Patent Description:
Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is generally at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may define a bottom surface on one side that opposes the outsole and a footbed on the opposite side that may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper.

While conventional uppers and sole structures adequately provide cushioning and support to a foot during use of an article of footwear, footwear manufacturers strive to improve the overall performance and ease-of-use of articles of footwear. Such efforts are especially focused on making use of an article of footwear easier in terms of entry of a foot into the upper and tightening of the upper about a foot of a wearer for persons with limited or impaired mobility.

Document <CIT> describes an article of footwear including an upper with an outer layer, an inner layer, and a chamber element positioned at least partially between the outer layer and the upper layer. The chamber element may be formed of two layers of a transparent colored polymer material and may be sealed to enclose a fluid. The chamber element may also have a plurality of sub chambers. The outer layer may have a plurality of apertures. Each sub chamber may protrude at least partially through a corresponding one of the apertures.

The claimed invention is defined by the features set forth in the appended independent claims.

With reference to <FIG>, an article of footwear <NUM> is provided and includes an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM> attached to the upper <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 correspond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot. The mid-foot region <NUM> may correspond with an arch area of the foot while the heel region <NUM> may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The article of footwear <NUM> may additionally include a medial side <NUM> and a lateral side <NUM> that correspond with opposite sides of the article of footwear <NUM> and extend through the regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> includes interior surfaces that define an interior void <NUM> that receives and secures a foot for support on the sole structure <NUM>. An ankle opening <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> may provide access to the interior void <NUM>. For example, the ankle opening <NUM> may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void <NUM> and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void <NUM>. In some examples, one or more fasteners <NUM> extend along the upper <NUM> to adjust a fit of the interior void <NUM> around the foot while concurrently accommodating entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper <NUM> may include apertures <NUM> such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners <NUM>. The fasteners <NUM> may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener.

The upper <NUM> may additionally include a tongue portion <NUM> that extends between the interior void <NUM> and the fasteners <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 <NUM> may include, 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 to the foot while disposed within the interior void <NUM>.

The sole structure <NUM> is attached to the upper <NUM> and provides the article of footwear <NUM> with support and cushioning during use. Namely, the sole structure <NUM> attenuates ground-reaction forces caused by the article of footwear <NUM> striking the ground during use. Accordingly, and as set forth below, the sole structure <NUM> may incorporate one or more materials having energy absorbing characteristics to allow the sole structure <NUM> to minimize the impact experienced by a user when wearing the article of footwear <NUM>.

The sole structure <NUM> may include a midsole <NUM>, an outsole <NUM>, and a fluid-filled chamber <NUM> that cooperate to provide the sole structure <NUM> with support and cushioning during use.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the midsole <NUM> is shown as extending from an anterior end <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> to a posterior end <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. Namely, the midsole <NUM> extends continuously from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM> and between a medial side <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> and a lateral side <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. The midsole <NUM> may be formed from a material such as, for example, polymer foam. In one configuration, the midsole <NUM> opposes a strobel <NUM> (<FIG>) of the upper <NUM> and may extend at least partially onto an outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> (<FIG>) such that the midsole <NUM> covers a junction of the upper <NUM> and the strobel <NUM>.

Forming the midsole <NUM> from a compliant, yet resilient material such as polymer foam allows the midsole <NUM> to attenuate ground-reaction forces caused by movement of the article of footwear <NUM> over ground during use. In addition to attenuating forces associated with use of the article of footwear <NUM>, the midsole <NUM> may serve to attach the outsole <NUM> and the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> to the upper <NUM>. A suitable adhesive (not shown) may be used to attach the midsole <NUM> and the strobel <NUM>. Alternatively, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be attached to the midsole <NUM> by molding a material of the midsole <NUM> directly to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. For example, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be disposed within a cavity of a mold (not shown) used to form the midsole <NUM> after formation of the fluid-filled chamber. Accordingly, when the midsole <NUM> is formed (i.e., by foaming a polymer material), the material of the midsole <NUM> is joined to the material of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, thereby forming a unitary structure having both the midsole <NUM> and the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Once formed, the midsole <NUM>-including the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>-can be attached to the upper <NUM>, the outsole <NUM>, and/or the strobel <NUM>.

As described above, the midsole <NUM> is formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as foam or rubber, to impart properties of cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the foot of the wearer. Example resilient polymeric materials for the midsole <NUM> may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.

In some examples, the one or more polymers may include olefinic homopolymers, olefinic copolymers, or blends thereof. In other examples, the one or more polymers may include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated mono-fatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

In further examples, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof.

In yet further examples, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomeric polymers. In these examples, the ionomeric polymers may include polymers with carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and/or anhydrides thereof.

