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.

Exoskeletons may be used in conjunction with conventional articles of footwear during running movements to improve running performance by reducing the energetic costs associated with running. Such exoskeletons, while improving running performance, are often difficult to attach to conventional articles of footwear, as conventional articles of footwear are not designed for use with such external systems. For example, conventional articles of footwear are often retrofitted to accommodate an exoskeleton by providing the article of footwear with external structure such as tape, adhesives, and the like. While such retrofitted articles of footwear may be adequately attached to an exoskeleton, it is difficult to maintain a relative position between the exoskeleton and the article of footwear over long periods of use. Further, a repeatable attachment of the exoskeleton to the article of footwear is difficult to achieve due to the generally cobbled means by which the exoskeleton is attached to the retrofitted article of footwear.

The claimed invention provides a sole structure as defined in claim <NUM>.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the first plate portion extends from the outer perimeter surface at one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure. Here, the plate may include a second plate portion extending from the outer perimeter surface of the midsole. The second plate portion may be disposed on an opposite side of the plate than the first plate portion. Optionally, the second plate portion may be disposed at the other of the medial side and the lateral side. The first plate portion and the second plate portion may be aligned with the MTP point. The second plate portion may be diametrically opposed to the first plate portion.

In some examples, the first plate portion extends from a heel region of the sole structure. The plate may extend from an anterior end of the sole structure to a posterior end of the sole structure.

In some configurations, the sole structure includes a bore extending through the midsole from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. Here, the bore may be disposed at a heel region of the sole structure. The first plate portion may include at least one of a flange, an aperture, and a slot operable to selectively attach the first plate portion to an external structure.

In some implementations, the midsole includes a first midsole portion disposed between the plate and the upper and a second midsole portion disposed between the plate and the outsole. The first midsole portion may increase in thickness in a direction extending from a heel region of the sole structure toward a forefoot region of the sole structure. A thickness of the first midsole portion may be greatest at the MTP point. Optionally, the second midsole portion may increase in thickness in a direction extending from a forefoot region of the sole structure toward a heel region of the sole structure.

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

The article of footwear <NUM> may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region <NUM>, a mid-foot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. The forefoot region <NUM> may be subdivided into a toe portion corresponding with phalanges and a ball portion associated with metatarsal bones of a foot. A metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure <NUM> is aligned with an MTP joint of the foot within the ball portion. 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 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 plate <NUM> that extends from the anterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> towards the posterior end <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the midsole <NUM> is shown as extending from the anterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>. The midsole <NUM> may include a material such as, for example, polymer foam. In one configuration, the midsole <NUM> opposes a strobel (not shown) of the upper <NUM> and may extend at least partially onto an upper surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> (<FIG>) such that the midsole <NUM> covers a junction of the upper <NUM> and the strobel. The midsole <NUM> may include an upper midsole portion 203a and a lower midsole portion 203b. As shown, the plate <NUM> is disposed between the upper midsole portion 203a and the lower midsole portion 203b.

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 plate <NUM> to the upper <NUM>. A suitable adhesive (not shown) may be used to attach the midsole <NUM> and the strobel. Alternatively, the plate <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 j oined to the material of the plate <NUM>, thereby forming a unitary structure having both the midsole <NUM> and the plate <NUM>. Once formed, the midsole <NUM>-including the plate <NUM>-can be attached to the strobel and/or the upper <NUM>. In some examples, the upper midsole portion 203a and the lower midsole portion 203b may be formed as separate components and/or of different materials and attached to opposite sides of the plate <NUM>.

As described above, the midsole <NUM> includes 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 further aspects, 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). 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.

The plate <NUM> could be embedded within the material of the midsole <NUM> such that the plate <NUM> may be encapsulated by the midsole <NUM>. Further yet, the plate <NUM> could be disposed within the midsole <NUM> but not be fully encapsulated.

Regardless of the particular location of the plate <NUM> relative to the midsole <NUM>, the plate <NUM> may be formed from a relatively rigid material. 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. Forming the plate <NUM> from a relatively rigid material allows the plate <NUM> to distribute forces associated with use of the article footwear <NUM> when the article of footwear <NUM> is in contact with a ground surface, as will be described in greater detail below.

