one another when a user is wearing the article of footwear  100 , while the lateral sides  126  are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while being worn. 
     The forefoot region  120 , the midfoot region  122 , the heel region  124 , the medial side  128 , and the lateral side  126  are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear  100 , and collectively span an entire length of the article of footwear  100 , from the toe end  132  to the heel end  134 . It should be appreciated that aspects of the disclosure may refer to portions or elements that are coextensive with one or more of the forefoot region  120 , the midfoot region  122 , the heel region  124 , the medial side  128 , or the lateral side  126 . The forefoot region  120  extends from the toe end  132  to a widest portion  136  of the article of footwear  100 , i.e., a distance between the medial side  128  and the lateral side  126  of the sole structure  104 . The midfoot region  122  extends from the widest portion  136  to a thinnest portion  138  of the article of footwear  100 , i.e., a distance between the medial side  128  and the lateral side  126  of the sole structure  104 . The heel region  124  extends from the thinnest portion  138  to the heel end  134  of the article of footwear  100 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the lateral side  126  begins where the toe end  132  intersects the longitudinal axis  130  and bows outward, i.e., away from the longitudinal axis  130 , along the forefoot region  120  toward the midfoot region  122 . At the widest portion  136 , the lateral side  126  bows inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis  130 , toward the thinnest portion  138 , entering the midfoot region  122 . Upon reaching the thinnest portion  138 , the lateral side  126  bows outward and extends into the heel region  124 . The lateral side  126  then bows back inward toward the heel end  134  and terminates where the heel end  134  intersects with the longitudinal axis  130 . Similarly, the medial side  128  begins where the toe end  132  intersects the longitudinal axis  130  and bows outward, i.e., away from the longitudinal axis  130 , along the forefoot region  120  toward the midfoot region  122 . At the widest portion  136 , the medial side  128  bows inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis  130 , toward the thinnest portion  138 , entering the midfoot region  122 . Upon reaching the thinnest portion  138 , the medial side  128  bows outward and extends into the heel region  124 . The medial side  128  then bows back inward toward the heel end  134  and terminates where the heel end  134  intersects with the longitudinal axis  130 . 
     It should be understood that numerous modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description, and individual components thereof, may be incorporated into numerous articles of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of the article of footwear  100  and components thereof, may be described with reference to general areas or portions of the article of footwear  100 , with an understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region  120 , the midfoot region  122 , the heel region  124 , the lateral side  126 , or the medial side  128  as described herein may vary between articles of footwear. Furthermore, aspects of the article of footwear  100  and individual components thereof, may also be described with reference to exact areas or portions of the article of footwear  100  and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate the limitations associated with these boundaries of the forefoot region  120 , the midfoot region  122 , the heel region  124 , the lateral side  126 , or the medial side  128  discussed herein. 
     An upper can be configured to at least partially enclose the foot of a user and may be made from one or more materials. As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the upper  102  is disposed above and is coupled to the sole structure  104 . The upper  102  can extend along the entirety of each of the medial  128  and lateral  126  sides, as well as extend over the top of the forefoot region  120  and around the heel region  124 . An upper can be formed from one or more layers. For example, many conventional 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 various embodiments, a knitted component may incorporate various types of yarn that may provide different properties to an upper. In other embodiments, the upper may incorporate multiple layers of different materials, each having different properties, for example, increased breathability or moisture wicking. 
     A number of other features may also be coupled to or included in an upper to provide or enhance certain properties of the upper. For example, an upper can include a tongue (not shown) that may include a tongue lining or a foam pad to increase comfort. The tongue may be a separate component that is attached to the upper or it may be integrally formed with one or more layers of the upper. Additionally, an upper can also include a tensioning system (not shown) that allows a user to adjust the upper to fit a foot of a user. The tensioning system can extend through a midfoot region or a forefoot region of the upper and may be attached to the upper by an attachment structure. For example, an upper may include a plurality of holes (e.g., punch holes) or eyelets that are configured to slidably receive laces so that the user can secure, e.g., by tightening and tying the laces, the article of footwear to a foot. In other embodiments, a tensioning system may be another laceless fastening system known in the art. 
