Patent Description:
Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure is configured to be located under a wearer's foot to space the foot away from the ground. One method of manufacturing an article of footwear involves the use of a lasting process. The upper is tightened around the last, thereby imparting the general shape of the foot to the void within the upper.

<CIT> describes that a method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A lasting element is secured to the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge. The lasting element includes a barrier and a tensile member located within the barrier, the tensile member being secured to opposite sides of the barrier. In addition, a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to at least one of the upper and the lasting element.

Some footwear includes a strobel secured to a lower perimeter of the upper. Traditionally, a strobel is a relatively inelastic textile material. A strobel disclosed herein includes a polymeric bladder with a sealed, fluid-filled chamber, and may provide greater comfort, resiliency, and energy return than a strobel of a traditional material and configuration. A strobel configured as a polymeric bladder may be a polymeric material that may feel somewhat slippery and/or may be less flexible than traditional strobel material, making it more difficult to grip during manufacturing processes. Accordingly, it may be difficult to accurately stitch the strobel to the upper in a sufficiently short period of time that may be desired during mass production.

The article of footwear as disclosed and as configured herein solves these problems while providing the benefits of a strobel with a fluid-filled bladder. According to the claimed invention, an article of footwear comprises a strobel that includes a polymeric bladder defining an interior cavity and configured to retain a fluid in the interior cavity. The polymeric bladder has a peripheral flange extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the interior cavity. The strobel also includes a tensile component disposed in the interior cavity and secured to opposing inner surfaces of the polymeric bladder. The peripheral flange defines a groove extending along the peripheral flange. A lasting component is configured to extend along the peripheral flange around the at least a portion of the perimeter of the interior cavity. The lasting component is secured to the peripheral flange. The groove may serve as a guide path for an operator or for a machine, including a robotic machine, to follow when stitching or otherwise securing the lasting component to the polymeric bladder.

According to the claimed invention, the lasting component has an aperture, and the polymeric bladder extends partially through the aperture. The peripheral flange abuts the lasting component around the aperture. The lasting component has a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot region between the forefoot region and the heel region, and the aperture and the polymeric bladder extend only in one of the forefoot region and the heel region or only in two contiguous ones of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region.

In one or more embodiments, the lasting component may extend across the polymeric bladder between a medial side of the polymeric bladder and a lateral side of the polymeric bladder. For example, the lasting component may overlay the polymeric bladder from the lateral side to the medial side.

In one or more embodiments, the peripheral flange may have a first weld and a second weld spaced apart from the first weld. The first weld and the second weld may extend lengthwise along the peripheral flange. The groove may extend lengthwise along the peripheral flange between the first weld and the second weld. The first weld may be inward of the groove. The second weld may be outward of the groove.

In some embodiments, the groove is on a foot-facing side of the polymeric bladder, in other embodiments the groove is on a ground-facing side of the polymeric bladder, and in still other embodiments, both the foot-facing side and the ground-facing side have such a groove. This helps enable use of the polymeric bladder for an article of footwear configured for a right foot, and also, alternatively, for an article of footwear configured for a left foot. Stated differently, the polymeric bladder may be secured to a lasting component for a right foot article of footwear or may be flipped over for securement to a lasting component for a left foot article of footwear. In either case, one of the two grooves will be in the same position relative to the lasting component in both instances to serve as a guide for stitching.

By way of non-limiting example, the peripheral flange may include a first ridge protruding at an outer surface of the peripheral flange between the first weld and the groove, and a second ridge protruding at the outer surface of the peripheral flange between the second weld and the groove. The ridges may be due to material of the polymeric bladder displaced by the first and second welds. The ridges help to define the sides of the groove.

Additionally, the strobel may be configured with a locating feature, such as at least one of a notch in or a protrusion at an outer edge of the peripheral flange or an outer edge of the lasting component, an aperture in the polymeric bladder, a weld pattern of the polymeric bladder, or a marking on the polymeric bladder such as a printed marking. The locating feature may be used for accurate alignment with an upper and/or a footwear last, as described herein.

In one or more embodiments, the polymeric bladder of the strobel may include a first polymeric sheet and a second polymeric sheet. The first polymeric sheet may be bonded to the second polymeric sheet at the peripheral flange. The tensile component may include a first tensile layer, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of tethers spanning the interior cavity from the first tensile layer to the second tensile layer and connecting the first tensile layer to the second tensile layer. The first polymeric sheet may be joined to the first tensile layer at a plurality of inwardly-protruding bonds that protrude inward from the first polymeric sheet only partially across the plurality of tethers toward the second polymeric sheet, and the polymeric bladder is narrowed at the inwardly-protruding bonds. For example, the bonds may be formed by a welding process, such as radio frequency or ultrasonic welding using tooling that results in welds by thermal bonding of the polymeric bladder. Other embodiments may not include any of the inwardly-protruding bonds.

In one or more embodiments, each of the inwardly-protruding bonds extends generally straight along an outer surface of the first polymeric sheet, and the inwardly-protruding bonds are arranged parallel or orthogonal relative to one another at the outer surface of the first polymeric sheet. This arrangement of the inwardly-protruding bonds may encourage flexibility of the strobel at the inwardly-protruding bonds.

In one or more embodiments, the lasting component may be one of a woven or non-woven textile, an elastomer or foam backed with a textile layer.

According to the claimed invention, the article of footwear further comprises an upper.

According to the claimed invention, the polymeric bladder and the lasting component are each disposed in at least one different one of a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear.

According to the claimed invention, the lasting component is secured to the peripheral flange at the groove by a first series of stitches extending through the lasting component and through the peripheral flange in the groove.

According to the claimed invention, the lasting component is secured to the upper at a second series of stitches that extends through the lasting component and the upper. The second series of stitches may extend only through the upper and the lasting component. Alternatively, the second series of stitches may further extend through the peripheral flange in the groove.

In one or more embodiments, a midsole is secured to at least one of the upper, the lasting component, or the polymeric bladder. For example, after a last is placed in the upper that is stitched to the strobel, a midsole can be secured to at least one of the upper or the polymeric bladder, such as to a lower perimeter of the upper and a distal surface of the polymeric bladder. In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include a protective cover layer overlying a proximal surface of the polymeric bladder and secured to the polymeric bladder at the peripheral flange. The protective cover layer may protect the polymeric bladder from shear forces and/or from sharp objects.

A method of manufacturing footwear, which does not form part of the present claimed invention, comprises forming a strobel by securing a lasting component to a peripheral flange of a polymeric bladder. The polymeric bladder defines an interior cavity and is configured to retain a fluid in the interior cavity. The peripheral flange extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the interior cavity. A tensile component may be disposed in the interior cavity and may be secured to opposing inner surfaces of the polymeric bladder. The polymeric bladder may have a groove that extends along the peripheral flange. The lasting component may be configured to extend along the peripheral flange around the at least a portion of the perimeter of the interior cavity.

In one or more embodiments, securing the lasting component to the peripheral flange at the groove is by stitching the lasting component to the peripheral flange by a series of stitches extending through the lasting component and through the peripheral flange in the groove.

In one or more embodiments, the method includes, prior to securing the lasting component to the peripheral flange, placing the polymeric bladder at an aperture in the lasting component so that the polymeric bladder extends partially through the aperture and the peripheral flange abuts the lasting component around the aperture. The method may also include, prior to placing the polymeric bladder at the aperture in the lasting component, cutting the aperture in the lasting component.

In one or more embodiments, the method may include forming the polymeric bladder with the tensile component in the interior cavity by: placing the tensile component on a first polymeric sheet, placing a second polymeric sheet on the tensile component, and welding the first and second polymeric sheets to one another to define the peripheral flange and the groove. In a non-limiting example, welding the first and second polymeric sheets to one another may include welding a first weld and a second weld spaced apart from one another and extending lengthwise along the peripheral flange, with the groove extending lengthwise along the peripheral flange between the first weld and the second weld.

In one or more embodiments, the method may include aligning a locating feature of the polymeric bladder with a locating feature of the lasting component prior to securing the lasting component to the peripheral flange of the polymeric bladder. The locating feature of the polymeric bladder may be at least one of a notch in or a protrusion at an outer edge of the peripheral flange, an aperture in the polymeric bladder, a weld pattern of the polymeric bladder such as a pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds, or a marking on the polymeric bladder, such as a printed alignment pattern.

In one or more embodiments, securing the lasting component to the peripheral flange of the polymeric bladder occurs with the polymeric bladder in an uninflated state.

In one or more embodiments, the method may comprise securing the lasting component to an upper. The lasting component and the polymeric bladder together form the strobel that extends from a lateral side to a medial side of the upper.