In some examples, the plate <NUM> includes a uniform local stiffness (e.g., tensile strength or flexural strength) throughout the entire surface area of the plate <NUM>. The stiffness of the plate <NUM> may be anisotropic where the stiffness in one direction across the plate <NUM> is different from the stiffness in another direction. For instance, the plate <NUM> may be formed from at least two layers of fibers anisotropic to one another to impart gradient stiffness and gradient load paths across the plate <NUM>. In one configuration, the plate <NUM> is formed from one or more layers of tows of fibers and/or layers of fibers including at least one of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers. In a particular configuration, the fibers include carbon fibers, or glass fibers, or a combination of both carbon fibers and glass fibers. The tows of fibers may be affixed to a substrate. The tows of fibers may be affixed by stitching or using an adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the tows of fibers and/or layers of fibers may be consolidated with a thermoset polymer and/or a thermoplastic polymer. Accordingly, the plate <NUM> may have a tensile strength or flexural strength in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A<NUM>. The stiffness of the plate <NUM> may be selected for a particular wearer based on the wearer's shoe size, body mass, running speed, or optimized ankle torque profile. Moreover, the stiffness of the plate <NUM> may also be tailored based upon a running motion of the athlete. In other configurations, the plate <NUM> is formed from one or more layers/plies of unidirectional tape. In some examples, each layer in the stack includes a different orientation than the layer disposed underneath. The plate <NUM> may be formed from unidirectional tape including at least one of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers. In some examples, the one or more materials forming the plate <NUM> include a Young's modulus of at least <NUM> gigapascals (GPa).

In some implementations, the plate <NUM> includes a substantially uniform thickness ranging from about <NUM> millimeter (mm) to about <NUM>. In one example, the thickness of the plate is substantially equal to one (<NUM>) mm. In other implementations, the thickness of the plate <NUM> is non-uniform such that the plate <NUM> may define a greater thickness in different regions of the sole structure <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may be constructed, as described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Regardless of the materials used to form the plate <NUM>, the plate <NUM> may be a so-called "full-length plate" having a main body <NUM> (<FIG>) that extends from a first end <NUM> adjacent to the anterior end <NUM> to a second end <NUM> adjacent to the posterior end <NUM>. Allowing the plate <NUM> to extend from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM> causes the plate <NUM> to extend from the forefoot region <NUM> through the mid-foot region <NUM> and to the heel region <NUM>. While the plate <NUM> may be a full-length plate that extends from the forefoot region <NUM> to the heel region <NUM>, the plate <NUM> could alternatively extend through only a portion of the sole structure <NUM>. For example, the plate <NUM> may extend from the anterior end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> to the mid-foot region <NUM> without extending fully through the mid-foot region <NUM> and into the heel region <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the main body <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is shown as including a curved portion <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> and a substantially flat portion <NUM> in the heel region <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> defines a concavity facing in a direction toward the upper <NUM> in the mid-foot region <NUM> and extends from the first end <NUM> to the substantially flat portion <NUM> in the heel region <NUM>. In so doing, the foam material of the midsole <NUM> is thickest in an area between the plate <NUM> and the upper <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> and has a reduced thickness at the heel region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, between the plate <NUM> and the upper <NUM>.

The shape of the plate <NUM> also causes the foam material of the midsole <NUM> (e.g., the upper midsole portion 203a) to be at its thinnest in an area of the forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> between the plate <NUM> and the outsole <NUM>. Conversely, the foam material of the midsole <NUM> is thickest in an area beneath the plate <NUM> (i.e., the lower midsole portion 203b) in the heel region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. Specifically, the foam material of the midsole <NUM> is at its thickest beneath the plate <NUM> in an area between the substantially flat portion <NUM> of plate <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>.

