Patent Publication Number: US-11638462-B2

Title: Modular outsole for article of footwear

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/929,512, filed Nov. 1, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear, and more particularly to a modular outsole for attachment to an article of footwear. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art. 
     Articles of footwear conventionally include a support structure (e.g., an upper) for securing the article of footwear to a foot or leg, and a sole structure for providing traction and cushioning between the support structure and the ground surface. The sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the support structure. For example, a sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. 
     The midsole is generally disposed between the outsole and the support structure and provides cushioning for the foot. The midsole may include one or more cushioning components, such as foam elements and/or fluid-filled bladders. The outsole provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface and may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhancing traction with the ground surface. 
     While known outsoles have proven acceptable for their intended purposes, a need exists for an outsole that can be easily adapted to a particular type of an article footwear or for a particular purpose. For example, conventional outsoles provide a wearer with little to no ability to modify or otherwise change the shape and/or configuration of the outsole regardless of whether the outsole is intended for use with a conventional article of footwear or for use with a prosthesis such as a prosthetic blade. Accordingly, a wearer is not able to tailor the outsole for use in a particular activity (i.e., sprinting versus long-distance running). 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an outsole for an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a bottom plan view of the outsole of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of the outsole of  FIG.  1   , taken along section line  3 - 3  in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of the outsole of  FIG.  1   , taken along section line  4 - 4  in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of the outsole of  FIG.  1   , taken along section line  5 - 5  in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure shown in conjunction with a prosthetic blade; 
         FIG.  7    is an exploded perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is an exploded perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  10   . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations. 
     One aspect of the disclosure provides an outsole for an article of footwear, the outsole including a main body having a plurality of modules arranged in series from a first end to a second end, adjacent ones of the modules detachably connected to each other along one of a plurality of seams extending from a first side of the main body to a second side of the main body. The outsole further including at least one insert embedded in each of the modules and configured for selectively attaching a traction element to the outsole. 
     The outsole may include one or more of the following optional features. Namely, each of the modules may include a plurality of ribs extending from a first terminal end at the first side of the main body to a second terminal end at the second side of the main body. The main body may include a top side and a bottom side formed on an opposite side of the main body from the top side, the plurality of ribs being formed on the bottom side of the main body. At least one of the first terminal end and the second terminal end may be flat and may extend perpendicular to the top side of the main body. 
     In one configuration, at least one of the plurality of ribs of each of the modules may include a first traction element formed at the first terminal end and a second traction element formed at the second terminal end. The at least one of the plurality of the ribs may be disposed at a first end of each of the modules, adjacent to one of the plurality of seams. 
     The plurality of ribs of each of the modules may include a first rib disposed at a first end of each module and a second rib disposed at a second end of each module, the first rib including a first traction element disposed at the first side and a second traction element disposed at the second side and the second rib including a third traction element disposed at the first side and a fourth traction element disposed at the second side. 
     In one configuration, the plurality of modules may include (i) a first module formed at a first end of the main body and having a first length, (ii) a second module detachably connected to the first module along a first one of the plurality of seams and having a second length, and (iii) a third module detachably connected to the second module along a second one of the plurality of seams and having a third length. At least one of the first length, the second length, and the third length may be different than the other of the first length, the second length, and the third length. Additionally or alternatively, the second module may include a first portion having a first plurality of the inserts and a second portion having a second plurality of the inserts, the first portion isolated from the second portion by a series of ribs. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, an article of footwear is provided and includes a midsole having a bottom surface and an outsole attached to the bottom surface of the midsole and including a main body having a series of modules each including at least one insert configured for selectively attaching a traction element to the outsole, adjacent ones of the modules detachably connected to each other along one of a plurality of seams extending from a first side of the main body to a second side of the main body. 
     This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, each of the modules may include a plurality of ribs each extending from a first terminal end at the first side of the main body to a second terminal end at the second side of the main body. The main body may include a top side and a bottom side formed on an opposite side of the main body from the top side, the plurality of ribs being formed on the bottom side of the main body. At least one of the first terminal end and the second terminal end may be flat and may extend perpendicular to the top side of the main body. 
