Patent Description:
Many conventional shoes or other articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to a lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to a lower surface or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole, and may provide cushioning or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. The sole may also include additional components, such as plates, embedded with the sole to increase the overall stiffness of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.

The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, the upper extends over the instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be disposed below a lacing system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may further be manipulable by a user to permit entry or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes.

The upper may comprise a wide variety of materials, which may be chosen based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper may also include portions comprising varying materials specific to a particular area of the upper. For example, added stability may be desirable at a front of the upper or adjacent a heel region so as to provide a higher degree of resistance or rigidity. In contrast, other portions of a shoe may include a soft woven textile to provide an area with stretch-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, or moisture-wicking properties. <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose generic articles of footwear.

However, while many currently-available shoes have varying features related to the above-noted properties, many shoes, and the sole structures thereof, may be further optimized to provide targeted support to a user's foot to aid in stability while running, walking, or engaging in strenuous athletic activities. Additionally, many shoes, and their sole structures, may be further optimized to provide targeted support to a user's foot to reduce energy dissipation and thereby increase the efficiency of a user during physical activity, such as running.

Therefore, articles of footwear having features providing such effects across areas of the foot are desired. These and other deficiencies with the prior art are outlined in the following disclosure.

The invention is as defined in attached claims <NUM> to <NUM>. An article of footwear, as described herein, may have various configurations.

In some embodiments, the plate may include a curved portion and a flat portion. In these embodiments, the curved portion may include an anterior curved portion that extends through at least the forefoot region of the article of footwear and a posterior curved portion that extends through the midfoot region of the article of footwear and at least a portion of the heel region of the article of footwear. In further embodiments, the plate may be constructed from carbon fiber. In addition, the anterior curved portion may include a first segment portion and a second segment portion with a split therebetween.

In further embodiments, the sole structure may also include a heel support structure in the heel region of the article of footwear and the heel support structure may be constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane. In some embodiments, the upper midsole cushioning member and the lower cushioning member are each a foam material. For example, in particular embodiments, the foam material is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, and mixtures thereof. In even further embodiments, the foam material is formed during a supercritical foaming process or physical foaming process, which may comprise nitrogen, carbon dioxide, supercritical nitrogen, or supercritical carbon dioxide.

In particular embodiments, the anterior curved portion is angled at an angle between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees relative to a reference plane, the posterior curved portion is angled at an angle between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degress relative to the reference plane, and the flat portion is angled at an angle between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees relative to the reference plane.

The plate may also include a toe portion, an arched portion, and a rear segment. Further, in these embodiments, the toe portion and the arched portion are positioned between the midsole cushioning member and the outsole, and the rear segment is positioned above the midsole cushioning member.

In some embodiments, the midsole cushioning member includes an aperture, and a portion of the plate between the rear segment and the arched portion extends between the aperture of the midsole cushioning member. The sole structure may further include a heel cushioning member and a heel support collar. In further embodiments, the plate may include an anterior curved portion, a medial curved portion, a posterior curved portion, and a flat portion. The anterior curved portion, the medial curved portion, the posterior curved portion, and the flat portion may be each angled relative to a reference plane.

In some embodiments, the upper midsole cushioning member and the lower midsole cushioning member are foam materials formed using a supercritical gas, and the plate comprises carbon fiber.

Other aspects of the articles of footwear described herein, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the articles of footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe having an upper and a sole structure. Although embodiments are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats, for example. Concepts of the shoe may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels.

The term "about," as used herein, refers to variations in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of values ± <NUM>% of the numeric value that the term precedes.

The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear or specific components of the article of footwear, such as an upper or a sole or a sole structure. The upper may comprise a knitted component, a woven textile, a non-woven textile, leather, mesh, suede, or a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarn, the woven textile by weaving of yarn, and the non-woven textile by manufacture of a unitary non-woven web. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by way of warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, or other suitable knitting operations. The knit textile may have a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, or a rib knit structure, for example. Woven textiles include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by way of any of the numerous weave forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weaves, or double cloth weaves, for example. Non-woven textiles include textiles made by air-laid or spun-laid methods, for example. The upper may comprise a variety of materials, such as a first yarn, a second yarn, or a third yarn, which may have varying properties or varying visual characteristics.

<FIG> depict an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear configured as a shoe <NUM> including an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM>. As will be further discussed herein, the upper <NUM> is attached to the sole structure <NUM> and together with the sole structure <NUM> defines an interior cavity <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) into which a foot of a user may be inserted. For reference, the article of footwear <NUM> includes a forefoot region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM> (see <FIG>). The forefoot region <NUM> generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase portions of the foot that includes the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region <NUM> is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region <NUM>, and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase the arch of the foot, along with the bride of a foot. The heel region <NUM> is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region <NUM> and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, or the Achilles tendon.

While only a single shoe <NUM> is depicted, i.e., a shoe that is worn on a left foot of a user, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to a pair of shoes (not shown), which includes a left shoe and a right shoe that may be sized and shaped to receive a left foot and a right foot of a user, respectively. For ease of disclosure, however, a single shoe will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure, but the disclosure below with reference to the article of footwear <NUM> is applicable to both a left shoe and a right shoe. However, in some embodiments there may be differences between a left shoe and a right shoe other than the left/right configuration. Further, in some embodiments, a left shoe may include one or more additional elements that a right shoe does not include, or vice versa.

Still referring to <FIG>, the upper <NUM> is shown disposed above and coupled with the sole structure <NUM>. The upper <NUM> could be formed conventionally from multiple elements, e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, or synthetic leather, which are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> is formed from a knitted structure or knitted components. In various embodiments, a knitted component may incorporate various types of yarn that may provide different properties to an upper. For example, an upper mesh layer may be warp knit, while a mesh backing layer may comprise a circular knit.

In some embodiments, various layers of the upper <NUM> are heat pressed together so as to bond the various layers of the upper <NUM>. For example, layers that comprise the upper <NUM> can be heat pressed together all at once and at a single temperature. The upper <NUM> may be further attached to a strobel board <NUM> (see <FIG>) by strobel stitching (not shown). During manufacturing of the upper <NUM>, locating pins (not shown) may be used to align with various holes (not shown) within the upper <NUM>. In some embodiments, various layers of the upper <NUM> may be waterproof or semi-waterproof, and may include a plurality of layers of mesh or other materials. The materials that comprise the upper <NUM> may include an inner mesh layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, and an outer mesh layer. In some embodiments, a TPU skin may be applied along the other surface of the upper.

With reference to the material, or materials, that comprise the upper <NUM>, the specific properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of a knitted component may at least partially depend upon the materials that form the various filaments and fibers of the yarn. For example, cotton may provide a soft effect, biodegradability, or a natural aesthetic to a knitted material. Elastane and stretch polyester may each provide a knitted component with a desired elasticity and recovery. Rayon may provide a high luster and moisture absorbent material, wool may provide a material with an increased moisture absorbance, nylon may be a durable material that is abrasion-resistant, and polyester may provide a hydrophobic, durable material.

Other aspects of a knitted component may also be varied to affect the properties of the knitted component and provide desired attributes. For example, a yarn forming a knitted component may include monofilament yarn or multifilament yarn, or the yarn may include filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials. In addition, a knitted component may be formed using a particular knitting process to impart an area of a knitted component with particular properties. Accordingly, both the materials forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a variety of properties to particular areas of the upper <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an elasticity of a knit structure may be measured based on comparing a width or length of the knit structure in a first, non-stretched state to a width or length of the knit structure in a second, stretched state after the knit structure has a force applied to the knit structure in a lateral direction.

