Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to sole structures for articles of footwear and more particularly to sole structures incorporating traction elements, according to claim <NUM>, with preferred embodiments in the dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. The outsole may include one or more traction elements or cleats for engaging a ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper and a strobel attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner.

<CIT> describes an article of footwear that includes a sole struc-ture having a plate assembly that includes a separator plate and a split plate. The split plate is located in a midfoot portion of the sole structure and includes a lat-eral portion and a medial portion separated by a split.

<CIT> describes that a sole structure for an article of footwear may include a carrier and a frame. The frame may include walls that define cells. The carrier may cover the frame. The frame may be joined to and located on a top side of the carrier.

In one configuration, an article of footwear is provided and includes an upper having a bottom surface and a first plate attached to the bottom surface of the upper in a forefoot region. The first plate includes a lateral peripheral cleat disposed adjacent to a first outward-most portion of the upper on a lateral side and a medial peripheral cleat disposed adjacent to a second outward-most portion of the upper on a medial side, the medial peripheral cleat being disposed closer to an anterior end of the first plate than the lateral peripheral cleat.

In one configuration, the first outward-most portion of the upper and the second outward-most portion of the upper may be aligned along a metatarsophalangeal axis. Additionally or alternatively, each of the peripheral cleats may include a stud disposed at the respective outward-most portion of the upper, a first blade extending along a first longitudinal direction from an anterior end of the stud, and a second blade extending along a second longitudinal direction from a posterior end of the stud. Optionally, the stud may include an outward-facing surface disposed adjacent to a peripheral surface of the first plate.

The first plate may include one or more serrated regions. The one or more serrated regions may include a first serrated region disposed on the lateral side of the first plate and a second serrated region disposed on the medial side of the first plate. Additionally or alternatively, each of the one or more serrated regions may include a plurality of arcuate ribs.

In one configuration, a second plate may be disposed in a heel region. Further, the first plate may include a plurality of directional cleats. Each of the directional cleats may include a first leg and a second leg.

In another configuration, an article of footwear is provided and includes an upper having a bottom surface and a first plate attached to the bottom surface of the upper in a forefoot region. The first plate includes a first peripheral cleat disposed adjacent to a peripheral side surface on a lateral side and a second peripheral cleat disposed adjacent to the peripheral side surface on a medial side, each of the first peripheral cleat and the second peripheral cleat (i) including a central stud and at least one blade extending in a longitudinal direction along the peripheral side surface of the first plate and (ii) being offset from one another along a longitudinal axis of the first plate.

In one configuration, the central stud and the at least one blade of the first peripheral cleat may cooperate to form a first continuous outer surface adjacent to the peripheral side surface on the lateral side, and the central stud and the at least one blade of the second peripheral cleat may cooperate to form a second continuous outer surface adjacent to the peripheral side surface on the medial side.

The at least one blade may include a first blade extending along a first longitudinal direction from an anterior end of the central stud, and a second blade extending along a second longitudinal direction from a posterior end of the central stud. The central stud may include an outward-facing surface disposed adjacent to a peripheral surface of the first plate.

In one configuration, the first plate may include one or more serrated regions. The one or more serrated regions may include a first serrated region disposed on the lateral side of the first plate and a second serrated region disposed on the medial side of the first plate. Each of the one or more serrated regions may include a plurality of arcuate ribs.

A second plate may be disposed in a heel region. Further, the first plate may include a plurality of directional cleats. Each of the directional cleats may include a first leg and a second leg.

Referring to <FIG>, an article of footwear <NUM> includes an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region <NUM>, a mid-foot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. The forefoot region <NUM> may be subdivided into a toe portion <NUM>T corresponding with phalanges, and a ball portion <NUM>B associated with metatarsal bones of a foot. A metatarsophalangeal (MTP) axis AMTP extends laterally across the article <NUM> along the intersection of the toe portion <NUM>T and the ball portion <NUM>B, and corresponds to an MTP joint of the foot. Accordingly, the article of footwear <NUM> is widest across the MTP axis AMTP. Put another way, outward-most portions of the article of footwear <NUM> are disposed on the MTP axis AMTP. The mid-foot region <NUM> may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region <NUM> may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The footwear <NUM> may further include an anterior end <NUM> associated with a forward-most point of the forefoot region <NUM>, and a posterior end <NUM> corresponding to a rearward-most point of the heel region <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the footwear <NUM> extends along a length of the footwear <NUM> from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>, parallel to a ground surface. The longitudinal axis A<NUM> is centrally located along the length of the footwear <NUM>, and generally divides the footwear <NUM> into a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM>. Accordingly, the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear <NUM> and extend through the regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> includes interior surfaces that define an interior void <NUM> configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure <NUM>. An ankle opening in the heel region <NUM> may provide access to the interior void <NUM>. For example, the ankle opening may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void <NUM> and to facilitate entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void <NUM>. The upper <NUM> may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void <NUM>. Suitable materials of the upper 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.