The foregoing construction of the midsole <NUM> and the position of the plate <NUM> relative to and within the midsole <NUM> allows the plate <NUM> to be positioned in close proximity to a ground-contacting surface in the forefoot region <NUM> and to be spaced apart a greater distance from the ground-contacting surface in the heel region <NUM>. In so doing, forces applied to the outsole <NUM> during walking and running movements are transmitted via the outsole <NUM> substantially directly to the forward portion of the plate <NUM> disposed in the forefoot region <NUM>. Further, because the plate <NUM> is spaced apart a greater distance from the upper <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, the foam material of the midsole <NUM> disposed between the plate <NUM> and the upper <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> provides a wearer with a degree of comfort during walking and running movements.

The various cross-sectional views shown in <FIG> illustrate the foregoing position of the plate <NUM> relative to and within the midsole <NUM>. For example, the cross-sectional views shown in <FIG> illustrate the generally close proximity of the plate <NUM> and a ground-contacting surface (i.e., near the outsole <NUM>) during walking and running movements. Conversely, the cross-sectional views shown in <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the distance the plate <NUM> is spaced apart from the ground-contacting surface in the heel region <NUM> during running and walking movements. In sum, the shape of the plate <NUM> allows the forces associated with running and walking movements to be directly transmitted to the plate <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> while concurrently allowing the foam material of the midsole <NUM> to provide a degree of comfort and cushioning to the wearer in the forefoot region <NUM> due to the thickness of the foam material of the midsole <NUM> located above the plate <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the plate <NUM> includes the main body <NUM> having the configuration described above, as well as the first set of projections <NUM> extending from the main body <NUM> and the second set of projections <NUM> extending from the main body <NUM>. In one configuration, the first set of projections <NUM> extends from the main body <NUM> in an area of the plate <NUM> located in the forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> while the second set of projections <NUM> extends from the main body <NUM> within the heel region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. While the plate <NUM> is shown and described as including a first set of projections <NUM> and a second set of projections <NUM>, the plate <NUM> could include only the first set of projections <NUM> or the second set of proj ections <NUM>. While the plate <NUM> could include only the first set of proj ections <NUM> or the second set of projections <NUM>, the plate <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> as including the first set of projections <NUM> and the second set of projections <NUM>.

The first set of projections <NUM> may include a first projection <NUM> disposed on a medial side of the plate <NUM> and a second projection <NUM> disposed on a lateral side of the plate <NUM>. The first projection <NUM> extends from the main body <NUM> to a distal end. Similarly, the second projection <NUM> extends in an opposite direction from the plate <NUM> to a distal end on the lateral side <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> may be aligned across a width of the plate <NUM> such that the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> are aligned along a laterally-extending axis A<NUM> substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the plate <NUM>. As such, the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> may be diametrically opposed to one another.

The first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> may each include a flange <NUM> extending from the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM>. Namely, the flanges <NUM> may extend substantially perpendicular to the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM>, respectively, in a direction toward the upper <NUM> once the plate <NUM> is assembled to the midsole <NUM> and the midsole <NUM> is attached to the upper <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flanges <NUM> of the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> extend in a direction toward the upper <NUM> and, as such, once the plate <NUM> is assembled to the midsole <NUM> and the midsole <NUM> is attached to the upper <NUM>, portions of the flanges <NUM> may extend along and be substantially parallel to an outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. Further, depending on the thickness of the midsole <NUM> disposed between the plate <NUM> and the upper <NUM>, as well as the heights of the flanges <NUM> of the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM>, the flanges <NUM> may extend adjacent to and be spaced apart from the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>.

As with the first set of projections <NUM>, the second set of projections <NUM> may likewise include a first projection <NUM> and a second projection <NUM>. The first projection <NUM> of the second set of projections <NUM> may extend from the main body <NUM> of the plate <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> and may be disposed on a medial side <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The second projection <NUM> of the second set of projections <NUM> may extend from the main body <NUM> of the plate <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> and may be disposed on a lateral side <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. As such, the first projection <NUM> of the second set of projections <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the second set of projections <NUM> are disposed on opposite sides of the plate <NUM> from one another. Further, these projections <NUM>, <NUM>, as with the projections <NUM>, <NUM> of the first set of projections <NUM>, may be diametrically opposed to one another.