In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> may include additional structural elements, or additional structural elements may surround or be coupled to the upper <NUM>. For example, a heel cup may be provided at a heel end <NUM> within the heel region <NUM> of the shoe <NUM> to provide added support to a heel of a user. In some instances, other elements, e.g., plastic material, logos, trademarks, etc., may also be applied and fixed to an exterior surface using glue or a thermoforming process. In some embodiments, the properties associated with an upper, e.g., a stitch type, a yarn type, or characteristics associated with different stitch types or yarn types, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, air permeability, or scuff-resistance, may be varied.

Still referring to <FIG>, the article of footwear <NUM> also includes a tightening system <NUM> that includes a lace <NUM> and a plurality of eyelets <NUM>. In this embodiment, the lace <NUM> extends through the plurality of eyelets <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tightening system <NUM> may include elastic bands. The tightening system <NUM> may allow a user to modify dimensions of the upper <NUM>, e.g., to tighten or loosen portions of the upper <NUM>, around a foot as desired by the wearer. The tightening system <NUM> may also include a band (not shown) that runs along a center of the upper <NUM> and includes one or more loops through which the lace <NUM> may be guided. In other embodiments, the tightening system <NUM> may be a hook-and-loop fastening system, such as Velcro®. For example, in some embodiments, the tightening system <NUM> may include one or more hook-and-loop fastening straps. In further embodiments, the tightening system <NUM> may be another laceless fastening system known in the art. In still further embodiments, the tightening system <NUM> may include a different manual lacing system, a rotary closure device, or an automatic lacing system, such as the lacing systems described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG>, the article of footwear <NUM> also defines a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM> being shown in <FIG> and the medial side <NUM> being shown in <FIG>. The lace <NUM> extends from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM>. When a user is wearing the shoes, the lateral side <NUM> corresponds with an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear <NUM> while the medial side <NUM> corresponds with an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear <NUM>. As such, a left shoe and a right shoe have opposing lateral sides and medial sides, such that the medial sides are closest to one another when a user is wearing the shoes, while the lateral sides are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while the shoes are being worn. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> adjoin one another at opposing, distal ends of the article of footwear <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper <NUM> extends along the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>, and across the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM> to house and enclose a foot of a user. When fully assembled, the upper <NUM> also includes an interior surface <NUM> and an exterior surface <NUM>. The interior surface <NUM> faces inward and generally defines the interior cavity <NUM>, and the exterior surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> faces outward and generally defines an outer perimeter or boundary of the upper <NUM>. The interior surface <NUM> and the exterior surface <NUM> may comprise portions of the upper layers disclosed above. The upper <NUM> also includes an opening <NUM> that is at least partially located in the heel region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, that provides access to the interior cavity <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) and through which a foot may be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> may also include an instep area <NUM> that extends from the opening <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> over an area corresponding to an instep of a foot to an area adjacent the forefoot region <NUM>. The instep area <NUM> may comprise an area similar to where a tongue <NUM> of the present embodiment is disposed. In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> does not include the tongue <NUM>, i.e., the upper <NUM> is tongueless.

Referring in particular to <FIG>, the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> adjoin one another along a longitudinal central plane or axis <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. As will be further discussed herein, the longitudinal central plane or axis <NUM> may demarcate a central, intermediate axis between the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. Put differently, the longitudinal plane or axis <NUM> may extend between the heel end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> and a toe end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> and may continuously define a middle of an insole, the sole structure <NUM>, or the upper <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, i.e., the longitudinal plane or axis <NUM> may be a straight axis extending through the heel end <NUM> of the heel region <NUM> to the toe end <NUM> of the forefoot region <NUM>.

The forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, and the lateral side <NUM> are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear <NUM>. To that end, the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, and the lateral side <NUM> generally characterize sections of the article of footwear <NUM>. Certain aspects of the disclosure may refer to portions or elements that are coextensive with one or more of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, or the lateral side <NUM>. Further, both the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM> may be characterized as having portions within the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, or along the medial side <NUM> or the lateral side <NUM>. Therefore, the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM>, or individual portions of the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM>, may include portions thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, or along the medial side <NUM> or the lateral side <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, and the lateral side <NUM> are shown in detail. The forefoot region <NUM> extends from the toe end <NUM> to a widest portion <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The widest portion <NUM> is defined or measured along a first line <NUM> that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis <NUM> that extends from a distal portion of the toe end <NUM> to a distal portion of a heel end <NUM>, which is opposite the toe end <NUM>. The midfoot region <NUM> extends from the widest portion <NUM> to a thinnest portion <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The thinnest portion <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> is defined as the thinnest portion of the article of footwear <NUM> measured along a second line <NUM> that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The heel region <NUM> extends from the thinnest portion <NUM> to the heel end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>.

It should be understood that numerous modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description, and individual components thereof, may be incorporated into numerous articles of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of the article of footwear <NUM> and components thereof, may be described with reference to general areas or portions of the article of footwear <NUM>, with an understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, or the lateral side <NUM> as described herein may vary between articles of footwear.

Still referring to <FIG>, the medial side <NUM> begins at the distal toe end <NUM> and bows outward along the forefoot region <NUM> toward the midfoot region <NUM>. At the first line <NUM>, the medial side <NUM> bows inward, toward the central, longitudinal axis <NUM>. The medial side <NUM> extends from the first line <NUM>, i.e., the widest portion <NUM>, toward the second line <NUM>, i.e., the thinnest portion <NUM>, entering into the midfoot region <NUM> upon crossing the first line <NUM>. After reaching the second line <NUM>, the medial side <NUM> bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>, at which point the medial side <NUM> extends into the heel region <NUM>, i.e., upon crossing the second line <NUM>. The medial side <NUM> then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end <NUM>, and terminates at a point where the medial side <NUM> meets the longitudinal, center axis <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the lateral side <NUM> also begins at the distal toe end <NUM> and bows outward along the forefoot region <NUM> toward the midfoot region <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> reaches the first line <NUM>, at which point the lateral side <NUM> bows inward, toward the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> extends from the first line <NUM>, i.e., the widest portion <NUM>, toward the second line <NUM>, i.e., the thinnest portion <NUM>, entering into the midfoot region <NUM> upon crossing the first line <NUM>. After reaching the second line <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM> bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>, at which point the lateral side <NUM> extends into the heel region <NUM>, i.e., upon crossing the second line <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end <NUM>, and terminates at a point where the lateral side <NUM> meets the longitudinal, center axis <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> includes an outsole or outsole region <NUM>, a midsole or midsole region <NUM>, and an insole or insole region (not shown). In some embodiments, the sole structure <NUM> includes an insole, however, in the depicted embodiments, the insole is a separate element that is inserted into the foot cavity atop of the strobel board <NUM>. The outsole <NUM>, the midsole <NUM>, and the insole, or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, or the heel region <NUM>. Further, the outsole <NUM>, the midsole <NUM>, and the insole, or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side <NUM> or the medial side <NUM>. The outsole <NUM>, the midsole <NUM>, and any other portions of the sole structure <NUM> may be attached to one another via an adhesive (not shown). The upper <NUM> is further attached to the sole structure via adhesive or stitching.

In some instances, the outsole <NUM> may be defined as a portion of the sole structure <NUM> that at least partially contacts an exterior surface, e.g., the ground, when the article of footwear <NUM> is worn. The insole may be defined as a portion of the sole structure <NUM> that at least partially contacts a user's foot when the article of footwear is worn. Finally, the midsole <NUM> may be defined as at least a portion of the sole structure <NUM> that extends from the outsole toward the upper <NUM> or that otherwise extends between and connects the outsole <NUM> with the insole region.

