Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear and more particularly to a sole structure for an article of footwear.

Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure is secured to a lower surface of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy (i.e., imparting cushioning), the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation. Accordingly, the upper and the sole structure operate cooperatively to provide a comfortable structure that is suited for a wide variety of ambulatory activities, such as walking and running.

The sole structure generally incorporates multiple layers that are conventionally referred to as an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. The insole is a thin, cushioning member located within the upper and adjacent the plantar (lower) surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort. The midsole, which is traditionally attached to the upper along the entire length of the upper, forms the middle layer of the sole structure and serves a variety of purposes that include controlling foot motions and providing cushioning. The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable, wear-resistant material that includes texturing to improve traction.

The primary element of a conventional midsole is a resilient, polymer foam material, such as polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate, that extends throughout the length of the footwear. The properties of the polymer foam material in the midsole are primarily dependent upon factors that include the dimensional configuration of the midsole and the specific characteristics of the material selected for the polymer foam, including the density of the polymer foam material. By varying these factors throughout the midsole, the relative stiffness, degree of ground reaction force attenuation, and energy absorption properties may be altered to meet the specific demands of the activity for which the footwear is intended to be used.

<CIT> teaches a sole structure with a fluid filled chamber.

The invention is defined by a sole structure as in claim <NUM> and by an article of footwear as in claim <NUM>.

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole formed of a foamed polymer, a ground contacting outsole surface, and a cushioning system disposed between the midsole and the ground contacting outsole surface. The cushioning system includes a polymeric plate defining an upper plate and a lower plate provided in a spaced relationship. The upper plate and lower plate are integrally connected at a posterior portion of the sole structure. At least two vertically stacked fluid-filled chambers are provided between the upper plate and the lower plate within the midfoot region of the cushioning system. The at least two vertically stacked fluid-filled chambers include a first midfoot fluid-filled chamber coupled to the upper plate, and a second midfoot fluid-filled chamber coupled to and between the first midfoot fluid-filled chamber and the lower plate.

The cushioning system further includes at least two laterally arranged fluid-filled chambers provided between the upper plate and the lower plate within the midfoot region of the cushioning system. The at least two laterally arranged fluid-filled chambers include a lateral forefoot fluid-filled chamber and a medial forefoot fluid-filled chamber. The lateral forefoot fluid-filled chamber is positioned between a lateral edge of the sole structure and the medial forefoot fluid-filled chamber, and the medial forefoot fluid-filled chamber is positioned between a medial edge of the sole structure and the lateral forefoot fluid-filled chamber.

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose an article of footwear <NUM> (also referred to as the article <NUM>) in accordance with the present invention. The article <NUM> is depicted in the figures and discussed below as having a configuration that is suitable for athletic activities, particularly running. The concepts disclosed with respect to the article <NUM> may, however, be applied to footwear styles that are specifically designed for a wide range of other athletic activities, including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, walking, and hiking, for example, and may also be applied to various non-athletic footwear styles. Accordingly, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the concepts disclosed herein may be applied to a wide range of footwear styles and are not limited to the specific embodiments discussed below and depicted in the figures.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an article of footwear <NUM> is depicted that 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 midfoot 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 midfoot 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> (shown in <FIG>) and a lateral side <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) 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 defines 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 or other closure systems <NUM> extend across 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 fasteners or other closure systems <NUM> may include laces, straps, cords, latching mechanisms, clasps, snaps, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener.

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 an underside of 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 one or more cushioning systems <NUM> disposed generally between the midsole <NUM> and the outsole <NUM>. The cushioning system <NUM> may include a plate <NUM> that extends generally between an anterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> and a posterior end <NUM>, and one or more fluid-filled chambers <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the plate <NUM> and one or more fluid-filled chambers <NUM> may work in conjunction to further attenuate ground reaction forces.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the midsole <NUM> is shown as extending from the proximate the anterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> to proximate the posterior end <NUM> and beyond the anterior and posterior extremes of the upper <NUM>. The midsole <NUM> is secured to a lower portion of upper <NUM>, and is positioned to extend under the foot during use. Among other purposes, midsole <NUM> attenuates ground reaction forces and absorbs energy (i.e., imparts cushioning) when walking or running, for example. The midsole <NUM> may be formed from an energy absorbing material such as, for example, polymer foam. Forming the midsole <NUM> from an energy-absorbing material, such as for example, an ethylvinylacetate foam allows the midsole <NUM> to attenuate ground-reaction forces caused by movement of the article of footwear <NUM> over ground during use.