The first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the second set of projections <NUM> may extend from the main body <NUM> in opposite directions and may terminate at respective distal ends. Each of the first projections <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> may include a flange <NUM> disposed at the distal end thereof. The flanges <NUM> may extend away from the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM>, respectively, in a direction toward the upper <NUM> in a similar fashion as the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the first set of proj ections <NUM>. The flanges <NUM> associated with the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> may extend in a direction away from the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> substantially perpendicular to the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM>. As with the flanges <NUM> of the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the first set of projections <NUM>, the flanges <NUM> respectively associated with the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the second set of projections <NUM> may extend along an outer surface of at least one of the outer perimeter surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> and the upper <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flanges <NUM> associated with the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the first set of projections <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the flanges <NUM> of the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the second set of projections <NUM>. Further, the flanges <NUM> may be spaced apart and separated from the flanges <NUM> in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis (L) of the plate <NUM>. Finally, the flanges <NUM> associated with the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> may be spaced apart from one another by a greater distance than the flanges <NUM> associated with the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> due to the main body <NUM> of the plate <NUM> being wider in the forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> as compared to the width of the main body <NUM> at the heel region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>.

As described above, the plate <NUM> may include a composite material. Namely, the plate <NUM> may be formed from a carbon-fiber composite material, which allows the plate <NUM> to have varying degrees of stiffness at different locations along the length and/or width of the plate <NUM>. In one configuration, the main body <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is relatively flexible in a longitudinal direction of the plate <NUM> and is relatively rigid in a lateral direction of the plate <NUM>. Namely, the main body <NUM> may more easily flex about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the plate <NUM> while resisting bending about the longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the plate <NUM>.

The composite nature of the plate <NUM> additionally allows the main body <NUM> to include localized degrees of strength and rigidity. For example, the main body <NUM> may be locally reinforced at locations of one or both of the first set of projections <NUM> and the second set of projections <NUM>. In one configuration, the main body <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is stiffest and, thus, resists bending along the lateral axis A<NUM> extending between the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the first set of projections <NUM>.

While the plate <NUM> is described and shown as being disposed close to a ground surface during use, the plate <NUM> could have a different shape and/or be positioned closer to the upper <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> such that the material of the midsole <NUM> extends between the plate <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> in forefoot region <NUM>. Further, a cushion (not shown) may be disposed between the plate <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> as an alternative or in addition to the material of the midsole <NUM>. For example, a fluid-filled chamber (not shown) could be positioned between the plate <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> in at least one of the forefoot region <NUM>, the mid-foot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>. Regardless of the particular shape and position of the plate <NUM>, the plate <NUM> distributes loads applied at the forefoot region <NUM> as a wearer rolls through a walking or running movement and helps apply torque about the wearer's ankle.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, another example of a plate 206a is shown incorporated into an article of footwear 10a. Given the similarity in structure and function of the article of footwear 10a with respect to the article of footwear <NUM>, like reference numerals will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while reference numerals containing letter extensions will be used to identify those components that have been modified.

As shown in <FIG>, the flanges <NUM> of the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> are spaced apart from and oppose the outer, peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. Namely, the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> extend from the outer, peripheral surface <NUM> within the forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure 200a. Likewise, the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the second set of projections <NUM> are spaced apart from and oppose the outer, peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> of the sole structure 200a. As such, the first set of projections <NUM> and the second set of projections <NUM> are exposed and visible during use of the article of footwear 10a. As will be described in greater detail below, the projections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the first set of projections <NUM> and the second set of projections <NUM>, respectively, allow the plate 206a and, thus, the sole structure 200a and associated article of footwear 10a to be selectively attached to an external structure such as, for example, an exoskeleton <NUM>.