With particular reference to <FIG>, which is an exploded view of the sole structure <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, the sole structure <NUM> may include the outsole <NUM>, a plate <NUM>, a heel cushioning member <NUM>, a heel support collar <NUM>, and a midsole cushioning member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> (see <FIG>), through which a rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be inserted, as will be further discussed herein. Although the outsole <NUM>, the plate <NUM>, the heel cushioning member <NUM>, the heel collar <NUM>, and the midsole cushioning member <NUM> are separate components in the present embodiment, these components or portions thereof may be integral with other components in alternative embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the heel cushioning member <NUM> and the heel support collar <NUM> may be integral or a single piece.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, which is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure <NUM>, the outsole <NUM> may define a bottom end or surface of the sole structure <NUM> across the heel region <NUM>, the midsole region <NUM>, and the forefoot region <NUM>. Further, as previously discussed herein, the outsole <NUM> may be a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure <NUM> and may be opposite from the insole thereof. The outsole <NUM> may be formed from one or more materials to impart durability, wear-resistance, abrasion resistance, or traction to the sole structure <NUM>. In some embodiments, the outsole <NUM> may be formed from rubber, for example.

In this embodiment, the sole structure <NUM> may also include the heel cushioning member <NUM>, which may be positioned adjacent to and on top of the outsole <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> and partially in the midfoot region <NUM>. Put differently, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may be adjacent to the outsole <NUM>, and may extend from the heel end <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, through the heel region <NUM>, and partially through the midfoot region <NUM>. The heel cushioning member <NUM> may also include a cut-out portion <NUM> defined by a lateral prong <NUM> and a medial prong <NUM>. The heel cushioning member <NUM> may be constructed from Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or a similar type of material. For example, in some embodiments, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may be an EVA-Solid-Sponge ("ESS") material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam), polyurethane, polyether, an olefin block copolymer, a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. The heel cushioning member <NUM> may be a single polymeric material or may be a blend of materials, such as an EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and/or an olefin block copolymer.

In embodiments where the heel cushioning member <NUM> is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may comprise micropore foams or particle foams, such as a TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or mixtures thereof, manufactured using a process that is performed within an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container that can process the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO<NUM>, N<NUM>, or mixtures thereof) with a material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof) that is preferably molten. During an exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas to form small pockets within the material and cause the material to expand into a foam, which may be used as the heel cushioning member <NUM>. In further embodiments, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may be formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, a compression molding technique, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may be formed using a process that involves an initial foaming step in which supercritical gas is used to foam a material and then compression molded or die cut to a particular shape. In particular embodiments, however, the heel cushioning member <NUM> is provided to reduce stress or increase the strength of portions, e.g., the heel region <NUM>, of the sole structure <NUM>. As such, in these embodiments, the heel cushioning member <NUM> has a stiffness (e.g., tensile strength or flexural strength) greater than the midsole cushioning member <NUM>.

The heel cushioning member <NUM> may include a density within the range between about <NUM> grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm<NUM>) and about <NUM>/cm<NUM>, or between about <NUM>/cm<NUM> and about <NUM>/cm<NUM>. In further embodiments, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may have a hardness between about ten (<NUM>) Shore A to about fifty (<NUM>) Shore A. In even further embodiments, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may be a bladder encasing a plurality of beads, such as a plurality of spherical or ellipsoidal beads or pellets formed from thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, or a supercritical foam. For example, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may define an interior void (not shown) that receives a pressurized fluid or a plurality of ellipsoidal or spherical beads, such as the hollow space filled with a number of plastic bodies described in <CIT>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heel support collar <NUM> may be adjacent to and positioned on top of the heel cushioning member <NUM>, and adjacent to and positioned below the midsole cushioning member <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the heel support collar <NUM> may have a shape that mimics an outer peripheral wall <NUM> of the heel cushioning member <NUM>. For example, in this particular embodiment, the heel support collar <NUM> mimics the outer peripheral wall <NUM> of the heel cushioning member <NUM> and is generally U-shaped or horseshoe shaped. Further, as best shown in <FIG>, an exterior edge <NUM> of the heel support collar <NUM> may extend rearward a distance beyond a rearward end <NUM> of the heel cushioning member <NUM> and a rearward end <NUM> of the midsole cushioning member <NUM>. The heel support collar <NUM> may be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic olefin, or the like. Further, in particular embodiments, the heel support collar <NUM> may have a hardness between about ten (<NUM>) Shore A to about ninety (<NUM>) Shore A. In some embodiments, the heel support collar <NUM> may have a hardness or stiffness value greater than a hardness or stiffness value of the heel cushioning member <NUM>.

The sole structure <NUM> also typically includes a midsole cushioning member <NUM>, which may be adjacent to and on top of the outsole <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM>, and adjacent to and on top of the heel cushioning member <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The sole structure <NUM> also includes recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) that communicate with, embed, or encapsulate at least a portion of the plate <NUM> and the heel cushioning member <NUM>, as will be further discussed herein. Even further, as will be further discussed herein, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may include an aperture <NUM> through which a portion of the plate <NUM> may extend, such that a portion of the plate <NUM>, e.g., a rear segment <NUM> thereof, is vertically above the midsole cushioning member <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a portion of the plate <NUM>, e.g., an arched segment <NUM> and/or toe segment <NUM> thereof (see <FIG> and <FIG>), is vertically below the midsole cushioning member <NUM> in the midfoot region <NUM> and/or the forefoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> (see <FIG>). The midsole cushioning member <NUM> also includes a recessed portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) in the heel region <NUM> that cooperates with and defines the shape and size of the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may include a top surface <NUM>, which may be the strobel board <NUM>, with a recessed portion <NUM> within the heel region <NUM> that mimics the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The midsole cushioning member <NUM> may further include a bottom surface <NUM> having the recessed portion <NUM> within the forefoot region <NUM> and the midfoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> that mimics the toe segment <NUM> and the arched segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. Further, an aperture <NUM> is proximate to a front end <NUM> of the recessed portion <NUM>, i.e., an end of the recessed portion <NUM> closest to the toe end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, and proximate to a rear end <NUM> of the recessed portion <NUM>, i.e., an end of the recessed portion <NUM> closest to the heel end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a sidewall may partially surround a portion of a perimeter of the midsole cushioning member <NUM> to define a cavity that helps support and retain a foot. For example, in this particular embodiment, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may include the sidewall that forms a rim around the heel region <NUM> and at least a portion of the midfoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, which acts to cradle and support a foot during use of the article of footwear <NUM>.

The midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be constructed from EVA, copolymers thereof, or a similar type of material. For example, in some embodiments, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be an ESS material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam), polyurethane, polyether, an olefin block copolymer, a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. Similar to the heel cushioning member <NUM>, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be a single polymeric material or may be a blend of materials, such as an EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyester block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and/or an olefin block copolymer. Further, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may also be formed from a supercritical foaming process that uses a supercritical gas, e.g., CO<NUM>, N<NUM>, or mixtures thereof, to foam a material, e.g., EVA, TPU, TPE, or mixtures thereof. In such embodiments, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be manufactured using a process that is performed in an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container that can process the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO<NUM>, N<NUM>, or mixtures thereof) with a material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof) that is preferably molten. For example, in an exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid is mixed with a molten material. This mixture is pumped or injected into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas to form small pockets within the material and cause the material to expand into a foam, which may be used as the midsole cushioning member <NUM>. In further embodiments, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, a compression molding technique, die cutting, or any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be formed using a process that involves an initial foaming step, during which supercritical gas is used to foam a material, and a second step, during which the foamed material is compression molded or die cut to a particular shape. For example, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be formed using a process that involves an initial foaming process that uses a supercritical fluid to foam a material, and then a second step that compression molds the foamed material to form the recessed surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on a top surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM>, respectively, of the midsole cushioning member <NUM>.

