Patent Description:
Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to increase durability of the sole structure, as well as to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper and a strobel attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner. USD <NUM> S1 discloses bladders for articles of footwear comprising two chambers and a web area extending between the two chambers.

Midsoles employing bladders typically include a bladder formed from two barrier layers of polymer material that are sealed or bonded together. The bladders may contain air, and may incorporate tensile members within the bladder to retain the shape of the bladder when compressed resiliently under applied loads, such as during athletic movements. Generally, bladders are designed with an emphasis on balancing support for the foot and cushioning characteristics that relate to responsiveness as the bladder resiliently compresses under an applied load
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Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features.

In some implementations, the bladder further includes a second series of ports formed in the second segment of the first chamber. In some examples, each of the first series of ports and the second series of ports is rounded.

In some implementations, the bladder includes a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together at discrete locations to define each of the first chamber, the second chamber, the manifold, and the web area. Optionally, the manifold is formed entirely within the second barrier layer. In some examples, a portion of the first barrier layer opposing the manifold may be planar.

In some configurations, the second chamber has an anterior end having a first width and a posterior end having a second width that is greater than the first width. In some examples, the second chamber is ellipsoidal.

In some implementations, the first chamber further includes a third segment connecting the first segment to the second segment at a posterior end of the bladder. Here, each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment may extend along a respective arcuate path around the second chamber.

In another example not in accordance with the claimed invention, a bladder for an article of footwear is provided. The bladder includes a first chamber disposed in an interior portion of the bladder and extending from a first end to a second end, where a width of the first chamber tapers in a direction extending from the first end to the second end. The bladder further includes a second chamber at least partially surrounding the first chamber and having a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

In some examples, the first chamber includes opposing, substantially parallel surfaces disposed between portions of the second chamber.

Optionally, the second chamber has plurality of sidewalls arranged in a quadrilateral shape. Here, the plurality of sidewalls may include a pair of upper sidewalls converging with each other to form an upper edge of the bladder and a pair of lower sidewalls converging with each other to form a lower edge of the bladder. In some examples, the plurality of sidewalls includes an inner-upper sidewall and an inner-lower sidewall converging with each other at a web area of the bladder. Here, at least one of the inner-upper sidewall or the inner-lower sidewall may include a series of rounded ports formed between the at least one of the inner-upper sidewall or the inner-lower sidewall and the web area.

In some examples, the second chamber extends from a first terminal end to a second terminal end, and each of the first terminal end and the second terminal end includes a planar upper face and a planar lower face.

In some configurations, the bladder further includes a manifold having a first conduit in fluid communication with the first chamber and a second conduit in fluid communication with the second chamber.

In some examples, the bladder further includes a web area separating the first chamber from the second chamber.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a sole structure including the bladder of any of the preceding paragraphs is provided. In some examples, the sole structure is incorporated in an article of footwear.