With reference to <FIG>, in some examples the upper <NUM> includes a strobel <NUM> having a bottom surface <NUM> opposing the sole structure <NUM> and an opposing top surface <NUM> defining a footbed of the interior void <NUM>. In some examples, the strobel <NUM> is attached to the upper <NUM> using stitching or adhesives. In the illustrated example, the upper <NUM> is formed as a unitary boot or sock, wherein the strobel <NUM> and the upper <NUM> are unitarily formed of a knitted material. The footbed defined by the top surface <NUM> may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. Optionally, the upper <NUM> may also incorporate additional layers such as one or more support plates <NUM>, and an insole <NUM> or sockliner that may be disposed upon the strobel <NUM> and reside within the interior void <NUM> of the upper <NUM> to receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the article of footwear <NUM>.

In some examples, one or more fasteners extend along the upper <NUM> to adjust a fit of the interior void <NUM> around the foot and to accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper <NUM> may include apertures, such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners. The fasteners may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener. The upper <NUM> may include a tongue portion that extends between the interior void <NUM> and the fasteners.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> is attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the strobel <NUM> and includes a forefoot plate <NUM> disposed in the forefoot region <NUM> and a separate heel plate <NUM> disposed in the heel region <NUM>. Accordingly, the mid-foot region <NUM> of the strobel <NUM> may be exposed between the forefoot plate <NUM> and the heel plate <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the forefoot plate <NUM> and the heel plate <NUM> each include a plurality of ground-engaging members, which are configured to engage a soft or resilient ground surface. Each of the forefoot plate <NUM> and the heel plate <NUM> are formed of one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials. In some examples, the forefoot plate <NUM> and the heel plate <NUM> are formed of one or more polymeric materials. In other examples, one or both of the forefoot plate <NUM> and the heel plate <NUM> may include a composite material, such as a fiber-reinforced composite material.

The forefoot plate <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM> (<FIG>) attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the forefoot plate <NUM> from the top surface <NUM>, and a peripheral side surface <NUM> extending between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> and defining an outer peripheral profile of the forefoot plate <NUM>. Likewise, the heel plate <NUM> includes a top surface (not shown) attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the forefoot plate <NUM> from the top surface, and a peripheral side surface <NUM> extending between the top surface and the bottom surface <NUM> and defining an outer peripheral profile of the heel plate <NUM>. As discussed above, the forefoot plate <NUM> and the heel plate <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the midfoot region <NUM> such that the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> is exposed through the mid-foot region <NUM>. Accordingly, the bottom surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM>, the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, and the bottom surface <NUM> of the heel plate <NUM> cooperate to define a ground-engaging surface <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the peripheral side surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM> includes a lateral portion 210a extending along the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> from the mid-foot region <NUM> to the anterior end <NUM>, a medial portion 210b extending along the medial side <NUM> of the upper from the mid-foot region <NUM> to the anterior end <NUM>, and a mid-foot portion 210c connecting the lateral portion 210a and the medial portion 210b across the mid-foot region <NUM>.

In some examples, the lateral portion 210a of the peripheral side surface <NUM> may define a notch <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM>. The notch <NUM> is disposed in the toe portion <NUM>T, intermediate the MTP axis AMTP and the anterior end <NUM>. In some instances, the notch <NUM> extends inwardly from the lateral side <NUM> along a notch axis A<NUM> formed at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the footwear <NUM>. As shown, the longitudinal axis A<NUM> extends inwardly and towards the posterior end <NUM> of the footwear <NUM>. Optionally, a width of the notch <NUM> may be tapered along the direction of the notch axis A<NUM>.