In particular embodiments, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> is provided to deliver ample cushioning to the sole structure <NUM>. The midsole cushioning member <NUM> may have a density within the range between about <NUM>/cm<NUM> and about <NUM>/cm<NUM>, or between about <NUM>/cm<NUM> and about <NUM>/cm<NUM>. In further embodiments, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may have a hardness between about ten (<NUM>) Shore A to about fifty (<NUM>) Shore A. In even further embodiments, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be a bladder encasing a plurality of beads, such as a plurality of spherical or ellipsoidal beads or pellets formed from thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, or a supercritical foam. For example, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may define an interior void (not shown) that receives a pressurized fluid or a plurality of ellipsoidal or spherical beads, such as the hollow space filled with a number of plastic bodies described in <CIT>.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> may also include the plate <NUM>, or a plurality of plates, positioned therein. In particular embodiments, the plate <NUM> may be adjacent to and positioned between the outsole <NUM> and the midsole cushioning member <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, such that the plate <NUM> is vertically below the midsole cushioning member <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> and/or vertically below the midsole cushioning member <NUM> in the midfoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. Further, as previously noted, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> includes a recessed portion <NUM> into which the plate <NUM> fits or is seated, such that the midsole cushioning member <NUM> at least partially encases the plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> also extends through the aperture <NUM> and, more particularly, the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> extends through the aperture <NUM>. As such, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the rear segment <NUM> is positioned above the midsole cushioning member <NUM>. Further, the recessed portion <NUM> of the midsole cushioning member <NUM> partially encases the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, the recessed portion <NUM> of the midsole cushioning member <NUM> completely surrounds and encases the rear segment <NUM>, such that a top surface of the plate <NUM> is flush with the top surface <NUM> of the midsole cushioning member <NUM> (see <FIG>).

<FIG> depict the footwear plate or plate <NUM> that may be incorporated in the article of footwear <NUM>. <FIG> provides a top perspective view of the plate <NUM>, <FIG> provides a top view of the plate <NUM>, <FIG> provides a bottom view of the plate <NUM>, <FIG> provides a side elevational view of the plate <NUM>, and <FIG> provides another top view of the plate <NUM> with a skeletal structure of a left foot overlaid thereon.

The plate <NUM> may be defined by the rear segment <NUM>, the arched segment <NUM>, and the toe segment <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear segment <NUM> may extend through at least the heel region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> when incorporated therein and may correspond with portions of the plate <NUM> positioned near rear portions of a foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, or the Achilles tendon. The arched segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is proximate and adjoining the rear segment <NUM>, and corresponds with portions of the plate <NUM> positioned near the midfoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase the arch of the foot, along with the bride of a foot. The toe segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is proximate and adjoining the arched segment <NUM>, and corresponds with portions of the plate <NUM> positioned near the forefoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, which encases portions of the foot that includes the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges (i.e., the metatarsophalangeal joints).

As shown in <FIG>, the toe segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may also include a split <NUM> that bifurcates the toe segment <NUM> into a first toe segment portion <NUM> on the lateral side of the plate <NUM> and a second toe segment portion <NUM> on the medial side of plate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the split <NUM> may be defined by an interior wall <NUM> of the first toe segment portion <NUM> and an interior wall <NUM> of the second toe segment portion <NUM>, and may be generally curved or parabolic. The first toe segment portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, may support the fourth and fifth toes or phalanges and the second toe segment portion <NUM> may support the first and second toes or phalanges, as will be further discussed herein. In alternative embodiments, the sizes of the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the second toe segment portion <NUM>, and the split <NUM> may vary. As a result, the first toe segment portion <NUM> and/or the second toe segment portion <NUM> may individually support any one of the toes or phalanges, as will be later discussed herein.

As best shown in <FIG>, the plate <NUM> may also be defined by a first end <NUM>, which is a distal end of the second toe segment portion <NUM>, and a second end <NUM>, which is a distal end of the rear segment <NUM>. In this embodiment, the plate <NUM> may also include a third end <NUM>, which may be a distal end of the first toe segment portion <NUM>. In these embodiments, a length L1 of the plate <NUM> may be defined by the distance between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, and may be equal to or less than the length of the midsole cushioning member <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may also include a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM> that extend between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The distance between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> may also define a width, e.g., a width W1, of the plate <NUM>, which may vary between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the plate <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the medial side <NUM> begins at the first end <NUM> and bows outward along the toe segment <NUM> toward the arched segment <NUM>. Proximate to the arched segment <NUM>, the medial side <NUM> bows inward towards the rear segment <NUM>, at which point the medial side <NUM> extends linearly toward the second end <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> begins at the third end <NUM> and bows outward along the toe segment <NUM> toward the arched segment <NUM>. Proximate to the arched segment <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM> bows inward towards the rear segment <NUM>, at which point the lateral side <NUM> extends linearly toward the second end <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the plate <NUM> may also be defined by a curved portion <NUM> that extends through the forefoot region <NUM> and the midfoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, and a flat region <NUM> that extends through the heel region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. The flat region <NUM> is substantially flat, such that the flat portion <NUM> is approximately within ten degrees or five degrees horizontal to a ground surface, or reference plane <NUM> (see <FIG>), when the plate <NUM> is positioned within the article of footwear <NUM>. The flat region <NUM> may also be at a height H1 relative to the reference plane <NUM>. In some embodiments, the height H1 may range between about <NUM> millimeter and about <NUM> millimeters. In other embodiments, the height H1 may range between about <NUM> millimeters and about <NUM> millimeters, or between about <NUM> millimeters and about <NUM> millimeters.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the curved portion <NUM> may include one or more radii of curvature. For example, in this embodiment, the curved portion <NUM> includes an anterior curved portion <NUM>, a medial curved portion <NUM>, and a posterior curved portion <NUM> each with a radius of curvature. The anterior curved portion <NUM> may extend between the first end <NUM> and a vertex <NUM>, which in this embodiment is the position along the plate <NUM> where the plate <NUM> is tangent to the reference plane <NUM>. The medial curved portion <NUM> may be adjacent to the anterior curved portion <NUM> and may extend between the vertex <NUM> and a transition point <NUM> defined as a location along the plate at which point the angle of the plate <NUM> relative to the reference plane <NUM> changes. For example, in this embodiment, the angle of the curved portion <NUM> relative to the reference plane <NUM> increases at the transition point <NUM>. The posterior curved portion <NUM> is adjacent to the medial curved portion <NUM> and extends from the transition point <NUM> to the flat region <NUM> of the plate <NUM>.

Still referencing <FIG>, the anterior curved portion <NUM>, the medial curved portion <NUM>, and the posterior curved portion <NUM> may each be defined by a length L2, L3, L4 and an angle A1, A2, A3, respectively. The length L2 is measured along the reference plane <NUM> between the vertex <NUM> and the front end <NUM> of the plate <NUM>, the length L3 is measured along the reference plane <NUM> between the vertex <NUM> and the transition point <NUM>, and the length L4 is measured along the reference plane <NUM> between the transition point <NUM> and a front end <NUM> of the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. As further shown in <FIG>, the rear segment <NUM> or flat portion <NUM> may have a length L5, which is measured from the front end <NUM> thereof to the second end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length L2 may be approximately <NUM> percent (<NUM>%), <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the total length L1 of the plate <NUM>; the length L3 may be approximately <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the total length L1 of the plate <NUM>; the length L4 may be approximately <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the total length L1 of the plate <NUM>; and the length L5 of the flat portion <NUM> may be approximately <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the total length L1 of the plate <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the curved portion <NUM> may not include the transition point <NUM> such that the plate <NUM> only includes the anterior portion <NUM> extending from the vertex <NUM> to the front end <NUM> of the plate <NUM> and a posterior portion (not shown) extending from the vertex <NUM> to the front end <NUM> of the rear segment <NUM>. In such embodiments, the length of the posterior portion may be approximately equal to the summation of the length L3 and the length L4.

