Patent Description:
Document <CIT> describes a footwear item that includes a sole that includes a top layer attached to a bottom layer such that their edges are fused together. The top layer includes a first honeycomb core having an exposed surface that includes contours configured to accommodate contours of a foot. The first honeycomb core includes unsealed cells that have walls with perforations. The bottom layer includes a second honeycomb core that includes sealed cells.

First, some general terminology and information is provided that may assist in understanding various portions of this specification and the claimed invention as described herein. As noted above, the claimed invention relates to the field of footwear. "Footwear" means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as track shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, cricket shoes, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, etc.), and the like.

<FIG> also provides information that may be useful for explaining and understanding this specification and/or aspects of the claimed invention. More specifically, <FIG> provides a representation of a footwear component <NUM>, which in this illustrated example constitutes a portion of a sole structure for an article of footwear. The same general definitions and terminology described below may apply to footwear in general and/or to other footwear components or portions thereof, such as an upper, a midsole component, an outsole component, a ground-engaging component, etc..

First, as illustrated in <FIG>, the terms "forward" or "forward direction" as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean toward or in a direction toward a forward-most toe ("FT") area of the footwear structure or component <NUM>. The terms "rearward" or "rearward direction" as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean toward or in a direction toward a rear-most heel area ("RH") of the footwear structure or component <NUM>. The terms "lateral" or "lateral side" as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean the outside or "little toe" side of the footwear structure or component <NUM>. The terms "medial" or "medial side" as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean the inside or "big toe" side of the footwear structure or component <NUM>.

Also, various example features and aspects of the claimed invention may be disclosed or explained herein with reference to a "longitudinal direction" and/or with respect to a "longitudinal length" of a footwear component <NUM> (such as a footwear sole structure). As shown in <FIG>, the "longitudinal direction" is determined as the direction of a line extending from a rearmost heel location (RH in <FIG>) to the forwardmost toe location (FT in <FIG>) of the footwear component <NUM> in question (a sole structure or foot-supporting member in this illustrated example). The "longitudinal length" L is the length dimension measured from the rearmost heel location RH to the forwardmost toe location FT. The rearmost heel location RH and the forwardmost toe location FT may be located by determining the rear heel and forward toe tangent points with respect to front and back parallel vertical planes VP when the component <NUM> (e.g., sole structure or foot-supporting member in this illustrated example, optionally as part of an article of footwear or foot-receiving device) is oriented on a horizontal support surface S in an unloaded condition (e.g., with no weight applied to the component <NUM> other than potentially the weight of the shoe components with which it is engaged). If the forwardmost and/or rearmost locations of a specific footwear component <NUM> constitute a line segment (rather than a tangent point), then the forwardmost toe location and/or the rearmost heel location constitute the mid-point of the corresponding line segment. If the forwardmost and/or rearmost locations of a specific footwear component <NUM> constitute two or more separated points or line segments, then the forwardmost toe location and/or the rearmost heel location constitute the mid-point of a line segment connecting the furthest spaced and separated points and/or furthest spaced and separated end points of the line segments (irrespective of whether the midpoint itself lies on the component <NUM> structure). If the forwardmost and/or rearwardmost locations constitute one or more areas, then the forwardmost toe location and/or the rearwardmost heel location constitute the geographic center of the area or combined areas (irrespective of whether the geographic center itself lies on the component <NUM> structure).

Once the longitudinal direction of a component or structure <NUM> has been determined with the component <NUM> oriented on a horizontal support surface S, planes may be oriented perpendicular to this longitudinal direction (e.g., planes running into and out of the page of <FIG>). The locations of these perpendicular planes may be specified based on their positions along the longitudinal length L where the perpendicular plane intersects the longitudinal direction between the rearmost heel location RH and the forwardmost toe location FT. In this illustrated example of <FIG>, the rearmost heel location RH is considered as the origin for measurements (or the "<NUM> position") and the forwardmost toe location FT is considered the end of the longitudinal length of this component (or the "<NUM> position"). Plane position may be specified based on the plane's location along the longitudinal length L (between <NUM> and <NUM>), measured forward from the rearmost heel RH location in this example. <FIG> further shows locations of various planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (and oriented in the transverse direction) and located along the longitudinal length L at positions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (measured in a forward direction from the rearmost heel location RH). These planes may extend into and out of the page of the paper from the view shown in <FIG>, and similar perpendicular planes may be oriented at any other desired positions along the longitudinal length L. While these planes may be parallel to the parallel vertical planes VP used to determine the rearmost heel RH and forwardmost toe FT locations, this is not a requirement. Rather, the orientations of the perpendicular planes along the longitudinal length L will depend on the orientation of the longitudinal direction, which may or may not be parallel to the horizontal surface S in the arrangement/orientation shown in <FIG>.

Additional embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.

The reader should understand that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

<FIG> provide various views of an article of footwear <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of the claimed invention. More specifically, <FIG> provides a lateral side view of this example article of footwear <NUM>, <FIG> provides a medial side view, <FIG> provides a top view, and <FIG> provides a bottom view. This example article of footwear <NUM> is a cleated cricket shoe. Aspects of the claimed invention, however, also may be used in shoes for other types of uses and/or other athletic activities. The article of footwear <NUM> includes an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM> engaged with the upper <NUM>. The upper <NUM> and sole structure <NUM> may be engaged together in any desired manner, including in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (such as by adhesives or cements, by stitching or sewing, by mechanical connectors, etc.).

The upper <NUM> of this example includes a foot-receiving opening <NUM> that provides access to an interior chamber into which the wearer's foot is inserted. The upper <NUM> further may include a tongue member located across the foot instep area and positioned so as to moderate the feel of the closure system <NUM> (which in this illustrated example constitutes a lace type closure system). As shown in the specific example of <FIG>, however, rather than including a separate tongue component, this example upper <NUM> is formed as a unitary construction with an instep covering component 202a integrally formed with and joining the medial side component 202med and the lateral side component 202lat of the upper <NUM>. In this manner, as shown in the figures, the upper <NUM> has somewhat of sock-like foot-receiving opening <NUM> and/or a sock-like overall appearance.

The upper <NUM> may be made from any desired materials and/or in any desired constructions and/or manners without departing from the claimed invention. As some more specific examples, at least a portion of the upper <NUM> (and optionally a majority, substantially all, or even all of the upper <NUM>) may be formed as a woven textile component and/or as a knitted textile component. The textile components for upper <NUM> may have structures and/or constructions like those used in FLYKNIT® brand footwear and/or via FLYWEAVE™ technology available in products from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, OR.

Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the upper <NUM> construction may include uppers having foot securing and engaging structures (e.g., "dynamic" and/or "adaptive fit" structures), e.g., of the types described in <CIT>. As some additional examples, if desired, uppers and articles of footwear in accordance with the claimed invention may include foot securing and engaging structures of the types used in FLYWIRE® Brand footwear available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. These types of wrap-around and/or adaptive or dynamic fit structures are shown as part of the lace engaging elements 210a and the components <NUM> shown in example upper <NUM> of <FIG>. The "components" <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be relatively unstretchable components integrally formed in the upper structure <NUM>, or they may be separate (unstretchable) components engaged with the upper structure <NUM> and/or laces of the shoe.

As yet another option, if desired, uppers <NUM> and articles of footwear <NUM> in accordance with the claimed invention may include fused layers of upper materials, e.g., uppers of the types included in NIKE's "FUSE" line of footwear products. As still additional examples, uppers of the types described in <CIT> and/or <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> may be used without departing from the claimed invention. <FIG> show fused layers 202f of material bonded with an underlying mesh <NUM>, wherein the fused layers 202f provide one or more of support (e.g., shape support, foot support), abrasion resistance, wear resistance, durability, desired aesthetics, etc..

<FIG> illustrate additional potential features of a footwear upper <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of the claimed invention. More specifically, <FIG> illustrate a matrix type protective toe cap 202t that extends from the sole structure <NUM> at the forward toe area to cover the forward toe area of the upper <NUM>. This toe cap 202t provides additional wear resistance and durability to the toe area of the upper <NUM> while still providing a lightweight and somewhat flexible forward toe area (e.g., provided that the toe cap 202t is formed from a sufficiently flexible material). This toe cap 202t may be engaged with the upper material (e.g., mesh <NUM> and/or a fuse bonded support layer 202f) by a fuse bonding procedure (e.g., using hot melt adhesive), by another adhesive or cement, by mechanical connectors, by the connection between the sole <NUM> and the upper <NUM>, etc..

The heel area of this example upper <NUM> includes a heel counter <NUM>, e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The heel counter <NUM> provides additional support for the wearer's heel. The heel counter <NUM> may be a separate component that is engaged with the upper <NUM>, e.g., by an adhesive or cement, by mechanical connectors, by the connection between the sole <NUM> and the upper <NUM>, etc. Alternatively, the heel counter <NUM> may be engaged with the sole structure <NUM> or integrally formed as part of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., integrally formed as part of the ground-engaging component, as will be described in more detail below).

The sole structure <NUM> of this example article of footwear <NUM> now will be described in more detail. As shown in <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> of this example includes two main components: a midsole component <NUM> and a ground-engaging component <NUM>. While the illustrated midsole component <NUM> and ground-engaging component <NUM> each constitute components that extend to support an entire plantar surface of a wearer's foot, if desired, one or both of the midsole component <NUM> and/or the ground-engaging component <NUM> may be made from multiple parts and/or may extend to support less than an entire plantar surface of a wearer's foot. The ground-engaging component <NUM> may be engaged with the side surface(s) and/or the bottom surface <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM> via adhesives or cements, mechanical fasteners, sewing or stitching, etc. The midsole component <NUM> may be located between a bottom surface of the upper <NUM> (e.g., a strobel member) and the ground-engaging component <NUM>. The midsole component <NUM> also may be at least partially exposed at the bottom of the sole structure <NUM>, e.g., through openings formed in ground-contacting component <NUM>. These sole structure components will be described in more detail below.

As noted above and with additional reference to <FIG>, one main foot support component of this sole structure <NUM> is the midsole component <NUM>, which in this illustrated example extends to support an entire plantar surface of the wearer's foot (e.g., from the forward-most toe location FT to the rearmost heel location RH and from the lateral side edge to the medial side edge along the entire longitudinal length of the sole structure <NUM>, as also shown in <FIG>). This midsole component <NUM>, which may be made from one or more parts, may be constructed at least in part from a polymeric foam material member 220f, such as a polyurethane foam or an ethylvinylacetate ("EVA") foam as are known and used in the footwear arts. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, at least some portion of the midsole component <NUM> may include one or more fluid-filled bladders, e.g., of the types conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., available in NIKE "AIR" Brand products). Four individual fluid-filled bladders 222a, 222b, 222c, and 222d are shown in the example structures of <FIG> and <FIG>, including: (a) a fluid-filled bladder 222a at the first metatarsal head support area, (b) a fluid-filled bladder 222b at the fourth and/or fifth metatarsal head support area, (c) a fluid-filled bladder 222c at the big toe support area, and (d) a fluid-filled bladder 222d at the fourth and/or fifth toe support area. Any one or more of these bladders 222a-222d may be included in a specific midsole component structure <NUM> and/or other bladders may be provided at other locations. Alternatively, two or more of these bladders 222a-222d may be combined into a single bladder construction, if desired.

In this illustrated example, a bottom surface <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM> is visible and/or exposed at an exterior of the sole structure <NUM>, optionally substantially throughout the bottom of the sole structure <NUM> (and at least over more than <NUM>% and even more than <NUM>% of the bottom surface area of the sole structure <NUM>). As shown in <FIG>, the bottom surface <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM> is visible and/or exposed at the forefoot support area, is visible and/or exposed at the arch support area, and/or is visible and/or exposed at the heel support area (e.g., through cells <NUM> of the matrix structure <NUM> of the ground-engaging component <NUM> described in more detail below).

Example ground-engaging components <NUM> for sole structures <NUM>/articles of footwear <NUM> in accordance with some examples of the claimed invention now will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>, as well as with reference to <FIG>. As shown, these example ground-engaging components <NUM> include an outer perimeter boundary rim 242O, for example, that may be at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches) wide (and in some examples, is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches) wide, at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches) wide, or even at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches) wide). This "width" WO is defined as the direct, shortest distance from one edge (e.g., an exterior edge) of the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O to its opposite edge (e.g., an interior edge) by the open space <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. While <FIG> shows this outer perimeter boundary rim 242O extending completely and continuously around and defining <NUM>% of an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component <NUM>, other options are possible. For example, if desired, there may be one or more breaks in the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O at the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component <NUM> such that the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O is present around only at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component <NUM>. The outer perimeter boundary rim 242O may have a constant or changing width WO over the course of the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show that the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O of the ground-engaging component <NUM> defines an open space <NUM> of the ground-engaging component <NUM>, and in these illustrated examples, the open space <NUM> extends at least into the arch support area and the heel support area of the ground-engaging component <NUM>. The upper-facing surface 248U of the ground-engaging component <NUM> may fit and be fixed into a recess formed in the bottom surface <NUM> and/or side surface of the midsole component <NUM> (e.g., a recess molded into the midsole component <NUM> when it is formed), e.g., by cements or adhesives.