The mid-foot portion 210c of the peripheral side surface <NUM> may form a cut-out <NUM> at a posterior end of the forefoot plate <NUM>, between the lateral portion 210a and the medial portion 210b. As shown, the cut-out <NUM> has a polygonal shape defined by a plurality of straight segments of the mid-foot portion 210c. In other examples, the cut-out <NUM> may be arcuate, or a combination of arcuate and polygonal.

The bottom surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM> includes a plurality of traction elements including a pair of peripheral traction elements 222a, 222b and one or more directional traction elements 224a-224f. In some examples, the forefoot plate <NUM> may further include at least one serrated region 226a, 226b formed in an interior portion of the bottom surface <NUM>.

The peripheral traction elements 222a, 222b include a lateral peripheral traction element 222a disposed adjacent to an outward-most portion of the article of footwear <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM>, and a medial peripheral traction element 222b disposed adjacent to an outward-most portion of the article of footwear <NUM> on the medial side <NUM>. Accordingly, the lateral peripheral traction element 222a and the medial peripheral traction element 222b are aligned with each other along the MTP axis A<NUM>, such that the peripheral traction elements 222a, 222b are disposed on opposite sides of the widest portion of the footwear <NUM>. Thus, the lateral peripheral traction element 222a is disposed adjacent to an outward-most portion of the upper <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM>, while the medial peripheral traction element 222b is disposed adjacent to an outward-most portion of the upper <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM>. The medial peripheral traction element 222b may be offset from the lateral peripheral traction element 222a along the longitudinal axis A<NUM> such that the medial peripheral traction element 222b is disposed closer to the anterior end <NUM> than the lateral peripheral traction element 222a, as shown in <FIG>.

Each of the peripheral traction elements 222a, 222b includes a central stud 228a, 228b, an anterior blade 230a, 230b extending from the central stud 228a, 228b towards the anterior end <NUM>, and a posterior blade 232a, 230b extending in an opposite direction from the central stud 228a, 228b towards the posterior end <NUM>. The central stud 228a, 228b extends from a proximal end 234a, 234b attached to the bottom surface <NUM> to a terminal, distal end 236a, 236b facing away from the bottom surface <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, each of the central studs 228a, 228b includes an outer surface 238a, 238b, a posterior surface 240a, 240b, and an inner surface 242a, 242b that cooperate to define a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape of each of the central studs 228a, 228b. One or both of the central studs 228a, 228b may taper along a direction from the proximal end 234a, 234b to the distal end 236a, 236b, whereby a cross-sectional area of the distal end 236a, 236b is less than a cross-sectional area of the proximal end 234a, 234b. The outer surfaces 238a, 238b of each of the studs 228a, 228b extend from the peripheral side surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM> such that the central studs 228a, 228b form a portion of the outer peripheral of the forefoot plate <NUM>. Optionally, the posterior surface 232b of the central stud 228b on the medial side <NUM> may be concave, while the posterior surface 232a of the central stud 228a on the lateral side <NUM> is substantially planar.

As best shown in <FIG>, each of the anterior blades 230a, 230b includes a first end 244a, 244b attached to an anterior end of the central stud 228a, 228b and a terminal end 246a, 246b disposed between the central stud 228a, 228b and the anterior end <NUM>. Accordingly, a length of each of the anterior blades 230a, 230b extends from the first end 244a, 244b at the central stud <NUM>, and towards the anterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> to the terminal end 246a, 246b.

A height of the anterior blades 230a, 230b extends from a base 248a, 248b attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM> to a distal edge 250a, 250b facing away from the bottom surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the heights of the anterior blades 230a, 230b taper along the lengthwise direction of each of the anterior blades 230a, 230b, from the first end 244a, 244b to the terminal end 246a, 246b. In some examples, the distal edge 250a, 250b may have a concave profile from the first end 244a, 244b to the terminal end 246a, 246b.

In the illustrated example, each of the anterior blades 230a, 230b includes an outer surface 252a, 252b facing an outer periphery of the article <NUM>, and an inner surface 254a, 254b formed on an opposite side of the anterior blade 230a, 230b from the outer surface 252a, 252b. The outer surface 252a, 252b and the inner surface 254a, 254b may converge with each other in the lengthwise direction from the first end 244a, 244b to the terminal end 246a, 246b. Additionally or alternatively, the outer surface 252a, 252b and the inner surface 254a, 254b may converge with each other in in the height direction from the base 248a, 248b to the distal edge 250a, 250b. Accordingly, widths of the anterior blades 230a, 230b taper along the length direction and the height direction. As shown, the outer surface 252a, 252b and the inner surface 254a, 254b intersect with each other at the distal edge 250a, 250b, such that the distal edge 250a, 250b forms a sharp edge extending continuously from the first end 244a, 244b to the terminal end 246a, 246b.

