Patent Description:
This section provides background information related to the claimed invention which is not necessarily prior art.

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 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. The midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to increase durability of the sole structure, as well as to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate 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.

Midsoles employing fluid-filled bladders typically include a bladder formed from two barrier layers of polymer material that are sealed or bonded together. The fluid-filled bladders are pressurized with a fluid such as air, and may incorporate tensile members within the bladder to retain the shape of the bladder when compressed resiliently under applied loads, such as during athletic movements. Generally, bladders are designed with an emphasis on balancing support for the foot and cushioning characteristics that relate to responsiveness as the bladder resiliently compresses under an applied load.

Document <CIT> describes a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a fluid-filled segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure within the heel region, a second fluid-filled segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure within the heel region, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.

Particular embodiments of the claimed invention are defined by the dependent claims.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention.

Embodiments of the claimed invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the claimed invention are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the claimed invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the claimed invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the claimed invention.

Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an article of footwear <NUM> includes an upper <NUM>, a midsole <NUM> attached to the upper <NUM>, and an outsole <NUM> extending between the midsole <NUM> and a ground surface. The article of footwear <NUM> is divided into one or more regions. The regions 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, and the heel region <NUM> may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The footwear <NUM> includes lateral and medial sides <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, corresponding with opposite sides of the footwear <NUM> and extending through the regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> includes interior surfaces that define an interior void <NUM> configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the midsole <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.

In some examples, the upper <NUM> includes a strobel <NUM> having a bottom surface <NUM> opposing the midsole <NUM> and an opposing top surface defining a footbed <NUM> of the interior void <NUM>. Stitching or adhesives may secure the strobel <NUM> to the upper <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the footbed <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 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>. 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 and to accommodate 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 include a tongue portion <NUM> that extends between the interior void <NUM> and the fasteners <NUM>.

As shown <FIG>, the midsole <NUM> includes a bladder <NUM> defined by an upper barrier layer <NUM> (hereinafter 'upper layer <NUM>') and a lower barrier layer <NUM> (hereinafter 'lower layer <NUM>'). The upper layer <NUM> and the lower layer <NUM> define barrier layers for the bladder <NUM> by joining together and bonding at a plurality of discrete locations during a molding or thermoforming process to form a flange <NUM> extending around the periphery of the midsole <NUM> and a web area <NUM> extending between the lateral and medial sides <NUM> and <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. The flange <NUM> and the web area <NUM> are disposed proximate to the upper <NUM> and, thus, are recessed relative to a ground-contacting surface <NUM> of the outsole <NUM>.

The upper layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> opposes and attaches (e.g., joins and bonds) to the bottom surface <NUM> of the strobel <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Additionally, the upper layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot to provide cushioning and support for the foot. The upper layer <NUM> may be formed from one or more polymer materials during a molding process or a thermoforming process and may include an outer peripheral edge that extends upward upon an outer periphery of the upper <NUM>. The lower layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> is disposed on an opposite side of the bladder <NUM> than the upper layer <NUM>. The lower layer <NUM> may include an outer peripheral edge that extends upward toward the upper <NUM> and bonds with the outer peripheral edge of the upper layer <NUM> to form the flange <NUM>. As with the upper layer <NUM>, the lower layer <NUM> may be formed from the same or a different polymer material during the molding or thermoforming process.

In some implementations, the upper and lower layers <NUM>, <NUM> are formed by respective mold portions each defining various surfaces for forming depressions and pinched surfaces corresponding to locations where the flange <NUM> and/or the web area <NUM> are formed when the lower layer <NUM> and the upper layer <NUM> join and bond together. In some implementations, adhesive bonding joins the upper layer <NUM> and the lower layer <NUM> to form the flange <NUM> and the web area <NUM>. In other implementations, the upper layer <NUM> and the lower layer <NUM> are joined to form the flange <NUM> and the web area <NUM> by thermal bonding. In some examples, one or both of the upper and lower layers <NUM>, <NUM> are heated to a temperature that facilitates shaping and melding. In some examples, the layers <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 layers <NUM>, <NUM>. In some implementations, a molding process used to form the bladder <NUM> incorporates vacuum ports within mold portions to remove air such that the upper and lower layers <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 layers <NUM>, <NUM> such that pressure increases cause the layers <NUM>, <NUM> to engage with surfaces of their respective mold portions.