The ground-engaging components <NUM> of this example is formed and shaped so as to extend completely across the forefoot support area, the arch support area, and the heel support area of the sole structure <NUM> from the lateral side to the medial side. In this manner, the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O forms the medial and lateral side edges of the bottom of the sole structure <NUM> throughout the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., the ground-engaging component <NUM> extends to complete support a plantar surface of a wearer's foot).

The outer perimeter boundary rim 242O of this illustrated example ground-engaging component <NUM> defines an upper-facing surface 248U (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and a ground-facing surface <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) opposite the upper-facing surface 248U. The upper-facing surface 248U provides a surface for supporting the wearer's foot and/or engaging the midsole component <NUM> (and/or optionally engaging the upper <NUM>, if no midsole is present at some or all locations of the sole structure <NUM>). The outer perimeter boundary rim 242O may provide a relatively large surface area for securely supporting a plantar surface of a wearer's foot. Further, the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O may provide a relatively large surface area for securely engaging another footwear component (such as the bottom surface <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM> and/or a bottom surface of the upper <NUM>), e.g., a surface for bonding via adhesives or cements, for supporting stitches or sewn seams, for supporting mechanical fasteners, etc..

<FIG> further illustrate that the ground-engaging component <NUM> of this example sole structure <NUM> includes a support structure <NUM> that extends from the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O into and at least partially across (and optionally completely across) the space <NUM> defined inside of the boundary rim 242O. The top surface of this example support structure <NUM>, at least at some locations within the space <NUM>, lies flush with and/or smoothly transitions into the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O to provide a portion of the upper-facing surface 248U (and may be used for the purposes of the upper-facing surface 248U as described above).

The support structure <NUM> of this example extends from the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O to define a portion of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the ground-engaging component <NUM>. In the illustrated examples of <FIG>, the support structure <NUM> includes a matrix structure (also labeled <NUM> herein) extending from the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and into, partially across, or fully across the space <NUM> to define a cellular construction with plural cells <NUM>. The illustrated matrix structure <NUM> defines at least one of: (a) one or more open cells located within the space <NUM>, (b) one or more partially open cells located within the space <NUM>, and/or (c) one or more closed cells, e.g., beneath the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O, beneath another cover or support member <NUM>, etc.. An "open cell" constitutes a cell <NUM> in which the perimeter of the cell opening is defined completely by the matrix structure <NUM> and is open (and/or is free of other ground-engaging component <NUM> parts) at both the top and bottom of the matrix structure <NUM>. A "partially open cell" constitutes a cell <NUM> in which one or more portions of the perimeter of the cell opening are defined by the matrix structure <NUM> and one or more other portions of the perimeter of the cell opening are defined by another part of the ground-engaging component <NUM> structure, such as the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and/or another cover or support member <NUM> (e.g., the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O or cover or support member <NUM> covers a portion of at least some part of the opening of a "partially open cell). A "closed cell" may have the outer matrix structure <NUM>, but it is not completely open (e.g., it may be formed such that the portion that would constitute the cell opening is located under the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and/or under a cover or support member <NUM> that forms part of the ground-engaging component).

An "open" cell <NUM> or a "partially open" cell <NUM> may leave footwear components located above them exposed through the cell <NUM>. "Closed" cells <NUM> are closed off by a part of the ground-engaging component <NUM>, and thus do not leave other overlying portions of the footwear structure exposed (although the overlying footwear parts may be visible if the cells <NUM> are closed by an at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent component). Thus, the "open" and/or "closed" features of a cell <NUM> are determined based on the components or parts of the ground-engaging component <NUM> (without reference to other footwear components separate from the ground-engaging component <NUM>). In other words, an "open" cell <NUM> or a "partially open" cell <NUM> may be closed off by footwear parts that are not part of the ground-engaging component <NUM> (e.g., midsole components <NUM>, upper components <NUM>, etc.) and still be considered "open" or "partially open" (because they are open or partially open with respect to the ground-engaging component <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, in this illustrated example ground-engaging component <NUM>, a cover or support member <NUM> is provided at least in a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging member <NUM> to close off one or more of the cells <NUM> in the matrix structure <NUM>. This support member <NUM> may provide additional stiffness and/or support for the foot. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in this illustrated example, the cover or support member <NUM> extends to span and/or close multiple cells <NUM> of the matrix structure <NUM>. In the forefoot region, at least a majority of the cells <NUM> (and in some examples, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of the cells <NUM>) will be covered or closed off by a cover or support member <NUM>. In <FIG>, boundary line 270a marks the boundary between cover <NUM> and the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and/or the matrix structure <NUM> (and as shown in this figure, the extreme forefoot toe area includes some open cells <NUM> not covered by the cover <NUM> (e.g., open cells <NUM> that lie outside of boundary 270a)). As shown in <FIG>, if desired, the matrix structure <NUM> may be formed to include a recess (at least) at the forefoot area, and this recess may be sized and shaped to snuggly receive a separate cover <NUM> such that a top surface 270t of the cover <NUM> lies flush with and/or smoothly transitions into the upper surface 248U of the remainder of the ground-engaging component <NUM>. In this manner, as illustrated in <FIG>, the bottoms of one or more of the closed forefoot support cells <NUM> may be open and the cover <NUM> closes a top of those one or more closed forefoot support cells <NUM>.

Rather than a separate part, the cover or support member <NUM> may be integrally formed with and extend from a top surface of the matrix structure <NUM>, e.g., as a unitary, one piece construction. As another alternative or option, the cover <NUM> may be formed with the remainder of the ground-engaging component <NUM> in a two-step (dual shot) molding process, e.g., in which a material of the matrix structure <NUM> is first injected into a mold, a plate is removed from the mold (to provide the recess described above), and a material of the cover or support member <NUM> is then injected into the mold to fill the recess. Alternatively, the dual shot molding process could inject the materials in a different order (e.g., with the cover <NUM> material injected first into the mold, followed by the material for the matrix structure <NUM> and/or outer perimeter boundary rim 242O). As yet another example, if desired, the matrix structure <NUM> and cover or support plate <NUM> can be separately formed and then joined together (optionally fixed together using a cement or adhesive, a mechanical fastener, a friction fit, engaging or interlocking parts, etc.).