In one or more embodiments, securing the lasting component to the upper is by stitching a perimeter of the lasting component to the upper with a series of stitches extending through the lasting component and the upper. In a non-limiting example, the series of stitches further extends through the peripheral flange in the groove.

In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises securing the lasting component to the peripheral flange by a separate series of stitches prior to securing the lasting component to the upper.

In one or more embodiments, the polymeric bladder is in an uninflated state when the lasting component is stitched to the upper, and the method further comprises inflating the polymeric bladder after the lasting component is stitched to the upper, and sealing the interior cavity after inflating the interior cavity. In other embodiments, the strobel may be inflated prior to stitching the strobel to the upper and/or prior to placing the upper with the strobel stitched thereto on the last.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further include, after sealing the interior cavity, inserting a last into the upper.

In one or more embodiments, the method may also include aligning a locating feature on at least one of the lasting component or the polymeric bladder with a locating feature on the last.

In one or more embodiments, the method may include securing a midsole to at least one of the upper, the lasting component, or the polymeric bladder while the upper, the lasting component, and polymeric bladder are on the last. In a non-limiting example, securing the midsole to at least one of the upper, the lasting component, or the polymeric bladder is by one or more of stitching, thermal bonding, or adhesive bonding.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the views, <FIG> show a polymeric bladder <NUM> included in a strobel <NUM> shown in <FIG> for an article of footwear <NUM> that includes an upper <NUM>, shown, for example, in <FIG>. The strobel <NUM> comprises a polymeric bladder <NUM> and a lasting component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The polymeric bladder <NUM> defines an interior cavity <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and is configured to retain a fluid in the interior cavity. The polymeric bladder <NUM> has a peripheral flange <NUM> extending around at least a portion of a perimeter <NUM> of the interior cavity <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the peripheral flange <NUM> extends around the entire perimeter <NUM> (e.g., outwardly surrounding the interior cavity <NUM>) generally in an X-Y plane of the polymeric bladder <NUM>, where the Z plane is the height of the polymeric bladder <NUM> from a proximal surface <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM> to a distal surface <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The peripheral flange <NUM> extends around the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM>, shown in <FIG>.

The peripheral flange <NUM> defines a groove <NUM> extending along the peripheral flange <NUM>. As further discussed herein, the groove <NUM> serves as a guide path for an operator or for a machine, including a robotic machine, to follow when stitching or otherwise securing the polymeric bladder <NUM> to the lasting component <NUM>. In some of the embodiments shown and described herein, the strobel <NUM> is secured to the upper <NUM> by stitching that extends through the peripheral flange <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). When the strobel <NUM> is secured to the upper <NUM>, the strobel <NUM> and the upper <NUM> together define a foot-receiving cavity <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Dynamic compressive loading of the sole structure <NUM> by a foot in the foot-receiving cavity <NUM> as represented by forces FC may cause tension in the strobel <NUM> around the peripheral flange <NUM> in an outward direction as represented by outward forces FO in <FIG>, creating a trampoline like effect as the tension is subsequently relieved and the tethers <NUM> described herein return to their tensioned state.

The polymeric bladder <NUM> includes a first polymeric sheet <NUM> and a second polymeric sheet <NUM>. The first polymeric sheet <NUM> is secured to the second polymeric sheet <NUM> at the peripheral flange <NUM> to enclose the interior cavity <NUM>. Stated differently, when the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> are secured together at the peripheral flange <NUM> and the polymeric bladder <NUM> is sealed, the first polymeric sheet <NUM> and the second polymeric sheet <NUM> retain a fluid in the interior cavity <NUM>. As used herein, a "fluid" filling the interior cavity <NUM> may be a gas, such as air, nitrogen, another gas, or a combination thereof.

The first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> can be a variety of polymeric materials that can resiliently retain a fluid such as nitrogen, air, or another gas. Examples of polymeric materials for the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> include thermoplastic urethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. Moreover, the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> can each be formed of layers of different materials including polymeric materials. In one embodiment, each of the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> is formed from thin films having one or more thermoplastic polyurethane layers with one or more barrier layers of a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol (EVOH) that is impermeable to the pressurized fluid contained therein such as a flexible microlayer membrane that includes alternating layers of a gas barrier material and an elastomeric material, as disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>. Alternatively, the layers may include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and a regrind material of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane. Additional suitable materials for the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>. Further suitable materials for the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> include thermoplastic films containing a crystalline material, as disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>, and polyurethane including a polyester polyol, as disclosed in <CIT>,<CIT>, and <CIT>. In selecting materials for the strobel <NUM>, engineering properties such as tensile strength, stretch properties, fatigue characteristics, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent can be considered. For example, the thicknesses of the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> used to form the strobel <NUM> can be selected to provide these characteristics.

With reference to <FIG>, the peripheral flange <NUM> has a first weld W1 and a second weld W2 spaced apart from the first weld W1. The first weld W1 and the second weld W2 cause the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> to bond to one another at an interface <NUM> at the welds W1, W2. The welds W1 and W2 may be formed by using a tooling assembly (also referred to as a mold assembly) similar to that of <FIG> that includes a first and a second mold portion 34A, 34B and a mold insert 34C, as shown and described in <FIG>. The mold portions 34A, 34B are closed together on the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, with the tensile component <NUM> between the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. The polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> and tensile component <NUM> are then welded by radio frequency welding (also referred to as high frequency or dielectric welding) or are secured by another manner of thermal or adhesive bonding, as a power source <NUM> supplies energy creating an alternating electric field that heats the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> where the mold portions 34A, 34B or mold insert 34C are applied to the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. In the mold assembly of <FIG>, the welds W1, W2 are on the same side of the bladder <NUM> as are the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>. In the bladder <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the welds W1, W2 are on an opposite side of the bladder <NUM> from the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>. This may be accomplished by securing the mold insert 34C to the mold portions 34A, for example. In an embodiment with welds W1, W2 on both sides of the peripheral flange <NUM>, both mold portions 34A, 34B would include ridges <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first weld W1 and the second weld W2 extend lengthwise along the peripheral flange <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the first weld W1 and the second weld W2 extend along the entire peripheral flange <NUM> and in some embodiments completely surround (i.e., encircle) the interior cavity <NUM>. The groove <NUM> extends lengthwise along the peripheral flange <NUM> between the first weld W1 and the second weld W2. The first weld W1 is inward of the groove <NUM>. The second weld W2 is outward of the groove <NUM>. Stated differently, the first weld W1 is inward of the groove <NUM> and the second weld W2 is outward of the groove <NUM> where inward is toward the center of the polymeric bladder <NUM> and outward is away from the center of the polymeric bladder <NUM>.

Heating and pressure of the tooling assembly at the welds W1 and W2 may displace some of the material of the second polymeric sheet <NUM> so that the peripheral flange <NUM> may include a first ridge <NUM> protruding at an outer surface, e.g., the distal surface <NUM> of the peripheral flange <NUM> between the first weld W1 and the groove <NUM>, and a second ridge <NUM> protruding at the distal surface <NUM> of the peripheral flange <NUM> between the second weld W2 and the groove <NUM>. The ridges <NUM>, <NUM> help to define the sides of the groove <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the groove <NUM> is in the distal surface <NUM>, which is the ground-facing side of the polymeric bladder <NUM> when the strobel <NUM> is secured to the upper <NUM>. In other embodiments, the groove <NUM> may be on the proximal side (proximal surface <NUM>), which is the foot-facing side of the polymeric bladder <NUM> when the strobel <NUM> is secured to the upper <NUM>. Because the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may be transparent, the groove <NUM> would be visible through the peripheral flange <NUM> at the distal side in embodiments in which a groove <NUM> is provided only on the proximal side. In still other embodiments, both the distal surface <NUM> and the proximal surface <NUM> have such a groove <NUM>, as shown on the flange <NUM> in <FIG>. Providing both sides of the peripheral flange <NUM> with a groove <NUM> helps enable use of the polymeric bladder <NUM> for an article of footwear configured for a right foot, and also, alternatively, for an article of footwear configured for a left foot. Stated differently, a strobel may be secured to an upper for a right foot article of footwear or may be flipped over for securement to an upper for a left foot article of footwear. In either case, one of the two grooves <NUM> will be in the same position relative to the upper in both instances (e.g., disposed outward (away from the upper)) to serve as a guide for stitching. In embodiments having a groove <NUM> on only one of the sides of the peripheral flange <NUM>, because the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may be transparent, the groove <NUM> would be visible at the distal side even in embodiments in which a groove <NUM> is provided only on the proximal side and vice versa.