     In one configuration, at least one of the plurality of ribs of each of the modules may include a first traction element formed at the first terminal end and a second traction element formed at the second terminal end. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one of the plurality of the ribs may be disposed at a first end of each of the modules, adjacent to one of the plurality of seams. 
     The plurality of ribs of each of the modules may include a first rib disposed at a first end of each module and a second rib disposed at a second end of each module, the first rib including a first traction element disposed at the first side and a second traction element disposed at the second side and the second rib including a third traction element disposed at the first side and a fourth traction element disposed at the second side. 
     In one configuration, the series of modules may include (i) a first module formed at a first end of the main body and having a first length, (ii) a second module detachably connected to the first module along a first one of the plurality of seams and having a second length, and (iii) a third module detachably connected to the second module along a second one of the plurality of seams and having a third length. At least one of the first length, the second length, and the third length may be different than the other of the first length, the second length, and the third length. 
     The second module may include a first portion having a first plurality of the inserts and a second portion having a second plurality of the inserts, the first portion isolated from the second portion by a series of ribs. 
     In one configuration, the bottom surface of the midsole may be curved along a direction from an anterior end to a posterior end. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the midsole is flat. 
     The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , an outsole  100  for an article of footwear  10 - 10   b  is provided. In some instances, the outsole  100  is provided as a standalone component that can be modified prior to attachment to the article of footwear  10 - 10   b  depending on the type of footwear and/or the intended use. As described below with respect to  FIGS.  6 - 11   , the outsole  100  may be used in conjunction with a prosthesis such as a prosthetic blade  30  or with a conventional article of footwear  10   a ,  10   b . The prosthetic blade  30  may include a different size and/or shape when used in conjunction with a prosthetic blade  30  as compared to the size and/or shape of the outsole  100  when used in conjunction with the articles of footwear  10   a ,  10   b.    
     While  FIGS.  1 - 4    are directed towards the outsole  100 , features and elements of the outsole  100  may be described relative to the prosthetic blade  30  or the articles of footwear  10   a - 10   b  (shown in phantom) to which the outsole  100  may be attached. Particularly, elements and features of the outsole  100  may be described relative to a forefoot region  12 , a mid-foot region  14 , and a heel region  16  of the prosthetic blade  30  or the articles of footwear  10   a - 10   b.    
     The forefoot region  12  may include a toe portion  12   T  corresponding with toes, and a ball portion  12   B  corresponding with joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot. The mid-foot region  14  may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region  16  may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. Additionally, the outsole  100  may be described relative to an anterior end  18  formed at a foremost portion of the forefoot region  12  and a posterior end  20  formed at a rearmost portion of the heel region  16 . Lateral and medial sides  22 ,  24  of the articles of footwear  10   a - 10   b  correspond to lateral and medial sides of a respective leg or foot to which the articles of footwear  10   a - 10   b  are attached. Likewise, lateral and medial sides  22 ,  24  of the prosthetic blade  30  correspond to lateral and medial sides of a respective leg to which the prosthetic blade  30  is attached. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , the outsole  100  includes a main body  102  and a plurality of inserts  104  disposed within the main body  102 . The inserts  104  are each configured for selectively attaching a traction element  106  ( FIGS.  6 - 11   ), such as a stud or cleat, to the outsole  100 . The main body  102  may be formed of an elastomeric material, while the inserts  104  are formed of a second material having a greater hardness than the first material. In some examples, the first material is a polyether block amide (PEBA), such as PEBAX® Brand elastomers produced by Arkema S.A. The inserts  104  may be formed of any material suitable for engaging and supporting the studs  106 , such as a metal. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the main body  102  may be described as including a top side  108 , a bottom side  110  formed on an opposite side than the top side  108 , and a peripheral side  112  extending from the top side  108  to the bottom side  110  and defining an outer peripheral profile of the main body  102  and the outsole  100 . Generally, the top side  108  includes a continuous smooth surface and is configured to attach to the prosthetic blade  30  or the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b , as discussed below. In some instances, the top side  108  is provided with one or more adhesives for bonding the top side  108  to a corresponding surface on a bottom of the prosthetic blade  30  or the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b . Optionally, the outsole  100  may include a pre-applied adhesive covered by a removable sheet, such that a user can remove and discard the sheet to expose the adhesive immediately before attaching the outsole  100  to the prosthetic blade  30  or the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b . The bottom side  110  is configured to engage a ground surface and includes one or more traction elements for providing traction, as described in greater detail below. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , a length L 102  of the main body  102  extends along a longitudinal axis A 102  from a first end  114  to a second end  116 . As described in greater detail below, when attached to one of the articles of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or the prosthetic blade  30 , the first end  114  is configured to be disposed in the forefoot region  12  at the anterior end  18  of the article of footwear or blade, and the second end  116  is configured to be disposed in the heel region  16  at the posterior end  20 . Accordingly, the first and second ends  114 ,  116  may also be referred to as anterior and posterior ends  114 ,  116  of the main body  102 , respectively. 