The midsole <NUM> may include a polymer foam layer (not shown) disposed between the upper layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> and the upper <NUM>. Thus, the optional foam layer of the midsole <NUM> is an intermediate layer that indirectly attaches the upper layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> to the upper <NUM> by joining the upper layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> to the upper <NUM> and/or to the bottom surface <NUM> of the strobel <NUM>, thereby securing the midsole <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> to the upper <NUM>. Moreover, the foam layer of the footwear <NUM> may also reduce the extent to which the upper layer <NUM> extends onto the peripheral surfaces of the upper <NUM> and, therefore, increases durability of the footwear <NUM> by reducing the possibility of the upper layer <NUM> detaching from the upper <NUM> over extended use of the footwear <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> includes one or more chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated example, a first chamber <NUM> extends from the mid-foot region <NUM> to a toe portion of the forefoot region <NUM>, a second chamber <NUM> extends through the heel region <NUM>, and a third chamber <NUM> is formed in the toe portion of the forefoot region <NUM>. The second chamber <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the first chamber <NUM> by a first conduit 220a and the third chamber <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the first chamber <NUM> by a second 220b, as described in greater detail below.

The chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are each defined by a plurality of segments 218a-<NUM>, which are fluidly coupled to each other by one or more of the conduits 220a-220d. In some implementations, the lower layer <NUM> defines a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the plurality of segments 218a-<NUM> and the conduits 220a-220d. The lower layer <NUM> and the upper layer <NUM> may join and bond together in a plurality of discrete areas between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> to form portions of the web area <NUM> that bound and separate each segment 218a-<NUM> and conduit 220a-220d. Thus, each segment 218a-<NUM> and conduit 220a-220d is associated with an area of the bladder <NUM> where the upper and lower layers <NUM>, <NUM> are not joined together and, thus, are separated from one another to form respective voids.

The flange <NUM> and the web area <NUM> may cooperate to bound and extend around each of the segments 218a-<NUM> to seal the fluid (e.g., air) within the segments 218a-<NUM>. In some examples, regions of the web area <NUM> are bounded entirely by segments 218a-<NUM> and/or conduits 220a-220c while other regions of the web area <NUM> are bounded by a combination of segments 218a-<NUM> and/or conduits 220a-220c along one of the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> along the other of the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. In some configurations, regions of the web area <NUM> define flexion zones to facilitate flexing of the footwear <NUM> as the midsole <NUM> rolls along the ground surface. As shown in <FIG>, no portion of the web area <NUM> extends continuously between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, each segment 218a-<NUM> may define a substantially tubular cross-sectional shape and a thickness that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole <NUM> between the upper layer <NUM> and the lower layer <NUM>. As such, the thickness of each segment 218a-<NUM> is defined by a distance the lower layer <NUM> protrudes away from the upper layer <NUM> in a direction away from the upper <NUM>. At least two of the segments 218a-<NUM> may define different thicknesses. For example, one or more segments <NUM>-218j disposed in the heel region <NUM> may be associated with greater thicknesses than thicknesses associated one or more segments 218a-<NUM> disposed in the forefoot region <NUM> or the mid-foot region <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a thickness of the midsole <NUM> gradually decreases from the heel region <NUM> to the forefoot region <NUM> to provide a greater degree of cushioning for absorbing ground-reaction forces of greater magnitude that initially occur in the heel region <NUM> and lessen as the forefoot region <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> rolls for engagement with the ground surface.

Each of the segments 218a-<NUM> and the conduits 220a-220d may be filled with a pressurized fluid (i.e., gas, liquid) to provide cushioning and stability for the foot during use of the footwear <NUM>. In some implementations, compressibility of a first portion of the plurality of segments 218a-<NUM> of the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> under an applied load provides a responsive-type cushioning, while a second portion of the segments 218a-<NUM> of the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to provide a soft-type cushioning under an applied load. Accordingly, the segments 218a-<NUM> of the bladder <NUM> may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear <NUM> that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the segments 218a-<NUM> are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear <NUM> performs).

In other implementations, one or more cushioning materials, such as polymer foam and/or particulate matter, are enclosed by one or more of the segments 218a-<NUM> in place of, or in addition to, the pressurized fluid to provide cushioning for the foot. In these implementations, the cushioning materials may provide one or more of the segments 218a-<NUM> with cushioning properties different from the segments 218a-<NUM> filled with the pressurized fluid. For example, the cushioning materials may be more or less responsive or provide greater impact absorption than the pressurized fluid.