As best shown in <FIG>, a tensile component <NUM> is disposed in the interior cavity <NUM>. The tensile component <NUM> is secured to opposing inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM>. The tensile component <NUM> includes a first tensile layer <NUM>, a second tensile layer <NUM>, and a plurality of tethers <NUM> spanning the interior cavity <NUM> from the first tensile layer <NUM> to the second tensile layer <NUM>. The tethers <NUM> connect the first tensile layer <NUM> to the second tensile layer <NUM>. Only some of the tethers <NUM> are indicated with reference numbers in <FIG>. The tethers <NUM> may also be referred to as fabric tensile members or threads and may be in the form of drop threads that connect the first tensile layer <NUM> and the second tensile layer <NUM>. The tensile component <NUM> may be formed as a unitary, one-piece textile element having a spacer-knit textile.

The first tensile layer <NUM> is bonded to the inner surface <NUM> of the first polymeric sheet <NUM>, and the second tensile layer <NUM> is bonded to the inner surface <NUM> of the second polymeric sheet <NUM>. More specifically, a first surface bond <NUM> joins the inner surface <NUM> of the first polymeric sheet <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the first tensile layer <NUM>. A second surface bond <NUM> joins the inner surface <NUM> of the second polymeric sheet <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the second tensile layer <NUM>, opposite the first tensile layer <NUM>. Entire interfacing portions of the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and of the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are bonded to one another.

The tethers <NUM> restrain separation of the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> to the maximum separated positions shown in <FIG>, which depicts the polymeric bladder <NUM> with the interior cavity <NUM> inflated and sealed under a given inflation pressure of gas in the interior cavity <NUM>, so that the polymeric bladder <NUM> is in an inflated state. It should be appreciated, however, that, in some embodiments of a method of manufacturing <NUM> the strobel <NUM> described herein, the strobel <NUM> is not inflated and sealed until after it is secured to the upper <NUM>. In other embodiments of the method <NUM>, the strobel <NUM> may be inflated and sealed before it is secured to the upper <NUM>. The outward force on the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> due to the pressurized gas in the interior cavity <NUM> places the tethers <NUM> in tension, and the tethers <NUM> prevent the tensile layers <NUM>, <NUM> and polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> from further outward movement away from one another. However, the tethers <NUM> do not present resistance to compression when under a compressive load. When pressure is exerted on the polymeric bladder <NUM> such as due to compressive forces FC of a dynamic load of a wearer when the footwear <NUM> impacts the ground during running or other movements, as shown in <FIG>, the polymeric bladder <NUM> is compressed, and the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> move closer together as the tethers <NUM> collapse (e.g., go slack) in proportion to the load on the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> adjacent the particular tethers <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, prior to bonding the tensile component <NUM> to the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, the tethers <NUM> of the tensile component <NUM> may all be initial lengths, and in some embodiments all substantially the same length, and the first and second tensile layers <NUM>, <NUM> connected by the tethers <NUM> may have generally flat outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, directly above the tethers <NUM>. In <FIG>, the tethers <NUM> are represented in a slackened state as the tensile component <NUM> is not within a sealed interior cavity and is not subjected to tension as it is when the polymeric bladder <NUM> of the strobel <NUM> is in an inflated state and not under a dynamic compressive load.

Under the method <NUM> provided herein, although the tethers <NUM> are originally of the same length and the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second tensile layers <NUM>, <NUM> and the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, are originally generally flat directly above the tethers (e.g., not contoured) prior to forming the strobel <NUM>, in some embodiments, the method <NUM> of manufacturing produces an inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> that joins the first polymeric sheet <NUM> to the first tensile layer <NUM> and protrudes inward from the first polymeric sheet <NUM> toward the second polymeric sheet <NUM> directly into a region of the interior cavity <NUM> occupied by some of the tethers <NUM>. In fact, there are multiple inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Each inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> protrudes farther toward the second polymeric sheet <NUM> than the first surface bond <NUM>. The plurality of inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> protrude inward from the first polymeric sheet <NUM> only partially across the plurality of tethers <NUM> toward the second polymeric sheet <NUM>, and the polymeric bladder <NUM> is narrowed at the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>. For example, the bonds may be formed by a welding process, such as radio frequency or ultrasonic welding using tooling that results in thermal bonds in the polymeric bladder <NUM>. Each inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> results from a respective protrusion <NUM> of a mold component such as mold insert 34C of <FIG> and <FIG>. The protrusions <NUM> contact the first polymeric sheet <NUM> during the method <NUM> of manufacturing disclosed herein. <FIG> shows a representative mold insert 34C having the protrusions <NUM> in a first pattern that result in the bond pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> at the proximal surface <NUM> of the polymeric bladder shown in <FIG>, although the mold insert 34C is shown secured to the mold portion 34B for an embodiment in which the welds W1, W2 are on the same side of the bladder <NUM> as the inwardly-protruding bonds. The mold insert 34C may also be referred to as a shim.

The inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> result in depressed grooves <NUM> at the proximal surface <NUM> of the first polymeric sheet <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> are only at the first polymeric sheet <NUM>. In other embodiments, mold inserts such as mold insert 34C may be placed adjacent both the first polymeric sheet <NUM> and the second polymeric sheet <NUM> to also provide inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> at the second polymeric sheet <NUM> as an alternative to or in addition to the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> at the first polymeric sheet <NUM>. In still other embodiments, such as the bladder 16AA shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, no inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> are formed at either of the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> partially traverses the plurality of tethers <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Stated differently, the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> are directly outward of different ones of the tethers <NUM> and protrude inward on those tethers <NUM>. The tethers <NUM> may be arranged in rows, with each row extending transversely between the tensile layers <NUM>, <NUM>, or in any other pattern in which the tethers <NUM> extend between the tensile layers <NUM>, <NUM>. Various different ones of the tethers <NUM> are aligned with the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>. An inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> may traverse different rows of the tethers <NUM> such that different tethers <NUM> from different rows are aligned with (e.g., under or over) an inwardly-protruding bond <NUM>, or an inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> may be directly aligned with a single row. Some of the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> could be between rows of tethers.

Because the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> at least partially traverse the plurality of tethers <NUM>, in one or more embodiments and with reference to <FIG>, the plurality of tethers <NUM> includes tethers 60A aligned with one of the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> and tethers 60B displaced each of the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>. Only some of the tethers 60A, 60B are labelled in <FIG>. Tethers 60A that are aligned with an inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> are deformed by heat, by compression of the overlaying of material of the first tensile layer <NUM>, and/or by the overlaying material of the first tensile layer <NUM> coating the tethers 60A such that the tethers 60A are shorter, thicker, or both shorter and thicker at the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> than elsewhere. Such tethers are indicated with reference numeral 60A in <FIG> and may be referred to as modified tethers 60A. However, references to tethers <NUM> herein include tethers 60A and tethers 60B unless otherwise specified.

When the interior cavity <NUM> is inflated, the modified tethers 60A result in depressed grooves <NUM> in the proximal surface <NUM> of the first polymeric sheet <NUM> as indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>. When an inflation pressure of the gas in the interior cavity <NUM> is sufficient to tension the plurality of tethers <NUM>, the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> define grooves <NUM> at the proximal surface <NUM> of the first polymeric sheet <NUM>. At each groove <NUM>, the polymeric bladder <NUM> is divided into what may be referred to as a first article portion <NUM> on one side of the groove <NUM> and a second article portion <NUM> on the other side of the groove <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>. The first article portion <NUM> is articulated relative to the second article portion <NUM> along the groove <NUM>. Stated differently, the proximal surface <NUM> of the first polymeric sheet <NUM> at a first side of the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> is non-planar with the proximal surface <NUM> of the first polymeric sheet <NUM> at a second side of the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM>, the second side being opposite of the first side.

The tension of the modified tethers 60A also causes recesses <NUM> in the distal surface <NUM> of the second polymeric sheet <NUM>. The second polymeric sheet <NUM> is recessed inward toward a corresponding groove <NUM> and inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> at each recess <NUM> when the interior cavity <NUM> is inflated.

The physical deformation of the first polymeric sheet <NUM> and the first tensile layer <NUM> combined with the tension of the modified tethers 60A will cause the grooves <NUM> to be deeper than the recesses <NUM>, which result only from the tension of the shortened modified tethers 60A. Accordingly, the polymeric bladder <NUM> may have an articulated shape, such as when inflated, not assembled with or constrained by other components, and not under loading, causing the polymeric bladder <NUM> to be slightly concave at the proximal surface <NUM> and slightly convex at the distal surface <NUM>. The strobel <NUM> will thus be biased to the articulated shape, as the grooves <NUM> and recesses <NUM> together encourage articulation of the polymeric bladder <NUM> to occur at the grooves <NUM>, as the overall thickness of the polymeric bladder <NUM> is reduced at the grooves <NUM>, decreasing bending stiffness of the strobel <NUM> at the grooves <NUM>.