     The upper  102  is joined with the sole structure  104 , which extends between the upper  102  and the ground. The sole structure  104  includes the midsole  112  and the outsole  114 . In other embodiments, a sole structure may also include one or more other components, which may include a lasting board, a plate, or a strobel board (not shown), that are disposed between a midsole and an upper. Additionally, in some cases, a sole structure can further include a heel cup that couples with the upper in the heel region via an adhesive or stitching and provides additional support to a heel of a user. More specifically, a heel cup may be made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, for example, TPU or a composite that allows the heel cup to flex or give as needed when a user is running or engaging in other activities, but otherwise provide more rigid support to the heel of a user. In some embodiments, a heel cup can be made of a translucent or clear TPU to enhance the aesthetic appeal. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the midsole  112  is defined as the portion of the sole structure  104  that extends between the upper and the outsole  114 . That is, the midsole  112  is coupled with the upper  102  at an upper surface  140  of the midsole  112  and is coupled with the outsole  114  on a lower surface  142  of the midsole  112 , opposite the upper  102 . The midsole  112  can extend along the length of the sole structure  104 , throughout a forefoot region  120 , a midfoot region  122 , and a heel region  124 . Additionally, the midsole  112  extends across the width of the sole structure  104  from the lateral side  126  to the medial side  128 . 
     The midsole  112  can act to cushion a user from the impact caused by the user&#39;s foot striking the ground. Put another way, the midsole  112  absorbs the impact resulting from a foot of a user coming into contact with the ground. To provide the desired cushion characteristics, the thickness of the midsole  112 , e.g., a dimension taken along direction that is normal to the bottom surface  116 , can be varied, with thicker regions providing greater cushioning and stability, and thinner regions providing lesser cushioning and greater flexibility. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the midsole  112  is thickest within the forefoot region  120 . However, other configurations are possible and a midsole can be tailored to provide cushioning in accordance with a specific purpose, such as running, trail running, soccer, or hiking. 
     Accordingly, the midsole  112 , including any individual cushioning members that make up the midsole  112 , can be made of one or more materials to provide the midsole  112  with the desired cushioning characteristics. For example, a cushioning member of a midsole may be individually constructed from a thermoplastic material, such as polyurethane (PU), for example, or an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or a similar type of material. In other embodiments, cushioning members of a midsole may be an EVA-Solid-Sponge (“ESS”) material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam), polyurethane, polyether, an olefin block copolymer, a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. A cushioning member may be a single polymeric material or may be a blend of materials, such as an EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, or an olefin block copolymer. One example of a PEBA material is PEBAX®. 
     In embodiments where a cushioning member is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may comprise micropore foams or particle foams, such as a TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or mixtures thereof, manufactured using a process that is performed within an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container that can process the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO 2 , N 2 , or mixtures thereof) with a material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof) that is preferably molten. During an exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas to form small pockets, e.g., pockets of nitrogen gas, within the material and cause the material to expand into a foam, which may be used as the cushioning member. In further embodiments, a first cushioning member may be formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, a compression molding technique, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, a first cushioning member may be formed using a process that involves an initial foaming step in which supercritical gas is used to foam a material and then compression molded or die cut to a particular shape. 
     In addition, a midsole can be configured to have a rounded lower surface, and accordingly, a rounded bottom surface of a sole structure. For example, the midsole  112  defines two rounded midsole portions, namely, a forefoot or first midsole portion  144  disposed within and throughout the forefoot region  120 , i.e., a forefoot portion of the midsole  112 , and a heel or second midsole portion  146  disposed within and throughout the heel region  124 , i.e., a heel portion of the midsole  112 . With particular reference to  FIG.  6   , the first midsole portion  144  defines a first upper surface portion  150  of the upper surface  140  and a first lower surface portion  152  of the lower surface  142 , both of which are configured as curved surfaces, e.g., to have an at least partially ellipsoidal, or more specifically, hemispherical, curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  130  or along the longitudinal axis. 
     More specifically, each of the first upper and lower surface portions  150 ,  152  are curved along a width of the first midsole portion  144  so that they curve downward, i.e., away from the upper  102  and toward the ground. Accordingly, the first upper surface portion  150  can define a first curvature along its width (e.g., a local width) and the first lower surface portion  152  can define a second curvature along its width (e.g., a local width), which may or may not be a constant curvature (e.g., a radius of curvature). For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the upper surface  150  defines constant curvature with a first radius of curvature  151  and the lower surface  152  defines constant curvature with a second radius of curvature  153 . A center point for each of the first radius of curvature  151  and the second radius of curvature  153  can be approximately centered between the lateral side  126  and the medial side  128 , so as to be approximately vertically aligned with the longitudinal axis  130 . In some cases, the first and second curvatures may vary along the length of the first midsole portion  144 , i.e., a length of the article of footwear  100 . 