If desired, the cover <NUM> may be at least partially made from a material that is transparent, translucent, at least partially transparent, or at least partially translucent. In this manner, as shown in <FIG> (and <FIG>), features of the midsole component <NUM> (e.g., bladders 222a-222f) may be visible through the cells <NUM> of the matrix structure <NUM> and through the cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be made from a flexible plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, a poly-ether-block co-polyamide polymer (e.g., of the types available from Atofina Corporation of Puteaux, France under the trademark PEBAX®), etc..

As further shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the matrix structure <NUM> may further define one or more primary traction element or cleat support areas <NUM>. Seven separate cleat support areas <NUM> are shown in the examples of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, with: (a) three primary cleat support areas <NUM> on the lateral side of the ground-engaging component <NUM> (one at or near a lateral or midfoot forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component <NUM> (e.g., at or near a fifth metatarsal head support area), one forward of that one in the lateral forefoot support area (e.g., at or near a fourth and/or fifth toe support area), and one at the rear, lateral heel support area) and (b) four primary cleat support areas <NUM> on the medial side of the ground-engaging component <NUM> (one at or near a first metatarsal head support area, one forward of that one in the medial forefoot support area, one forward of that one at the forward toe support area, and one at the medial heel support area). Primary traction elements, such as spikes <NUM> or other cleats, may be engaged with the ground-engaging component <NUM> at the cleat support areas <NUM> (e.g., with one primary cleat or spike <NUM> mounted per cleat support area <NUM>). The cleats or spikes <NUM> (also called "primary traction elements" herein) may be permanently fixed at their associated cleat support areas <NUM>, such as by molding or in-molding the cleats or spikes <NUM> into the cleat support areas <NUM> when the matrix structure <NUM> is formed (e.g., by molding). In such structures, the cleat or spike <NUM> may include a disk or outer perimeter member that is embedded in the material of the cleat support area <NUM> during the molding process. As another alternative, the cleats or spikes <NUM> may be removably mounted to the ground-engaging component <NUM>, e.g., by a threaded type connector, a turnbuckle type connector, or other removable cleat/spike structures as are known and used in the footwear arts. Hardware or other structures 262B for mounting the removable cleats may be integrally formed in the mount area <NUM> or otherwise engaged in the mount area (e.g., by in-molding, adhesives, or mechanical connectors).

The cleat support areas <NUM> can take on various structures without departing from the claimed invention. In the illustrated example, the cleat support areas <NUM> are defined by and as part of the matrix structure <NUM> as a thicker portion of matrix material located within or partially within the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and/or located within the space <NUM>. Small sized closed cells <NUM> may be provided immediately around the cleat mount areas <NUM>, e.g., to increase strength and/or stiffness at the cleat mount areas <NUM>. As various options, if desired, one or more of the cleat support areas <NUM> may be defined in one or more of the following areas: (a) solely in the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O, (b) partially in the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and partially in the space <NUM>, (c) completely within the space <NUM> (and optionally located at or adjacent the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O), and/or outside of the area covered by cover <NUM>. When multiple cleat support areas <NUM> are present in a single ground-engaging component <NUM>, all of the cleat support areas <NUM> need not have the same size, construction, and/or orientation with respect to the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O, with respect to space <NUM>, and/or with respect to one another (although they all may have the same size, construction, and/or orientation, if desired).

While other constructions are possible, in this illustrated example, the cleat support areas <NUM> are integrally formed as part of the matrix structure <NUM> and/or outer perimeter boundary rim 242O structure. The illustrated example further shows that, at least at the forefoot area, the matrix structure <NUM> defines a plurality of secondary traction elements <NUM> dispersed around the cleat support areas <NUM>. Note also <FIG>, which shows a close up view around one cleat support area <NUM> and primary cleat <NUM>. Any desired number of secondary traction elements <NUM> may be provided immediately around an individual primary cleat <NUM>, such as from three to <NUM> secondary traction elements <NUM>, and in some examples, from <NUM>-<NUM> secondary traction elements <NUM>, from <NUM>-<NUM> secondary traction elements <NUM>, or even from <NUM>-<NUM> secondary traction elements <NUM>. The secondary traction elements <NUM> of this example are raised, sharp points or pyramid type structures made of the matrix <NUM> material that extend outward from a base surface of the cleat support area <NUM>. The free ends or tips of the primary traction elements <NUM> extend beyond the free ends or points of the secondary traction elements <NUM> (in the cleat extension direction and/or when the shoe <NUM> is positioned on a flat surface) and are designed to engage the ground first. If the primary traction elements <NUM> sink a sufficient depth into the contact surface (e.g., a track, the ground, etc.), the secondary traction elements <NUM> then may engage the contact surface and provide additional traction to the wearer.

In at least some examples of the claimed invention, the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and the support structure <NUM> extending into/across the space <NUM> may constitute a unitary, one-piece construction. The one-piece construction can be formed from a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, a poly-ether-block co-polyamide polymer (e.g., of the types available from Atofina Corporation of Puteaux, France under the trademark PEBAX®), a thermosetting polyurethane, a fiber reinforced plastic material (e.g., a carbon fiber material, a glass fiber reinforced material, etc.), etc. As another example, if desired, the ground-engaging component <NUM> may be made as multiple parts (e.g., split at the forward-most toe area, split along the front-to-back direction, and/or split or separated at other areas), wherein each part includes one or more of: at least a portion of the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and at least a portion of the support structure <NUM>. As another option, if desired, rather than a unitary, one-piece construction, one or more of the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and the support structure <NUM> individually may be made of two or more parts.

Accordingly, as illustrated in <FIG>, ground-engaging components <NUM> for articles of footwear <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of the claimed invention will include: (a) an upper-facing surface 248U and (b) a ground-facing surface <NUM> opposite the upper-facing surface 248U, wherein at least the ground-facing surface <NUM> includes a matrix structure <NUM>, and wherein the matrix structure <NUM> includes: (a) a heel region <NUM> including a plurality of open heel support cells <NUM>, (b) a midfoot region <NUM> including a plurality of open midfoot support cells <NUM>, and (c) a forefoot region 252F including a plurality of closed forefoot support cells <NUM>. For purposes of this application, as shown in <FIG>, the "heel region" will be interpreted as extending between planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L located at <NUM> and <NUM>; the "midfoot region" (or "arch region") will be interpreted as extending between planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L located at <NUM> and <NUM>; and the "forefoot region" will be interpreted as extending between planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L located at <NUM> and <NUM>.