As previously discussed above, the anterior curved portion <NUM>, the medial curved portion <NUM>, and the posterior curved portion <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may also be defined by the angles A1, A2, A3, respectively. The angle A1 of the anterior curved portion <NUM> may be defined as the angle at which the anterior portion <NUM> extends from the vertex <NUM> towards the front end <NUM>. Or put differently, the angle A1 may be defined as the angle between the reference plane <NUM> and a linear plane <NUM> extending between the vertex <NUM> and the front end <NUM>. The angle A1 may be a value between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees, or between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees, or between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees.

Similarly, the angle A2 of the medial curved portion <NUM> may be defined as the angle at which the medial curved portion <NUM> extends from the vertex <NUM> and toward the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. Or put differently, the angle A2 may be defined as the angle between the reference plane <NUM> and a second linear plane <NUM> extending between the vertex <NUM> and the transition point <NUM>. The angle A2 may be a value between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees, or between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees, or between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees. In some embodiments, the angle A2 of the medial curved portion <NUM> and the angle A1 of the anterior curved portion <NUM> are substantially equal to one another.

The angle A3 of the posterior curved portion <NUM> may be defined as the angle at which the posterior curved portion <NUM> extends toward the rear segment <NUM> and may be defined as the angle between the reference plane <NUM> and a third linear plane <NUM> extending between the transition point <NUM> and a front end <NUM> of the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The angle A3 may be a value between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees, or between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees, or between about <NUM>-degrees and about <NUM>-degrees. In some embodiments, the angle A3 of the posterior curved portion <NUM> is greater than the angles A1, A2 of the medial curved portion <NUM> and the anterior curved portion <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> may be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic olefin, or the like. In particular embodiments, however, the plate <NUM> may be formed from a composite or one or more layers of fibers, such as carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, natural fibers, and polymer fibers, or a combination thereof. In these embodiments, the fibers may be affixed or bonded to a substrate or a thermoplastic material, e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyolefin, or a thermoplastic elastomer, by stitching or an adhesive. In other embodiments, the plate <NUM> may be formed from a unidirectional tape that includes carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, polymer fibers, or the like. In other embodiments, the plate <NUM> may be formed from densified wood or densified wood panels formed from chemically treating natural wood to remove lignin or hemicellulose therefrom, or compressing natural wood.

In some embodiments, the one or more materials of the plate <NUM> may have a stiffness (e.g., a tensile strength) defined by a Young's modulus. For example, in particular embodiments, the one or more materials forming the plate <NUM> may have a Young's modulus of at least about <NUM> gigapascals (GPa), at least about <NUM> GPa, or at least about <NUM> GPa, or at least about <NUM> GPa, or at least about <NUM> GPa. In further embodiments, the one or more materials forming the plate <NUM> may have a Young's modulus between about <NUM> GPa and about <NUM> GPa, or between about <NUM> GPa and about <NUM> GPa, or between about <NUM> GPa and about <NUM> GPa, or between about <NUM> GPa and about <NUM> GPa. In some embodiments, the plate <NUM>, and the stiffness thereof, may be selected and designed for a particular user. For example, a stiffness of the plate <NUM> may be selected based on the particular muscle strength, tendon flexibility, or joint flexibility of a user. In further embodiments, the stiffness of the plate <NUM> may vary, such that a portion of the plate <NUM> is stiffer compared to another portion of the plate <NUM>. For example, in the instance the user pronates, the second toe segment portion <NUM> of the plate <NUM> on a medial side thereof may be stiffer than the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the arched portion <NUM> (or, individually, the medial curved portion <NUM> and/or the posterior curved portion <NUM>), and the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. In other embodiments, where additional support is desired in the arch or midfoot region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, the arched segment <NUM> (or, individually, the medial curved portion <NUM> and/or the posterior curved portion <NUM>) of the plate <NUM> may be stiffer than the toe segment <NUM> and the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. In essence, it is envisioned that the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the second toe segment portion <NUM>, the arched segment <NUM> (or, individually, the medial curved portion <NUM> and/or the posterior curved portion <NUM>), and the rear segment <NUM> may each have an individual stiffness within the aforementioned ranges and an individual stiffness that is greater than or less than the stiffness of the other segments of the plate <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the stiffness of the plate <NUM> may be uniform and constant between the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the second toe segment portion <NUM>, the arched segment <NUM>, and the rear segment <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> may also include a uniform thickness or substantially uniform thickness between about <NUM> millimeters (mm) and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In other embodiments, the plate <NUM> may have a non-uniform thickness or a thickness that varies across the plate <NUM>. For example, similar to a stiffness of the plate <NUM>, a thickness of the first toe segment portion <NUM> may be a different thickness than a thickness of the second toe segment portion <NUM>, the arched segment <NUM> (or, individually, the medial curved portion <NUM> and/or the posterior curved portion <NUM>), and/or the rear segment <NUM>; the second toe segment portion <NUM> may be a different thickness than a thickness of the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the arched segment <NUM>, and/or the rear segment <NUM>; the arched segment <NUM> may be a different thickness than a thickness of the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the second toe segment portion <NUM>, and/or the rear segment <NUM>; or the rear segment <NUM> may have a thickness different than a thickness of the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the second toe segment portion <NUM>, and/or the arched segment <NUM>. In essence, the thickness of the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the second toe segment portion <NUM>, the arched segment <NUM>, or the rear segment <NUM> may be individually selected when the plate <NUM> is formed. In particular embodiments, the thickness of the plate <NUM>, and the regions thereof, may be selected for the particular user and their particular muscle strength, tendon flexibility, or joint flexibility. In these embodiments, the thickness of the plate <NUM>, and the individual thicknesses of the segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> thereof, may range between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the first toe segment portion <NUM> may be positioned proximate to and support a fourth distal phalanx and/or a fourth proximal phalanx <NUM>, and a fifth distal phalanx and/or fifth proximal phalanx <NUM>. As such, the properties of the first toe segment portion <NUM> may be tuned to provide optimal or a desired amount of support, elasticity, or spring force to those particular areas of a user's foot. Further, the second toe segment portion <NUM> may be positioned proximate to and support a first distal phalanx and/or a first proximal phalanx <NUM>, and a second distal phalanx and/or a second proximal phalanx <NUM>. As such, the properties of the first toe segment portion <NUM> may be tuned to provide optimal or a desired amount of support, elasticity, or spring force to those particular areas of a user's foot. The arch segment <NUM> may be positioned proximate to and support a first metatarsal <NUM>, a second metatarsal <NUM>, a third metatarsal <NUM>, a fourth metatarsal <NUM>, and/or a fifth metatarsal <NUM>, as well as the cuboid <NUM>, a navicular <NUM>, and/or cuneiforms <NUM>, such as the lateral cuneiform, middle or intermediate cuneiform, and/or medial cuneiform, of a user's foot. As such, the properties of the arch segment <NUM> may be tuned to provide optimal or a desired amount of support, elasticity, or spring force to those particular areas of a user's foot. Last, the rear segment <NUM> may be proximate to and support the heel or calcaneus <NUM> of a user's foot and, as such, the properties of the rear segment <NUM> may be tuned to provide optimal or a desired amount of support, elasticity, or spring force to those particular areas of a user's foot. For example, if a runner has a forefoot strike, i.e., the runner places the weight of their impact on the toes and ball of the foot (e.g., the distal phalanges and/or proximal phalanges <NUM>-<NUM>), the majority of a user's weight and force may be applied to the first toe segment portion <NUM> and the second toe segment portion <NUM> of the plate <NUM> when running. As such, the first toe segment portion <NUM> and the second toe segment portion <NUM> may be designed to provide the necessary rigidity to support a user's foot when running and thereby reduce energy dissipation. Further, in this embodiment, the arched segment <NUM> and the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may be constructed from a lightweight material because minimal weight or force is applied to these regions and, as such, less support is needed for these particular regions for a runner with a forefoot strike. Alternatively, if a runner has a heel strike or a midfoot strike, the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the second toe segment portion <NUM>, the arched segment <NUM>, and the rear segment <NUM> may be constructed from a rigid material to provide support to a user's foot throughout their stride and during contact with the ground.