The grooves <NUM> act as flexion axes of the strobel <NUM> thereby increasing flexibility of the sole structure <NUM> when the strobel <NUM> is included in the sole structure <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> as in <FIG>. The inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> and resulting grooves <NUM> may establish flexion axes, some of which flexion axes may be aligned with joints of the foot, such as the metatarsal phalangeal joints. The flexion axes created by the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> and grooves <NUM> run laterally and longitudinally along the proximal surface <NUM> and may increase transverse (i.e. lateral) and longitudinal flexibility of the strobel <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, such as is shown in <FIG>, each of the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> extends generally straight along the proximal surface <NUM> of the first polymeric sheet <NUM>, and the center axes of the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> are arranged parallel or orthogonal relative to one another at the proximal surface <NUM> of the first polymeric sheet <NUM>.

Inwardly-protruding bonds may be arranged in other patterns in other embodiments. For example, providing a mold insert with a different arrangement of protrusions <NUM> than those shown in <FIG> will result in a different pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>. One example of an alternative pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds is shown in <FIG> as described herein.

Referring to <FIG>, each inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> is spaced apart from the second polymeric sheet <NUM> such that the interior cavity <NUM> is narrowed but not closed at the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM>, and the gas in the interior cavity <NUM> can still fluidly communicate across the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM>. The first tensile layer <NUM> is spaced apart from the second tensile layer <NUM> by a first distance D1 at the tethers 60B adjacent to the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM>, and the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> is spaced apart from the second tensile layer <NUM> by a second distance D2, which may be the minimum distance between the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> and the second tensile layer <NUM> (i.e., the distance at the most narrowed portion of the interior cavity <NUM> under the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM>). In an embodiment, the portion 200A of the method <NUM> of manufacturing may be controlled so that the second distance D2 is between <NUM> percent and <NUM> percent of the first distance D1. For example, factors that may influence the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> and the extent of its protrusion toward the second polymeric sheet <NUM> can be controlled to provide this desired ratio of the second distance D2 to the first distance D1. Such factors may include the depth of the protrusion <NUM> that creates the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM>, the temperature of the mold insert 34C or other mold components, the temperature of the components of the strobel <NUM>, vacuum and/or inflation pressures in the mold cavity during manufacturing, the weld power or weld frequency if radio frequency welding is used, and other factors.

Accordingly, a portion of the interior cavity <NUM> at a first side of the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> is in fluid communication with a portion of the interior cavity <NUM> at a second side of the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM>, the second side opposite of the first side, as indicated in <FIG>. The modified tethers 60A shown extending under the inwardly-protruding bond <NUM> between the two portions are narrow in diameter and allow gas to flow around and between the tethers 60A. This allows the gas to be displaced from the interior cavity <NUM> at one side of the tethers 60A to the interior cavity <NUM> at the other side of the tethers 60A when compressive forces FC are applied to the strobel <NUM>, such as during impact of the article of footwear <NUM> with the ground G in <FIG>. For example, as a foot rolls forward from heel to toe during a foot strike, the gas may be displaced from rearward in the strobel <NUM> to a portion more forward in the strobel <NUM>. Supportive cushioning provided by the fluid in the interior cavity <NUM> can thus be provided in areas most needed during use of the strobel <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the footwear 12E in which a protective cover layer <NUM> is secured over the proximal side of the strobel <NUM>. The protective cover layer <NUM> will thus be disposed within the foot-receiving cavity <NUM>. The protective cover layer <NUM> may be an abrasion resistant material to protect the bladder <NUM> from shear forces and/or from sharp objects. The protective cover layer may be formed from, for example, a polymeric sheet, a fabric layer, or other protective layer that may protect the bladder <NUM> from shear forces (e.g., by minimizing (or keeping sufficiently low) a coefficient of friction between the abrasion resistant material of the protective cover layer <NUM> and the bladder <NUM>) in addition to protecting the bladder <NUM> from sharp objects.

<FIG> show various embodiments of strobels <NUM>, 10AA, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, <NUM>, <NUM>, 10I, within the scope of the present teachings. The strobels each include a polymeric bladder <NUM>, 16A, 16B, 16D, 16E, 16F, <NUM>, <NUM>, or 16I configured with a flange <NUM> having a groove <NUM>, and with a tensile component <NUM> as described with respect to <FIG>. The strobels each also include a lasting component that is secured to the polymeric bladder. The polymeric bladder with the tensile component <NUM> in the interior cavity <NUM>, and the lasting component secured to the polymeric bladder together constitute a formed strobel that is subsequently secured to an upper as described herein.

Referring to <FIG>, a strobel <NUM> includes the polymeric bladder <NUM> of <FIG> with the tensile component <NUM> therein and a lasting component <NUM> secured to the peripheral flange <NUM>. More specifically, the lasting component <NUM> (and any other lasting components disclosed herein) may be one of a woven or non-woven textile, an elastomer, or foam backed with a textile layer. The lasting component <NUM> is thinner (i.e., less tall) than the height of the portion of the polymeric bladder <NUM> that has the tensile component <NUM> in the interior cavity <NUM> and may be generally easier to grip during stitching of the strobel <NUM> to the footwear upper <NUM>. By adding one or more lasting components, stress on the bladder due to stitching may be minimized.

As shown in <FIG>, the lasting component <NUM> has an aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> is sized so that the polymeric bladder <NUM> extends partially through the aperture <NUM>, and the peripheral flange <NUM> abuts the lasting component <NUM> around the aperture <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the lasting component <NUM> overlays and abuts the flange <NUM>, and a portion of the second polymeric sheet <NUM> at the inflated portion of the polymeric bladder <NUM> extends through the aperture <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM> extends laterally outward of the aperture <NUM>, and an outer edge <NUM> of the lasting component <NUM> extends laterally outward of the outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. The outer edge <NUM> falls along the phantom boundary 91A in <FIG>. Stated differently, the polymeric bladder <NUM> is wider than the aperture <NUM>, and the lasting component <NUM> is wider than the polymeric bladder <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment shown in <FIG>, a lasting component 17A is alike in all aspects as lasting component <NUM> except that it is the same width as the polymeric bladder <NUM> so that its outer edge <NUM> is aligned with the outer edge <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM>.

The lasting component <NUM> is configured to extend along the peripheral flange <NUM> around the perimeter <NUM> of the interior cavity <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the lasting component <NUM> has a forefoot region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM> corresponding with the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> and the polymeric bladder <NUM> extend in each of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>.

The lasting component <NUM> has locating features <NUM> that may be apertures or markings in the lasting component <NUM>, or notches in or protrusions at the peripheral edge of the lasting component <NUM> that are spaced from one another with the same relative spacing as the notches 93A or other locating features of the polymeric bladder <NUM>. The locating features 93A are aligned with the locating features <NUM> when the polymeric bladder <NUM> is placed at the aperture <NUM>. This positions the flange <NUM> correctly relative to the lasting component <NUM> for subsequent stitching through the flange <NUM>. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to notches 93A, locating features on the polymeric bladder <NUM> may be one or more apertures 93D welded through the flange <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. An alignment pattern could be printed on the polymeric bladder <NUM> and used for alignment with corresponding alignment features of the lasting component <NUM>, the upper <NUM>, or the last <NUM> in some embodiments. In addition to promoting flexibility of the polymeric bladder <NUM>, 16B, etc., the weld pattern of the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> (e.g., the pattern of the resulting grooves <NUM> and recesses <NUM>) may be used for alignment with the lasting component <NUM>, the last <NUM> and/or the upper <NUM> similarly to a printed alignment pattern could.

The lasting component <NUM> is stitched or otherwise secured to the polymeric bladder <NUM> with stitches that extend through the flange <NUM> at the groove <NUM>. The groove <NUM> serves as a guide path for an operator or for a machine, including a robotic machine, to follow when stitching or otherwise securing the lasting component <NUM> to the polymeric bladder <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first series of stitches <NUM> extends through the lasting component <NUM> and through the peripheral flange <NUM> in the groove <NUM> and secure the lasting component <NUM> to the polymeric bladder <NUM>. The first series of stitches <NUM> and the groove <NUM> both extend completely around and outward of the perimeter <NUM> of the interior cavity <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM>. Only some of the stitches <NUM> are indicated with a reference number.