Various features of the ground-engaging component <NUM> and/or its matrix structure <NUM> can be selected so as to provide desired levels of support, stiffness, flexibility, etc., at various local areas of the sole structure <NUM>. In this manner, local areas of the ground-engaging component <NUM> can be tailored to provide the desired response for its intended use (e.g., for use in playing cricket, in this illustrated example). For example, the cell <NUM> sizes or areas, the cell wall 252W heights (T, see <FIG>), cell wall thicknesses or widths, and the like, can be tailored, selected, and changed over the overall area of the component <NUM> so as to provide desired levels of stiffness and/or flexibility at all local areas. Desired levels of stiffness and/or flexibility over various local areas of the ground-engaging components <NUM> can be determined, at least in part, e.g., by considering two dimensional foot force and/or foot pressure maps and/or by taking foot force or foot pressure measurements when an athlete is engaged in cricket (or other) activities (or simulations of cricket (or other) activities). The matrix structure <NUM> helps provide a lightweight construction that can be tailored by altering cell dimensions and/or features to provide the desired local properties and response characteristics.

As some more specific examples, in at least some ground-engaging components <NUM> according to the claimed invention, an average area enclosed by side walls 252W of the plurality of open heel support cells <NUM> (cells <NUM> fully contained in the heel region <NUM>) will be greater than an average area enclosed by side walls 252W of the plurality of open midfoot support cells <NUM> (cells <NUM> fully contained in the midfoot region <NUM>), and/or an average area enclosed by side walls 252W of the plurality of closed forefoot support cells <NUM> (cells <NUM> fully contained in the forefoot region 252F) is greater than the average area enclosed by the side walls 252W of the plurality of open midfoot support cells <NUM> (cells <NUM> fully contained in the midfoot region <NUM>). In other words, as shown in the examples of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> (and others), on average, the cells <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> and/or the forefoot region 252F are larger than the cells <NUM> in the midfoot region <NUM>. These averages are determined for cells <NUM> located only completely within a given region (e.g., if a cell <NUM> bridges one of the noted perpendicular planes, its area is not counted toward either average area). In some examples, the average area of the open heel region cells <NUM> and/or the average area of the closed forefoot region cells <NUM> will be at least <NUM> times (or even at least <NUM> times or <NUM> times) the average area of the open midfoot region cells <NUM>.

As another potential property for ground-engaging components <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of the claimed invention, (a) the heel region <NUM> will include a heel region support cell size differential (ΔAH), wherein: <MAT>.

As other potential properties, in at least some ground-engaging components <NUM> according to the claimed invention: (a) the heel region <NUM> includes a tallest sidewall height TH of sidewalls 252W in the plurality of open heel support cells <NUM> located fully in the heel region <NUM>, (b) the midfoot region <NUM> includes a tallest sidewall height TM of sidewalls 252W in the plurality of open midfoot support cells <NUM> located fully in the midfoot region <NUM>, and (c) the forefoot region 252F includes a tallest sidewall height TF of sidewalls 252W in the plurality of closed forefoot support cells <NUM> located fully in the forefoot region 252F. These height dimensions T are measured in the direction extending directly from the upper-facing surface 248U to the ground-facing surface <NUM> through a cell <NUM> (e.g., note <FIG>). In at least some examples of the claimed invention: <MAT> and optionally, <MAT>.

These formulae define that the tallest cell wall 252W in the midfoot region <NUM> is shorter than the tallest cell wall 252W in the heel region <NUM> and/or the tallest cell wall in the forefoot region 252F. If more than one cell wall <NUM> in a given region <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> have the same tallest height dimension, any one of these corresponding same tallest height dimensions may be used in the formulae above.

As noted above, <FIG> illustrate that the ground-engaging component <NUM> includes perimeter rim 242O extending around its outer perimeter. In some examples of the claimed invention, a perimeter edge will be defined as including an area from an outer perimeter 240O to a distance located inward <NUM> inches from the outer perimeter 240O of the ground-engaging component <NUM>. If desired, in accordance with at least some examples of the claimed invention, an average area of the plurality of closed forefoot support cells <NUM> that make up (and are located fully within the perimeter edge (i.e., the area <NUM> inch inward from the outer perimeter 240O) will be at least <NUM>% smaller (and in some examples, at least <NUM>% smaller or even at least <NUM>% smaller) than an average area of the plurality of closed forefoot support cells <NUM> not making up that perimeter edge (i.e., the closed cells <NUM> located completely inside of the perimeter edge).

As mentioned above, the sole structure <NUM> of this illustrated example includes a midsole component <NUM>, which will be described in more detail below. The midsole component <NUM> may take on any desired structure or construction without departing from the claimed invention, including conventional midsole structures and constructions as are known and used in the footwear art.

<FIG>, however, illustrate more detailed features of one example midsole component <NUM> that may be used in footwear structures <NUM> and/or sole structures <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of the claimed invention. More specifically, this example midsole component <NUM> includes at least one of a foam midsole element and at least one fluid-filled bladder. Even more specifically, this example midsole component <NUM> includes a single foam midsole element 222F with which four fluid-filled bladders 222a-222d are engaged. At least some, and optionally a majority or even all of the plantar support surface area <NUM> that includes fluid-filled bladder 222a-222d support may be provided in the forefoot region of the midsole component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the "heel region" <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM> is defined herein as being between perpendicular planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM>, the "midfoot region" <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM> is defined herein as being between perpendicular planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and the "forefoot region" 220F is defined herein as being between perpendicular planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>.

In this specifically illustrated example, the midsole component <NUM> includes: (a) one fluid-filled bladder 222a located at a first metatarsal head support area of the sole structure <NUM> and/or the midsole component <NUM>; (b) one fluid-filled bladder 222b located at a fourth and/or fifth metatarsal head support area of the sole structure <NUM> and/or the midsole component <NUM>; (c) one fluid-filled bladder 222c located forward of bladder 222a (e.g., in a "big toe" support area to provide support during the toe-off phase of a step cycle); and (d) one fluid-filled bladder 222d located forward of bladder 222d (e.g., in the fourth and/or fifth toe support area). As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, bladders 222a and/or 222c are located closer to a medial side edge of foam midsole element 222F and/or midsole component <NUM> than are bladders 222b and/or 222d. Bladders 222b and/or 222d are located closer to a lateral side edge of foam midsole element 222F and/or midsole component <NUM> than are bladders 222a and/or 222c. The "distance" that a bladder is located from a side edge is measured as the shortest distance in the transverse direction from the relevant edge to the bladder, e.g., the distances from the medial side edge are shown by arrows <NUM> in <FIG>.