An outsole <NUM> or outsole surface is provided on a lower, ground-facing surface of the cushioning system <NUM>, and on an opposite side of the cushioning system <NUM> from the midsole <NUM> and upper <NUM>. The outsole <NUM> may define a ground-engaging surface <NUM> that is operative to provide wear-resistance and to enhance traction between the article of footwear <NUM> and the ground. The outsole <NUM> may be formed from a resilient material such as, for example, rubber, which can improve traction and durability. The ground-engaging surface <NUM> may include one or more traction elements <NUM> that extend outward to provide the article of footwear <NUM> with increased traction during use.

As best shown in <FIG>, the midsole <NUM> may serve to attach the cushioning system <NUM> to the upper <NUM>. In one embodiment, the cushioning system <NUM> may be coupled to the midsole <NUM>, for example, by adhering a portion of the plate <NUM> to a lower surface of the midsole <NUM> (i.e., via a suitable adhesive - not shown). Alternatively, the cushioning system <NUM> may be attached to the midsole <NUM> by molding a material of the midsole <NUM> directly to the plate <NUM>. For example, the plate <NUM> may be disposed within a cavity of a mold (not shown) used to form the midsole <NUM>. 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 plate <NUM>, thereby forming a unitary structure having both the midsole <NUM> and the plate <NUM>.

While the cushioning system <NUM> is described and shown as being attached to an underside of the midsole <NUM> (i.e., on an opposite side of the midsole from the upper <NUM>), a portion of the cushioning system <NUM> could altematively be embedded within the material of the midsole <NUM>. For example, a portion of the plate <NUM> may be encapsulated by the midsole <NUM> such that a portion of the midsole <NUM> extends through or to opposing sides of a portion of the plate <NUM>. Further yet, the plate <NUM> could be disposed within the midsole <NUM> but not be fully encapsulated. For example, the plate <NUM> could be visible around a perimeter of the midsole <NUM> while a portion of the midsole <NUM> extends between the plate <NUM> and the upper <NUM> and another portion of the midsole <NUM> extends between the plate <NUM> and the outsole <NUM>.

As illustrated, the plate <NUM> may include an upper plate <NUM> that is integrally coupled with a lower plate <NUM> (i.e., at a joint/joint region <NUM>) to form a spring-like shock absorber. In a general sense, the upper plate <NUM> and lower plate <NUM> are both cantilevered from the joint region <NUM> and are configured to deflect toward each other in response to a static or dynamic load applied by the wearer. The cushioning system <NUM> may further include one or more fluid-filled chambers <NUM> provided between the upper plate <NUM> and the lower plate <NUM> to aid in controlling the deflection magnitude and rate apart from the joint <NUM>.

In one configuration, the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> may each extend along a longitudinal dimension of the sole structure <NUM>, and in some embodiments one or both may fully extend from the anterior end <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. In some configurations, the upper plate <NUM> may extend along at least a portion of the heel region <NUM> and midfoot region <NUM>. In others, the upper plate <NUM> may extend across at least a portion of the heel region <NUM>, midfoot region <NUM>, and forefoot region <NUM>. Additionally, in some configurations, the lower plate <NUM> may extend across at least a portion of the heel region <NUM>, midfoot region <NUM>, and forefoot region <NUM>.

In one configuration, the plate <NUM> may be formed from a single sheet of a relatively rigid material that is folded/wrapped back on itself. For example, the plate <NUM> may be formed from a non-foamed polymer material or, alternatively, from a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. Suitable materials may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamides (e.g., PA6 or PA66), or other engineering polymers. The material may include a fiber fill, such as short or long fiber glass, aramid, bamboo, or carbon fibers, or may include similar continuous fabrics. Forming the plate <NUM> from a relatively rigid material allows the plate <NUM> to distribute forces associated with use of the article <NUM> while maintaining the upper plate <NUM> and lower plate <NUM> in a spaced relationship. In some embodiments, this spaced relationship is desirably greater than about <NUM>, or greater than about <NUM>, or even greater than about <NUM>.