In other embodiments, as will be further discussed herein, the size and shape of the plate <NUM> may be altered to provide the desired support and structure to the foot of a wearer. For example, in this particular embodiment, the first toe segment portion <NUM> may have a width W2 (see <FIG>). The width W2 may be defined as the distance between the lateral side <NUM> of the plate <NUM> and the interior walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the split <NUM> on the third distal end <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. Further, the second toe segment portion <NUM> may have width W3 defined as the distance between the medial side <NUM> of the plate <NUM> and the interior wall <NUM> of the split <NUM>. In addition, the split <NUM> may have a width W4 that is defined as the distance between the first toe segment portion <NUM> and the second toe segment portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the width W4 of the split <NUM> may be increased and the respective widths of the first toe segment portion <NUM> and the second toe segment portion <NUM> may be decreased, as will be further discussed herein (see <FIG> and <FIG>, for example).

In some embodiments, the widths W2, W3 individually may be between about <NUM> millimeters (mm) and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or about <NUM>. Further, the width W4 of the split <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> provide a sole structure <NUM>, according to a second embodiment not in accordance with the claimed invention. In this embodiment, the sole structure <NUM> includes an outsole <NUM>, a midsole cushioning member <NUM>, and a plate <NUM>. Further, although <FIG> and <FIG> only depict a sole structure <NUM>, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the sole structure <NUM> may be connected to an upper, such as the upper <NUM>, to form an article of footwear. Therefore, aspects of the upper <NUM> in combination with the sole structure <NUM> is anticipated and the upper <NUM> may be attached to the sole structure <NUM> and together with the sole structure <NUM> may define an interior cavity into which a foot may be inserted.

The configuration of the sole structure <NUM> is substantially similar to the sole structure <NUM> with the exception that the sole structure <NUM> does not include a heel cushioning member <NUM> and the heel support collar <NUM>, but rather an outsole <NUM>, a midsole cushioning member <NUM>, and a plate <NUM> having a first toe segment portion <NUM> and a second toe segment portion <NUM>.

As previously discussed herein, the width W2 of the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the width W3 of the second toe segment portion <NUM>, and the width W4 of the split <NUM> may vary and be dependent on the desired support needed for the sole structure <NUM>. For example, if relatively minor support is needed on the lateral side <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> and relatively minor support is needed on the medial side <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, a width W2 of the first toe segment portion <NUM> and a width W3 of the second toe segment portion <NUM> may be decreased, while the width W4 of the split <NUM> may increase. For example, with particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a width of the first toe segment portion <NUM> is smaller than the width W2 of the first toe segment portion <NUM>, a width of the second toe segment portion <NUM> is smaller than the width W3 of the second toe segment portion <NUM>, and a width of a split <NUM> is larger than the width W4 of the split <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a sole structure <NUM> that includes a midsole cushioning member <NUM>, a plate <NUM>, and an outsole <NUM>, according to a third embodiment not in accordance with the claimed invention. Although <FIG> only depicts the sole structure <NUM>, it should be appreciated that the sole structure <NUM> may be connected to an upper, such as the upper <NUM>, to form an article of footwear. Therefore, aspects of the upper <NUM> in combination with the sole structure <NUM> is anticipated and the upper <NUM> may be attached to the sole structure <NUM> and together with the sole structure <NUM> may define an interior cavity into which a foot of a user may be inserted.

In this embodiment, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be adjacent to and on top of the outsole <NUM> in the forefoot region, the midsole region, and the heel region. The midsole cushioning member <NUM> may also include a recessed portion <NUM> that communicates with the plate <NUM>. In other words, the recessed portion <NUM> of the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may embed, encapsulate, or surround at least a portion of the plate <NUM>. As such, the recessed portion <NUM> of the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may also define the shape and size of the plate <NUM>.

As previously discussed, the sole structure <NUM> may also include the plate <NUM> positioned therein. In particular embodiments, the plate <NUM> may be adjacent to and positioned between the outsole <NUM> and the midsole cushioning member <NUM> in the forefoot region of the article of footwear, such that the plate <NUM> is vertically below the midsole cushioning member <NUM> in the forefoot region and/or vertically below the midsole cushioning member <NUM> in the midfoot region of the article of footwear. Put differently, the plate <NUM> may be positioned between the midsole cushioning member <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> in the forefoot region and/or the midfoot region. Further, in this particular embodiment, a depth of the recessed portion <NUM> in the forefoot region is smaller than a depth of the recessed portion <NUM> in the heel region of the sole structure <NUM>. As a result, the plate <NUM> is positioned within, but extends from, the recessed portion <NUM> in the forefoot region of the sole structure <NUM> when assembled, such that the outsole <NUM> engages or contacts the plate <NUM> in the forefoot region. However, because a depth of the recessed portion <NUM> is greater than a thickness of the plate <NUM> in the heel region, in this embodiment, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> completely surrounds the plate <NUM> and a gap (not shown) is present between the plate <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> when assembled.

In this embodiment, the plate <NUM> may also be defined by a rear segment <NUM>, an arched segment <NUM>, and a toe segment <NUM>. The rear segment <NUM> may extend through at least a portion of the heel region of the sole structure <NUM> when incorporated therein and may correspond with portions of the plate <NUM> positioned near rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, or the Achilles tendon. The arched portion <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is proximate to and adjoins the rear segment <NUM>, and corresponds with portions of the plate <NUM> positioned near the midfoot region of the article of footwear that encase the arch of the foot, along with the bridge of a foot. The toe segment <NUM> of the plate is proximate to and adjoins the arched segment <NUM>, and corresponds with portions of the foot that includes the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges (i.e., the metatarsophalangeal joints).

The toe segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may also include a split <NUM> that bifurcates the toe segment <NUM> into a first toe segment portion <NUM> on the lateral side of the plate and a second toe segment portion <NUM> on the medial side of the plate <NUM>.

Still referencing <FIG>, the arched portion <NUM> may also be curved or bowed, such that when the plate <NUM> is positioned in the sole structure <NUM>, the toe segment <NUM> has a relative position below the arched portion <NUM> and/or the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. Put differently, when assembled, the toe segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is closer to the outsole <NUM> compared to the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>, and the rear segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is closer to the insole or the top surface (not shown) of the midsole cushioning member <NUM> compared to the toe segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. In these embodiments, the arched portion <NUM> bows upwardly toward the rear segment <NUM>, which is relatively flat. In particular embodiments, the rear segment <NUM> is substantially flat, such that the rear segment <NUM> is approximately within ten degrees or five degrees horizontal to a ground surface, or a reference plane, when the plate <NUM> is positioned within the sole structure <NUM>. Unlike the sole structures <NUM>, <NUM>, however, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> does not include an aperture through which a portion of the plate <NUM> extends and, as such, no portion of the plate <NUM> is above the midsole cushioning member <NUM>. Rather, the entire length of the plate <NUM> is below the midsole cushioning member <NUM> and positioned between the midsole cushioning member <NUM> and the outsole <NUM>, in this embodiment.