Referring to <FIG>, an article of footwear <NUM> includes a sole structure <NUM> and an upper <NUM> attached to the sole structure <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region <NUM>, a mid-foot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. The mid-foot region <NUM> may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region <NUM> may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The footwear <NUM> may further include an anterior end <NUM> associated with a forward-most point of the forefoot region <NUM>, and a posterior end <NUM> corresponding to a rearward-most point of the heel region <NUM>. A longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the footwear <NUM> extends along a length of the footwear <NUM> from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>, and generally divides the footwear <NUM> into a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Accordingly, the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear <NUM> and extend through the regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The article of footwear <NUM>, and more particularly, the sole structure <NUM>, may be further described as including an interior region <NUM> and a peripheral region <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>. The peripheral region <NUM> is generally described as being a region between the interior region <NUM> and an outer perimeter of the sole structure <NUM>. Particularly, the peripheral region <NUM> extends from the forefoot region <NUM> to the heel region <NUM> along each of the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>, and wraps around each of the forefoot region <NUM> and the heel region <NUM>. Thus, the interior region <NUM> is circumscribed by the peripheral region <NUM>, and extends from the forefoot region <NUM> to the heel region <NUM> along a central portion of the sole structure <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> includes a midsole <NUM> configured to provide cushioning characteristics to the sole structure <NUM>, and an outsole <NUM> configured to provide a ground-engaging surface <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. Unlike conventional sole structures, the midsole <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> may be formed compositely and include a plurality of subcomponents for providing desired forms of cushioning and support throughout the sole structure <NUM>. For example, the midsole <NUM> includes a bladder <NUM> and a chassis <NUM>, where the chassis <NUM> is attached to the upper <NUM> and provides an interface between the upper <NUM>, the bladder <NUM>, and the outsole <NUM>. The sole structure <NUM> may further include a heel counter <NUM> extending around the heel region <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> and the upper <NUM>, as described in greater detail below.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> may be described as extending along a longitudinal axis A<NUM> from a first, anterior end <NUM> to a second, posterior end <NUM> disposed at an opposite end of the bladder <NUM> than the anterior end <NUM>. When incorporated into the article of footwear <NUM>, the anterior end <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> is disposed within the heel region <NUM> or the mid-foot region <NUM> and faces the anterior end <NUM> of the footwear <NUM>, while the posterior end <NUM> is disposed at the posterior end <NUM> of the footwear <NUM>. The bladder <NUM> may be further described as including an intermediate portion <NUM> disposed between the anterior end <NUM> and the posterior end <NUM>. The geometry and features of the bladder <NUM> may also be described relative to the peripheral region <NUM> and the interior region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> may be formed by an opposing pair of barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM>, which can be joined to each other at discrete locations to define an overall shape of the bladder <NUM>. Alternatively, the bladder <NUM> can be produced from any suitable combination of one or more barrier layers. As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM>) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from about <NUM> micrometers to about <NUM> millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about <NUM> micrometers to about <NUM> micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about <NUM> micrometer to about <NUM> micrometers.

One or both of the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> can independently be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term "transparent" for a barrier layer and/or a fluid-filled chamber means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier layer. In comparison, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer, in that light passes through a translucent layer but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the layer.

The barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate (NDI), <NUM>,<NUM>-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), <NUM>,<NUM>' - dimethyldipheny1-<NUM>, <NUM>' -diisocyanate (DDDI), <NUM>,<NUM> '-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), <NUM>-chloro-<NUM>,<NUM>-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

In another aspect, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials, as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

The barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in <CIT> and <CIT>. In embodiments where the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in <CIT>. In further embodiments, the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> includes at least four (<NUM>) sublayers, at least ten (<NUM>) sublayers, at least twenty (<NUM>) sublayers, at least forty (<NUM>) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (<NUM>) sublayers.

The bladder <NUM> can be produced from the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an aspect, the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> can be produced by coextrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to form the profile of the bladder <NUM>, which can optionally include one or more valves <NUM> (e.g., one way valves) that allows the bladder <NUM> to be filled with the fluid (e.g., gas).

The bladder <NUM> desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the bladder <NUM> has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten (<NUM>) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, bladder <NUM> has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of <NUM> cubic-centimeter/square-meter•atmosphere•day (cm<NUM>/m<NUM>•atm•day) or less for an average film thickness of <NUM> micrometers (based on thicknesses of barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM>). In further aspects, the transmission rate is <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>•atm•day or less, <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>•atm•day or less, or <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>•atm•day or less.

In the shown embodiment, the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> include a first, upper barrier layer <NUM> and a second, lower barrier layer <NUM>. Each of the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> includes an interior surface <NUM>, <NUM> and a corresponding exterior surface <NUM>, <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the barrier layer <NUM>, <NUM> from the respective interior surface <NUM>, <NUM>. The exterior surface <NUM> of the upper barrier layer <NUM> defines an upper surface of the bladder <NUM> and the exterior surface <NUM> of the lower barrier layer <NUM> defines a lower surface of the bladder <NUM>. As discussed below, thicknesses of the bladder <NUM> are defined by distances from the exterior surface <NUM> of the upper barrier layer <NUM> to the exterior surface <NUM> of the lower barrier layer <NUM>, measured along a vertical direction (i.e., perpendicular to the ground surface).