     A width W 102  of the main body  102  extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A 102  from a first side  118  to a second side  120 . When the outsole  100  is attached to the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or the prosthetic blade  30 , the first side  118  is configured to be disposed along a lateral side  22  of the footwear  10   a - 10   b  or blade  30  and the second side  120  is configured to be disposed along a medial side  24  of the footwear  10   a - 10   b  or blade  30 . Accordingly, the first and second sides  118 ,  120  may also be referred to as lateral and medial sides  118 ,  120 , respectively. In other words, the width W 102  of the main body  102  is configured to extend entirely across a width of the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or prosthetic blade  30 . While the sides  118 ,  120  of the outsole are shown as substantially straight, such that the outsole  100  has a constant width W 102 , one or both of the sides may have a contour corresponding to an outer profile of a foot. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the main body  102  includes a plurality of modules  122   a - 122   d  arranged in series, whereby adjacent ones of the modules  122   a - 122   d  are attached to each other along respective seams  124   a - 124   c . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the main body  102  includes a first module  122   a  disposed at the first end  114  of the main body  102 , a second module  122   b  connected to the first module  122   a  along a first seam  124   a , a third module  122   c  connected to the second module  122   b  along a second seam  124   b , and a fourth module  122   d  disposed at the second end  120  of the main body  102  and connected to the third module  122   c  along a third seam  124   c.    
     With reference to the cross-sectional view of  FIG.  3   , each of the seams  124   a - 124   c  is formed by a portion of the main body  102  having a reduced thickness relative to the adjoining portions of the modules  122   a - 122   d . The seams  124   a - 124   c  extend continuously from the first side  118  to the second side  120 . Optionally, the seams may include perforations formed therethrough (not shown). Accordingly, the seams  124   a - 124   c  are configured to function as tear, cut, or break lines along which adjacent ones of the modules  122   a - 122   d  can be separated from each other to modify the overall length L 102  of the main body  102 . For instance, any one or more of the modules  122   a - 122   d  may be separated from one or more of the other modules  122   a - 122   d  along one of the seams  124   a - 124   c . As discussed below, this may be done in situations where a shortened portion of the outsole  100  is desired for attachment to the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or the prosthetic blade  30 . Additionally, the seams  124   a - 124   c  may function to allow the outsole  100  to flex along the longitudinal axis A 102  to accommodate curved implementations (e.g.,  FIGS.  5  and  6   ) or bending of the outsole  100  during use. 
     Lengths L 122a -L 122d  of each of the modules  122   a - 122   d  extend from a respective first end  126   a - 126   d  facing the first end  114  of the main body  102 , to a respective second end  128   a - 128   d  facing the second end  116  of the main body  102 . Each module  122   a - 122   d  includes a respective series of laterally-extending (i.e., side-to-side) ribs  130  spaced along the length L 122a -L 122d  of the bottom side  110  of the module  122   a - 122   d , from the first end  126   a - 126   d  to the second end  128   a - 128   d . In the illustrated example, the ribs  130  are evenly and continuously spaced from the first end  126   a - 126   d  to the second end  126   a - 126   d.    