<FIG> further illustrate that the foam midsole element 222F may be formed to include a recess <NUM> or recesses on its exterior surface(s) onto which the ground-engaging component <NUM> will be mounted (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). The recess(es) <NUM> may be molded directly into the surface(s) of the foam midsole element 222F. The recess(es) <NUM> can help correctly position and/or hold the parts during their assembly. <FIG> further illustrate that the side arch areas <NUM> and <NUM> of the foam midsole element 222F extend somewhat upward from the bottom surface <NUM> of the foam midsole element 222F. These upward extending side arch areas <NUM> and <NUM> provide additional support for the arch, particularly when combined with the complementary structure of the relatively stiff and/or hard ground-engaging component <NUM>, as will be described in more detail below in conjunction with <FIG>.

In this illustrated example midsole structure <NUM>, as evident from <FIG> and <FIG>, the midsole foam element 222F is formed to include openings <NUM> in which the fluid-filled bladders 222a-222d are housed and engaged with the midsole foam element 222F. In this manner, surfaces of the fluid-filled bladders 222a-222d are visible and exposed at both the top and bottom surfaces of the midsole foam element 222F, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The fluid-filled bladders 222a-222d are responsive and provide excellent energy return to the wearer's foot upon compression (e.g., the bladders 222a-222d return quickly to their original configuration and provide return energy to the foot after compression and the compressive force is relaxed). While the example midsole component structure <NUM> of <FIG> shows relatively thin (e.g., less than ½ inch thick, and even less than ¼ inch thick), relatively large (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> inch diagonal dimensions D (from one vertex to its opposite vertex)), and relatively flat, hexagonal fluid-filled bladders 222a-222d, any size, shape, configuration, and/or number of fluid-filled bladders may be used without departing from the claimed invention. Also, while <FIG> show a midsole configuration <NUM> with four substantially identically sized fluid-filled bladders 222a-222f, if desired, a single midsole component <NUM> may have multiple fluid-filled bladders of two or more different sizes without departing from the claimed invention.

The fluid-filled bladder(s), e.g., 222a-222d, when present, may be engaged with the foam midsole component 222F (if any) in any desired manner without departing from the claimed invention. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in this illustrated example, the openings <NUM> into which the bladders 222a-222d are inserted include a side wall 228W extending through the thickness of the foam midsole element 222F. This side wall 228W may be formed to have an inwardly extending, concave surface, and a perimeter rim 222R of a fluid-filled bladder element 222a-222d can extend and fit into this side wall 228W. In this manner, if desired, the bladders 222a-222d can be engaged with the midsole foam element 222F using a friction fit (and the use of adhesives or cements can be avoided for engaging the bladders 222a-222d with the midsole foam element 222F). Alternatively, if desired, adhesives or cements, mechanical connectors, or fusing techniques (e.g., hot melts) may be used to engage the bladders 222a-222d with the midsole foam element 222F.

While fitting the bladders 222a-222d into openings <NUM> defined completely through the foam midsole component 222F may be advantageous for some purposes (e.g., to provide a high level or improved responsiveness and/or energy return), other options are possible. For example, if desired, rather than defining one or more openings <NUM> completely through the midsole foam element 222F, blind holes or recesses could be provided rather than openings, and the bladder(s) may be engaged with the foam midsole component 222F in the blind holes or recesses. In such example structures, the bladder(s) may be exposed at either the top surface or the bottom surface of the foam midsole component (e.g., closest to the wearer's foot or further from the wearer's foot). As another option, one or more bladders could be embedded in the polymeric foam midsole component 222F (and thus not exposed at either surface). As yet another example, one or more bladders could be provided in the sole structure <NUM> at locations separated from (and as part(s) separate from) the midsole foam element 222F (if any). Also, while <FIG> show all four bladders 222a-222d mounted to a foam midsole element 222F in a common manner, different engagement techniques and/or structures and/or combinations of engagement techniques and/or structures, e.g., of the various types described above, may be used in a single midsole component <NUM> and/or sole structure <NUM> without departing from the claimed invention.

In some examples of the claimed invention, the midsole component <NUM> will be relatively thin, e.g., less than <NUM> inch thick, through at least <NUM>% (and optionally at least <NUM>% or even at least <NUM>%) of the plantar surface support area (e.g., the thickness from surface <NUM> to surface <NUM>). This feature helps provide a low profile midsole component <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a sample sole structure <NUM> made by engaging the midsole component <NUM> of <FIG> with the ground-engaging component <NUM> of <FIG>. The parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be engaged together in any desired manner without departing from the claimed invention, including through the use of cements or adhesives, mechanical connectors, etc. As illustrated in <FIG> (and as generally described above), because of the open matrix structure <NUM> and the at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent cover <NUM> provided in the sole structure <NUM>, one or more of the fluid-filled bladders 222a-222d may be visible through the matrix structure <NUM> and through the cover <NUM>. If one or more of the bladders 222a-222d is colored differently from other features of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., different from foam midsole element 222F, cover <NUM>, and/or matrix structure <NUM>), the visible bladder 222a-222d can provide an interesting visual or aesthetic appearance (and help show the technology included in the sole structure <NUM>). The cover <NUM> can help prevent the fluid-filled bladder(s) 222a-222d from being punctured or other damage in use.

<FIG> further illustrates that the ground-engaging component <NUM> includes an upwardly extending side wall <NUM> in the medial midfoot area that extends along and engages the corresponding side wall <NUM> provided in the foam midsole element 222F. This upwardly extending medial side wall area <NUM> helps provide additional support for the arch, particularly when combined with the complementary structure of the corresponding side wall <NUM> provided in the foam midsole element 222F (which helps provide a comfortable feel at the wearer's foot).

<FIG> are provided to help illustrate potential features of the matrix structure <NUM> and the various cells <NUM> described above. <FIG> provides an enlarged top view showing the upper-facing surface 248U at an area around a cell <NUM> defined by the matrix structure <NUM> (the space is shown at <NUM>). <FIG> shows an enlarged bottom view of this same area of the matrix structure <NUM> (showing the ground-facing surface <NUM>). <FIG> shows a side view at one leg <NUM> of the matrix structure <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a cross-sectional and partial perspective view of this same leg <NUM> area. As shown in these figures, the matrix structure <NUM> provides a smooth top (upper-facing) surface 248U but a more angular ground-facing surface <NUM>. More specifically, the matrix structure <NUM> of this illustrated example cell <NUM> defines a generally hexagonal ridge <NUM> around the cell <NUM>, with the corners 504C of the hexagonal ridge <NUM> located at a junction area between three adjacent cells in a generally triangular arrangement (the junction of the cell <NUM> and two adjacent cells 252J, which may be open, partially open, and/or closed cells, in this illustrated example).