In some implementations, an overmold portion extends over a portion of the bladder <NUM> to provide increased durability and resiliency for the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when under applied loads. The overmold portion may extend over the forefoot region <NUM>, the mid-foot region <NUM>, and/or the heel region <NUM> by attaching to the lower layer <NUM> to provide increased durability and resiliency for the bladder <NUM> where the separation distance between the lower layer <NUM> and the upper layer <NUM> is greater, or to provide increased thickness in specific areas of the bladder <NUM>, such as the heel region <NUM>. In some examples the overmold portion is bonded to the lower layer <NUM> and includes at least one of a different thickness, a different hardness, and a different material than the lower layer <NUM>. The overmold portion may be limited to only attaching to areas of the lower layer <NUM> that partially define the segments residing in the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and, therefore, the overmold portion may be absent from the flange <NUM> and web area <NUM>. Accordingly, the overmold portion may partially define a plurality of the segments 218a-<NUM>.

The outsole <NUM> attaches to and conforms in shape with the midsole <NUM>. The outsole <NUM> may include a plurality of ground contacting pads <NUM> for defining the ground-contacting surface <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. In some examples, the contact pads <NUM> extend from the lower layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> in a direction away from the upper <NUM> to provide increased traction with the ground surface. The contact pads <NUM> may also cause the bottom surface of the foot to reside higher above the ground surface.

In some examples, the outsole <NUM> includes the ground-engaging surface <NUM> and an opposite inner surface <NUM> that attaches to regions of the lower layer <NUM> that define the segments 218a-<NUM>. Accordingly, the outsole <NUM> may include a plurality of segments each defining a shape that conforms to the shape of a respective segments 218a-<NUM>, whereby the outsole <NUM> is absent in regions between the segments 218a-<NUM> to thereby expose the flange <NUM> and web area <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. The outsole <NUM> generally provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface and may be formed from one or more materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. For example, rubber may form at least a portion of the outsole <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the outsole <NUM> is formed as the overmold portion, as described above. Accordingly, the outsole <NUM> may be formed integrally with the lower layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> using an overmolding process. In other examples the outsole <NUM> may be formed separately from the lower layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> and may be adhesively bonded to the lower layer <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the geometry and configuration of the segments 218a-<NUM> is shown with reference to a bottom perspective view of the footwear <NUM>. At least one of the segments 218a-<NUM> may have a different length than the other segments 218a-<NUM>. As described above, the segments 218a-<NUM> are formed in areas of the midsole <NUM> where the upper layer <NUM> and the lower layer <NUM> are separated and spaced apart from one another to define respective voids for enclosing the pressurized fluid or cushioning material. As such, the flange <NUM> and the web area <NUM> correspond to areas of the bladder <NUM> where the upper layer <NUM> and the lower layer <NUM> are joined and bonded, and cooperate to bound and define a perimeter of each segments 218a-<NUM> to thereby seal the pressurized fluid therein. Accordingly, the segments 218a-<NUM> may be disposed within corresponding ones of the regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> and may be spaced apart from one another by the web area <NUM>. In other words, the one or more segments 218a-<NUM> may cooperate to bound corresponding regions of the web area <NUM>.

In some implementations, at least two of the segments 218a-<NUM> extend along the lateral side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> while at least two other segments 218a-<NUM> extend along the medial side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. Moreover, some of the segments 218a-<NUM> extend between the lateral side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. For instance, at least one segment 218a-<NUM> may extend continuously from one of the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> to the other one of the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the segments 218a-<NUM> extends from one of the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> that terminates at a location between the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>. Here, the distal end(s) <NUM> may taper in a direction toward the upper <NUM>, i.e., the lower layer <NUM> tapers toward the upper layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> so the thickness of the segment 218a-<NUM> decreases along a direction towards the distal end <NUM>.

In some implementations, the segments 218a-<NUM> are in fluid communication with one another to form a unitary pressure system for the bladder <NUM>. The unitary pressure system directs fluid through the segments 218a-<NUM> when under an applied load as the segments 218a-<NUM> compress or expand to provide cushioning, stability, and support by attenuating ground-reaction forces especially during forward running movements of the footwear <NUM>. Optionally, one or more of the segments 218a-<NUM> may be fluidly isolated from the other segments 218a-<NUM> so that at least one of the segments 218a-<NUM> can be pressurized differently.