     One or more of the ribs  130  may extend from a first terminal end  132  at the first side  118  of the main body  102  to a second terminal end  134  at the second side  120  of the main body  102 . In some instances, one or more of the ribs  130  extends continuously from the first terminal end  132  to the second terminal end  134 , while in other instances, some of the ribs  130  may be interrupted by one or more of the inserts  104 . As best shown in  FIG.  3   , each of the ribs  130  has a triangular cross-sectional shape, such that each rib extends from a base portion having a first width at the bottom side  110 , to a distal edge  131  facing away from the bottom side  110 . Here, the bases of adjacent ones of the ribs  130  are connected to each other along the lengths of the ribs  130  from the first side  118  to the second side  120 . The sharp distal edges  131  of the ribs  130  may function as traction elements. 
     As described in greater detail below with respect to individual ones of the modules  122   a - 122   d , the main body  102  may include a plurality of cleats  136  formed along each of the sides  118 ,  120 . In the illustrated example, each of the cleats  136  is integrally formed as a portion of one of the terminal ends  132 ,  134  of one of the ribs  130 . Particularly, one of the cleats  136  may be formed at both terminal ends  132 ,  134  of one or more of the ribs  130 . Here, the terminal ends  132 ,  134  formed by the cleats  136  are formed flush with the peripheral side  112  of the main body  102 , and are substantially perpendicular (90 degrees±5 degrees) to the top side  108  ( FIG.  5   ). 
     As best shown in  FIG.  5   , an intermediate portion of each of the ribs  130  has a substantially constant height H 130  between the first terminal end  132  and the second terminal end  134 . Where the cleats  136  are included, the heights H 130  of the ribs  130  flare at each terminal end  132 ,  134  to a distal tip  137  that protrudes from the bottom side  110  of the main body  102 . Additionally, each of the cleats  136  may widen and/or curve along a direction of the longitudinal axis A 102 . For example, the cleats  136  may widen or curve around one of the inserts  104  adjacent to the terminal end  132 ,  134  of the rib  130 . In some instances, this results in the cleats  136  formed on ribs at the first end  126   a - 126   d  and the second end  128   a - 128   d  curving away from the respective end  126   a - 126   d ,  128   a - 128   d  along which it is disposed. Thus, the cleats  136  disposed at opposite ends of a module  122   a - 122   d  will curve towards each other along the side  118 ,  120  of the main body  102 . 
     Generally, each of the modules  122   a - 122   d  includes cleats  136  formed on the terminal ends  132 ,  134  of the ribs  130  disposed at the first end  126   a - 126   d  and the second end  128   a - 128 , such that each module  122   a - 122   d  is bookended by a pair of the ribs  130  including the cleats  136 . Thus, regardless of where the modules  122   a - 122   d  are separated from each other, the remaining modules  122   a - 122   d  that are attached to the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or the prosthetic blade  30  will include the cleats  136  disposed at least at each end  126   a - 126   d ,  128   a - 128   d . Optionally, one or more intermediate ribs  130  may also include cleats  136 , as discussed below. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , each of the modules  122   a - 122   d  includes one or more of the inserts  104  configured for selectively attaching a cleat or stud  106  to the outsole  100 . In the illustrated example, each of the inserts  104  includes a helically-threaded aperture  140  configured for interfacing with a corresponding threaded shank of a stud  106 . In other examples, the insert  104  may have other means for attaching to the stud  106 . As provided above, each of the inserts  104  may be embedded within the material of the main body  102  during a molding process. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the inserts  104  include radially extending flanges  142  that are embedded in the material of the main body  102 . Optionally, the main body  102  may be pre-molded with a plurality of sockets  138  within which the inserts  104  are disposed. In some examples, the inserts  104  may be placed into the sockets  138  after molding the main body  102  and attached using mechanical or chemical fastening means. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  2   , the inserts  104  are arranged along the bottom side  110  of the main body  102  in a manner that allows the outsole to flex along the ribs  130 . Particularly, all of the inserts  104  are contained within the modules  122   a - 122   d  (i.e., disposed between the first ends  126   a - 126   d  and the second ends  128   a - 128   d ), such that the seams  124   a - 124   c  are uninterrupted. Thus, the main body  102  can freely flex at each of the seams  124   a - 124   c . Additionally, the inserts  104  may be provided as laterally-aligned pairs disposed on opposite sides  118 ,  120  of the main body  102 , where adjacent pairs of the inserts  104  are longitudinally separated from each other by a series of the ribs  130  such that the ribs  130  allow the main body  102  