As discussed above in connection with <FIG>, the toe segments, e.g., the toe segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be modified to alter the support for the sole structures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and, by extension, the support provided to the forefoot region of a user's foot. Similarly, in alternative embodiments, the rear segments, e.g., the rear segments <NUM>, <NUM>, of the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be modified to alter or optimize the support provided to the heel region of the sole structures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the rear segments of the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be modified to increase or decrease the support to the heel region of a user's foot. For example, <FIG> and <FIG> depict additional embodiments of a sole structure <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a sole structure <NUM> (see <FIG>), wherein a rear segment of a plate is modified to provide optimized support to the heel region of an article of footwear.

With reference to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> includes a midsole cushioning member <NUM>, a plate <NUM>, a heel cushioning member <NUM>, and an outsole <NUM>. With regard to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> includes an upper midsole cushioning member <NUM>, a plate <NUM>, a lower midsole cushioning member <NUM>, a heel support collar <NUM>, and an outsole <NUM>. In these embodiments, similar to the prior embodiments, although <FIG> and <FIG> only depict the sole structures <NUM>, <NUM> it should be appreciated that the sole structures <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to an upper, such as the upper <NUM>, to form an article of footwear.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the sole structures <NUM>, <NUM> include plates <NUM>, <NUM> having splits <NUM>, <NUM> that bifurcate the toe segment into first toe segment portions <NUM>, <NUM> on a lateral side of the plates <NUM>, <NUM> and second toe segment portions <NUM>, <NUM> on the medial side of the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as a second split <NUM>, <NUM> that bifurcates the rear segment into first rear segment portions <NUM>, <NUM> on a lateral side of the plates <NUM>, <NUM> and second rear segment portions <NUM>, <NUM> on the medial side of the plates <NUM>, <NUM>. In these embodiments, the second split <NUM>, <NUM> may be defined by an interior wall <NUM>, <NUM>, which may be generally curved or parabolic. In some embodiments, the sizes of the first rear segment portions <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the second rear segment portions <NUM>, <NUM> may support the heel region of the sole structures <NUM>, <NUM>.

Further, similar to the plate <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, the plates <NUM>, <NUM> may include a flat portion, and a curved portion having an anterior curved portion, a medial curved portion, and/or a posterior curved portion. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the plate <NUM> may include a flat portion <NUM> and a curved portion having an anterior curved portion <NUM>, a medial curved portion <NUM>, and a posterior curved portion <NUM>. The lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may also include a supporting surface <NUM> that projects upwardly from a top surface <NUM> of the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the supporting surface <NUM> contacts or engages the lower surfaces of the flat portion <NUM>, the posterior curved portion <NUM> and the medial curved portion <NUM>.

<FIG> provide another sole structure <NUM> that includes a midsole cushioning member <NUM>, a plate <NUM>, and an outsole <NUM>, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In this particular embodiment, the plate <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and medial and lateral arms <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may include an aperture <NUM> through which the base <NUM> may extend through. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the base <NUM> may be folded upon itself and inserted through the aperture <NUM>. Once the base <NUM> is inserted through the aperture <NUM>, the base <NUM> may be positioned within a recess <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a top view of a plate <NUM>, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which may the characterized and defined in a similar manner to the plate <NUM> previously discussed herein. Further, <FIG> depict an article of footwear <NUM>, or a sole structure <NUM> thereof, that includes the plate <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM>, or the sole structure <NUM> thereof, may also include an upper midsole cushioning member <NUM>, a heel support collar <NUM>, the plate <NUM>, a lower midsole cushioning member <NUM>, an outsole <NUM>, and an upper <NUM> according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure. Similar to the embodiments previously discussed herein, the plate <NUM> may be defined by a rear segment <NUM> (see <FIG>), an arch segment <NUM> (see <FIG>), and a toe segment <NUM> (see <FIG>). With continued reference to <FIG>, the rear segment <NUM> may extend through at least the heel region of the article of footwear <NUM> when incorporated therein and may correspond with portions of the plate <NUM> positioned near rear portions of a foot, as previously discussed herein. The arched segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is proximate to and adjoins the rear segment <NUM>, and corresponds with portions of the plate <NUM> positioned near the midfoot region of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase the arch of the foot, along with the bridge of the foot. The toe segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is proximate to and adjoins the arched segment <NUM>, and corresponds with portions of the plate <NUM> positioned near the forefoot region of the article of footwear <NUM>.

Similar to the plate <NUM>, the toe segment <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may also include a split <NUM> that bifurcates the toe segment <NUM> into a first toe segment portion <NUM> on the lateral side of the plate <NUM> and a second toe segment portion <NUM> on the medial side of the plate <NUM>. The first toe segment portion <NUM>, the second toe segment portion <NUM>, and the split <NUM> may have properties similar to the first toe segment portion <NUM>, the second toe segment portion <NUM>, and the split <NUM>. For example, the first toe segment <NUM>, the second toe segment <NUM>, and the split <NUM> may have a width equal to the widths W2, W3, and W4, respectively, as previously discussed herein. As best shown in <FIG>, the plate <NUM> may also be defined by a first end <NUM>, which is a distal end of the second toe segment portion <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, which is a distal end of the rear segment <NUM>, and a third end <NUM>, which may be a distal end of the first toe segment portion <NUM>. A length L6 of the plate <NUM> may be defined by the distance between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, and may be equal to or less than the length of a midsole, such as the upper midsole cushioning body <NUM>, of an article of footwear. The plate <NUM> may also include a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM> that extend between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The distance between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> may also define a width W5 of the plate <NUM>, which may vary between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the plate <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the medial side <NUM> begins at the first end <NUM> and bows outward along the toe segment <NUM> toward the arched segment <NUM>. Proximate to the arched segment <NUM>, the medial side <NUM> bows inward toward the rear segment <NUM>, at which point the medial side <NUM> bows outwardly again. The lateral side <NUM> begins at the third end <NUM> and bows outward along the toe segment <NUM> toward the arched segment <NUM>. Proximate to the arched segment <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM> bows inward toward the rear segment <NUM>, at which point the lateral side <NUM> bows outwardly again.

With reference to <FIG>, the plate <NUM> may also include a curved portion <NUM> that extends through the forefoot region and the midfoot region of the article of footwear <NUM>, and a flat region <NUM> that extends through the heel region of the article of footwear <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. The flat region <NUM> is substantially flat, such that the flat region <NUM> is approximately within ten degrees or five degrees horizontal to a ground surface, when the plate <NUM> is positioned within the article of footwear <NUM>.

Similar to the plate <NUM>, the toe segment portion <NUM> and the curved portion <NUM> may include one or more radii of curvature. For example, in this embodiment, the curved portion <NUM> may be angled similar to the posterior curved portion <NUM> and the toe segment portion <NUM> may be angled similar to the medial curved portion <NUM> and/or the posterior curved portion <NUM>. The toe segment portion <NUM> and the curved portion <NUM> may each be defined by a length, such as a length L7 or L8, respectively, and an angle, such as the angles A1, A2, and/or A3, as previously discussed herein. The rear segment <NUM> may also be defined by a length L9, similar to the length L5.

As previously discussed herein, the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic olefin, or the like. In particular embodiments, however, the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may be formed from a composite or one or more layers of fibers, such as carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers, or a combination thereof. In these embodiments, the fibers may be affixed or bonded to a substrate or a thermoplastic material, e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyolefin, or a thermoplastic elastomer, by stitching or an adhesive. In other embodiments, the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may be formed from a unidirectional tape that includes carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, polymer fibers, or the like.