     As illustrated, the first curvature can be greater than the second curvature to provide the first midsole portion  144  with a crescent-like cross-section along its width, although, other configurations are possible, for example, a semi-elliptical or semi-circular shape. More specifically, the first upper surface portion  150  and the first lower surface portion  152  can be curved so that the first midsole portion  144  is thickest along the longitudinal axis  130  and gradually becomes thinned moving outward toward each of the medial side  128  and the lateral side  126 . Relatedly, the curvatures of each of the first upper surface portion  150  and the first lower surface portion  152  can be tuned to achieve desired performance characteristics. For example, the first upper surface portion  150  and the first lower surface portion  152  can be curved so that a thickest portion, taken between the upper  102  and the first outsole portion  162 , is disposed closer to the medial side  128  than to the lateral side  126 , or vice versa, or along the longitudinal axis  130 . Moreover, while only a single article of footwear is depicted, each article of footwear in a pair can have different curvatures to provide improved performance in specific scenarios, for example, running on a track. For example, a right shoe may have curvatures that are arranged to have a thickest portion offset to a lateral side and a corresponding left shoe may have curvatures that are arranged to have a thickest portion offset to a medial side. 
     Additionally, the first midsole portion  144  can be similarly curved along the longitudinal axis. Thus, the first midsole portion  144  can have a crescent-like shape along its length from the toe end to the opposite end, e.g., at the midfoot region  122 . Correspondingly, the first midsole portion  144  can have a thickest portion proximate the widest portion  136  of the sole structure  104 , and may gradually thin moving forward to the toe end  132  and moving rearward to the heel end  134 . The curvatures of the first upper surface portion  150  and the first lower surface portion  152  can be different, such that the thickest portion may be offset rearward or forward of the widest portion  136 . The front-to-back position of the thickest portion can be different for each of a left and right shoe, or it may be the same, as may provide improved performance in specific scenarios. 
     Correspondingly, due to the curvature of the first lower surface portion  152  along each of the width and the length of the first midsole portion  144 , the entirety of the first lower surface portion  152  can be convex in both directions, such that the lower surface of the forefoot region  120  can be entirely convex. Put another way, the forefoot region  122  can define a single, continuously rounded surface, which can be, in some cases, ellipsoidal or hemispherical in nature. 
     Furthermore, a midsole can have a lower surface that is rounded in multiple directions. For example, with specific reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the first midsole portion  144  can also be rounded along a length of the article of footwear  100 , e.g., along the longitudinal axis  130 . More specifically, each of the first upper surface portion  150  and the first lower surface portion  152  can be curved downward toward the outsole  114  so that the first upper surface portion  150  defines a third curvature along its length (e.g., a local length) and the first lower surface portion  152  defines a fourth curvature along its length (e.g., a local length). Each of the third and fourth curvatures can vary along the width of the first midsole portion  144 . Accordingly, the first upper surface portion  150  can be a concave surface while the first lower surface portion  152  can be a convex surface. That is, the first upper surface portion  150  is concave relative to a first primary axis  154  that extends normal to the first upper surface portion  150 , e.g., so that the upper surface  150  curves to extend generally along the direction of the extension of the axis  154  and away from the lower surface  152 . Likewise, the first lower surface portion  152  is convex relative to a second primary axis  156  that extends normal to the first lower surface portion  152 , e.g., so that the lower surface  154  curves to extend generally opposite the direction of the extension of the axis  156  and toward the upper surface  150 . Correspondingly, the first lower surface portion  152  can be entirely convex in the forefoot region  120 , such that the first lower surface portion  152  is continuously curved from the lateral side  126  to the medial side  128  and from the toe end  132  to the midfoot region  122 . 
     By providing a rounded lower surface, a midsole can allow a foot of a user to maintain a more neutral position when traveling along uneven ground or along a curve. In particular, the curved nature of the first lower surface portion  152  of the first midsole portion  144 , allows at least a portion of the bottom surface  116  of the sole structure  104 , e.g., the outsole  114 , to be parallel with the ground when the ground is angled, i.e., not horizontal, or when it is advantageous for a user to angle their body relative to the ground, such as when running along a curved track. Accordingly, a user may not have to actively pronate or supinate their foot to maintain sufficient contact, e.g., traction, between the bottom surface  116  of the sole structure  104  and the ground. Thus, the user&#39;s foot can maintain a more neutral position that can reduce the possibly of injury, e.g., rolling an ankle, and can also provide for more efficient energy transfer to the ground. 