Referring still to <FIG>, each of the posterior blades 232a, 232b includes a first end 256a, 256b attached to an posterior end of the central stud 228a, 228b and a terminal end 258a, 258b disposed between the central stud 228a, 228b and the posterior end <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM>. Accordingly, a length of each of the posterior blades 232a, 232b extends from the first end 256a, 256b at the central stud <NUM>, and towards the posterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> to the terminal end 258a, 258b.

A height of the posterior blades 232a, 232b extends from a base 260a, 260b attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM> to a distal edge 262a, 262b facing away from the bottom surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the heights of the posterior blades 232a, 232b taper along the lengthwise direction of each of the posterior blades 232a, 232b, from the first end 256a, 256b to the terminal end 258a, 258b. In some examples, the distal edge 262a, 262b may have a concave profile from the first end 256a, 256b to the terminal end 258a, 258b.

In the illustrated example, each of the posterior blades 232a, 232b includes an outer surface 264a, 264b facing an outer periphery of the article of footwear <NUM>, and an inner surface 266a, 266b formed on an opposite side of the posterior blade 232a, 232b from the outer surface 264a, 264b. The outer surface 264a, 264b and the inner surface 266a, 266b may converge with each other in the lengthwise direction from the first end 256a, 256b to the terminal end 258a, 258b. Additionally or alternatively, the outer surface 264a, 264b and the inner surface 266a, 266b may converge with each other in the height direction from the base 260a, 260b to the distal edge 262a, 262b. Accordingly, widths of the posterior blades 232a, 232b may taper along the length direction and the height direction. As shown, the outer surface 264a, 264b and the inner surface 266a, 266b intersect with each other at the distal edge 262a, 262b, such that the distal edge 262a, 262b forms a sharp, knife-like edge extending continuously from the first end 256a, 256b to the terminal end 258a, 258b.

The outer surfaces 238a, 252a, 264a of the lateral peripheral cleat 222a are continuously formed with each other, and cooperate to form a substantially continuous convex surface facing the lateral portion 210a of the outer peripheral side surface <NUM>. Likewise, the outer surfaces 238b, 252b, 264b of the medial peripheral cleat 222b are continuously formed with each other, and cooperate to form a substantially continuous convex surface facing the medial portion 210b of the peripheral side surface <NUM>.

The inner surfaces 254a, 254b of the anterior blades 230a, 230b intersect the inner surfaces 240a, 240b of the respective central studs 228a, 228b to form substantially continuous convex surfaces at anterior portions of the peripheral cleats 222a, 222b. Similarly, the inner surfaces 264a, 264b of the posterior blades 232a, 232b intersect the posterior surfaces 242a, 242b of the respective central studs 228a, 228b to form substantially continuous convex surfaces at posterior portions of the peripheral cleats 222a, 222b.

On the lateral peripheral cleat 222a, the intersection between the inner surface 254a of the anterior blade 230a and the inner surface 240a of the central stud 228a has a first radius R230a, while the intersection between the inner surface 266a of the posterior blade 232a and the posterior surface 242a of the central stud 228a has a second radius R232a. Optionally, the first radius R230a may be larger than the second radius R232a such that a transition from the inner surface 254a of the anterior blade 230a and the inner surface 240a of the central stud 228a is more gradual than the transition from the inner surface 266a of the posterior blade 232a and the posterior surface 242a of the central stud 228a.

On the lateral peripheral cleat 222b, the intersection between the inner surface 254b of the anterior blade 230b and the inner surface 240b of the central stud 228b has a first radius R230b, while the intersection between the inner surface 266b of the posterior blade 232b and the posterior surface 242b of the central stud 228b has a second radius R232b. Optionally, the first radius R230b may be larger than the second radius R232b such that a transition from the inner surface 254b of the anterior blade 230b and the inner surface 240b of the central stud 228b is more gradual than the transition from the inner surface 266b of the posterior blade 232b and the posterior surface 242b of the central stud 228b.