As shown in <FIG>, the strobel <NUM> having the polymeric bladder <NUM> secured to the lasting component <NUM> is secured to the upper <NUM> by a second series of stitches <NUM> that extends through the lasting component <NUM> and through the upper <NUM>, but not through the polymeric bladder <NUM>.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a strobel 10A that includes a polymeric bladder 16A with a tensile component <NUM> therein and a lasting component 17A secured to the peripheral flange <NUM> of the polymeric bladder 16A by a first series of stitches <NUM> that extends through the peripheral flange <NUM> and the lasting component 17A. The first series of stitches <NUM> and the groove <NUM> both extend completely around and outward of the perimeter <NUM> of interior cavity <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lasting component 17A has an aperture 19A. The aperture 19A is sized so that the polymeric bladder 16A extends partially through the aperture 19A, and the peripheral flange <NUM> abuts the lasting component 17A around the aperture 19A, similar to lasting component <NUM> and flange <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM> extends laterally outward of the aperture 19A, and an outer edge <NUM> of the lasting component 17A extends laterally outward of the outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM>.

The lasting component 17A is configured to extend along the peripheral flange <NUM> around the perimeter <NUM> of the interior cavity <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the lasting component 17A has a forefoot region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. The aperture 19A extends in the forefoot region <NUM> and may extend partially in the midfoot region <NUM>. The polymeric bladder 16A is configured to extend in the forefoot region <NUM>, and partially in the midfoot region <NUM> if the aperture extends into the midfoot region <NUM> but does not extend in the heel region <NUM>.

The lasting component 17A has locating features <NUM> that may be apertures in or markings on the lasting component 17A, or notches in or protrusions at the inner peripheral edge of the lasting component 17A bounding the aperture 19A, that are spaced from one another with the same relative spacing as the notches 93A or other locating features of the polymeric bladder 16A. The locating features 93A are aligned with the locating features <NUM> when the polymeric bladder 16A is placed at the aperture 19A. Similar to lasting component <NUM>, the lasting component 17A is stitched or otherwise secured to the polymeric bladder 16A with a first series of stitches <NUM> that extends through the flange <NUM> at the groove <NUM>. The first series of stitches <NUM> and the groove <NUM> both extend completely around and outward of the perimeter <NUM> of interior cavity <NUM> of the polymeric bladder 16A. Similar to strobel <NUM>, the strobel 10A having the polymeric bladder 16A secured to the lasting component 17A may be secured to the upper <NUM> by a second series of stitches <NUM> that extends through the lasting component 17A and the upper <NUM> but not through the polymeric bladder 16A.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a strobel 10B that includes a polymeric bladder 16B with a tensile component <NUM> therein and a lasting component 17B secured to the peripheral flange <NUM> of the polymeric bladder 16B by a first series of stitches <NUM> that extends through the peripheral flange <NUM> and the lasting component 17B. The first series of stitches <NUM> and the groove <NUM> both extend completely around and outward of the perimeter <NUM> of interior cavity <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lasting component 17B has an aperture 19B. The aperture 19B is sized so that the polymeric bladder 16B extends partially through the aperture 19B, and the peripheral flange <NUM> abuts the lasting component 17B around the aperture 19B, similarly to lasting component <NUM> and flange <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM> extends laterally outward of the aperture 19B, and an outer edge <NUM> of the lasting component 17B extends laterally outward of the outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM>.

The lasting component 17B is configured to extend along the peripheral flange <NUM> around the perimeter <NUM> of the interior cavity <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the lasting component 17B has a forefoot region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. The aperture 19B extends in the heel region <NUM>. The polymeric bladder 16B is configured to extend in the heel region <NUM> but does not extend in the midfoot region <NUM> or forefoot region <NUM>.

The lasting component 17B has locating features <NUM> that may be apertures in or markings on the lasting component 17B, or notches in or protrusions at the inner peripheral edge of the lasting component 17B bounding the aperture 19B, that are spaced from one another with the same relative spacing as the notches 93A or other locating features of the polymeric bladder 16B. The locating features 93A are aligned with the locating features <NUM> when the polymeric bladder 16B is placed at the aperture 19B. Similar to lasting component <NUM>, the lasting component 17B is stitched or otherwise secured to the polymeric bladder 16B with a first series of stitches <NUM> that extends through the flange <NUM> at the groove <NUM>. The first series of stitches <NUM> and the groove <NUM> both extend completely around and outward of the perimeter <NUM> of interior cavity <NUM> of the polymeric bladder 16B. Similar to strobel <NUM>, the strobel 10B having the polymeric bladder 16B secured to the lasting component 17B is secured to the upper <NUM> by a second series of stitches <NUM> that extends through the lasting component 17B and through the upper <NUM>, but not through the polymeric bladder 16B.

<FIG> and <FIG> show another embodiment of a strobel 10C that includes the polymeric bladder <NUM> with the tensile component <NUM> therein and a lasting component 17C secured to the peripheral flange <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM> by a first series of stitches <NUM> that extends through the peripheral flange <NUM> and the lasting component 17C. The first series of stitches <NUM> and the groove <NUM> both extend completely around and outward of the perimeter <NUM> of interior cavity <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lasting component 17C is sized so that the peripheral flange <NUM> abuts the lasting component 17C, and the lasting component 17C overlays and extends across the polymeric bladder <NUM> between a medial side <NUM> of the polymeric bladder and a lateral side <NUM> of the polymeric bladder. As best shown in <FIG>, the outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM> is aligned with the outer edge <NUM> of the lasting component 17C as the polymeric bladder <NUM> and the lasting component 17C are the same width. The lasting component 17C is configured to extend along the peripheral flange <NUM> around the perimeter <NUM> of the interior cavity <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the lasting component 17C and the polymeric bladder <NUM> both have a forefoot region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>, and the lasting component 17C does not have an aperture through which the polymeric bladder <NUM> extends.

The lasting component 17C has locating features <NUM> that are apertures or notches in or protrusions at the outer periphery of the lasting component 17C spaced from one another with the same relative spacing as the notches 93A or other locating features of the polymeric bladder <NUM>. The locating features 93A are aligned with the locating features <NUM> when the lasting component 17C is placed against the polymeric bladder <NUM>, and the lasting component 17C is stitched to the polymeric bladder <NUM> with a first series of stitches <NUM> that extends through the flange <NUM> and the lasting component 17C at the groove <NUM>. The first series of stitches <NUM> and the groove <NUM> both extend completely around and outward of the perimeter <NUM> of interior cavity <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM>. Unlike strobel <NUM>, the strobel 10C having the polymeric bladder <NUM> secured to the lasting component 17C is secured to the upper <NUM> by a second series of stitches <NUM> that extend through the lasting component 17C and through the upper <NUM>, and also through the flange <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM> in the groove <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Both the first series of stitches <NUM> and the second series of stitches <NUM> extend through the polymeric bladder <NUM> in the groove <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lasting component and the polymeric bladder both extend the entire width of the strobel, but neither extends the entire length, and the lasting component and the polymeric bladder are arranged longitudinally along the strobel. For example, in the embodiments of <FIG>, the polymeric bladder and the lasting component are each disposed in at least one different one of a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the strobel, and the lasting component is secured to the polymeric bladder by a first series of stitches extending transversely across the polymeric bladder and the lasting component.

Referring to <FIG>, the polymeric bladder 16D is disposed in the forefoot region <NUM> and may extend slightly into the midfoot region <NUM>. The lasting component 17D extends in the heel region <NUM> and in the midfoot region <NUM> where a forward transverse edge <NUM> of the lasting component 17D abuts or slightly overlaps a rearward transverse edge 90D of the polymeric bladder 16D. The groove <NUM> does not extend across the polymeric bladder 16D at the rearward transverse edge 90D. The polymeric bladder 16D may be formed by cutting the polymeric bladder <NUM> and adding a transversely-extending weld W3 to seal the interior cavity <NUM> where cut. The first series of stitches <NUM> extends transversely across the strobel 10D through the polymeric bladder 16D rearward of the weld W3 to secure the lasting component 17D to the polymeric bladder 16D. A subsequent second series of stitches to secure the strobel 10D to the upper <NUM> would extend through the polymeric bladder 16D in the groove <NUM> around the polymeric bladder 16D to the rearward transverse edge 90D and would continue around the periphery of the lasting component 17D near the outer edge <NUM>, rearward of the series of stitches <NUM>.