In further examples, the one or more polymers may include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

In further examples, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and/or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethanes and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed below for barrier elements of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

When the resilient polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and/or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and/or an isocyanate.

Optionally, the foamed polymeric material may be a crosslinked foamed material. In these examples, a peroxide-based crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide may be used.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the midsole <NUM> is shown as including an upper surface <NUM> that opposes the strobel <NUM> as well a peripheral lip <NUM> extending substantially continuously around an outer perimeter of the midsole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the peripheral lip <NUM> extends in a direction toward the upper <NUM> and extends onto a portion of the upper surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. In so doing, the peripheral lip <NUM> covers a junction of the upper <NUM> and the strobel <NUM> once the sole structure <NUM> is attached to the upper <NUM>.

The midsole <NUM> additionally includes a bottom surface <NUM> that is shaped to matingly receive the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Namely, the bottom surface <NUM> may include a shape that matingly receives a shape of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> to ensure a secure attachment of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> to the midsole <NUM>. For example, the bottom surface <NUM> may include elongate recesses (neither shown) formed therein along the medial side <NUM> of the sole structure and the lateral side <NUM> of the sole structure and extending in a direction toward the upper <NUM>. Additionally, the bottom surface <NUM> may include an arcuate recess (not shown) disposed along a heel region of the midsole <NUM> that extends in a direction of the upper <NUM>, receives a portion of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> therein, and is in fluid communication with the elongate recesses extending along the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>. In this configuration, the elongate recesses and arcuate recess may have a substantially concave shape that matingly receives the generally convex shape of portions of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>.

The fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is disposed generally between the midsole <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> and cooperates with the midsole <NUM> to attenuate ground-reacting forces associated with use of the article of footwear <NUM>. The fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may include a first barrier element <NUM> and a second barrier element <NUM>. The first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> may be formed from a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Specifically, the first barrier element <NUM> may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and the second barrier element <NUM> may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material that are formed into the configuration shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to define an interior void <NUM>. The first barrier element <NUM> may be joined to the second barrier element <NUM> by applying heat and pressure at a perimeter of the first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> to define a peripheral seam (not shown). The peripheral seam seals the internal interior void <NUM>, thereby defining a volume of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>.

As used herein, the term "barrier element" (e.g., barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM>) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some examples, one or both of barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> is produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other examples, one or both of barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> is produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either examples, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from about <NUM> micrometers to about <NUM> millimeter. In further examples, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about <NUM> micrometers to about <NUM> micrometers. In yet further examples, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about <NUM> micrometer to about <NUM> micrometers.

One or both of barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> can independently be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. For example, the first barrier element <NUM> may be transparent, while the second barrier element <NUM> is opaque. As used herein, the term "transparent" for a barrier element and/or a fluid-filled chamber means that light passes through the barrier element in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier element. In comparison, for an opaque barrier element, light does not pass through the barrier element and one cannot see clearly through the barrier element at all. A translucent barrier element falls between a transparent barrier element and an opaque barrier element, in that light passes through a translucent element but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the element.

The barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an example, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

In an example, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (-N(C=O)O-) linkages.

Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate (NDI), <NUM>,<NUM>-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), <NUM>,<NUM>' - dimethyldiphenyl-<NUM>, <NUM>' -diisocyanate (DDDI), <NUM>,<NUM> '-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), <NUM>-chloro-<NUM>,<NUM>-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

In particular examples, the polyurethane polymer chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatics, and combinations thereof. In an example, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

In another example, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly (vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

The barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in <CIT> and <CIT>. In examples where the barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in <CIT>. In further examples, barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> includes at least four (<NUM>) sublayers, at least ten (<NUM>) sublayers, at least twenty (<NUM>) sublayers, at least forty (<NUM>) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (<NUM>) sublayers.

The fluid-filled chamber <NUM> can be produced from the barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an example, barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce an inflatable fluid-filled chamber, which can optionally include one or more valves (e.g., one way valves) that allows the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> to be filled with the fluid (e.g., gas).