to bend in intermediate portions of the modules  122   a - 122   d  between the pairs of the inserts  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the first module  122   a  is configured to be disposed adjacent to an anterior end  18  of the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or prosthetic blade  30 . As shown, a first end  126   a  of the first module  122   a  is coincident with the first end  114  of the main body  102 , and the second end  128   a  is disposed in an intermediate portion of the main body  102 . A length L 122a  of the first module  122   a  corresponds to lengths of the toes of a foot, such that when the outsole  100  is incorporated in an article of footwear  10   a - 10   b , the first seam  124   a  allows the first module  122   a  to flex with the toes. As shown, the first end  126   a  of the first module  122   a  may be arcuate, such that the first end  126   a  curves continuously around the main body  102  and converges with the second end  128   a  on each side  118 ,  120 . The first module  122   a  includes a laterally-aligned pair of the inserts  104  disposed between the first end  126   a  and the second end  128   a . As shown, one of the ribs  130  disposed along the second end  128   a  includes a pair of the cleats  136 , which each widen and curve towards the first end  126   a.    
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , a length L 122b  of the second module  122   b  extends from a first end  126   b  attached to the first module  122   a  along the first seam  124   a  to a second end  128   b  associated with a mid-foot region  14  of the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or prosthetic blade  30 . The length L 122b  of the second module  122   b  is greater than the length L 122a  of the first module  122   a . Here, the second module  122   b  may be described as including a first portion  122   b   1  configured to be disposed in the ball portion  12   B  of the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or prosthetic blade  30 , and a second portion  122   b   2  configured to be disposed in an anterior end of the mid-foot region  14  of the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or prosthetic blade  30 . The first portion  122   b   1  of the second module  122   b  includes a first set of inserts  104  that are isolated from a second set of inserts  104  of the second portion  122   b   2  by a plurality of the ribs  130 . The first set of inserts  104  is disposed adjacent to the first end  126   b  and includes a central insert  104  at the first end  126   b  and a laterally-aligned pair of the inserts  104  spaced apart from the first end  126   b , such that the first set of inserts  104  are arranged in a triangular pattern. The second portion  122   b   2  includes a second set of inserts  104  including a laterally-aligned pair of the inserts  104  disposed adjacent to the second end  128   b . By isolating the first set of inserts  104  from the second set of inserts  104 , the second module  122   d  can more easily flex along the intermediate portion. 
     As discussed above, the second module  122   b  includes a first rib  130  disposed at the first end  126   b  and a second rib  130  disposed at the second end  128   b , where each of the first rib  130  and the second rib  130  includes a pair of the cleats  136  formed at the respective terminal ends  132 ,  134  of the rib  130 . As shown, the cleats  136  of the first and second ribs  130  widen and curve around adjacent ones of the inserts  104  and towards an intermediate portion of the second module  122   b . Additionally, the second module  122   b  includes the series of ribs  130  arranged between the first and second sets of inserts  104 , where each of the ribs  130  of the series includes the cleats  136  formed at the respective terminal ends  132 ,  134 . Here, the one or more ribs  130  closest to the first portion  122   b   1  have cleats  136  that widen and curve towards the first portion  122   b   1 , the one or more ribs  130  closest to the second portion  122   b   2  include cleats  136  that widen and curve towards the second portion  122   b   2 , and the one or more ribs disposed between the first portion  122   b   1  and the second portion  122   b   2  have cleats that widen and curve towards each of the first portion  122   b   1  and the second portion  122   b   2 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , a length L 122c  of the third module  122   c  extends from a first end  126   c  attached to the second module  122   b  along the second seam  124   b  in the mid-foot region  14 , to a second end  128   c  adjacent to a portion of the outsole  100  corresponding to a heel region  16  of the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or prosthetic blade  30 . The length L 122c  of the third module  122   c  is greater than the length L 122a  of the first module  122   a  and less than the length L 122b  of the second module  122   b . The third module  122   c  includes a third set of inserts  104  disposed between the first end  126   c  and the second end  128   c , which includes a central insert  104  at the first end  126   b  and a laterally-aligned pair of the inserts  104  at the second end  128   c , such that the third set of inserts  104  includes a triangular pattern. 