In one configuration, the joint region <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may be provided within, or posterior to the heel region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, and may be formed with a suitable thickness and stiffness to withstand expected static and impact loads without permitting the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> to overly deflect and/or come into contact with each other. In such an embodiment, an intermediate recess/void <NUM> may exist between the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> within the heel region <NUM>. In an unloaded/relaxed state, this recess/void <NUM> may have a first height <NUM>, measured normal to the ground. When worn, static and impact loads from the wearer may urge the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> into a more closely spaced relationship. Said another way, the recess/void <NUM> may be compressed to have a second height that is less than the first height <NUM>.

In one configuration, the degree to which the plates <NUM>, <NUM> are flex toward each other in the heel region <NUM> is largely controlled by the stiffness and location of the plate <NUM> within the joint region <NUM>. While some elastic flexure/movement of the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> is desirable to provide cushioning/force attenuation, if the joint region <NUM> is not sufficiently stiff, the deflection could be larger than desired, which could cause the shoe to feel unstable.

In some embodiments, so that the entire heel region <NUM> experiences similar reaction forces from the cushioning system, the joint region <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may be provided rearward of the posterior end <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and/or rearward of a posterior end <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>.

While the cushioning response within the heel region <NUM> may largely be attributable to the elasticity/stiffness of the joint region <NUM> of the plate <NUM>, the cushioning system <NUM> may rely on one or more fluid-filled chambers <NUM> to provide the cushioning response within the midfoot region <NUM> and/or within the forefoot region <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the cushioning system <NUM> includes a first fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and a second fluid-filled chamber <NUM> provided within the midfoot region <NUM>, and a fluid-filled chamber <NUM> provided in the forefoot region <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is disposed generally between the upper plate <NUM> and the second fluid-filled chamber <NUM> while the second fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is disposed between the lower plate <NUM> and the first fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Specifically, the first fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is attached to a lower surface of the upper plate <NUM> at a first side and is attached to the second fluid-filled chamber <NUM> at a second side. The second fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is attached at a first side to the upper surface of the lower plate <NUM> and is attached to the first fluid-filled chamber <NUM> at a second side. Additionally or alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be attached to the second fluid-filled chamber <NUM> by melting the material of the first fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and the material of the second fluid-filled chamber <NUM> at a junction of the first fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and the second fluid-filled chamber <NUM> (e.g., similar to welding).

Similar to the first and second fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, the forefoot fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be provided between the upper plate <NUM> and the lower plate <NUM>. In one embodiment, the forefoot fluid-filled chamber <NUM> is attached to a lower surface of the upper plate <NUM> at a first side and is attached to the upper surface of the lower plate <NUM> at a second side. The fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to one another and/or to the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, via a suitable adhesive.

In one configuration, such as best shown in <FIG>, the forefoot fluid chamber <NUM> may actually comprise two discrete fluid filled chambers: a medial forefoot fluid-filled chamber <NUM> and lateral forefoot fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. In this embodiment, the midfoot region <NUM> may include two stacked fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, while the forefoot region <NUM> may include two laterally adjacent fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, each of the fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <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 may include a substantially planar shape. The second barrier element <NUM> may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in <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 <NUM>. The peripheral seam <NUM> seals the internal interior void <NUM>, thereby defining a volume of the respective chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The interior void <NUM> of the fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may receive a tensile element <NUM> therein. Each tensile element <NUM> may include a series of tensile strands <NUM> extending between an upper tensile sheet <NUM> and a lower tensile sheet <NUM>. The upper tensile sheet <NUM> may be attached to the first barrier element <NUM> while the lower tensile sheet <NUM> may be attached to the second barrier element <NUM>. In this manner, when each chamber <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> receives a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands <NUM> of the tensile elements <NUM> are placed in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet <NUM> is attached to the first barrier element <NUM> and the lower tensile sheet <NUM> is attached to the second barrier element <NUM>, the tensile strands <NUM> retain a desired shape of the respective chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior void <NUM>.