In some configurations, at least two adjacent segments 218a-<NUM> are connected to one another at a bend <NUM> or turn, whereby each of the segments connected by the corresponding bend <NUM> extend in different directions from one another. Each bend <NUM> is associated with an internal radius extending toward the periphery of the midsole <NUM>. In some examples, the radius of each bend <NUM> is at least <NUM>. Moreover, each bend <NUM> is disposed proximate to the periphery of the midsole <NUM> on an opposite side of the respective segment 218a-<NUM> than the flange <NUM>. By positioning the bends <NUM> on opposite sides of the segments than the flange <NUM>, collapsing by the segments 218a-<NUM> is restricted during directional shifts between loads applied to the midsole <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the segments 218a-<NUM> of the first chamber <NUM> may cooperate to define a unitary serpentine shape for the first chamber <NUM> that extends between the distal end 222e of the segment 218e disposed in the forefoot region <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the segment <NUM> disposed within the mid-foot region <NUM>. More particularly, the unitary serpentine shape of the first chamber <NUM> extends along the longitudinal axis L of the midsole <NUM> and includes one or more segments 218d, 218f extending along the lateral side <NUM>, one or more segments 218c extending along the medial side <NUM>, segments 218a, 218b extending continuously between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>, as well as segments 218e, <NUM> extending toward the medial side <NUM> to distal ends <NUM> that terminate at respective distal ends 222e, <NUM> between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>.

In some examples, the first chamber <NUM> includes a plurality of segments 218a-<NUM> extending from the forefoot region <NUM> through the mid-foot region <NUM>. First and second segments 218a, 218b are disposed within the forefoot region <NUM> and extend continuously from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. The second segment 218b is disposed forward of the first segment 218a with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole <NUM>. The first segment 218a and the second segment 218b converge with each other in a direction from lateral side <NUM> to the medial side. A third segment 218c extends along the medial side <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> and includes a first end fluidly coupled to the first segment 218a and a second end fluidly coupled to the second segment 218b at respective bends <NUM> of the first chamber <NUM>. The first chamber <NUM> further includes a fourth segment 218d extending from the second segment 218b towards the first segment 218a along the lateral side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. A fifth segment 218e is disposed between the first segment 218a and the second segment 218b and extends from the fourth segment 218d. The fifth segment 218e extends towards the medial side <NUM> from the fourth segment 218d, and terminates at a distal end 222e between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. In some scenarios, the fifth segment 218e is substantially parallel to the first segment 218a and is convergent with the second segment 218b in a direction from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM>. A sixth segment 218f extends from the first segment <NUM> in a direction away from the second segment 218b (i.e., towards the heel region) along the lateral side <NUM>. In some examples, the sixth segment 218f extends into the mid-foot region <NUM>. A seventh segment <NUM> of the first chamber <NUM> extends from the sixth segment 218f towards the medial side <NUM> and terminates at a distal end <NUM> between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. The seventh segment <NUM> is convergent with the first segment 218a in a direction from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the second chamber <NUM> includes an eighth segment <NUM> extending along the medial side <NUM> from the mid-foot region <NUM>. A ninth segment 218i includes a first portion extending from the eighth segment <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> and across the midsole to the lateral side <NUM>, and a second portion extending along the lateral side through the heel region <NUM>. A tenth segment 218j of the second chamber <NUM> extends around the heel region <NUM> from the eighth segment <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> to the ninth segment 218i on the lateral side <NUM>. The tenth segment 218j may be fluidly coupled to each of the eighth segment <NUM> and the ninth segment 218i by third and fourth conduits 220c, 220d, respectively. As provided above, each of the segments <NUM>-218j and the conduits 220c, 220d of the second chamber <NUM> may be filled with a pressurized fluid to impart desirable properties of cushioning and responsiveness. Additionally or alternatively, the tenth segment 218j surrounding the heel region <NUM> may include a cushioning material to provide different cushioning characteristics from the pressurized fluids of the eighth and ninth segments <NUM>, 218i.

The third chamber <NUM> includes an eleventh segment <NUM> extending from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM> around the toe portion of the forefoot region <NUM>. A twelfth segment <NUM> extends from the eleventh segment <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM> towards the medial side <NUM> and terminates at a distal end <NUM> between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side. The twelfth segment <NUM> is substantially parallel to the second segment 218b.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> the distal ends 222e, <NUM>, <NUM> of the fifth, seventh, and twelfth segments 218e, <NUM>, <NUM> include a compound taper, wherein both the thickness T and a width of the segments decrease along a direction towards the distal end 222e, <NUM>, <NUM>. The tapered distal ends 222e, <NUM>, <NUM> operate as an anchor point for the respective segments 218e, <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as an anchor point for the bladder <NUM> as a whole, for retaining the shape thereof when loads such as shear forces are applied thereto.