In some embodiments, the one or more materials of the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may have a stiffness (e.g., a tensile strength) defined by a Young's modulus. For example, in particular embodiments, the one or more materials forming the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may have a Young's modulus of at least about <NUM> gigapascals (GPa), at least about <NUM> GPa, or at least about <NUM> GPa, or at least about <NUM> GPa, or at least about <NUM> GPa. In further embodiments, the one or more materials forming the plate <NUM> may have a Young's modulus between about <NUM> GPa and about <NUM> GPa, or between about <NUM> GPa and about <NUM> GPa, or between about <NUM> GPa and about <NUM> GPa, or between about <NUM> GPa and about <NUM> GPa. In some embodiments, the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the stiffness thereof, may be selected and designed for a particular user. For example, a stiffness of the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may be selected based on the particular muscle strength, tendon flexibility, or joint flexibility of a user. In further embodiments, the stiffness of the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may vary, such that a portion of the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, is stiffer compared to another portion thereof, as previously discussed herein.

The plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may also include a uniform thickness or substantially uniform thickness between about <NUM> millimeters (mm) and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In other embodiments, the plate <NUM>, or the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may have a non-uniform thickness or a thickness that varies across the plate <NUM>, or across the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, as previously discussed herein.

Looking to <FIG>, the plate <NUM> may be adjacent to and positioned between the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM>. The upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> includes a recessed portion into which the plate <NUM> fits or is seated, such that the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> at least partially encases the plate <NUM>. Portions of the lower cushioning member <NUM> also extend into the recessed portion of the upper cushioning member <NUM> (see <FIG>, for example).

The upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be constructed from EVA, TPU, TPE, combinations thereof, or a similar type of material. For example, in some embodiments, the upper cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower cushioning member <NUM> may be an ESS material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam), polyurethane, polyether, an olefin block copolymer, a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. The upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be a single polymeric material or may be a blend of materials, such as an EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyester block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and/or an olefin block copolymer. Further, the upper cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may also be formed from a supercritical foaming process that uses a supercritical gas, e.g., CO<NUM>, N<NUM>, or mixtures thereof, to foam a material, e.g., EVA, TPU, TPE, or mixtures thereof. In such embodiments, the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be manufactured using a process that is performed in an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container that can process the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO<NUM>, N<NUM>, or mixtures thereof) with a material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof) that is preferably molten. For example, in an exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid is mixed with a molten material. This mixture is pumped or injected into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas to form small pockets within the material and cause the material to expand into a foam, which may be used as the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM>. In further embodiments, the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, a compression molding technique, die cutting, or any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be formed using a process that involves an initial foaming step, during which supercritical gas is used to foam a material, and a second step, during which the foamed material is compression molded or die cut to a particular shape. For example, the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be formed using a process that involves an initial foaming process that uses a supercritical fluid to foam a material, and then a second step that compression molds the foamed material to form the recessed surfaces of the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM>.

In even further embodiments, the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be a bladder encasing a plurality of beads, such as a plurality of spherical or ellipsoidal beads or pellets formed from thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, or a supercritical foam. For example, the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM> may define an interior void (not shown) that receives a pressurized fluid or a plurality of ellipsoidal or spherical beads, such as the hollow space filled with a number of plastic bodies described in <CIT>.

Similar to the heel support collar <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, the sole structure <NUM> may also include a heel support collar <NUM>. The heel support collar <NUM> may be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic olefin, or the like. Further, in particular embodiments, the heel support collar <NUM> may have a hardness between about ten (<NUM>) Shore A to about ninety (<NUM>) Shore A. In some embodiments, the heel support collar <NUM> may have a hardness or stiffness value greater than a hardness or stiffness value of the upper midsole cushioning member <NUM> and/or the lower midsole cushioning member <NUM>.

<FIG> depict another sole structure <NUM> for an article of footwear. In this embodiment, the sole structure <NUM> includes an outsole <NUM>, a plate <NUM>, a heel cushioning member <NUM>, a heel support collar <NUM>, and a midsole cushioning member <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the plate <NUM> may include a lower base portion <NUM> with a slope having an angle between about <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees or between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees. In other words, relative to a horizontal plane, the lower base portion <NUM> of the plate <NUM> slopes upwards as it extends toward a heel region of the sole structure <NUM>. The plate may also include an arched, curved, or C-shaped rear portion <NUM> that connects the lower base portion <NUM> to an upwardly extending flange <NUM>. The midsole cushioning member <NUM> may also include an upwardly extending sidewall <NUM> and the upwardly extending flange <NUM> may wrap around the sidewall <NUM> when the sole structure <NUM> is assembled, as shown in <FIG>. Further, once the sole structure <NUM> is assembled, the heel support collar <NUM> may wrap around the flange <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. Therefore, in these embodiments, a portion of the plate <NUM> may be positioned both above and below the midsole cushioning member <NUM> at a particular location along the sole structure <NUM>. For example, near a heel region of the sole structure <NUM>, the base portion <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is positioned below the midsole cushioning member <NUM> and the flange <NUM> of the plate <NUM> is positioned above the midsole cushioning member <NUM>.

As previously discussed herein, the plate <NUM> may be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic olefin, or the like. In essence, the plate <NUM> may be constructed from similar materials and have similar properties as the plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> previously discussed herein.

The midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be constructed from similar materials to the midsole cushioning member <NUM>. For example, the midsole cushioning member may be constructed or composed of EVA, TPU, TPE, combinations thereof, or a similar type of material. Further, as previously described herein, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may also be formed from a supercritical foaming process that uses a supercritical gas, e.g., CO<NUM>, N<NUM>, or mixtures thereof, to foam a material, e.g., EVA, TPU, TPE, or mixtures thereof. In even further embodiments, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may be a bladder encasing a plurality of beads, such as a plurality of spherical or ellipsoidal beads or pellets formed from thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, or a supercritical foam. For example, the midsole cushioning member <NUM> may define an interior void (not shown) that receives a pressurized fluid or a plurality of ellipsoidal or spherical beads, such as the hollow space filled with a number of plastic bodies, as previously described herein.

In this embodiment, the sole structure <NUM> may also include the heel cushioning member <NUM>, which may be positioned adjacent to and on top of the outsole <NUM> in the heel region and partially in the midfoot region. Put differently, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may be adjacent to the outsole <NUM>, and may extend from the heel end of the sole structure <NUM>, through the heel region, and partially through the midfoot region. The heel cushioning member <NUM> may be constructed from Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or a similar type of material. For example, in some embodiments, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may be an EVA-Solid-Sponge ("ESS") material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam), polyurethane, polyether, an olefin block copolymer, a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. The heel cushioning member <NUM> may be a single polymeric material or may be a blend of materials, such as an EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and/or an olefin block copolymer. In even further embodiments, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may be a bladder encasing a plurality of beads, such as a plurality of spherical or ellipsoidal beads or pellets formed from thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, or a supercritical foam. For example, the heel cushioning member <NUM> may define an interior void (not shown) that receives a pressurized fluid or a plurality of ellipsoidal or spherical beads, as previously described herein.

Similar to the heel support collar <NUM>, the sole structure <NUM> may also include a heel support collar <NUM> positioned above the midsole cushioning member <NUM>. The heel support collar <NUM> may be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic olefin, or the like.

Claim 1:
An article of footwear (<NUM>), comprising:
an upper (<NUM>); and
a sole structure (<NUM>) coupled with the upper (<NUM>), the sole structure (<NUM>) defining a forefoot region (<NUM>), a midfoot region (<NUM>), and a heel region (<NUM>), the sole structure (<NUM>) comprising:
an upper midsole cushioning member (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a lower midsole cushioning member (<NUM>, <NUM>);
an outsole (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) coupled with a bottom surface of the lower midsole cushioning member (<NUM>,<NUM>); and
a plate (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) positioned between the upper midsole cushioning member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the lower midsole cushioning member (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the upper midsole cushioning member (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a recess in the heel region, wherein the plate (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) fits into the recess, such that the upper midsole cushioning member (<NUM>, <NUM>) partially encases the plate (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and wherein a portion of the lower midsole cushioning member (<NUM>, <NUM>) extends into the recess.