As shown in <FIG>, the distal edges 250a, 262a of the lateral peripheral cleat 222a extend substantially parallel to the curvature of the lateral portion 210a of the peripheral side surface. The distal edges 250b, 262b of the medial peripheral cleat 222b may extend at an oblique angle relative to the peripheral side surface <NUM>. For example, the distal edges 250b, 262b of the anterior blade 230b and the posterior blade 232b may diverge from the peripheral side surface <NUM> along the lengthwise direction from the first end 244b, 256b to the terminal end 246b, 258b.

In addition to the peripheral cleats 222a, 222b, the forefoot plate <NUM> includes one or more directional cleats 224a-224f. Each of the directional cleats 224a-224f extends from a base 268a-268f attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM> to a distal tip 270a-270f facing away from the bottom surface <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the distal tip 270a-270f is substantially planar.

Each of the directional cleats 224a-224f has a generally chevron-shaped configuration including a first leg 272a-272f and a second leg 274a-274f extending in opposite directions from a central portion 276a-276f to respective distal ends. However, the size and/or shape of one or more of the directional cleats 224a-224f may transition along the direction from the base 268a-268f to the distal tip 270a-270f. For example, the directional cleats 224a-224f may be tapered from the base 268a-268f to the distal tip 270a-270f. Additionally or alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of one or more of the directional cleats 224a-224f may transition from a chevron having rounded sides at the base 268a-268f to a chevron having straight sides at the distal tip 270a-270f.

As shown, the first leg 272a-272f and the second leg 274a-274f cooperate to define a convex or pointed leading face 278a-278f and a concave or cupped trailing face 280a-280f formed on an opposite side of the directional cleat 224a-224f from the leading face 278a-278f. In some examples, the leading face 278a-278f may include a leading edge formed along the central portion 276a-276f from the base 268a-268f to the tip 270a-270f.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the forefoot plate <NUM> includes a first directional cleat 224a located adjacent to the anterior end <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, with the leading face 278a facing towards the anterior end <NUM>. A second directional cleat 224b is located in the toe portion <NUM>T adjacent to the medial portion 210b of the peripheral side surface <NUM>. A third directional cleat 224c is located in the toe portion <NUM>T, laterally across from the second directional cleat 224b and adjacent to the lateral portion 210a of the peripheral side surface <NUM>. More particularly, the second directional cleat 224b is located adjacent to and forward of (i.e., towards the anterior end <NUM>) the notch <NUM>, with the leading face 278b oriented forward and towards the lateral side <NUM>. A fourth directional cleat 224d is located in the toe portion <NUM>T on the lateral side <NUM>, adjacent to the anterior blade 230a of the lateral peripheral cleat 222a. The leading face 278d of the fourth directional cleat 224d is oriented towards the anterior end <NUM>.

In addition to the substantially forward-facing directional cleats 224a-224d described above, the forefoot plate may include fifth and sixth directional cleats 224e, 224f located in the ball portion <NUM>B. Particularly, the fifth directional cleat 224e is disposed in the ball portion <NUM>B on the medial side <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM>, adjacent to the posterior blade 232b of the medial peripheral cleat 222b. Here, the leading face 278e of the fifth directional cleat 224e is oriented rearward (i.e., towards the posterior end <NUM>) and towards the medial side <NUM>. The sixth directional cleat 224f is positioned on the lateral side of the ball portion <NUM>B, adjacent to the posterior blade 232a of the lateral peripheral cleat 222a. Here, the leading face 278f of the sixth directional cleat 224f is oriented rearward and towards the lateral portion 210a of the peripheral side surface <NUM>.

The forefoot plate <NUM> may also include one or more serrated regions 226a, 226b formed on an interior portion of the bottom surface <NUM>. Each of the serrated regions 226a, 226b includes a plurality of elongate ribs 282a, 282b arranged in series along a direction of the longitudinal axis A<NUM>. A length of each of the ribs 282a, 282b extends continuously from a first end 284a, 284b to a second end 286a, 286b, while a height of each of the ribs 282a, 282b extends from the bottom surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate to a distal edge 288a, 288b. In some examples, the height of each of the ribs 282a, 282b tapers along the length from a central portion to at least one of the first end 284a, 284b and the second end 286a, 286b, whereby a height of each rib 282a, 282b is greater in the middle. Particularly, the height of the ribs 282a, 282b may taper continuously to each end 284a, 284b, 286a, 286b so that the distal edge 288a, 288b intersects the bottom surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM>.