The fluid-filled chamber <NUM> can be provided in a fluid-filled (e.g., as provided in footwear <NUM>) or in an unfilled state. The chamber <NUM> can be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid. In an example, the gas can include air, nitrogen (N<NUM>), or any other suitable gas. In other example, the chamber <NUM> can alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled material, and the like (e.g., foamed beads and/or rubber beads). The fluid provided to the chamber <NUM> can result in the chamber <NUM> being pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to the chamber <NUM> can be at atmospheric pressure such that the chamber <NUM> are not pressurized but, rather, simply contain a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

The chamber <NUM> desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve their retained gas pressure. In some examples, the chamber <NUM> has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten (<NUM>) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an example, the chamber <NUM> has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of <NUM> cubic-centimeter/square-meter*<NUM>, <NUM> kPa*day ( cubic-centimeter/square-meter•atmosphere•day (cm<NUM>/m<NUM>•atm•day)) or less for an average film thickness of <NUM> micrometers (based on thicknesses of barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM>). In further examples, the transmission rate is <NUM> cubic-centimeter/square-meter*<NUM>, <NUM> kPa*day ( cm<NUM>/m<NUM>•atm•day) or less, <NUM> cubic-centimeter/square-meter*<NUM>, <NUM> kPa*day (cm<NUM>/m<NUM>•atm•day) or less, or <NUM> cubic-centimeter/square-meter*<NUM>, <NUM> kPa*day (cm<NUM>/m<NUM>•atm•day) or less.

In some implementations, the upper and lower barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> are formed by respective mold portions each defining various surfaces for forming depressions and pinched surfaces corresponding to locations where the peripheral seam is formed when the upper barrier element <NUM> and the lower barrier element <NUM> are joined and bonded together. In some implementations, adhesive bonding joins the upper barrier element <NUM> and the lower barrier element <NUM> to form a web area (not shown) and the peripheral seam. In other implementations, the upper barrier element <NUM> and the lower barrier element <NUM> are joined to form the web area and the peripheral seam by thermal bonding. In some examples, one or both of the barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> are heated to a temperature that facilitates shaping and melding. In some examples, the barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> are heated prior to being located between their respective molds. In other examples, the mold may be heated to raise the temperature of the barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM>. In some implementations, a molding process used to form the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> incorporates vacuum ports within mold portions to remove air such that the upper and lower barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> are drawn into contact with respective mold portions. In other implementations, fluids such as air may be injected into areas between the upper and lower barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> such that pressure increases cause the barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> to engage with surfaces of their respective mold portions. The fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be identical in terms of the construction of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> as well as how the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is attached to the midsole <NUM> as the fluid-filled chamber and midsole of <CIT>.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outsole <NUM> is shown as having a unitary construction extending from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM> and from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM>. The outsole <NUM> may be formed from a material that provides a degree of abrasion resistance and traction with a ground surface during use of the article of footwear <NUM>. To that end, the outsole <NUM> may traction elements <NUM> to facilitate gripping a ground surface during use. In one configuration, the outsole <NUM> extends onto an outer surface of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, the upper <NUM> extends from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM> and from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM> and includes a bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, a bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, and a bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the tongue portion <NUM>. As will be described below, the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to maintain the upper <NUM> in an upright state such that the ankle opening <NUM> is readily accessible. In a similar fashion, the bladder assembly <NUM> serves to maintain a desired shape of the tongue portion <NUM> to restrict deformation thereof. In so doing, the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> maintain a desired shape of the upper <NUM>-including the tongue portion <NUM>-to facilitate use of the article of footwear <NUM> by reducing the effort required to insert a wearer's foot into the interior void <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are shown as including a fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, a flange or frame <NUM>, and a reinforcement <NUM>. The bladder assembles <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed on opposite sides of the upper <NUM> and provide the upper <NUM> with the same configuration when viewed from the medial side <NUM> or the lateral side <NUM>. Providing the upper <NUM> with the same configuration at the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> is accomplished by providing the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> as mirror images of one another. As such, if the bladder assembly <NUM> were aligned with the bladder assembly <NUM> such that bottom edges of each assembly <NUM>, <NUM> were aligned with one another, the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> would be symmetric about the aligned, bottom edges of each assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> include the same components other than the orientation of the components relative to the upper <NUM>. As such, only one of the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> will be described in detail below. Namely, the bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> will be described in detail. The bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> will not be described in detail, as the bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the medial side <NUM> is identical to the bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the lateral side <NUM> aside from the orientation of the components of the bladder assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, like reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components of the bladder assembly <NUM> relative to the bladder assembly <NUM>.

The fluid-filled chamber <NUM> includes a first barrier element <NUM> and a second barrier element <NUM> that cooperate to define an interior void <NUM>. Namely, the first barrier element <NUM> may be attached to the second barrier element <NUM> at a peripheral seam <NUM> to seal the interior void <NUM>. In so doing, a volume of fluid such as the fluids described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be contained within the interior void <NUM> between the first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM>. Accordingly, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be formed in an identical process and may be formed from identical materials described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. The only difference between the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be the pressure of the fluid contained within the interior void <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> as compared to the interior void <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. For example, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is an underfoot chamber and, as such, may contain a fluid at higher pressure than the interior void <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. For example, the pressure of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be between <NUM>-<NUM> kPa (<NUM>-<NUM> psi) while the pressure of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> disposed at the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> may be between <NUM>-<NUM> kPa (<NUM>-<NUM> psi).