During operation, when the ground-engaging surface <NUM> of the outsole <NUM> contacts the ground, a force is transmitted via the lower plate <NUM> to the fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The applied force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole <NUM> contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the upper plate <NUM> and midsole <NUM> but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. Instead, the forces applied through the outsole <NUM> are dissipated along a length of the plates <NUM>, <NUM> due to the rigidity of the plates <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one configuration the forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> may have a lateral width <NUM> that is greater than a corresponding lateral width <NUM> of the upper <NUM> measured at the same position along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The lateral width <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> may be measured between the lateral edge <NUM> and the medial edge <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> and orthogonal to the primary longitudinal axis <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>). Similarly, the lateral width <NUM> of the upper <NUM> may be measured between the lateral edge <NUM> and the medial edge <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and orthogonal to the primary longitudinal axis <NUM>.

As generally illustrated in <FIG>, in one configuration, the medial forefoot fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may at least partially extend beyond the medial edge <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and lateral forefoot fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may at least partially extend beyond the lateral edge <NUM> of the upper <NUM> (when viewed from a top view). Doing so may provide the footwear with additional lateral stability and more even pressure distribution between the outsole <NUM> and the ground.

In some configurations, the lower plate <NUM> may include one or more up-turned sole portions <NUM> that extend, for example, on a medial side of the medial forefoot fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, on a lateral side of the lateral forefoot fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, and on one or both of the medial side or lateral side of the second midfoot fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Such a configuration may provide some measure of impact protection to the fluid-filled chambers. Likewise, if the outsole <NUM> extends upward onto an outer surface of this up-turned sole portion <NUM>, then the feature may further provide traction capabilities to the sidewall of the sole structure <NUM>.

While the lower plate <NUM> may extend from an extreme anterior end to an extreme posterior end of the sole structure, in one configuration, the upper plate <NUM> may terminate immediately forward/anterior of the forefoot fluid-filled chambers <NUM>. In this embodiment, the midsole <NUM> may be affixed to both an upper surface of the upper plate <NUM> and an upper surface of the lower plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one configuration, the forefoot region <NUM> may include a split <NUM> that extends from an anterior end of the article <NUM>. In doing so, some or all of the forefoot region <NUM> may be divided into a medial forefoot toe region <NUM>, and a lateral forefoot toe region <NUM>. When worn, the split <NUM> may extend between two immediately adjacent ones of the wearer's toes. Such a design takes advantage of the independent medial and lateral fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM> since the medial and lateral forefoot toe regions <NUM>, <NUM> are physically separate. To provide further independence the split <NUM> may extend through and divide the upper <NUM>, midsole <NUM>, and lower plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper plate <NUM> may further be divided such that the split extends at least partially between the medial and lateral fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in one configuration, the split <NUM> in the lower plate <NUM> may include two segments, a forward segment <NUM> provided substantially along a first split axis <NUM>, and a second, rearward segment <NUM> provided along a second split axis <NUM>. In one configuration, the first split axis <NUM> may intersect the medial fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, whereas the second split axis <NUM> may intersect the lateral fluid-filled chamber <NUM>. Furthermore, both axes <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided at angles relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the sole <NUM>. For example, the first split axis <NUM> may extend from the anterior end <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> generally toward the medial edge <NUM>. Conversely, the second split axis <NUM> may extend from the first split axis <NUM> toward the lateral edge <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. Doing so may provide a further degree of independent movement between the medial and lateral sides of the forefoot, and in particular to the medial and lateral forefoot toe regions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Looking at the arrangement of the forefoot fluid-filled chambers <NUM>, <NUM> themselves, in one configuration, the medial fluid-filled chamber <NUM> may be slightly forward of the lateral fluid-filled chamber <NUM>, such that a line <NUM> drawn between their respective centers is provided at a slight angle relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, in one configuration, the lower plate <NUM> may be a generally smooth and continuous plate (when viewed from the side view), with up-turned arcuate anterior and posterior end portions. Conversely, the upper plate <NUM> may include a stepped geometry that is defined by a first, forefoot portion <NUM>, a second, midfoot portion <NUM>, and a third heel portion <NUM>. The forefoot portion <NUM> may be the closest to the lower plate <NUM>, the heel portion <NUM> may be located the farthest distance from the lower plate <NUM>, and the midfoot portion <NUM> may be located an intermediate distance that is between that of the forefoot and heel portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Angled transition zones <NUM> may exist between adjacent forefoot and midfoot portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and between adjacent midfoot and heel portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Using the stepped approach may allow the cushioning system <NUM> to accommodate the stacked fluid-filled cushioning chambers in the midfoot region <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the heel region <NUM> may further include a bumper <NUM> disposed between the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM>. In one configuration, the bumper <NUM> may be adhered to a lower surface of the upper plate <NUM>, and may have a height that permits a spaced relationship between the bumper <NUM> and the lower plate <NUM>. In another embodiment, the bumper <NUM> may be a portion of the midsole <NUM> that extends through a hole in the upper plate <NUM>. In still another embodiment, the bumper <NUM> may be a molded-in contour of the upper plate <NUM>. The purpose of the bumper <NUM> may be to stage the allowable deflection response of the heel region <NUM>, while also preventing larger objects from becoming trapped within the cushioning system <NUM>.