In some examples, the segments 218a, 218b, 218e, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> each extend generally along a direction from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM>, and are configured to compress in succession as the outsole <NUM> rolls for engagement with the ground surface while the footwear <NUM> is performing a running movement to provide cushioning for the foot. The web area <NUM> may separate the segments 218a, 218b, 218e, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from one another such that the web area <NUM> defines a flexion zone extending from the forefoot region <NUM> through the mid-foot region <NUM>. Further, as described above, each of the segments 218a, 218b, 218e, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is either parallel to or convergent with each of the other segments 218a, 218b, 218e, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in a direction from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM>. The parallel and/or convergent arrangement of the segments 218a, 218b, 218e, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as well as the web area <NUM> separating the segments 218a, 218b, 218e, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allow the segments 218a, 218b, 218e, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to compress under an applied load to provide cushioning for the forefoot by attenuating ground-reaction forces during running movements, while simultaneously dampening oscillation by the foot while the segments 218a, 218b, 218e, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are under compression.

<FIG> provides a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> showing the midsole <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> with the insole <NUM>, the strobel <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, and the upper layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. As provided above, the peripheral edges of the lower layer <NUM> may extend upward toward the upper <NUM> and join with the peripheral edges of the upper layer <NUM> to form the flange <NUM> along the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>. The lower layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> may also extend toward the upper <NUM> and join with the upper layer <NUM> to form a region of the web area <NUM> that extends between and separates the segments <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the segment <NUM> extending along the medial side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> is bounded by the web area <NUM> and the flange <NUM> formed at the medial side <NUM>, while the segment <NUM> extending from the segment <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM> toward the medial side <NUM> is bounded by the web area <NUM> and the flange <NUM> formed at the lateral side <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> of the segment <NUM> tapers in the direction toward the upper <NUM> and terminates at the web area <NUM> formed at a location between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>.

The outsole <NUM> attaches to and conforms in shape with each of the segments <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the contact pad <NUM> extends from the outsole <NUM> in a direction away from the upper <NUM> and along respective lengths of the segments <NUM>, <NUM> to provide increased traction with the ground surface.

<FIG> provides a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> showing the midsole <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> with the insole <NUM>, the strobel <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, and the upper layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The peripheral edges of the lower layer <NUM> may extend upward toward the upper <NUM> and join with the peripheral edges of the upper layer <NUM> to form the flange <NUM> along the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>. The lower layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> may also extend toward the upper <NUM> and join with the upper layer <NUM> to form a region of the web area <NUM> that extends between and separates the segments 218c, 218e. For instance, the segment 218c extending along the medial side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> is bounded by the web area <NUM> and the flange <NUM> formed at the medial side <NUM>, while the segment 218e extending from the segment 218d at the lateral side <NUM> toward the medial side <NUM> is bounded by the web area <NUM> and the flange <NUM> formed at the lateral side <NUM>. The distal end 222e of the segment 218e tapers in the direction toward the upper <NUM> and terminates at the web area <NUM> formed at the location between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>.

The outsole <NUM> attaches to and conforms in shape with each of the segments 218c, 218d, 218e. In some examples, the contact pad <NUM> extends from the outsole <NUM> in a direction away from the upper <NUM> and along respective lengths of the segments 218c, 218d, 218e to provide increased traction with the ground surface.