While the plate <NUM> is described and shown as including the first set of projections <NUM> and the second set of projections <NUM>, the plate <NUM> could additionally include a projection <NUM> that extends from the main body <NUM> at a location that is spaced apart from the locations of the first set of projections <NUM> and the second set of projections <NUM>. For example, the projection <NUM> may be located in the heel region <NUM> and may extend from the outer, peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> at the heel region <NUM>. The projection <NUM> may likewise facilitate attachment of the plate <NUM> to an external structure such as an exoskeleton and may be exposed during use of the article of footwear 10a. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the projection <NUM> may extend from the outer, peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> in at the heel region <NUM> and may be positioned such that the projection <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the outer, peripheral surface <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, an article of footwear 10b is provided and includes a sole structure 200b including a plate 206b. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the article of footwear 10b with respect to the article of footwear 10a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The plate 206b is similar to the plate <NUM>, but only includes a first set of projections 220b and the optional projection <NUM>. Further, the main body <NUM> of the plate 206b may include the same overall shape as the plate <NUM> described above with respect to the article of footwear <NUM> and may be formed from the materials described above with respect to the plate <NUM>.

The plate 206b may include the first set of projections 220b that extend from the plate 206b in the forefoot region <NUM>. The first set of projections 220b may include a first projection 224b extending from the main body <NUM> of the plate 206b at the medial side of the main body <NUM> and a second projection 226b extending from the main body <NUM> of the plate 206b at the lateral side of the main body <NUM>. The first projection 224b and the second projection 226b may each include a pair of flanges 228b that extend from the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b, respectively, in a direction toward the upper <NUM>. As with the first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> of the plate <NUM> described above, the flanges 228b of the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b may extend from the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b, respectively.

Each of the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b includes a pair of flanges 228b that are (i) spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the plate 206b by a gap <NUM> and (ii) may be substantially parallel to each other. Each flange 228b of each projection 224b, 226b may include an aperture <NUM> formed through a thickness of the flange 228b. The apertures <NUM> of the flanges 228b of the first projection 224b may be aligned with one another along a first common axis A<NUM> extending parallel to the lateral axis A220b. Likewise, the apertures <NUM> of the flanges 228b of the second projection 226b may be aligned with one another along a second common axis A<NUM>. Thus, as discussed below, the flanges 228b may be configured as hinges for pivotally attaching an external structure <NUM>.

As with the plate <NUM>, the plate 206b may be include a composite material such as, for example, a carbon fiber composite material. The carbon fiber composite material of the plate 206b may include a relatively high rigidity and resistance to bending at a location of the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b. Namely, the main body <NUM> of the plate 206b may be locally reinforced along a longitudinal axis extending between and through the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b. In so doing, the main body <NUM> of the plate 206b includes the highest resistance to bending at a location of the first set of projections 220b.

As shown in <FIG>, the first set of projections 220b may allow the plate 206b and, thus, the article of footwear 10b to be attached to an external structure <NUM>. For example, the first set of projections 220b may allow the plate 206b to be attached to an external structure such as an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton <NUM> may include a bracket <NUM> that is received within the gap <NUM> between the flanges 228b of each projection 224b, 226b. The bracket <NUM> may include an aperture <NUM> that may be aligned with the apertures <NUM> of the flanges 228b when the bracket <NUM> is attached to the first projection 224b.

Once the apertures <NUM> of the flanges 228b and the apertures <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> are axially aligned, a fastener (not shown) may be inserted into the apertures <NUM> of the flanges 228b of the first projection 224b and through the aperture of the bracket <NUM> to pivotally attach the bracket <NUM> to the first projection 224b. A similar procedure can be followed on both the medial side and the lateral side of the main body <NUM> of the plate 206b such that a pair of brackets <NUM> are simultaneously and pivotally attached to the plate 206b at the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b, respectively. Because the brackets <NUM> are pivotally attached to the plate 206b via the flanges 228b, the flanges 228b act as a hinge that pivotally attaches the brackets <NUM> to the plate 206b.