     In some embodiments, the second midsole portion  146  can be rounded in a manner that is similar to the first midsole portion  144 , and can define a second upper surface portion  158  and a second lower surface portion  160 . However, the second midsole portion  146  may also be configured differently. Relatedly, since the midsole  112  is comprising of the first midsole portion  144  and the second midsole portion  146 , the outsole  114  can be similarly configured to have a first outsole portion  162  coupled to the first midsole portion  144  and a second outsole portion  164  coupled to the second midsole portion  146 . Each of the first outsole portion  162  and the second outsole portion  164  can be configured to follow the contours of the first midsole portion  144  and the second midsole portion  146 , respectively. 
     To provide additional support, a sole structure can further include a stiffening member. A stiffening member can be configured to provide tuned lateral stiffness, e.g., along a width, or tuned longitudinal stiffness, e.g., along a length, stiffness. That is, a stiffening member can be shaped to provide desired stiffening characteristics, and can also be made from one or more materials, such as, plastics, metals, or composite material, e.g., carbon fiber. Still referring to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , the sole structure  104  can include a stiffening member  170 , which can be configured as a substantially flat and curvilinear member that is coupled to the upper surface  140  of the midsole  112 , e.g., between the midsole  112  and the upper  102 . That is, the stiffening member  170  can be shaped to follow along the respective curvatures of each of the first upper surface portion  150  and the second upper surface portion  158 . In other embodiments, a stiffening member may be disposed within a corresponding recess formed along an upper surface of a midsole, or may be disposed entirely within a midsole. 
     A stiffening member can be shaped to tune the stiffness and support characteristics of a sole structure. For example, as illustrated, the stiffening member  170  can be configured as a fork-like stiffening member having a plurality of tines  172  that extend from a base  174 ; however, other configurations are possible. The base  174  is disposed within heel region  124  and can extend partially or entirely into the midfoot region  122 . The tines  172  extend forward from the base  174  in a heel-to-toe direction, i.e., from the heel end  134  to the toe end  132 , to extend through the forefoot region  120 , where the tines  172  each terminate at respective distal ends proximate the toe end  132 . In the illustrated embodiment, the distal ends of the tines  172  can wrap upwardly at the toe end  132  to couple with the upper  102 ; however, other embodiments can be configured differently. 
     Any of the quantity, location, size, and spacing of the tines can be varied to tune the stiffness characteristics of the sole structure. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of tines  172  includes three similarly-sized tines, e.g., with similar lengths, widths, and thicknesses, namely, a lateral or first tine  176  extending along the lateral side  126  of the midsole  112 , a medial or second tine  178  extending along the medial side  128 , and a central or third tine  180  extending generally along the longitudinal axis  130 . Each of the first tine  176  and the second tine  178  are curved to follow a respective contour of the lateral side  126  and the medial side  128  of the midsole  112 , and are approximately evenly spaced apart from the third tine  180 , which is substantially straight. In this way, each of the tines  172  extends along a respective curvature of the midsole  112 , e.g., the first upper surface portion  150  of the first midsole portion  144 . 
     Accordingly, the tines  172  can provide the sole structure  104  with similar stiffness along the lateral and medial sides  126 ,  128 . In other embodiments, this may not be the case, and various parameters of the tines  172  can be modified to give the midsole  112  varied stiffness characteristics. For example, the tines can increase in thickness moving from a lateral side to a medial side to provide a flexible lateral side and more supportive medial side, or vice versa. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , another exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear  200  is illustrated. The article of footwear  200  is similar to the article of footwear  100 , in accordance with the description above, with like reference numerals referring to like features. In particular, the article of footwear  200  includes an upper  202  (shown in phantom in  FIG.  8   ) that is coupled to and disposed above a sole structure  204 , which extends between the upper  202  and the ground throughout a forefoot region  220 , a midfoot region  222 , and a heel region  224 . That is, the article of footwear  200  has a width extending between a lateral side  226  and a medial side  228 , the width being perpendicular to a length extending along a longitudinal axis  230  running between a toe end  232  and a heel end  234 . 