In addition to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> being at a different pressure than the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may include a different appearance than the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. For example, while the first barrier element <NUM> may be formed from an identical material as the barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> such that the first barrier element <NUM> is transparent, the second barrier element <NUM> may include a coating and/or layer that causes the second barrier element <NUM> to be translucent or opaque. Further, the second barrier element <NUM> may additionally or alternatively include a graphic or logo <NUM> printed thereon. The graphic <NUM> may be printed on a surface of the barrier element <NUM> that opposes the first barrier element <NUM> or, alternatively, may be printed on a surface of the second barrier element <NUM> that opposes the upper <NUM>. Regardless of where the graphic <NUM> is printed on the second barrier element <NUM>, the graphic <NUM> may be viewed at an outer surface of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and, thus, at an outer surface of the upper <NUM>, through the first barrier element <NUM>.

While the second barrier element <NUM> is described as being translucent or opaque, the second barrier element <NUM> could be formed from an identical material as the first barrier element <NUM> and, thus, the second barrier element <NUM> may likewise be transparent. Accordingly, and as will be described in greater detail below, the upper <NUM> may be visible through the first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> at the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. In this configuration, the second barrier element <NUM> may include a graphic <NUM> printed thereon in an identical fashion as described above with respect to printing the graphic <NUM> on the second barrier element <NUM> when the second barrier element <NUM> is translucent or opaque. As with the translucent or opaque second barrier element <NUM>, the graphic <NUM> is visible at an outer surface of the upper <NUM> via the first barrier element <NUM>. In this configuration, however, not only is the graphic <NUM> visible at the outer surface of the upper via the first barrier element <NUM>, the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> is likewise visible at the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> via the transparent first barrier element <NUM> and second barrier element <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the shape of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> provides the upper <NUM> with a degree of stiffness such that the ankle opening <NUM> maintains a desired shape. Namely, the fluid-filled chambers <NUM> respectively associated with the bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the medial side <NUM> and the bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the lateral side <NUM> cooperate to bias a portion of the upper <NUM> disposed at a medial side <NUM> of the ankle opening <NUM> away from a portion of the upper <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM> of the ankle opening <NUM> to facilitate entry and removal of a wearer's foot into and from the interior void <NUM> via the ankle opening <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the shape of the fluid-filled chambers <NUM> and the pressure of the fluid contained therein provides the upper <NUM> with this degree of stiffness and allows the chambers <NUM> to act as biasing elements that bias opposing sides of the ankle opening <NUM> away from one another.

As shown in <FIG>, and according to the claimed invention, the generally elongate shape of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is defined by a first chamber portion <NUM>, a second chamber portion <NUM>, and a third chamber portion <NUM> disposed generally between the first chamber portion <NUM> and the second chamber portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first chamber portion <NUM> and the second chamber portion <NUM> are both larger than the third chamber portion <NUM>. Accordingly, because the third chamber portion <NUM> is disposed between the first chamber portion <NUM> and the second chamber portion <NUM> along a longitudinal axis of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, the third chamber portion <NUM> serves as an articulation point of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Specifically, the reduced volume of the third chamber portion <NUM> likewise results in a cross-sectional area of the third chamber portion <NUM> being reduced relative to a cross-sectional area of the first chamber portion <NUM> and the second chamber portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the reduced area of the third chamber portion <NUM> provides the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> with an articulation point which, in turn, provides the mechanical effect of adding stiffness at a perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>.

The added stiffness provided by the third chamber portion <NUM> is caused at least in part by an upper edge <NUM> and a lower edge <NUM> that extend along the first chamber portion <NUM>, the second chamber portion <NUM>, and the third chamber portion <NUM> on opposite sides of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. The upper edge <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> have an effective length that is longer than an upper edge and a lower edge of a chamber having a single chamber portion including a constant cross-sectional area due to the reduced cross-sectional area of the third chamber portion <NUM>. Namely, as the upper edge <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> extend along the first chamber portion <NUM> and the second chamber portion <NUM>, the upper edge <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> are required to extend in a direction toward one another at the third chamber portion <NUM> due to the reduced cross-sectional area of the third chamber portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the effective length of the upper edge <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> is increased.