     The third module  122   c  includes a first rib  130  at the first end  126   c  and a second rib  130  at the second end  128   c , where each of the first rib  130  and the second rib  130  includes a pair of the cleats  136  formed at the respective terminal ends  132 ,  134  of the rib  130 . As shown, the cleats  136  of the first and second ribs  130  widen and curve around adjacent ones of the inserts  104  and towards an intermediate portion of the third module  122   c . The third module  122   c  may further include an intermediate rib  130  that is interrupted by the central insert  104  and includes the cleats  136  located at each terminal end  132 ,  134 . 
     The fourth module  122   d  includes a first end  126   d  attached to the second end  128   c  of the third module  122   c  along the third seam  124   c , and a second end  128   d  disposed adjacent to the second end  116  of the main body  102 . Accordingly, a length L 122d  of the fourth module  122   d  is configured to extend along the heel region  16  of the article of footwear  10   a - 10   b  or prosthetic blade  30 . The length L 122cd  of the fourth module  122   d  is substantially similar to the length L 122c  of the third module  122   c . The fourth module  122   d  includes an insert  104  disposed in a central portion, between the first and second sides  118 ,  120  of the main body  102 . 
     The fourth module  122   d  includes a first rib  130  at the first end  126   d  and a second rib  130  at the second end  128   d . In the illustrated example, where the second end  128   d  is curved or arcuate from the first side  118  to the second side  120 , the rib  130  at the second end  128   d  may be substantially straight such that an intermediate portion of the rib  130  is spaced apart from the second end  128   d . Each of the first rib  130  and the second rib  130  includes a pair of the cleats  136  formed at the respective terminal ends  132 ,  134  the rib  130 . As shown, the cleats  136  of the first and second ribs  130  widen and curve towards an intermediate portion of the fourth module  122   d.    
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the outsole  100  is shown in conjunction with the prosthetic blade  30 . In some examples, the outsole  100  may be attached directly to a bottom surface of the prosthetic blade  30 , where the width W 102  of the main body  102  is substantially the same as a width of the prosthetic blade  30  such that the outsole  100  is fully attached along the bottom of the prosthetic blade  30  to provide the blade  30  with traction elements. 
     Optionally, and as shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the outsole  100  may be incorporated onto the prosthetic blade  30  using a detachable prosthetic foot  10 . Here, the prosthetic foot  10  includes a midsole  200  providing one or more layers for cushioning and ground engagement, and a chassis  300  configured for securing the prosthetic foot  10  to the blade  30 . As discussed above, the prosthetic foot  10  extends from an anterior end  18  to a posterior end  20 . 
     The midsole  200  is attached to a lower portion of the chassis  300  and includes a bottom surface  202  formed on an opposite side of the midsole  200  from the chassis  300 . As shown, at least a portion of the bottom surface  202  may be convex along a direction from the anterior end  18  to the posterior end  20 . Thus, the bottom surface  202  is configured to provide continuous engagement between the prosthetic foot  10  and the ground surface as the prosthetic foot  10  rolls forward over the ground surface during running or walking. 