     The sole structure  204  includes a midsole  212  that is coupled with the upper  202  along an upper surface  240  of the midsole  212  and is coupled with an outsole  214  along a lower surface of the midsole  212 , which defines a bottom surface  216  of the sole structure  204 . The midsole  212  defines a forefoot or first midsole portion  244  that is configured to provide a rounded portion of the bottom surface  216  within the forefoot region  220 . In particular, the first midsole portion  244  defines a curved first upper surface portion  250  and a curved first lower surface portion  252 , each of which curve downwardly toward the outsole  214 . Each of the first upper surface portion  250  and the first lower surface portion  252  are curved along both a length and a width so that the first upper surface portion  250  is concave with respect to a first primary axis  254  that is normal to the first upper surface portion  250 , and so that the first lower surface portion  252  is convex with respect to a second primary axis  256  that is normal to the first upper surface portion  250 . With regard to the first lower surface portion  252 , the first lower surface portion  252  is configured as a hemispherical surface that defines a radius of curvature. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the outsole  214  can include a plurality of protrusions  218 , e.g., lugs or spikes, that can be configured to provide increased traction. More specifically, the outsole includes a first plurality of protrusions  218   a  that are dispersed along the portion of the outsole  214  that corresponds with the first midsole portion  244 . The first plurality of protrusions  218   a  can be equally or unequally spaced along the outsole  214  and are configured to extend outward from the outsole  214 , so as to extend approximately normal to a local area of curvature on the outsole  214 , e.g., to extend radially outward for a hemispherical curvature. Accordingly, the first plurality of protrusions  218   a  can engage the ground when a bottom of a user&#39;s foot is angled relative to, e.g., not parallel to, the ground. Additionally, the outsole  214  can include a second plurality of protrusions  218   b  that are dispersed along the heel region  224  of the outsole  214 . As illustrated, the second plurality of protrusions  218   b  includes four protrusions that extend downwardly and away from the midsole  212 . In other embodiments, any number of protrusions can be included and configured differently, for example, to extend non-radially relative to the curvature of the outsole  214 . 
     Furthermore, the sole structure  204  can include a stiffening member  270  that can impart the sole structure  204  with desired support and stiffness characteristics. As illustrated, the stiffening member  270  is configured as a curvilinear, fork-shaped stiffening member that is secured within a correspondingly-shaped recess formed in the upper surface  240  of the midsole  212 . The stiffening member  270  includes a base  274  that extends from the heel end  234 , through the heel region  224 , and into the midfoot region  222  proximate the forefoot region  220 . A plurality of tines  272  extend forward through the forefoot region  220  from the base  274 , proximate the intersection of the forefoot region  220  with the midfoot region  122 , and toward the toe end  232 . 
     In particular, the stiffening member  270  includes four tines that are equally distributed, e.g., spaced, along the width of the forefoot region  220 . More specifically, moving from the lateral side  226  to the medial side  228 , the stiffening member  270  includes an outer lateral or first tine  276 , an inner lateral or second tine  278 , an inner medial or third tine  280 , and an outer medial or fourth tine  282 . The interior tines, i.e., the second tine  278  and the third tine  280 , are similarly configured to one another and are disposed inward of, i.e., closer to the longitudinal axis  230 , the exterior tines, i.e., the first tine  276  and the fourth tine  282 , which are also similarly configured to one another, so that the first and second tines  276 ,  278  are mirror images of the fourth and third tines  282 ,  280 , respectively, about the longitudinal axis  230 . 
     Relatedly the tines  272  are configured to provide the sole structure with varying zones of flexibility and stiffness. In particular, each of the first and fourth tines  276 ,  282  are wider than the second and third tines  278 ,  280 , to provide the sole structure  204  with increased stiffness and support along the respective medial and lateral peripheries of the sole structure  204 , while maintaining a comparatively more flexible interior. In this way, the sole structure  204  can provide increased support when angled to contact the ground on a lateral or medial periphery, and at the same time, provide increased cushioning when the sole structure  204  contacts the ground when it is not angled with respect to the ground. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  9 - 12   , another exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear  300  is illustrated. The article of footwear  300  is similar to the article of footwear  100 , in accordance with the description above, with like reference numerals referring to like features. In particular, the article of footwear  300  includes an upper  302  (see  FIG.  10   ) that is coupled to and disposed above a sole structure  304 , which extends between the upper  302  and the ground throughout a forefoot region  320 , a midfoot region  322 , and a heel region  324 . That is, the article of footwear  300  has a width extending between a lateral side  326  and a medial side  328 , the width being perpendicular to a length extending along a longitudinal axis  330  running between a toe end  332  and a heel end  334 . 
     The sole structure  304  includes a midsole  312  that is coupled with the upper  302  along an upper surface  340  of the midsole  312  and is coupled with an outsole  314  along a lower surface of the midsole  312 , which defines a bottom surface  316  of the sole structure  304 . In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole  312  is configured as dual-density midsole having an upper or first midsole layer  312   a  with a first density disposed above a lower or second midsole layer  312   b  with a second density, which can be co-molded or coupled together by an adhesive. The first midsole layer  312   a  and the second midsole layer  312   b  can have the same or different densities to provide the desired cushioning characteristics. Likewise, the relative thicknesses of the first midsole layer  312   a  and the second midsole layer  312   b  can be varied to achieve the desired balance of support and cushioning. 