The upper edge <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> are formed by a portion of the peripheral seam <NUM> disposed adjacent to the interior void <NUM>. Namely, the upper edge <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> are formed by joining a material of the first barrier element <NUM> and a material of the second barrier element <NUM> proximate to the interior void <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. In so doing, the peripheral seam <NUM> includes a greater stiffness than the individual first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> and, as such, provides the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> with a degree of stiffness around a perimeter of the interior void <NUM>. Increasing the effective lengths of the upper edge <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> further increases the overall stiffness of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and, as such, has the mechanical effect of thereby stiffening a portion of the upper <NUM> at a location of the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>.

As described, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is formed from a first barrier element <NUM> and a second barrier element <NUM> having a material that may be identical to the materials described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, the first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> may be formed from a TPU material, which is relatively flexible and pliable. While the peripheral seam <NUM> joins the material of the first barrier element <NUM> and the material of the second barrier element <NUM> and, as such, provides the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> with a degree of stiffness, the flange <NUM> may be attached to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> at the peripheral seam <NUM> to further provide the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> with increased rigidity.

The frame <NUM> may be formed from a different material than the material of the first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> in an effort to provide a degree of stiffness to the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the frame may be formed from a polyurethane (PU) material that is infused with a reinforcement textile. For example, the frame <NUM> may be formed from a layer of PU that is attached to a reinforcement textile via a hot melt material. Namely, the PU material of the frame <NUM> may be attached to the TPU material of the first barrier element <NUM> via a hot melt adhesive. The textile associated with the flange <NUM> may be attached to an opposite side of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> than the PU material and, as such, may be attached to the material of the second barrier element <NUM> via a hot melt adhesive. In this regard, the peripheral seam <NUM> is disposed generally between the PU material of the frame <NUM> and the reinforcement textile of the flange <NUM> via a hot melt adhesive.

As shown in <FIG>, the flange <NUM> includes a shape that is similar to a shape of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> but is larger than the peripheral seam <NUM>. Accordingly, while the PU material of the frame <NUM> is attached to the material of the first barrier element <NUM> and the reinforcement textile is attached to the material of the second barrier element <NUM> at the peripheral seam <NUM>, the PU material of the frame <NUM> is attached to the reinforcement textile of the frame <NUM> via the hot melt adhesive in an area that is spaced apart from an outer periphery of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> at the peripheral seam <NUM>. Accordingly, the peripheral seam <NUM> is hidden from view by the joined PU material and the reinforcement textile at an outer edge of the peripheral seam <NUM>. In other words, the joined PU material and the reinforcement textile of the frame <NUM> fully surrounds and encapsulates the peripheral seam <NUM> at its outer edge, thereby preventing the outer edge of the peripheral seam <NUM> from being viewed at the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> defining a chamber aperture <NUM>, attachment apertures <NUM>, and fastener apertures <NUM>. The chamber aperture <NUM> includes a shape that is similar to a shape of the first chamber portion <NUM>, the second chamber portion <NUM>, and third chamber portion <NUM>. The shape of the chamber aperture <NUM> defined by the main body <NUM> allows the first chamber portion <NUM>, the second chamber portion <NUM>, and the third chamber portion <NUM> to extend from an outer surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM> when the interior void <NUM> is pressurized. Accordingly, the chamber aperture <NUM> includes a shape that is virtually identical to the combined shape of the first chamber portion <NUM>, the second chamber portion <NUM>, and the third chamber portion <NUM> but is sized to accommodate the first chamber portion <NUM>, the second chamber portion <NUM>, and the third chamber portion <NUM> extending therethrough once pressurized.

The attachment apertures <NUM> are disposed proximate to a bottom edge <NUM> of the main body <NUM> and extend through a thickness of the main body <NUM>. The attachment apertures <NUM> are spaced apart from one another along the bottom edge <NUM> and serve to help attach the frame <NUM> and, thus, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, to the upper <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail below.

The fastener apertures <NUM> are formed through a thickness of the main body <NUM> on an opposite side of the chamber aperture <NUM> than the attachment apertures <NUM>. The fastener apertures <NUM> are aligned with the apertures <NUM> of the upper <NUM> when the frame <NUM> is attached to the upper <NUM> to allow the fasteners <NUM> to extend through the apertures <NUM> of the upper and through the fastener apertures <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

The reinforcement <NUM> is attached to the main body <NUM> of the frame <NUM> proximate to the fastener apertures <NUM>. Specifically, the reinforcement <NUM> includes a series of fastener apertures <NUM> that are aligned with some of the fastener apertures <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. Accordingly, when the reinforcement <NUM> is attached to the main body <NUM> and the fastener apertures <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM> are aligned with respective fastener apertures <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, the fastener apertures <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM> are likewise aligned with respective apertures <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Accordingly, where the fastener apertures <NUM> are aligned with the fastener apertures <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, a fastener <NUM> inserted into an aperture <NUM> of the upper <NUM> is likewise inserted into and received by the fastener apertures <NUM> of the main body <NUM> and the fastener apertures <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM>.