Optionally, the length of each of the ribs 282a, 282b may extend along an arcuate path and include a concave inner surface 290a, 290b and a convex outer surface 292a, 292b. Here, adjacent ones of the ribs 282a, 282b may be substantially parallel to provide a series of arcuate ribs 282a, 282b arranged along the bottom surface <NUM>. Optionally, lengths of successive ones of the ribs 282a, 282b may progressively increase from a first end (facing the concave inner surfaces) of the serrated region 226a, 226b to a second end (facing the convex outer surfaces) of the serrated region 226a, 226b. Accordingly, lengths of ribs 282a, 282b closer to the first end of the serrated region 226a, 226b will be shorter than ribs 282a, 282b closer to the second end of the serrated region 226a, 226b. Put another way, the serrated regions 226a, 226b may be described as having an overall width that tapers along the direction from the first end to the second end, whereby the lengths of the ribs 282a, 282b become successively shorter.

In the illustrated example, a first serrated region 226a is positioned on the lateral side <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM> in the ball portion <NUM>B. As best shown in <FIG>, the first serrated region 226a is positioned adjacent to the trailing face 280f of the sixth directional cleat 224f and an inside edge of the central stud 228a of the lateral peripheral cleat 222a. The first serrated region 226a is also disposed between the trailing face 280f of the sixth directional cleat 224f and the trailing face 280d of the fourth directional cleat 224d. Here, the concave inner surfaces 290a of the ribs 282a face the anterior end of the forefoot plate <NUM>. Accordingly, an overall width (i.e. lengths of the ribs 282a) of the first serrated region 226a tapers along the direction from the posterior end <NUM> to the anterior end <NUM>.

A second serrated region 226b is positioned on the medial side <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM> and extends from a first end in the ball portion <NUM>B to a second end in the toe portion <NUM>T. Here, the first end is disposed adjacent to the trailing face 280e of the fifth directional traction element 224e and the second end is adjacent to the second directional traction element 224b and the third directional traction element 224c. Accordingly, an overall width (i.e. lengths of the ribs 282b) of the second serrated region 226b tapers along the direction from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>.

The heel plate <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> is located in the heel region <NUM> adjacent to the posterior end <NUM>. The peripheral side surface <NUM> of the heel plate <NUM> may define a notch <NUM> in an anterior end of the heel plate <NUM>, which divides the anterior end of the heel plate <NUM> into lateral and medial lobes 296a, 296b. The notch <NUM> tapers in width from the anterior end of the heel plate <NUM> to a central portion of the heel plate <NUM>.

The heel plate <NUM> includes a central spine <NUM> extending from a first end <NUM> at the notch <NUM> to a second end <NUM> at the posterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> along the longitudinal axis A<NUM>. The spine <NUM> may include a cleat <NUM> formed in an intermediate portion thereof. In some examples, the cleat <NUM> is formed where a first portion 298a of the spine <NUM> that extends longitudinally along the bottom surface <NUM> of the heel plate <NUM> intersects a second portion 298b of the spine <NUM> that extends vertically along the posterior end <NUM> of the heel plate <NUM>. Here, a thickness of the first portion 298a continuously increases along a direction from the first end <NUM> of the spine <NUM> and a thickness of the second portion 298b continuously increases along a direction from the second end <NUM> of the spine <NUM>. Accordingly, the cleat <NUM> is formed at the thickest portion of the spine <NUM>, where the first portion 298a and the second portion 298b converge.

As with the forefoot plate <NUM>, the heel plate <NUM> includes one or more directional cleats <NUM>-224j. Each of the directional cleats <NUM>-224j extends from a base <NUM>-268j attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the forefoot plate <NUM> to a distal tip <NUM>-270j facing away from the bottom surface <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the distal tip <NUM>-270j is substantially planar.

Each of the directional cleats <NUM>-224j has a generally chevron-shaped configuration including a first leg <NUM>-272j and a second leg <NUM>-274j extending in opposite directions from a central portion <NUM>-276j to respective distal ends. However, the size and/or shape of one or more of the directional cleats <NUM>-224j may transition along the direction from the base <NUM>-268j to the distal tip <NUM>-270j. For example, the directional cleats <NUM>-224j may be tapered from the base <NUM>-268j to the distal tip <NUM>-270j. Additionally or alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of one or more of the directional cleats <NUM>-224j may transition from a chevron having rounded sides at the base <NUM>-268j to a chevron having straight sides at the distal tip <NUM>-270j.