The locating features of the polymeric bladder 16D (e.g., the notches 93A, protrusions, the pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> of the bladder, or a printed alignment pattern on the bladder) and locating features <NUM> of the lasting component 17D are used to align the strobel 10D to the upper <NUM> when the strobel 10D is secured to the upper <NUM>. The outer edge <NUM> of the polymeric bladder 16D forms the outer edge of the strobel 10D in the forefoot region <NUM> and in a forward part of the midfoot region <NUM>, and the outer edge <NUM> of the lasting component 17D forms the outer edge of the strobel 10D in the rearward part of the midfoot region <NUM> and in the heel region <NUM>.

Cross-sectional views of the strobel 10D when secured to the upper <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. In the forefoot region <NUM> (<FIG>), the strobel 10D includes only the polymeric bladder 16D and tensile component <NUM>. In the heel region (<FIG>), the strobel 10D includes only the lasting component 17D. The article of footwear 12D includes the sole structure <NUM> including the midsole <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) which would be secured to the distal side of the polymeric bladder 16D and a lower extent of the upper <NUM> at the polymeric bladder 16D, and to the distal side of the lasting component 17D and a lower extent of the upper <NUM> at the lasting component 17D.

<FIG> shows a strobel 10E configured the same as described with respect to strobel 10D except that the polymeric bladder 16D is replaced with a polymeric bladder 16E that has a flange <NUM> with a groove <NUM> that extends completely around the polymeric bladder 16E, including at the rearward transverse edge 90D. In other words, the polymeric bladder 16E is formed to the size shown, rather than being cut from a longer polymeric bladder <NUM> and then welded at weld W3. The first series of stitches <NUM> securing the lasting component 17D at the rearward transverse edge 90D extends through the flange <NUM> at the groove <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a strobel 10F with a polymeric bladder 16F cut from the polymeric bladder <NUM> at rearward transverse edge 90D and also at a forward transverse edge 90F. The polymeric bladder 16F is welded at weld W3 and also at weld W4 to seal the interior cavity <NUM>. The first series of stitches includes stitches 81A that extend transversely across the strobel 10F through the polymeric bladder 16F rearward of the weld W3 to secure a rear lasting component 17F2 to the polymeric bladder 16F. The first series of stitches also includes stitches 81B that extend transversely across the strobel 10F through the polymeric bladder 16F forward of the weld W4 to secure a front lasting component 17F1 to the polymeric bladder 16F. A subsequent second series of stitches to secure the strobel 10F to the upper <NUM> would extend through the polymeric bladder 16F in the groove <NUM> at the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> of the polymeric bladder 16F and would continue around rear lasting component 17F2 near the outer edge <NUM> rearward of the series of stitches 81A, and around the lasting component 17F1 forward of the stitches 81B. The outer edges <NUM> of the lasting components 17F1 and 17F2 and the outer edges <NUM> of the polymeric bladder 16F form the outer edge of the strobel 10F. The lasting components 17F1, 17F2 each have at least one locating feature <NUM> that is an aperture or a notch (or a protrusion or marking) that can be aligned with similarly spaced locating features on the upper <NUM>, as can notches 93A or other locating features in the polymeric bladder 16F, when the strobel 10F is stitched to the upper <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a strobel <NUM> configured the same as described with respect to strobel 10F except that the polymeric bladder 16F is replaced with a polymeric bladder <NUM> that has a flange <NUM> with a groove <NUM> extending completely around the polymeric bladder <NUM>, including at the rearward transverse edge 90D and the forward transverse edge 90F. In other words, the polymeric bladder <NUM> is formed to the size shown, rather than being cut from a longer polymeric bladder <NUM> and then welded at welds W3 and W4. The first series of stitches 81A, 81B securing the lasting components 17F2, 17F1 at the rearward transverse edge 90D and the forward transverse edge 90F, respectively, extends through the flange <NUM> at the groove <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a strobel <NUM> configured similarly to strobel 10D except that the polymeric bladder <NUM> is in the heel region <NUM> and a rear portion of the midfoot region <NUM>, and the lasting component <NUM> is in the forefoot region <NUM> and a forward portion of the midfoot region <NUM>. The polymeric bladder <NUM> may be cut from the polymeric bladder <NUM> and welded at transverse weld W5 to seal the interior cavity <NUM>, and then the lasting component <NUM> is stitched to the polymeric bladder <NUM> at a forward transverse edge <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM> with a first series of stitches <NUM> that extends transversely across the strobel <NUM> from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM> of the polymeric bladder <NUM>, and are forward of the weld W5.

<FIG> shows a strobel 10I configured the same as described with respect to strobel <NUM> except that the polymeric bladder <NUM> is replaced with a polymeric bladder 16I that has a flange <NUM> with a groove <NUM> extending completely around the polymeric bladder 16I, including at the forward transverse edge <NUM>. In other words, the polymeric bladder 16I is formed to the size shown, rather than being cut from a longer polymeric bladder <NUM> and then welded at weld W5. The first series of stitches <NUM> securing the lasting component <NUM> to the polymeric bladder 16I extends through the flange <NUM> at the groove <NUM> near the forward transverse edge <NUM>.

In the articles of footwear 12A, 12C, and 12D, the polymeric bladders <NUM>, 16D are secured directly to the upper <NUM> by stitches <NUM> extending through the flange <NUM> at the groove <NUM>. These configurations will tend to constrain the polymeric bladder in the X-Y plane during dynamic compression to a greater extent than the polymeric bladder <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, which is not directly secured to the upper <NUM> but is instead secured to the lasting component <NUM> by the first series of stitches <NUM>, and stitches <NUM> extend only through the lasting component <NUM> and the upper <NUM>.

In each of the embodiments, the strobel <NUM> or any of the strobels 10AA-10I may be secured to the upper <NUM> as described, prior to placing a last <NUM> in the opening <NUM> formed by the upper <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Stated differently, the upper <NUM> is not placed over the last <NUM> until after it has been secured to the strobel <NUM>. It is desirable for manufacturing efficiency that securing the strobel <NUM> to the upper <NUM> is done accurately and relatively quickly. During this process, the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I is moved relative to the stitching needle, or vice versa so that the needle moves along and the stitches <NUM> proceed along the lasting component and/or the groove <NUM> (depending on the embodiment, as described herein).

To further improve the efficiencies of stitching the upper <NUM> to the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I, the polymeric bladder may be in an uninflated state when the stitching occurs. For example, in <FIG>, the polymeric bladder <NUM> is uninflated when it is aligned with the upper <NUM> and then stitched to the upper <NUM> in <FIG>. When in the uninflated state, the polymeric bladder <NUM> is more flexible, making it easier to manipulate the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I relative to the sewing machine that provides the stitches <NUM>. After the upper <NUM> is secured to the strobel <NUM> by the series of stitches <NUM>, the polymeric bladder <NUM> is inflated to a predetermined pressure, or is left at ambient pressure without inflating, and the interior cavity <NUM> is then sealed by plugging a port or fill tube of the polymeric bladder <NUM>. Inflating and sealing may occur prior to placing the upper <NUM> with the strobel <NUM> stitched thereto on the last <NUM> because, in its inflated state, the strobel <NUM> and upper <NUM> are more representative of their final relative configuration before the sole structure <NUM> is attached, and can therefore enable a more accurate placement on the last <NUM> when a midsole <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> is secured to the distal surface <NUM> of the strobel <NUM> and/or the lower periphery of the upper <NUM>. In other embodiments, the polymeric bladder such as bladder <NUM> may be inflated and sealed prior to securing the bladder <NUM> to the upper <NUM>.

To increase the speed and precision with which the strobel <NUM> (or any of the strobels 10AA-10I) and the upper <NUM> are positioned on the last <NUM>, the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I may be configured with a locating feature, as discussed. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the lasting component <NUM> may have notches 93F spaced around the outer edge <NUM>. The notches 93F may be formed by cutting, for example. The notches 93A in the bladder <NUM> may be formed by the mold portions 34A, 34B or the mold insert 34C or may be otherwise provided. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the mold portion 34B has continuous inner and outer ridges <NUM>, <NUM> that are spaced apart from one another, and together create the welds W1 and W2. The outer ridge <NUM> has notches <NUM>, best shown in <FIG>, that at least partially form the notches 93A of the polymeric bladder <NUM>. In other embodiments that locating features of the bladder <NUM> or the locating features of the lasting component <NUM> may be protrusions, apertures, printed markings, etc. In the embodiment of the bladder 16AA shown in <FIG>, the flange <NUM> has locating features <NUM> that are protrusions at the outer edge <NUM> of the peripheral flange <NUM>. In other embodiments, a combination of notches and protrusions, or other markings may be used. In general, the various locating features described herein may be provided, for example, by welding, cutting, punching, printing, dyeing, etc..