In one configuration, the closure system <NUM> of the upper <NUM> may include one or more over-arch straps <NUM> that extend from the medial side <NUM> of the shoe, such as shown in <FIG> over the upper <NUM> and across to the lateral side <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>. On the lateral end <NUM> of the strap <NUM>, the closure system may include a dual fastening system <NUM>. This dual fastening system <NUM> may include a first fastener <NUM> that secures and draws the strap <NUM> toward the forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. Additionally, the dual fastening system <NUM> may include a second fastener <NUM> that secures and draws the strap <NUM> toward the heel region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>.

The closure system <NUM> may further include a wrap-over tongue <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>, that extends from a medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> toward a lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. When the over-arch strap <NUM> is drawn closed and secured, it may hold the tongue <NUM> in close, overlapping contact with a lateral wall <NUM> of the upper <NUM>.

To manufacture the cushioning system, in one configuration, the plate <NUM> may begin as a die-cut or injection-molded sheet. If the base resin of the plate <NUM> is a thermoplastic polymer, the sheet may be heated and bent around a mold that has the contours of the upper plate <NUM>, lower plate <NUM>, and joint <NUM>. Once the plate <NUM> is formed about this tool the up-turned sole portions <NUM> may then be formed via localized heating and forming. In an alternative embodiment, the plate may be injection molded into its finished form. In some embodiments, the outsole <NUM> may be integral to the lower plate <NUM>, such as by being insert molded or co-molded with the plate <NUM>. In another embodiment, the outsole <NUM> may be adhered to the lower plate <NUM>, for example, via a suitable adhesive.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings, as defined in the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

"A," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; about or reasonably close to the value; nearly). In addition, disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Each value within a range and the endpoints of a range are hereby all disclosed as separate embodiment. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated items, but do not preclude the presence of other items. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. When the terms first, second, third, etc. are used to differentiate various items from each other, these designations are merely for convenience and do not limit the items.

Claim 1:
A sole structure (<NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>) having a heel region (<NUM>), a midfoot region (<NUM>), and a forefoot region (<NUM>), the sole structure comprising:
a midsole (<NUM>);
a ground contacting outsole surface (<NUM>);
and
a cushioning system (<NUM>) disposed between the midsole and the ground contacting outsole surface, the cushioning system including:
a plate (<NUM>) defining an upper plate (<NUM>) and a lower plate (<NUM>) provided in a spaced relationship, the upper plate and lower plate being integrally connected at an posterior portion of the sole structure;
a midfoot fluid-filled chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>) provided between the upper plate and the lower plate within the midfoot region;
a forefoot fluid-filled chamber (<NUM>) provided between the upper plate and the lower plate within the forefoot region.