     In use, the outsole  100  is configured to be attached to the bottom surface  202  of the midsole  200  to provide the prosthetic foot  10  with a resilient ground-engaging surface including the traction elements  106 ,  136 . As discussed above, the outsole  100  may initially be provided in a unitary state, where each of the modules  122   a - 122   d  are attached to each other along the respective seams  124   a - 124   c . In the illustrated example, the outsole  100  is attached to the midsole  200  in the unitary state such that the outsole  100  extends continuously from the anterior end  18  to the posterior end  20 . Here, the ribs  130  and the seams  124   a - 124   c  of the outsole  100  allow the outsole  100  to bend continuously along the convex bottom surface  202  of the midsole  200  such that the outsole  100  will mold to the profile of the bottom surface  202 . Accordingly, when attached to the midsole  200 , the bottom side  110  of the outsole  100  will also be convex. 
     While the outsole  100  of the illustrated example is shown in a unitary state, the outsole  100  of the present disclosure allows for one or more of the modules  122   a - 122   d  to be detached from the outsole  100  prior to or after attachment of the outsole  100  to the midsole  200 . For example, the outsole  100  may be separated along any one or more of the seams  124   a - 124   c  so that one or more of the modules  122   a - 122   d  can be attached to a corresponding portion of the midsole  200  to provide the midsole  200  with the inserts  104 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , an article of footwear  10   a  is provided and includes the outsole  100 , a midsole  200   a , and a chassis  300   a . Here, the article of footwear  10   a  is embodied as a conventional shoe, where the chassis  300   a  is an upper  300   a  configured for securing a foot of a user to the midsole  200   a . The upper  300   a  is attached to the midsole  200   a  and includes interior surfaces that define an interior void configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the midsole  200   a . The upper  300   a  may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void. Suitable materials of the upper  300  may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. 
     In use, the outsole  100  may be initially provided in a unitary state, as shown in  FIG.  9   . The top side  108  of the main body  102  is then prepared for attachment to the bottom surface  202  of the midsole  200   a , either by removing a cover sheet from the top side  108  to expose a pre-applied adhesive, or by applying an adhesive to the top side  108  and/or the bottom surface  202 . The outsole  100  is then positioned on the bottom surface  202  of the midsole  200   a  so that the first module  122   a  is positioned at the anterior end  18  and the fourth module  122   d  is positioned at the posterior end  20 , with the first and second sides  118 ,  120  of the outsole extending along lateral and medial sides  22 ,  24  of the midsole  202   a . Alternatively, the outsole  100  may be attached to the midsole  200   a  during manufacturing of the article of footwear  10   a  in a conventional fashion by bonding the outsole  100  to the midsole  200   a  using a suitable adhesive. 
     Unlike the midsole  200  discussed above with respect to the prosthetic foot  10 , the bottom surface  202  of the midsole  200   a  of the article of footwear  10   a  may be substantially flat, including slight curvatures at the anterior and posterior ends  18 ,  20  to accommodate the natural motion of the foot during walking and running. Accordingly, when the outsole  100  is attached to the bottom surface  202  of the midsole  200   a , the first and fourth modules  122   a ,  122   d  may bend upwardly from the first and third seams  124   a ,  124   c , while the second and third modules  122   c ,  122   d  are substantially flat along the intermediate portions of the midsole  200   a . However, in instances where the midsole  200   a  includes contours along the intermediate portion, the ribs  130  of second and third modules  122   c ,  122   d  will allow the second and third modules  122   c ,  122   d  to flex to accommodate the contours. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  10  and  11   , an article of footwear  10   b  is provided and includes the outsole  100   a , the midsole  200   a , and the chassis  300   a . In this example, the outsole  100   a  is separated along the second seam  124   b  and the third and fourth modules  122   c ,  122   d  are discarded. Here, the first module  122   a  and the second module  122   b  are attached to the bottom surface  202  of the midsole  200   a  adjacent to the anterior end  18 . 
     The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a sole structure for an article of footwear or a prosthetic blade, as described above. 
     Clause 1: An outsole for an article of footwear, the outsole including: a main body including a plurality of modules arranged in series from a first end to a second end, adjacent ones of the modules detachably connected to each other along one of a plurality of seams extending from a first side of the main body to a second side of the main body; and at least one insert embedded in each of the modules and configured for selectively attaching a traction element to the outsole. 
     Clause 2: The outsole of Clause 1, wherein each of the modules includes a plurality of ribs extending from a first terminal end at the first side of the main body to a second terminal end at the second side of the main body. 