Attaching the plate 206b to the brackets <NUM> of the exoskeleton <NUM> allows the plate 206b and, thus, the article of footwear 10b to be pivotally attached to the exoskeleton <NUM> via the brackets <NUM>. Further, because the plate 206b is positioned in a fixed position relative to the midsole <NUM>, and the midsole <NUM> is in a fixed position relative to the upper <NUM>, a position of the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b relative to the midsole <NUM> and the upper <NUM> is likewise fixed and constant. Accordingly, attachment of the brackets <NUM> and, thus, the exoskeleton to the plate 206b is repeatable. In other words, the relative position of the brackets <NUM>, the midsole <NUM>, and the upper <NUM> may be repeated over multiple occasions when the brackets <NUM> are removed and reinstalled on the article of footwear 10b.

When the brackets <NUM> are pivotally attached to the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b, the brackets <NUM> extend along a portion of the outer, peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> and along an outer surface of the upper <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> additionally show a first, inner one of the flanges 228b of the first projection 224b being located adjacent to and opposing the outer, peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> while a second, outer one of the flanges 228b of the first projection 224b is spaced apart from the outer, peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> by the gap <NUM> as well as a thickness of the inner flange 228b. In one configuration, the inner flange 228b abuts the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. Alternatively, the inner flange 228b may be spaced apart from the outer, peripheral surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> by a predetermined distance.

With particular reference to <FIG>, an article of footwear 10c is shown. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the article of footwear 10c with respect to the article of footwear 10a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The sole structure 200c of the article of footwear 10c is virtually identical to the article of footwear 10b with the exception of the plate 206c having a two-part construction. Namely, the main body 210c of the plate 206c includes a first portion 211a disposed in a forefoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear 10c and a second portion 211b disposed in the heel region <NUM> of the article of footwear 10c. The first portion 211a extends from the anterior end <NUM> in a direction toward the posterior end <NUM> and past the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point. The first portion 211a includes the first set of projections <NUM> and, thus, serves to selectively attach the first portion 211a of the plate 206c to the brackets <NUM> of the exoskeleton, as described above with respect to the plate 206b. Optionally, the second portion 211b may include the second set of projections <NUM>, as discussed above. The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis A<NUM> once assembled to the midsole <NUM>. Optionally, the midsole 202c of the sole structure 200c may include separate recesses configured to receive the portions 211a, 211b of the main body 210c therein.

As shown in <FIG>, a sole structure 200d of an article of footwear 10d may include a tunnel structure <NUM> disposed in the heel region <NUM>. The tunnel structure <NUM> may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear <NUM>-10c described above. For example, a tunnel structure <NUM> formed from a low-friction, high molecular, lightweight material may be disposed in the heel region <NUM>. The tunnel structure <NUM> may define a bore <NUM> that extends from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM> and provides access through the sole structure 200d. The tunnel structure <NUM> may be formed from a low-friction, high molecular, lightweight material that has a low coefficient of friction. The bore <NUM> formed by the tunnel structure <NUM> allows the article of footwear 10d to be selectively attached to the exoskeleton via a tether <NUM>.

The tether <NUM> may be formed from a woven or braided element such as a rope or cable that extends from the exoskeleton to the article of footwear 10d. For example, the tether <NUM> may be formed from a rope that extends from the exoskeleton down to the tunnel structure <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>, through the bore <NUM>, out the lateral side <NUM>, and returns to the exoskeleton. In so doing, the tether <NUM> attaches the article of footwear 10d to the exoskeleton and permits movement of the exoskeleton in a direction toward the article of footwear 10d. However, during operation, when an upward force is exerted on the exoskeleton in a direction away from the article of footwear 10d, and the tether <NUM> is placed in tension, attachment of the tether <NUM> to the tunnel structure <NUM> restricts movement of the exoskeleton <NUM> a predetermined distance away from the article of footwear 10d. Namely, the exoskeleton is only permitted to move a distance away from the article of footwear 10d substantially equivalent to a length of the tether <NUM> at the medial side and the lateral side.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the heel region <NUM> of a sole structure 200e of an article of footwear 10e is shown as including a pair of projections <NUM> that extend between the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> of a plate 206e. The projections <NUM> may be formed by the material of the plate 206e in an effort to help locate and retain a position of the plate 206e relative to the midsole 202e. Further, the projections <NUM> may additionally define a channel that receives an adhesive material to secure a desired position of the tunnel structure <NUM> between the projections <NUM> and relative to the plate 206e. In so doing, the projections <NUM> may cooperate with the tunnel structure <NUM> to ensure that the bore <NUM> defined by the tunnel structure <NUM> is held in a desired position relative to the midsole 202e and plate 206e and, thus, the exoskeleton during use.