     In addition, the midsole  312  is configured to have a rounded lower surface and defines a rounded first midsole portion  344  disposed within the forefoot region  320  and a rounded second midsole portion  346  disposed within the heel region  324 . The first midsole portion  344  can define a first upper surface portion  350  and a first lower surface portion  352 . The second midsole portion  346  can define a second upper surface portion  358  and a second lower surface portion  360 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  11   , in particular, each of the first lower surface portion  352  and the second lower surface portion  360  are curved downward toward the outsole  314  along their respective widths and lengths. Accordingly, the first lower surface portion  352  can define a first curvature  352   a  along its width and a second curvature  352   b  along its length, and the second lower surface portion  360  can define a third curvature  360   a  along its width and a second curvature  360   b  along its length. The respective curvatures of the first and second lower surface portions  352 ,  360  can be configured so that the first and second lower surface portions  352 ,  360  have an ellipsoidal outer profile. In other embodiments, the curvatures of the first and second lower surface portions  352 ,  360  can be configured differently to achieve different outer profiles of the first and second lower surface portions  352 ,  360 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  10  and  12   , the sole structure  304  further includes a fork-shaped stiffening member  370 . The stiffening member  370  is similar to the stiffening member  170 , in that it includes a plurality of tines  372 , i.e., three, extending from a base  374  in a heel-to-toe direction. However, the base  374  of the stiffening member  370  extends from the heel end  334 , through the heel region  324  and the midfoot region  322 , to the intersection between the midfoot region  322  and the forefoot region  320 . Additionally, because the midsole  312  is a dual layer midsole, the stiffening member  370  is disposed internally to the midsole  312  so that it is between the first midsole layer  312   a  and the second midsole layer  312   b.  More specifically, the stiffening member  370  is received within a corresponding recess of the first midsole layer  312   a.  In other embodiments, the stiffening member  370  may be received within a corresponding recess of the second midsole layer  312   b,  or, alternatively, within recesses in both of the layers  312   a  and  312   b.    
     Turning to  FIG.  13   , another sole structure  404  for an article of footwear is illustrated. The sole structure  404  is similar to the sole structure  304 , but includes discrete midsole portions that are spaced apart from one another. More precisely, the sole structure  404  includes a midsole  412  that is coupled to an outsole  414 , wherein the midsole  412  is comprised of a first midsole portion  444  disposed within a forefoot region  420  and a second midsole portion  446  disposed within a heel region  424 . The first midsole portion  444  and the second midsole portion  446  are spaced apart about a midfoot region  422 . Additionally, the outsole  414  only includes a single outsole portion that is shaped to couple with the first midsole portion  444 . 
     To secure the first midsole portion  444  and the second midsole portion  446  in the aforementioned spaced relationship, each of the first midsole portion  444  and the second midsole portion  446  are secured to a fork-shaped stiffening member  470  with a plurality of tines  472  extending toward a toe end  432  from a base that extends between the heel end  434  to the intersection of the midfoot region  422  with the forefoot region  420 . In particular, the tines  472  are embedded in the first midsole portion  444 , while the second midsole portion  446  is secured below the base  474  in the heel region  424 , leaving the base  474  exposed within both the heel region  424  and the midfoot region  422 . In this way, the stiffening member  470  bridges a gap  477  between the first midsole portion  444  and the second midsole portion  446 , to fixedly secure the first midsole portion  444  and the second midsole portion  446  relative to one another. Accordingly, the first midsole portion  44  and the second midsole portion  446  are in a fixed spatial relationship and at least a portion of the midfoot region  422  can consist only of the stiffening member  470 . However, in some cases, the outsole  414  may also extend across the gap  477 , as may provide protection to the stiffening member  470 . Correspondingly, at least a portion of the midfoot region  422  may consist only of the stiffening member  470  and the outsole  414 , and the outsole  414  may or may not be coupled to the stiffening plate  470 . 
     Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. For example, certain features and combinations of features that are presented with respect to particular embodiments in the discussion above can be utilized in other embodiments and in other combinations, as appropriate. Similarly, materials or construction techniques, other than those disclosed above, may be substituted or added in some embodiments according to known approaches. 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 disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure 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. 
     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.