Still further, lasers could be used to align features of the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I with the last <NUM>. The strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I could be aligned with the perimeter of the upper <NUM> using a separate jig. In some embodiments, the heel center (at the edge of the peripheral flange) could be aligned with a feature on the last. Additionally, in some embodiments, a pattern could be printed on the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I that can then be aligned with a pattern on the last <NUM>. For example, the distal side of the strobel <NUM> could have an alignment pattern printed on it, as this side will be adhered to the midsole <NUM> so that the printed pattern will not be visible in the finished article of footwear. The printed alignment pattern may also be used for alignment with corresponding alignment features of the upper <NUM> in some embodiments. In addition to promoting flexibility of the strobel <NUM>, 10AA-10I, etc., the weld pattern of the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> (e.g., the pattern of the resulting grooves <NUM> and recesses <NUM>) may be used for alignment with the lasting component, the last <NUM> and/or the upper <NUM> just as a printed alignment pattern could be used for alignment purposes. The pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> described herein, for example, could be aligned with a laser pattern (e.g., a light pattern) on the last <NUM> in the same manner as could a printed alignment pattern on the strobel.

The upper <NUM> may have locating features that are spaced markings, notches, protrusions, or apertures along its lower periphery that is stitched to the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I. The locating features of the upper <NUM> have a relative spacing identical to that of the locating features (e.g., the notches 93F) of the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I. During stitching, the operator can align the locating features of the upper <NUM> with those of the strobel <NUM>. In <FIG>, the upper <NUM> is shown with locating features (e.g., markings or apertures 93B) that can be aligned with locating features (e.g., notches 93F) of the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I for this purpose. Alternatively, or in addition, the last <NUM> can be configured with locating features that have the same relative spacing as the locating features of the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I. As shown in <FIG>, the locating features 93C may be, for example, markings on or apertures in the last <NUM>. In another embodiment, the last <NUM> could have markings that align with the weld pattern (e.g., the pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>) of the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I). It should be appreciated that the locating features on the strobel <NUM> have a slightly different relative spacing when the strobel <NUM> is in the uninflated state than when the strobel <NUM> is in the inflated state. Accordingly, the locating features on the strobel <NUM> may have a relative spacing in the inflated state that is identical to the relative spacing of the locating features on the last <NUM> if the strobel <NUM> is secured to the upper <NUM> when in the uninflated state and is placed on the last <NUM> when in the inflated state, as described herein.

The steps of the method <NUM> of manufacturing footwear including any of the strobels <NUM>, 10AA-10I and articles of footwear described herein, such as articles of footwear <NUM>, 12A, 12C, 12D, are shown in the flowchart of <FIG>. Portion 200A of the method <NUM> includes the step <NUM> of providing the strobel <NUM>, 10AA-10I, etc. Providing the strobel may include forming the strobel. In other embodiments of the method <NUM>, the strobel <NUM>, 10AA-10I, etc., may be already in a formed state when provided in step <NUM> (e.g., the strobel may be obtained in a formed state under step <NUM>). Accordingly, the entity providing the strobel may both form the strobel and assemble it in the footwear, or a separate entity may form the strobel and the entity carrying out the method <NUM> may obtain the formed strobel to carry out the method <NUM>. The providing step <NUM> thus may or may not include forming the strobel.

In embodiments that include forming the strobel, step <NUM> may include a sub-step in which the second polymeric sheet <NUM> is placed on the tensile component <NUM>. In other words, the tensile component <NUM> is between the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

Next, the step <NUM> may include a sub-step in which the first and second polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> are welded together at the first and second welds W1, W2 in the peripheral flange <NUM> to form the polymeric bladder <NUM> with the interior cavity <NUM>, and, because the welds W1, W2 create the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, the groove <NUM> is formed in the peripheral flange <NUM>. As previously discussed, the welding may be radio frequency welding accomplished when the mold portions, such as mold portions 34A, 34B (and mold insert 34C), are closed together on the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> and a power source <NUM> supplies energy creating an alternating electric field that heats the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, creating welds where the mold portions 34A, 34B and/or mold insert 34C are applied to the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

Separately or simultaneously with welding the welds W1, W2, the portion 200A of the method <NUM> may include a sub-step of welding the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> by the radio frequency welding via the protrusions <NUM> of the mold insert 34C. For example, the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> will be provided simultaneously with the welds W1, W2 if the mold insert 34C is positioned in the mold cavity formed between the mold portions 34A, 34B when the mold portions 34A, 34B are closed together.

The portion 200A of the method <NUM> may include a step in which one or more locating features are provided on the strobel <NUM>, such as notches 93A, protrusions <NUM> (see, e.g., strobel 10A) a weld pattern (e.g., the pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>) or markings (e.g., a printed pattern of alignment lines) or apertures, the markings or apertures both represented as locating features 93D. In some embodiments, the locating features may be provided during the radio frequency welding included in step <NUM> of providing the strobel as described. Alternatively, the notches 93A, protrusions <NUM>, or the apertures 93D could be cut, punched, printed, welded, or otherwise formed in a separate subsequent step.

For some of the strobels <NUM>, 10AA, 10A, 10B, the portion 200A of the method <NUM> may include a step of cutting an aperture in the lasting component, such as apertures <NUM>, 19A, 19B in lasting components <NUM>, 17A, 17B, respectively.

The portion 200A of the method <NUM> may include a step of placing the polymeric bladder <NUM>, 16A, 16B at the aperture <NUM>, 19A, 19B, respectively. The portion 200A of the method <NUM> may include step <NUM>, aligning the polymeric bladder with the lasting component, such as by aligning one or more locating features 93A of the polymeric bladder <NUM>, 16A, 16B (such as notches, protrusions, a weld pattern, a printed pattern, an aperture) with one or more locating features <NUM> of the lasting component <NUM>, 17A, 17B.

Once the polymeric bladder and the lasting component are aligned in step <NUM>, the portion 200A of the method <NUM> may proceed to step <NUM>, and the lasting component may be secured to the polymeric bladder, such as at the peripheral flange <NUM> or at the edges 90D, 90F, <NUM>, as described with respect to the different embodiments, such as by stitching a first series of stitches <NUM> through the lasting component and the polymeric bladder.

The method <NUM> of manufacturing footwear depicted in the flow diagram of <FIG> may include forming the strobel <NUM> according to the portion 200A of the method <NUM> of manufacturing a strobel <NUM> (e.g., may include steps <NUM>-<NUM>) and then proceed to the portion 200B of the method <NUM> of manufacturing the article of footwear, or may include only the portion 200B of the method <NUM> of manufacturing the article of footwear by starting with a pre-formed strobel (e.g., beginning at step <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, locating features (e.g., notches 93F) of the strobel <NUM> may be aligned with locating features (e.g., apertures or markings 93B) of the upper <NUM>, and then in step <NUM>, the strobel <NUM> may be secured to the upper <NUM> such as by the series of stitches <NUM> extending through the lasting component, such as lasting component <NUM> in <FIG>. The stitches <NUM> are referred to as a second series of stitches and may extend only through the lasting component and the upper <NUM> in some embodiments, such as in strobels <NUM>, 10AA, 10A, 10B, 10C. In other embodiments, the stitches <NUM> may also extend through the polymeric bladder along the groove <NUM> in the peripheral flange <NUM> in some embodiments, such as in footwear 12A, 12C, and 12D of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Prior to or contemporaneously with step <NUM>, a protective cover layer <NUM> may be secured over the strobel <NUM> such as by stitching, as shown in <FIG>. In an example embodiment, the protective cover layer <NUM> may be secured to the strobel <NUM> only at the flange <NUM>, for example, with stitching at or near stitching <NUM>. The stitching may be computer stitching or may be hand stitching.

Next, the portion 200B of the method <NUM> may proceed to an inflation step in which the polymeric bladder is inflated as shown with respect to the bladder <NUM> in <FIG>, such as by a source <NUM> of pressurized fluid, which may be nitrogen, air, or another gas. The method 200B may then proceed to a sealing step, in which the interior cavity <NUM> is sealed by sealing an inflation port or other opening in the polymeric bladder to retain the fluid in the interior cavity <NUM>. Alternatively, if it is desired that the polymeric bladder <NUM> is at ambient pressure when the footwear <NUM> is assembled, the portion 200B of method <NUM> may skip the inflating step. An ambient polymeric bladder <NUM> may even be sealed by the welding of step <NUM>, in which case the portion 200B of the method <NUM> may also skip the sealing step. In other embodiments, the bladder <NUM> may already be inflated before the portion 200B of the method <NUM> begins (e.g., the bladder <NUM> may already be inflated and sealed when provided under step <NUM>).