The reinforcement <NUM> may be formed from a different material than a material of the flange <NUM> and/or the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the reinforcement <NUM> may be formed from a similar or the same material as the frame <NUM> or the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> but includes a greater thickness than the frame <NUM> or the peripheral seam <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Regardless of the material used to form the reinforcement <NUM> and the thickness of the reinforcement <NUM>, the reinforcement <NUM> is attached to the main body <NUM> proximate to the fastener apertures <NUM> to reinforce the fastener apertures <NUM>. Accordingly, the reinforcement <NUM> may include a greater stiffness than a material forming the frame <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the bladder assembly <NUM> is shown as including a fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and a flange or frame <NUM>. As with the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, the bladder assembly <NUM> may be formed from a first barrier element <NUM> and a second barrier element <NUM>. The first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> may be identical to the first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM>, respectively, of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> in terms of both material, material properties, and methods of forming the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. For example, the first barrier element <NUM> may be transparent while the second barrier element <NUM> may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Further, as with the second barrier element <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, the second barrier element <NUM> may include a graphic <NUM> that is visible through the first barrier element <NUM>. As with the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be formed via the methods described above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and may be formed from the materials discussed above with respect to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>.

The first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> may be formed into a substantially oval shape and may be attached to one another at a peripheral seam <NUM>. Once the first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> are attached to one another at the peripheral seam <NUM>, an interior void <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is defined. The interior void <NUM> may receive a pressurized fluid in a similar fashion as the interior void <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. As with the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, the interior void <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may receive any of the fluids described with respect to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Further, the pressure of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> within the interior void <NUM> may be substantially similar to the pressure of the fluid-filled chambers <NUM>. Accordingly, the pressure of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be less than the pressure of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> in a similar fashion as the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> includes a similar shape as the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Specifically, the frame <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> having an aperture <NUM> formed there through. The aperture <NUM> includes a shape that is similar to a shape of the first barrier element <NUM> defining the interior void <NUM>. Specifically, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> includes a chamber portion <NUM> defined by the first barrier element <NUM>, whereby the chamber portion <NUM> cooperates with a portion of the second barrier element <NUM> to define the interior void <NUM>. The chamber portion <NUM> includes a substantially convex outer surface that protrudes from the main body <NUM> of the frame <NUM> at the aperture <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the chamber portion <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> of the frame <NUM> includes a substantially oval shape. While the chamber portion <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> are described and shown as including an oval shape, these elements could include any shape including, but not limited to, a circle, square, or rectangle.

The frame <NUM> includes an identical construction as the frame <NUM> of the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> in terms of material and material properties. For example, the frame <NUM> includes a PU portion that forms an outer surface of the tongue portion <NUM> when the bladder assembly <NUM> is attached to the tongue portion <NUM> and includes a reinforcement textile attached to the PU layer. The reinforcement textile is attached to the second barrier element <NUM> in an area between the second barrier element <NUM> and an outer surface of the tongue portion <NUM>. Specifically, the reinforcement textile is attached to the second barrier element <NUM> at the peripheral seam <NUM> and, as such, is disposed between the second barrier element <NUM> at the peripheral seam <NUM> and the outer surface of the tongue portion <NUM> when the bladder assembly <NUM> is attached to the tongue portion <NUM>.

As described above with respect to the frame <NUM> and fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, the frame <NUM> of the bladder assembly <NUM> includes the PU layer attached to the first barrier element <NUM> at the peripheral seam <NUM> and the reinforcement textile attached to the second barrier element <NUM> at the peripheral seam <NUM>. Additionally, the frame <NUM> is larger than the peripheral seam <NUM> and, as such, extends beyond an outer perimeter edge of the peripheral seam <NUM>. In this region, the PU layer is bonded directly to the reinforcement textile such that the peripheral seam <NUM> is hidden from view at its peripheral edge. The construction of the frame <NUM> at the peripheral seam <NUM> and in the area outside of the perimeter of the peripheral seam <NUM> is identical to the construction of the frame <NUM> in the area of the peripheral seam <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and in an area outside of the peripheral seam <NUM>. As such, the PU layer is attached to the first barrier element <NUM> via a hot melt adhesive while the reinforcement textile is attached is the second barrier element <NUM> via a hot melt adhesive. Similarly, in the PU layer is attached to the reinforcement textile in an area outside of the peripheral seam <NUM> via a hot melt adhesive disposed between the PU layer and the reinforcement textile.