As shown, the first leg <NUM>-272j and the second leg <NUM>-274j cooperate to define a convex or pointed leading face <NUM>-278j and a concave or cupped trailing face <NUM>-280j formed on an opposite side of the directional cleat <NUM>-224j from the leading face <NUM>-278j. In some examples, the leading face <NUM>-278j may include a leading edge formed along the central portion 276a-276j from the base <NUM>-268j to the tip <NUM>-270j.

As best shown in <FIG>, the heel plate <NUM> includes a first pair of forward facing directional cleats <NUM>, <NUM>, including a seventh directional cleat <NUM> located on the lateral lobe 296a and an eighth directional cleat <NUM> located on the medial lobe 296b. Accordingly, the forward facing directional cleats <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed on opposite sides of the notch <NUM>. The leading face <NUM> of the seventh directional cleat <NUM> is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis A<NUM> such that the central portion <NUM> points towards the lateral side <NUM> and the anterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The leading face <NUM> of the eighth directional cleat <NUM> is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis A<NUM>, in an opposite direction of the seventh directional cleat <NUM>. Accordingly, the central portion <NUM> of the eighth directional cleat <NUM> points towards the medial side <NUM> and the anterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>.

The heel plate <NUM> also includes a pair of rearward facing directional cleats 224i, 224j, including a ninth directional cleat 224i and a tenth directional cleat 224j. The ninth directional cleat 224i is located adjacent to the peripheral side surface <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM> at the posterior end <NUM>. The leading face 278i of the ninth directional cleat 224i is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis A<NUM> such that the central portion 276i points towards the lateral side <NUM> and the posterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The tenth directional cleat 224j is located adjacent to the peripheral side surface <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> at the posterior end <NUM>. The leading face 278j of the tenth directional cleat 224j is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis A<NUM> such that the central portion 276j points towards the medial side <NUM> and the posterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>.

As shown, the directional cleats <NUM>-224j of the heel plate <NUM> are radially arranged about a central portion of the heel plate <NUM> such that the concave or cupped trailing faces <NUM>-280j of the directional cleats <NUM>-224j face each other. Accordingly, the trailing faces <NUM>-280j cooperate to define a rotational track in the heel region <NUM> of the article of footwear, whereby the trailing faces engage the ground surface and follow a substantially similar rotational path as the user rotates the foot about the heel portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An article of footwear (<NUM>) comprising:
an upper (<NUM>) having a bottom surface (<NUM>);
a first plate (<NUM>) attached to the bottom surface (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>) in a forefoot region (<NUM>) and including a lateral peripheral cleat (222a) disposed adjacent to a first outward-most portion of the upper (<NUM>) on a lateral side (<NUM>) and a medial peripheral cleat (222b) disposed adjacent to a second outward-most portion of the upper (<NUM>) on a medial side (<NUM>), the medial peripheral cleat (222b) being disposed closer to an anterior end of the first plate (<NUM>) than the lateral peripheral cleat (222a); and
a first serrated region (226a, 226b) disposed between the lateral peripheral cleat (222a) and the medial peripheral cleat (222b) and including a plurality of elongate first ribs (282a, 282b) extending from a bottom surface (<NUM>) of the first plate (<NUM>),
wherein
each of the peripheral cleats (222a, 222b) includes a stud (228a, 228b) having a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape, a first blade (230a, 230b) extending along a first longitudinal direction from a first end (244a, 244b) attached to an anterior end of the stud (228a, 228b) toward a terminal end (246a, 246b) disposed between the stud (228a, 228b) and an anterior end (<NUM>), and a second blade (232a, 232b) extending along a second longitudinal direction from a first end (256a, 256b) attached to a posterior end of the stud (228a, 228b) toward a terminal end (258a, 258b) disposed between the stud (228a, 228b) and a posterior end (<NUM>), and
outer surfaces (238a, 238b, 252a, 252b, 264a, 264b) of the stud (228a, 228b), the first blade (230a, 230b) and the second blade (232a, 232b) form a substantially continuous outer surface.