As further shown in these figures, along with <FIG> (which shows a sectional view along line 6E-6E of <FIG>), the side walls <NUM> between the upper-facing surface 248U at cell perimeter 244P and the ground-facing surface <NUM>, which ends at ridge <NUM> in this example, are sloped. Thus, the overall matrix structure <NUM>, at least at some locations between the generally hexagonal ridge <NUM> corners 504C, may have a triangular or generally triangular shaped cross section (e.g., see <FIG>). Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, the generally hexagonal ridge <NUM> may be sloped or curved from one corner 504C to the adjacent corners 504C (e.g., with a local maxima point P located between adjacent corners 504C). The side walls <NUM> may have a generally planar surface (e.g., flat), a partially planar surface (e.g., planar along some of its height/thickness dimension Z), a curved surface (e.g., a concave surface as shown in <FIG>), or a partially curved surface (e.g., curved along some of its height dimension Z). As further shown in <FIG>, a cross sectional width dimension W of the ridge <NUM> (the dimension from side wall <NUM> to side wall <NUM>) becomes smaller moving in a direction from the upper-facing surface 248U to the ground-facing surface <NUM>.

The raised corners 504C of the generally hexagonal ridge <NUM> in this illustrated example ground-engaging component <NUM> may be formed as sharp peaks that may act as secondary traction elements at desired locations around the ground-engaging component <NUM>. As evident from these figures and the discussion above, the generally hexagonal ridges <NUM> and side walls <NUM> from three adjacent cells (e.g., <NUM> and two 252J cells) meet at a single (optionally raised) corner 504C and thus may form a substantially pyramid type structure (e.g., a pyramid having three side walls 252F, <NUM> that meet at a point 504C). This substantially pyramid type structure can have a sharp point (e.g., depending on the slopes of walls 252F, <NUM>), which can function as a secondary traction element when it contacts the ground in use. Note, also, the sharp, pointed secondary traction elements 504C shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. This same type of pyramid structure formed by matrix <NUM> also may be used to form the secondary traction elements <NUM> at cleat support areas <NUM>.

Not every cell <NUM> (open, partially open, or closed) in the ground-engaging component <NUM> needs to have this type of sharp, secondary traction element structure (e.g., with raised pointed pyramids at the generally hexagonal ridge <NUM> corners 504C), and in fact, not every generally hexagonal ridge <NUM> corner 504C around a single cell <NUM> needs to have a raised secondary traction element structure. For example, one or more of the ridge components <NUM> of a given cell <NUM> may have a generally straight line structure along the ground-facing surface <NUM> and/or optionally a linear or gently curved structure that moves closer to the upper-facing surface 248U moving from one corner 504C to an adjacent corner 504C. In this manner, sharp/pointed secondary traction elements may be placed at desired locations around the ground-engaging element <NUM> structure and left out (e.g., with smooth or gently sloped corners 504C and/or edges in the z-direction) at other desired locations. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, raised points and/or other secondary traction elements could be provided at other locations on the matrix structure <NUM>, e.g., anywhere along ridge <NUM> or between adjacent cells <NUM>. As some more specific examples, at least some (or even all) of the midfoot region <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>) may have no secondary traction elements and/or less prominent secondary traction elements, while other areas (e.g., the heel region <NUM>, the forefoot region 252F) may include the sharp/pointed secondary traction elements (or more pronounced secondary traction elements) of the types described above.

Notably, in this example construction of <FIG>, the matrix structure <NUM> defines at least some of the cells <NUM> (and 252J) such that the perimeter of the entrance to the cell <NUM> opening around the upper-facing surface 248U (e.g., defined by perimeter 244P of the opening) is smaller than the perimeter of the entrance to the cell <NUM> opening around the ground-facing surface <NUM> (e.g., defined by the generally hexagonal perimeter ridge <NUM>). Stated another way, the area of the entrance to the cell <NUM> opening from the upper-facing surface 248U (e.g., the area within the perimeter 244P of the opening) is smaller than the area of the entrance to the cell <NUM> opening from the ground-facing surface <NUM> (e.g., the area within the generally hexagonal perimeter ridge <NUM>). The generally hexagonal perimeter ridge <NUM> completely defines the lower perimeter in at least some cells <NUM>. These differences in the top and bottom entrance areas and sizes are due to the sloped/curved sides walls <NUM> from the upper-facing surface 248U to the ground-facing surface <NUM> in this example.

Hexagonal ridge <NUM> and/or the secondary traction element structures as described above can be provided in any type of cells (e.g., open cells, partially open cells, closed cells, cells closed by perimeter rim 242O, cells closed by cover <NUM>, etc.). As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in at least some examples of the claimed invention, the matrix structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O in a manner such that the matrix structure <NUM> morphs outward and downward from the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O. This may be accomplished, for example, by molding the matrix structure <NUM> as a unitary, one-piece component with the outer perimeter boundary rim member 242O. Alternatively, the matrix structure <NUM> could be formed as a separate component that is fixed to the outer perimeter boundary rim member 242O, e.g., by cements or adhesives, by mechanical connectors, etc. As another option, the matrix structure <NUM> may be made as a unitary, one-piece component with the outer perimeter boundary rim member 242O by rapid manufacturing techniques, including rapid manufacturing additive fabrication techniques (e.g., 3D printing, laser sintering, etc.) or rapid manufacturing subtractive fabrication techniques (e.g., laser ablation, etc.).

Also, while <FIG> illustrate the cells <NUM> and secondary traction element features in terms of a hexagonal ridge <NUM>, other polygonal shapes may surround a cell <NUM> without departing from the claimed invention, including heptagonal shaped ridges, octagonal shaped ridges, nonagonal shaped ridges, decagonal shaped ridges, quadrilateral ridges, triangular ridges, etc. None, all, or some of the corner areas 504C of such other shaped polygonal structures may include secondary traction elements, if desired.

As described above, <FIG> provides a close up view of a cleat mount area <NUM> as well as another example of secondary traction elements <NUM> at locations around the cleat mount area <NUM> as well as around cells <NUM> of the matrix structure. These secondary traction elements <NUM> are similar to, but shaped somewhat differently, from those described above in conjunction with <FIG>.