The upper <NUM> with the strobel <NUM>, 10AA, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, <NUM>, 10F, <NUM>, <NUM>, or 10I stitched thereto may then be placed on the last <NUM>. This may be by placing the last <NUM> into the opening <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, or moving the upper <NUM> over the last <NUM> so that the last <NUM> is in the opening <NUM>, as represented by <FIG> in which the upper <NUM> and strobel <NUM> are moved in the direction of arrow A. In step <NUM>, which may occur simultaneously with placing the strobel <NUM> on the last <NUM> or may be subsequent to an adjustment of the strobel <NUM> on the last <NUM>, the one or more locating features (e.g., notches 93A, protrusions <NUM>, pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>, printed alignment pattern, markings or apertures 93D) of the strobel are aligned with corresponding one or more locating features (e.g., markings or apertures 93C) of the last <NUM>. There may be some predetermined tolerance range of the locating features on the last <NUM>, such as by making the locating features on the last <NUM> larger than those on the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I, so that as long as the locating features of the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I to some extent overlap the locating features of the last <NUM>, the components are considered to be sufficiently accurately aligned. If the locating features of the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I and the last <NUM> are not sufficiently aligned, however, the upper <NUM> with strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I may be removed and then placed again onto the last <NUM> to see if better alignment can be achieved. If not, the strobel <NUM> or any of 10AA-10I and upper <NUM> are considered to be outside of the assembly tolerance range and may be recycled.

If step <NUM> is completed with the locating features of the strobel <NUM> and the last <NUM> successfully aligned, then the portion 200B of the method <NUM> may proceed to step <NUM>, and the midsole <NUM> may be secured to the upper <NUM> and/or the strobel (such as strobel <NUM>) while the upper <NUM> and strobel <NUM> are on the last <NUM>. This is depicted in <FIG> by the movement of the midsole <NUM> in the direction of arrow B toward the strobel <NUM> and the upper <NUM>. Adhesive may be applied to the midsole <NUM> and or to the strobel <NUM> and upper <NUM> where they interface with the midsole <NUM> to secure the midsole <NUM> to the upper <NUM>, and/or the midsole <NUM> may be in a heated state that causes it to thermally bond to the strobel <NUM> and upper <NUM>. In some embodiments, the assembled components may then be heated by placing them in a heater to activate the adhesive. An outsole or any other components of the sole structure <NUM> (not shown) may also secured to the midsole <NUM> or to the upper <NUM>, and then the method <NUM> is complete.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a bladder <NUM> that is alike in all aspects to bladder <NUM> except that inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> are arranged in a different pattern. The bladder <NUM> can be secured to the lasting component <NUM> of <FIG> in the same manner as described with respect to bladder <NUM> to provide a strobel for securement to the upper <NUM>. The bladder <NUM> is formed from first and second polymeric sheets with a tensile component <NUM> disposed between the sheets in a sealed interior cavity, and connecting inner surfaces of the sheets, as described with respect to strobel <NUM>. As can be seen, some of the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> in the forefoot region are arranged parallel to one another and perpendicular to a longitudinally-extending one of the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>. In the heel region, the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> are arranged to diverge from one another at an acute angle in a forward direction from a rear of the heel region. The inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> result in a pattern of grooves <NUM> at the exterior surface of the bladder <NUM> that may enhance flexibility of the bladder <NUM> and may be used for alignment with the lasting component <NUM>, the last <NUM>, and/or the upper as discussed herein. As shown, the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> extend downward from the proximal surface <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. In other embodiments, the surface identified in <FIG> as the proximal surface could instead be the distal surface. For example, the bladder <NUM> resulting from the mold assembly of <FIG> could be used as a right-foot strobel with the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM> extending downward from the proximal surface <NUM>, or as a left-foot strobel with the inwardly-protruding bonds extending upward from the distal surface. The bladder <NUM> can be formed as described with respect to method <NUM> and can be used in the method of manufacturing footwear in the same manner as described with respect to bladder <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a portion of a tooling assembly <NUM> that includes mold portion 134B and mold insert 134C. Fasteners <NUM> extend through openings in the mold insert 134C and into the mold portion 134B to secure the mold insert 134C to the mold portion 134B. An additional mold portion similar to mold portion 34A is closed together with mold portion 134B on the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, with the tensile component <NUM> between the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. The polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> and tensile component <NUM> are then welded by radio frequency welding (also referred to as high frequency or dielectric welding) or are secured by another manner of thermal or adhesive bonding, as a power source <NUM> supplies energy creating an alternating electric field that heats the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM> where the mold portions 34A, 134B or mold insert 134C are applied to the polymeric sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the mold assembly of <FIG>, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM> of the mold portion 134B are applied to the same sheet as the protrusions <NUM> of the mold insert 134C. Accordingly, the welds W1, W2 are on the same side of the bladder <NUM> as are the inwardly-protruding bonds <NUM>. Extensions <NUM> at the periphery of the mold portion 134B result in triangular markings (e.g., indentations) <NUM> in the flange <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. These markings can be used as locating features when aligning the bladder <NUM> with the upper <NUM> and/or with the last <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flange <NUM> can be trimmed at these markings to create apertures that serve as locating features. The mold portion 134B also includes structure <NUM> that molds an inflation port into the bladder <NUM> that can be sealed after inflating the bladder <NUM>.

Assembled, ready to wear footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), as well as discrete components of footwear articles (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper component, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready to wear footwear articles, are considered and alternatively referred to herein in either the singular or plural as "article(s) of footwear" or "footwear".

The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of an article of footwear extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear. The term "forward" or "anterior" is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term "rearward" or "posterior" is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.

The term "transverse" refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of an article of footwear extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the article of footwear. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.

The term "vertical" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole structure is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole structure. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

Claim 1:
An article of footwear (<NUM>; 12A; 12C; 12D; 12E) comprising:
an upper (<NUM>); and
a strobel (<NUM>; 10A to <NUM>) including:
a polymeric bladder (<NUM>; 16A to 16I) defining an interior cavity (<NUM>) and configured to retain a fluid in the interior cavity (<NUM>), the polymeric bladder (<NUM>; 16A to 16I) having a peripheral flange (<NUM>) extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the interior cavity (<NUM>);
a tensile component (<NUM>) disposed in the interior cavity (<NUM>) and secured to opposing inner surfaces of the polymeric bladder (<NUM>; 16A to 16I); wherein the peripheral flange (<NUM>) defines a groove (<NUM>) extending along the peripheral flange (<NUM>); and
a lasting component (<NUM>; 17A to <NUM>) configured to extend along the peripheral flange (<NUM>) around the at least a portion of the perimeter of the interior cavity (<NUM>);
wherein
the lasting component (<NUM>; 17A to <NUM>) is secured to the peripheral flange (<NUM>) at the groove (<NUM>) by a first series of stitches (<NUM>) extending through the lasting component (<NUM>; 17A to <NUM>) and through the peripheral flange (<NUM>) in the groove (<NUM>);
the lasting component (<NUM>; 17A to <NUM>) is secured to the upper (<NUM>) at a second series of stitches (<NUM>) that extends through the lasting component (<NUM>; 17A to <NUM>) and the upper (<NUM>); and
either:
the polymeric bladder (<NUM>; 16A to 16I) and the lasting component (<NUM>; 17A to <NUM>) are each disposed in at least one different one of a forefoot region (<NUM>), a midfoot region (<NUM>), and a heel region (<NUM>) of the article of footwear (<NUM>; 12A; 12C; 12D; 12E), or
the lasting component (<NUM>; 17A; 17B) has an aperture (<NUM>, 19A, 19B), the polymeric bladder (<NUM>; 16A; 16B) extends partially through the aperture (<NUM>, 19A, 19B), and the peripheral flange (<NUM>) abuts the lasting component (<NUM>; 17A; 17B) around the aperture (<NUM>, 19A, 19B), the lasting component (<NUM>; 17A; 17B) has a forefoot region (<NUM>), a heel region (<NUM>), and a midfoot region (<NUM>) between the forefoot region (<NUM>) and the heel region (<NUM>), and the aperture (<NUM>, 19A, 19B) and the polymeric bladder (<NUM>; 16A; 16B) extend only in one of the forefoot region (<NUM>) and the heel region (<NUM>) or only in two contiguous ones of the forefoot region (<NUM>), the midfoot region (<NUM>), and the heel region (<NUM>).