The bladder assembly <NUM> may be received by an aperture <NUM> formed in the tongue portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The aperture <NUM> formed in through the tongue portion <NUM> includes a similar shape as the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. As such, the aperture <NUM> includes a substantially oval shape that accommodates the substantially oval shape of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Because the aperture <NUM> is formed through the thickness of the tongue portion <NUM>, the interior void <NUM> of the upper <NUM> may be visible through the tongue portion <NUM> via the first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> when the second barrier element <NUM> is formed from a transparent material.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are shown as being attached to various portions of the upper <NUM>. Namely, the bladder assembly <NUM> is attached to the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, the bladder assembly <NUM> is attached to the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, and the bladder assembly <NUM> is attached to the tongue portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Each of the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to the various portions of the upper12 via stitching <NUM> and/or by a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be heated to a sufficient temperature to cause a portion of the frames <NUM>, <NUM> to flow and meld with a material of the upper <NUM>. While the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to the various regions of the upper <NUM> via any of the foregoing methods, the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> will be described and shown hereinafter as being attached to the upper <NUM> via stitching <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bladder assembly <NUM> is shown as being attached to the upper <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM> via stitching <NUM>. Specifically, the stitching <NUM> is inserted through the material of the frame <NUM> and engages the material of the upper <NUM> such that the bladder assembly <NUM> opposes and is in contact with the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. The stitching <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> disposed proximate to the ankle opening <NUM> and extends continuously from the first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM> disposed proximate to a base of the tongue portion <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. Specifically, the stitching <NUM> extends continuously from the first end <NUM> around an outer perimeter of the frame <NUM>, along the bottom edge <NUM> until terminating at the second end <NUM>. As such, an upper, peripheral edge <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is movable relative to the material forming the upper <NUM> in an area between the base of the tongue portion <NUM> and the ankle opening <NUM>.

A gap <NUM> (<FIG>) is formed between the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and the bladder assembly <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>. The gap <NUM> permits access in an area between the bladder assembly <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and permits relative movement between these elements such that the bladder assembly <NUM> may be selectively moved toward and away from the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Likewise, the upper <NUM> may be selectively moved toward and away from the bladder assembly <NUM> in the region of the peripheral edge <NUM> and gap <NUM>.

As described above, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be formed from barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> that are transparent. Accordingly, the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> may be visible through the barrier elements <NUM>, <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>. If the second barrier element <NUM> is formed from a translucent material, the translucent material may cooperate with the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> to provide a desired appearance (i.e., color) at the medial side <NUM>, as viewed through the first barrier element <NUM>. As described above, the bladder assembly <NUM> attached to the upper <NUM> at the medial side <NUM> mirrors the bladder assembly <NUM> disposed at the lateral side <NUM>. The bladder assembly <NUM> is otherwise identical to the bladder assembly <NUM> and is attached to the upper <NUM> in an identical fashion as the bladder assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, a detailed description of the bladder assembly <NUM> and its attachment to the upper <NUM> is foregone.

The bladder assembly <NUM> is attached to the tongue portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM> via stitching <NUM>. The stitching <NUM> extends through the frame <NUM> and surrounds an entire perimeter of the frame <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>.

In operation, the fluid-filled chambers <NUM> respectively associated with the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, serve to provide the upper <NUM> with a degree of rigidity. Namely, the fluid-filled chambers <NUM> and frames <NUM> cause the material of the upper <NUM> forming the ankle opening <NUM> at the medial side <NUM> to move in a direction away from the material forming the ankle opening <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM>. The fluid-filled chambers <NUM> and frames <NUM> likewise cause the material of the upper <NUM> forming at the ankle opening <NUM> at both the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> to move in a direction away from the outsole <NUM>. In so doing, the fluid-filled chambers <NUM> and the frames <NUM> of the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, exert a force on the material forming the upper <NUM> at the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> to maintain the ankle opening <NUM> in a substantially open state. Likewise, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> associated with the bladder assembly <NUM> biases the tongue portion <NUM> into an extended state, thereby strengthening the tongue portion <NUM> and increasing the force required to bend the tongue portion <NUM>.