<FIG> provide bottom, top, medial side, and partial cross sectional views, respectively, of another example ground-engaging component <NUM> in accordance with some examples of the claimed invention. While this example ground-engaging component <NUM> has numerous features in common with the ground-engaging components <NUM> described above, some noted differences will be highlighted below. When the same reference numbers are used in <FIG> as those used in other figures, those reference numbers are intended to refer to the same or similar parts in structure and/or function as those previously described.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the ground-engaging component <NUM> of this example includes a perimeter rim 242O that extends at least partially around a perimeter of the ground-engaging component <NUM>, and a matrix support structure <NUM> extends downwardly from a bottom side of this perimeter rim 242O and across an open space <NUM> defined by and located inside the perimeter rim 242O. The ground-engaging component <NUM> further includes cleat mount areas <NUM> and/or integrally formed cleats <NUM> extending from a bottom surface thereof. Also, like the examples described above, this example ground-engaging component <NUM> includes a raised medial, midfoot side wall <NUM>, e.g., for providing additional support to the medial midfoot area of the sole structure.

In this example ground-engaging component <NUM> structure, the cover or support plate <NUM> is integrally formed with the matrix <NUM> and outer perimeter boundary rim 242O structures (and, indeed, the entire ground-engaging component <NUM> of this example is a unitary, one piece construction). The cover or support plate <NUM> is located in the forefoot region and is visible and exposed through cells <NUM> in the matrix structure, as shown in <FIG>. In this manner, the cover or support plate <NUM> closes off at least some of the cells <NUM> in the forefoot region of this ground-engaging component <NUM> (and in this illustrated example, a majority of the forefoot region cells <NUM> are closed, and more specifically, more than <NUM>% or even more than <NUM>% of the forefoot region cells <NUM> are closed by cover or support plate <NUM>). <FIG> and <FIG> further show that the forefoot region of this example ground-engaging component <NUM> includes some open cells <NUM>, e.g., in the forward toe and lateral forefoot area (e.g., near the fifth metatarsal head support area).

The cover or support plate <NUM> may be integrally formed with the matrix structure <NUM> and/or the perimeter rim 242O in any desired manner without departing from the claimed invention, including through molding techniques, rapid manufacturing additive fabrication techniques, and the like. Alternatively, it could be made as a separate part and attached to the matrix structure <NUM> and/or the perimeter rim 242O, e.g., by adhesives or cements, by mechanical fasteners, etc..

If desired, the cover or support plate <NUM> may be integrally formed with the matrix structure <NUM> and/or the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O in a manner such that, at least at some areas, a top surface 250t of the matrix structure <NUM> is spaced from a bottom surface 870b of the cover or support plate <NUM>. This may be accomplished, for example as shown in <FIG>, if the cover or support plate <NUM> is integrally formed with the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O, but the bottom surface 870b of the cover or support plate <NUM> and/or the top surface 250t of the matrix structure <NUM> is shaped so that a gap G is formed between the bottom surface 870b of the cover or support plate <NUM> and/or the top surface 250t of the matrix structure <NUM> (at least at some areas). This type of gap G can help provide some additional soft feel upon foot impacts (e.g., as the top cover <NUM> deflects to meet the top 250t of the matrix structure <NUM> and close the gap G) and/or improve energy return (e.g., if the top cover <NUM> is made from a sufficiently resilient material such that it quickly returns to its original shape as impact forces are reduced or removed). Alternatively, this gap G could be omitted and the entire component <NUM> could be made as a continuous, one-piece construction (e.g., with the cell walls 252W morphing downward from the bottom surface 870b of the top cover <NUM>).

In the example ground-engaging component <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, at least some of the cells <NUM> of the matrix structure <NUM> may have curved perimeters with no distinct corners (e.g., as viewed at least from the upper-facing surface 248U shown in <FIG>). The open space <NUM> and/or the matrix structure <NUM> may extend to all areas of the ground-engaging component <NUM> within the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O.

<FIG> and <FIG> further illustrate that this example ground-engaging component <NUM> has a somewhat more pronounced end toe cover <NUM> that helps protect the wearer's toes, helps prevent wear, and/or helps provide durability to the toe end of a midsole component <NUM> (e.g., a foam midsole element 222F) that may be engaged with the ground-engaging element <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a similar toe cover <NUM> member on that example ground-engaging component <NUM>.

While the various example ground-engaging components <NUM>, <NUM> described above feature relatively short rear heel side walls (e.g., configured to contain the bottom of midsole component <NUM>), other options are possible. For example, the heel area of the ground-engaging components <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed to include a taller heel support, wherein the heel support extends from the upper-facing surface 248U in a direction away from the ground-facing surface <NUM> and forms a perimeter heel support wall at least at a rear heel area of the ground-engaging components <NUM>, <NUM>. If desired, the perimeter heel support wall could provide the functions of and/or extend to a size akin to a heel counter structure, such as the heel counter <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. When such a perimeter heel support wall is formed as part of the ground-engaging component <NUM>, <NUM>, this perimeter heel support wall may at least partially contain a sidewall of the midsole member <NUM> in a heel area of the midsole member <NUM> and/or at least partially contain a heel area of the upper <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An article of footwear (<NUM>), comprising:
an upper (<NUM>); and
a sole structure (<NUM>) engaged with the upper (<NUM>), the sole structure (<NUM>) including:
(A) a ground-engaging component (<NUM>, <NUM>) including:
(i) an upper-facing surface (248U); and
(ii) a ground-facing surface (<NUM>) opposite the upper-facing surface (248U), wherein at least the ground-facing surface includes a matrix structure (<NUM>), and wherein the matrix structure includes: (a) a heel region (<NUM>) including a plurality of open heel support cells (<NUM>), (b) a midfoot region (<NUM>) including a plurality of open midfoot support cells (<NUM>), and (c) a forefoot region (252F) including a plurality of closed forefoot support cells (<NUM>); and
(B) a midsole component (<NUM>) located between at least a portion of the upper-facing surface (248U) of the ground-engaging component (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the upper (<NUM>), wherein the midsole component (<NUM>) includes at least one of a foam midsole element (222F) or a fluid-filled bladder (222a-222d),
wherein the matrix structure (<NUM>) includes polygon structures defining and surrounding at least some of the plurality of open cells (<NUM>) and at least some of the plurality of closed forefoot support cells (<NUM>), wherein the polygon structures include polygon structures or shapes having from four to twelve sides, and
wherein the ground-engaging component (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a heel support extending from the upper-facing surface (248U), characterised in that the heel support includes a perimeter heel support wall that at least partially contains a sidewall of the midsole component (<NUM>) in a heel area of the midsole component (<NUM>).