<FIG> provides a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> showing the midsole <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> with the insole <NUM>, the strobel <NUM>, and the upper layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The peripheral edges of the lower layer <NUM> may extend upward toward the upper <NUM> and join with the peripheral edges of the upper layer <NUM> to form the flange <NUM> along the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>. Relative to the view of <FIG>, the lower layer <NUM> protrudes away from the upper layer <NUM> in a direction away from the upper <NUM> to define the eighth segment <NUM> and the conduit 220d that extend along the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> of the heel region <NUM>, respectively. As shown, the lower layer <NUM> protrudes away from the upper layer <NUM> a greater distance at the medial side <NUM> than the lateral side <NUM>. Accordingly, a thickness of the conduit 220d formed along the lateral side <NUM> is less than a thickness of the eighth segment <NUM>, wherein the lower layer <NUM> is recessed from the ground-contacting surface <NUM> of the contact pads <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> showing the midsole <NUM> and outsole <NUM> extending through the heel region <NUM>, the mid-foot region <NUM>, and the forefoot region <NUM>. The second chamber <NUM> extends along the medial side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> within the heel region <NUM> and the mid-foot region <NUM>. As described above with reference to the footwear <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, the outsole <NUM> attaches to portions of the lower layer <NUM> in regions where the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> protrude away from the upper <NUM> to provide increased durability and resiliency for the bladder <NUM> in the heel region <NUM>, the mid-foot region <NUM>, and the forefoot region <NUM>. Moreover, the segments 218a, 218b, 218e, 2181i, 218j, <NUM>, <NUM> extend between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. The web area <NUM> may separate and extend between the segments 218a, 218b, 218e, 2181i, 218j, <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the view of <FIG>. In some examples, the segments 218a-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend into the forefoot region <NUM> and are associated with a smaller thickness than the segments <NUM>-218j in the heel region <NUM> and/or the mid-foot region <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a bottom perspective view of the segments 218b-218e, <NUM>, <NUM> fluidly connected to one another and disposed within the forefoot region <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. In some examples, the segments 218e, <NUM> extend toward the medial side <NUM> to the distal ends 222e, <NUM> that terminate at a location between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. The distal ends 222e, <NUM> may taper in a direction toward the upper <NUM>. The tapering by the distal end 222e, <NUM> of the segments 218e, <NUM> may function as an anchor point for the segments 218e, <NUM> when under an applied load, as described above.

<FIG> provides a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear <NUM> of <FIG> showing a plurality of cushioning support vectors 30a-<NUM> defined by the segments 218a-<NUM>. More particularly, a longitudinal axis of each of the segments 218a-<NUM> define respective ones of the cushioning support vectors 30a-<NUM>. Applied loads associated with directions parallel to a cushioning support vector cause the one or more corresponding segments to substantially retain their shape without collapsing to provide support and stability for the foot in those regions. On the other hand, applied loads associated with directions transverse to a cushioning support vector cause the one or more corresponding segments to compress and collapse to provide cushioning for the foot in those regions by attenuating the ground-reaction force associated with the applied load. The longitudinal cushioning support vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM> may extend along the longitudinal axis L of the midsole <NUM> while the lateral cushioning support vectors 30a, 30b, 30e, 30j, and <NUM> extend transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole <NUM>. For instance, the lateral cushioning support vectors 30a, 30b, 30e, 30j, <NUM> may define angles within <NUM> degrees (<NUM>°) from perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole <NUM>. The seventh, ninth, tenth, and eleventh segments <NUM>, 218i-<NUM> each define compound cushioning support vectors <NUM>, 30i<NUM>,<NUM>, 30j<NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM><NUM>,<NUM>, whereby the angled and/or curved segments <NUM>, 218i-<NUM> provide responsive support along both the longitudinal and lateral directions of the midsole <NUM>.

During forward movements, such as walking or running movements, loads applied to the midsole <NUM> are associated with a direction parallel to the longitudinal cushioning support vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM> to cause the respective segments 218c, 218d, 218f, <NUM> to be under shear force, thereby causing the respective segments 218c, 218d, 218f, <NUM> to retain their shape (e.g., not compress) and provide support and stability as the outsole rolls for engagement with the ground surface through the heel region <NUM> and the mid-foot region <NUM>. The web area <NUM> extending between the segments 218c, 218d, 218f, <NUM> reduces torsional forces from acting upon the segments 218c, 218d, 218f, <NUM> when under an applied load to thereby dampen oscillations by the foot while providing gradient responsive-type cushioning.

During lateral movements, such as shifting or cutting movements, loads applied to the midsole <NUM> are associated with a direction transverse and generally perpendicular to longitudinal cushioning support vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM>. Thus, the segments 218c, <NUM> defining one of the vectors 30c, <NUM> will compress to provide cushioning for the medial side of the foot when the applied load is in a direction toward the medial side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>, while the segments 218d, 218f defining the other vectors 30d, 30f will compress to provide cushioning for the lateral side of the foot when the applied load is in a direction toward the lateral side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>.