With particular reference to <FIG>, which depict an embodiment not forming part of the claimed invention, the plate 206e is shown as including projections <NUM> that cooperate to define a channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> is positioned in a heel region of the plate 206e and may receive the tunnel structure <NUM> therein to aid in retaining and positioning the tunnel structure <NUM> relative to and within the midsole 202e. The plate 206e is substantially similar to the plate 206b with the exception of the projections <NUM> and channel <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an article of footwear 10f is provided and includes a plate 206f incorporated into a sole structure 200f. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the article of footwear 10f with respect to the article of footwear <NUM>, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In this example, flanges 228f, 234f of the at least one of the sets of projections 220f, 222f could each be provided with an aperture <NUM> in a similar fashion as the flanges 228b of the first projection 224b and the second projection 226b. The aperture <NUM> receives a respective tether <NUM> for selectively attaching the plate 206f and, thus, the article of footwear 10f and the exoskeleton. For example, the flanges 234f of the first projection 230f and the second projection 232f may include apertures <NUM> that function in a similar manner as the bore <NUM> of the tunnel structure <NUM> of <FIG> by allowing the exoskeleton to be selectively attached to the plate 206f and, thus, the article of footwear 10f while concurrently preventing the exoskeleton from moving a predetermined distance away from the article of footwear 10a during use. Optionally, flanges 224f, 226f of the first set of projections 220f may also include apertures <NUM> for attaching the exoskeleton <NUM>.

Similarly, an exoskeleton may be attached to the article of footwear 10f via the bracket <NUM> and the tether <NUM>. The exoskeleton may aide a wearer of the article of footwear 10f during walking and/or running movements by reducing the amount of energy required to propel the wearer and may extend up from the article of footwear 10f toward a calf of the wearer. Additionally, because the plate 206c is described as including a portion disposed in the forefoot region <NUM> that is close to the ground-contacting surface and a heel portion that is disposed near a foot of the wearer, rotation about the ankle is achieved and allows for rotation about the heel.

Claim 1:
A sole structure (<NUM>; 200a - 200f) for an article of footwear having an upper (<NUM>), the sole structure (<NUM>; 200a - 200f) comprising:
an outsole (<NUM>) having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole (<NUM>) than the ground-engaging surface;
a midsole (<NUM>; 202c; 202e) attached to the outsole (<NUM>) and including an outer perimeter surface (<NUM>) extending between the outsole (<NUM>) and the upper (<NUM>); and
a plate (<NUM>; 206a; 206b; 206c; 206e; 206f) disposed at least partially within the midsole (<NUM>; 202c; 202e) and extending from a forefoot region (<NUM>) of the sole structure (<NUM>; 200a - 200f), through a metatarsophalangeal point of the sole structure (<NUM>; 200a - 200f), and toward a heel region (<NUM>) of the sole structure (<NUM>; 200a - 200f), the plate (<NUM>; 206a; 206b; 206c; 206e; 206f) including a first plate portion (<NUM>) extending from the outer perimeter surface (<NUM>) of the midsole (<NUM>; 202c; 202e), the first plate portion (<NUM>) disposed in the forefoot region (<NUM>),
wherein the first plate portion (<NUM>) includes a main body extending from the outer perimeter surface (<NUM>) of the midsole (<NUM>; 202c; 202e) and a flange (<NUM>; 228b; 228f) extending from the main body in a direction away from the outsole (<NUM>), the flange (<NUM>; 228b; 228f) extending substantially perpendicular to the main body of the first plate portion (<NUM>), and
wherein the plate (206c) includes a first plate segment (211a) disposed in a forefoot region (<NUM>) of the sole structure and a second plate segment (211b) disposed in a heel region (<NUM>) of the sole structure, the first plate segment (211a) spaced apart from the second plate segment (211b).