The forces exerted on the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> via the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, as well as the forces exerted on the tongue portion <NUM> via the bladder assembly <NUM>, is created by providing the fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM> with a somewhat rigid frame or flange <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The rigid nature of these elements <NUM>, <NUM> causes the material of the upper <NUM> in the areas of the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to be placed in tension which, in turn, helps maintain an opening to the interior void <NUM> of the upper <NUM> at the ankle opening <NUM>. For example, the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively disposed at the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> cause the material of the upper <NUM> forming the ankle opening <NUM> to move in a direction away from one another. Specifically, a material forming the ankle opening <NUM> at the medial side <NUM> moves in a direction away from the material of the upper <NUM> forming the ankle opening <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM> and a material of the upper <NUM> forming the ankle opening <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM> moves in a direction away from the material of the upper <NUM> forming the ankle opening <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>. In so doing, the ankle opening <NUM> is maintained in an open state, thereby facilitating insertion and removal of a wearer's foot into and out of the interior void <NUM> of the upper <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, a method of forming the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, will be described in detail. While the method will be described in conjunction with forming the bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, an identical method may be used to form the bladder assembly <NUM>.

In a first step, a mold <NUM> may be moved into an open state to expose a one or more cavities <NUM>. At this point, a first sheet of TPU material and a second sheet of TPU material respectively forming the first barrier element <NUM> and the second barrier element <NUM> may be inserted into the mold <NUM>. Once the TPU sheets are inserted into the mold <NUM>, the mold <NUM> may be moved into a closed state, as shown in <FIG>. In this position, heat and/or pressure may be applied to the TPU sheets within the mold <NUM> at the peripheral seam <NUM>. In so doing, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be formed for later use in forming the completed bladder assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. The fluid-filled chambers <NUM> may then be filled with fluid at a desired pressure either within the mold <NUM> or after removal of the fluid-filled chambers <NUM> from the mold <NUM>.

Following formation and pressurization of the fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, the fluid-filled chambers <NUM> may be inserted into a mold <NUM> for attachment to the frame <NUM>. Namely, the fluid-filled chambers <NUM> may be inserted into a cavity <NUM> of the mold <NUM> when the mold <NUM> is in an open state, as shown in <FIG>. Prior to insertion of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> into the cavity <NUM>, a sheet of reinforcement textile and hot melt adhesive may first be inserted into the cavity <NUM> for attachment to the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. At this point, the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be inserted into the cavity <NUM> on the hot melt adhesive and the mold <NUM> may be closed. The PU material may be injected into the cavity <NUM> after insertion of the reinforcement textile, hot melt adhesive, and fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Additionally, the material forming the reinforcement <NUM> may also be injected into the cavity <NUM> when the mold <NUM> is in the closed state.

While the PU material and material forming the reinforcement <NUM> are described as being injected into the cavity <NUM> when the mold <NUM> is in the closed state, these elements could be formed as separate elements and layered on top of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> prior to the mold <NUM> being moved into the closed state. Regardless of whether the reinforcement <NUM> and PU material are formed into a finished shape prior to being inserted into the mold <NUM>, when the fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and materials forming the frame <NUM> are inserted into the cavity <NUM> and the mold <NUM> is a closed state, heat and/or pressure are applied within the mold <NUM> at the cavity <NUM> to thereby bond the materials of the fluid-filled chamber, the frame <NUM>, and the reinforcement <NUM> together.

Once the materials of the fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and the reinforcement <NUM> are bonded together, the mold <NUM> may be moved into the open state (<FIG>), and the completed bladder assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may be removed from the mold <NUM>. Following formation of the bladder assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, the bladder assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to the upper <NUM> in the manner described above.

Claim 1:
An upper (<NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>), the upper (<NUM>) comprising:
a first material defining a void (<NUM>) operable to selectively receive a foot, the first material including an outer surface (<NUM>);
a first edge at least partially circumscribing the void (<NUM>) at an uppermost extremity of the upper (<NUM>);
a second edge disposed at a lowermost extremity of the upper (<NUM>); and
a first biasing member (<NUM>, <NUM>) (i) disposed at the outer surface (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>), (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the first edge and the second edge, and (iv) including a first fluid-filled chamber (<NUM>) and a flange (<NUM>), the first fluid-filled chamber (<NUM>) having an elongate shape, the flange (<NUM>) extends around an outer perimeter of the first fluid-filled chamber (<NUM>) and secures the first fluid-filled chamber (<NUM>) to the first material, the first fluid-filled chamber (<NUM>) is defined by a first chamber portion (<NUM>), a second chamber portion (<NUM>), and a third chamber portion (<NUM>) smaller than the first chamber portion (<NUM>) and the second chamber portion (<NUM>) and extending between the first chamber portion (<NUM>) and the second chamber portion (<NUM>) along a longitudinal axis to form an articulation point of the first fluid-filled chamber (<NUM>), the first biasing member (<NUM>, <NUM>) operable to exert a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge away from the second edge.