In some implementations, a series of lateral cushioning support vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM> are disposed within the mid-foot <NUM> and forefoot region <NUM> and extend substantially parallel to one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the midsole <NUM>. During forward movements, such as walking or running movements, loads applied to the midsole <NUM> are associated with a direction transverse to the lateral cushioning support vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM>. Thus, the respective segments 218c, 218d, 218f, <NUM> defining respective ones of the vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM> successively compress and collapse to provide cushioning for the metatarsal region of the foot through push off from the ground-surface. The direction of the vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM> relative to the direction of the applied load as well as a length of the respective segments 218c, 218d, 218f, <NUM> dictates how the segments will compress for attenuating the ground-reaction force.

During lateral movements, such as shifting or cutting movements, loads applied to the midsole <NUM> are associated with a direction generally parallel or only slightly transverse to the lateral cushioning support vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM> to cause the respective segments 218c, 218d, 218f, <NUM> to be under shear force, thereby causing the respective segments 218c, 218d, 218f, <NUM> to retain the their shape (e.g., not compress or slightly compress) and provide support and stability for the metatarsal region of the foot responsive to the footwear <NUM> performing a lateral movement. With reference to <FIG>, the distal ends <NUM> of the segments 218e, <NUM>, <NUM> may each taper in the direction toward the upper <NUM> and serve as anchor points for the bladder <NUM> as a whole.

As provided above, the midsole <NUM> further defines a series of compound cushioning support vectors <NUM>, 30j-<NUM>, which are each configured to provide a degree of both longitudinal cushioning and responsiveness and lateral cushioning and responsiveness, thereby supplementing the lateral cushioning support vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM> and the longitudinal cushioning support vectors 30c, 30d, 30f, <NUM>.

The segments 218a-<NUM> associated with the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may cooperate to enhance the functionality and cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsole provides, while simultaneously providing increased stability and support for the foot by dampening oscillations of the foot that occur in response to a ground-reaction force during use of the footwear <NUM>. For instance, an applied load to the midsole <NUM> during forward movements, such as walking or running movements, may cause some of the segments 218a-<NUM> to compress to provide cushioning for the foot by attenuating the ground-reaction force, while other segments 218a-<NUM> may retain their shape to impart stability and support characteristics that dampen foot oscillations relative to the footwear <NUM> responsive to the initial impact of the ground-reaction force.

Moreover, one or more of the segments 218a-<NUM> may interact with the web area <NUM> within different regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> to provide isolated areas of responsive-type cushioning. For example, the segments <NUM>-218j within the heel region <NUM> may bound a respective portion of the web area <NUM> to provide responsive-type cushioning in the heel region <NUM> by causing the segments <NUM>-218j around the perimeter of the heel region <NUM> to absorb the initial impact of a ground-reaction force by creating a trampoline effect as the segments 218j-218j compress in succession, and thereby provide a gradient responsive-type cushioning in the heel region <NUM>. The segments 218j-218j may cooperate with one another to surround a portion of the web area <NUM> at the heel region <NUM>, thereby causing this portion of the web area <NUM> to act as a trampoline during use in an effort to absorb forces associated with a heel strike.

Claim 1:
A sole structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>) having an upper (<NUM>), the sole structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a heel region (<NUM>);
a forefoot region (<NUM>);
a mid-foot region (<NUM>) disposed between the heel region (<NUM>) and the forefoot region (<NUM>); and
a bladder (<NUM>) including a first barrier layer (<NUM>) cooperating with a second barrier layer (<NUM>) to define a first chamber (<NUM>) having a third segment (218c) extending along a medial side (<NUM>) of the sole structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the forefoot region (<NUM>), a second segment (218b) disposed within the forefoot region (<NUM>) and extending continuously from a second end of the third segment (218c) to the lateral side (<NUM>), a first segment (218a) disposed within the forefoot region (<NUM>) and extending continuously from a first end of the third segment (218c) to the lateral side (<NUM>) and diverging from the second segment (218b), the first end of the third segment (218c) being fluidly coupled to the first segment (218a) and the second end of the third segment (218c) being fluidly coupled to the second segment (218b), a fourth segment (218d) extending towards the heel region (<NUM>) and the first segment (218a) from the second segment (218b) along the lateral side (<NUM>), and a fifth segment (218e) extending from the fourth segment (218d) towards the medial side (<NUM>) and terminating at a distal end (222e) between the medial side (<NUM>) and the lateral side (<NUM>), wherein the fifth segment (218e) is disposed between the second segment (218b) and the first segment (218a).