     Clause 3: The outsole of Clause 2, wherein the main body includes a top side and a bottom side formed on an opposite side of the main body from the top side, the plurality of ribs being formed on the bottom side of the main body. 
     Clause 4: The outsole of Clause 3, wherein at least one of the first terminal end and the second terminal end is flat and extends perpendicular to the top side of the main body. 
     Clause 5: The outsole of any one of Clauses 2-4, wherein at least one of the plurality of ribs of each of the modules includes a first traction element formed at the first terminal end and a second traction element formed at the second terminal end. 
     Clause 6: The outsole of Clause 5, wherein the at least one of the plurality of the ribs is disposed at a first end of each of the modules, adjacent to one of the plurality of seams. 
     Clause 7: The outsole of Clause 2, wherein the plurality of ribs of each of the modules includes a first rib disposed at a first end of each module and a second rib disposed at a second end of each module, the first rib including a first traction element disposed at the first side and a second traction element disposed at the second side and the second rib including a third traction element disposed at the first side and a fourth traction element disposed at the second side. 
     Clause 8: The outsole of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of modules includes (i) a first module formed at a first end of the main body and having a first length, (ii) a second module detachably connected to the first module along a first one of the plurality of seams and having a second length, and (iii) a third module detachably connected to the second module along a second one of the plurality of seams and having a third length. 
     Clause 9: The outsole of Clause 8, wherein at least one of the first length, the second length, and the third length is different than the other of the first length, the second length, and the third length. 
     Clause 10: The outsole of any one of Clauses 8 or 9, wherein the second module includes a first portion having a first plurality of the inserts and a second portion having a second plurality of the inserts, the first portion isolated from the second portion by a series of ribs. 
     Clause 11: An article of footwear including: a midsole having a bottom surface; and an outsole attached to the bottom surface of the midsole and including a main body having a series of modules each including at least one insert configured for selectively attaching a traction element to the outsole, adjacent ones of the modules detachably connected to each other along one of a plurality of seams extending from a first side of the main body to a second side of the main body. 
     Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein each of the modules includes a plurality of ribs each extending from a first terminal end at the first side of the main body to a second terminal end at the second side of the main body. 
     Clause 13: The article of footwear of Clause 12, wherein the main body includes a top side and a bottom side formed on an opposite side of the main body from the top side, the plurality of ribs being formed on the bottom side of the main body. 
     Clause 14: The article of footwear of Clause 13, wherein at least one of the first terminal end and the second terminal end is flat and extends perpendicular to the top side of the main body. 
     Clause 15: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 12-14, wherein at least one of the plurality of ribs of each of the modules includes a first traction element formed at the first terminal end and a second traction element formed at the second terminal end. 
     Clause 16: The article of footwear of Clause 15, wherein the at least one of the plurality of the ribs is disposed at a first end of each of the modules, adjacent to one of the plurality of seams. 
     Clause 17: The article of footwear of Clause 12, wherein the plurality of ribs of each of the modules includes a first rib disposed at a first end of each module and a second rib disposed at a second end of each module, the first rib including a first traction element disposed at the first side and a second traction element disposed at the second side and the second rib including a third traction element disposed at the first side and a fourth traction element disposed at the second side. 
     Clause 18: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-17, wherein the series of modules includes (i) a first module formed at a first end of the main body and having a first length, (ii) a second module detachably connected to the first module along a first one of the plurality of seams and having a second length, and (iii) a third module detachably connected to the second module along a second one of the plurality of seams and having a third length. 
     Clause 19: The article of footwear of Clause 18, wherein at least one of the first length, the second length, and the third length is different than the other of the first length, the second length, and the third length. 
     Clause 20: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 18 or 19, wherein the second module includes a first portion having a first plurality of the inserts and a second portion having a second plurality of the inserts, the first portion isolated from the second portion by a series of ribs. 
     Clause 21: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-20, wherein the bottom surface of the midsole is curved along a direction from an anterior end to a posterior end. 
     Clause 22: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-20, wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface of the midsole is flat. 
     The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.