In the illustrated example, the interior surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> are joined together at discrete locations to form a web area <NUM> and a peripheral seam <NUM>. The peripheral seam <NUM> extends around the outer periphery of the peripheral chamber <NUM> and defines an outer peripheral profile of the bladder <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the interior surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper and lower barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from each other between the web area <NUM> and the peripheral seam <NUM> to define a plurality of chambers <NUM>, <NUM> and a manifold <NUM> each including a respective interior void <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> includes a first, interior chamber <NUM> disposed in the interior region <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> and a second, peripheral chamber <NUM> surrounding the interior chamber <NUM>. The web area <NUM> surrounds the interior chamber <NUM> and separates the interior chamber <NUM> from the peripheral chamber <NUM> such that the interior voids <NUM>, <NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM> and the peripheral chamber <NUM> are not in direct fluid communication with each other (i.e., fluid or media cannot transfer directly between the interior voids <NUM>, <NUM>), but are instead fluidly connected to each other via the interior void <NUM> of the manifold <NUM>. When incorporated within the article of footwear <NUM>, the interior chamber <NUM> is configured to support a central portion of the heel corresponding to the bottom of the calcaneus bone, while the peripheral chamber <NUM> provides a separate support structure that receives a portion of the heel therein.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the interior chamber <NUM> extends continuously along the longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the bladder from an anterior end <NUM> at the anterior end <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> to a posterior end <NUM> at the posterior end <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. A distance from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM> defines a length L<NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM>. The interior chamber <NUM> may be described as including an intermediate portion <NUM> disposed between the anterior end <NUM> and the posterior end <NUM>. The interior chamber <NUM> may be further defined by a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM> each extending along opposite sides of the interior chamber <NUM> from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>, whereby a width W<NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM> is defined by a lateral distance (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A<NUM>) from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the interior chamber <NUM> may be configured such that the width W<NUM> tapers along a lengthwise direction of the longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an outer periphery of the interior chamber <NUM>, which is collectively defined by the anterior end <NUM>, the posterior end <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and the medial side <NUM>, is oval-shaped such that the width W<NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM> is greater at the intermediate portion <NUM> than at each of the anterior end <NUM> and the posterior end <NUM>. In some examples, the outer periphery defines an egg shape, whereby the anterior end <NUM> has a first radius R<NUM>, the posterior end <NUM> has a second radius R<NUM> that is greater than the first radius, and each of the sides <NUM>, <NUM> has a third radius R<NUM>, R<NUM> that is greater than each of the first radius R<NUM> and the second radius R<NUM>. Accordingly, the interior chamber <NUM> may be embodied as an asymmetrical ellipsoid.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the interior chamber <NUM> may be further described as including a top surface <NUM> defined by the exterior surface <NUM> of the upper barrier layer <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side from the top surface <NUM> and defined by the exterior surface <NUM> of the lower barrier layer <NUM>. Each of the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> may be substantially planar, and have a peripheral profile corresponding to the outer periphery of the interior chamber <NUM>. For example, an outer periphery of the top surface <NUM> may be egg-shaped such that the top surface <NUM> has a narrower width at the anterior end <NUM> than at the posterior end <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a distance between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> defines a thickness T<NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM>. As shown, the thickness T<NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM> may taper along the lengthwise direction of the bladder <NUM>. For example, the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> converge with each other along a direction from the posterior end <NUM> to the anterior end <NUM> such that the thickness T<NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM> decreases. In the illustrated example, the interior chamber <NUM> tapers at a constant and continuous rate from the posterior end <NUM> to the anterior end <NUM>.

The interior chamber <NUM> further includes an upper peripheral side surface <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> to the web area <NUM>, and a lower peripheral side surface <NUM> extending from the bottom surface <NUM> to the web area <NUM>. Each of the peripheral side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> is continuously curved or arcuate between the web area <NUM> and the respective top and bottom surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Accordingly, the peripheral side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to provide the interior chamber <NUM> with a continuously curved side between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the peripheral chamber <NUM> extends along the peripheral region <NUM> and partially surrounds the interior chamber <NUM>. Particularly, the peripheral chamber <NUM> extends from a first terminal end 164a on the lateral side of the anterior end <NUM> and around the posterior end <NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM> to a second terminal end 164b on the medial side of the anterior end <NUM>. As shown, each of the terminal ends 164a, 164b may be polygonal and include a substantially planar upper face 165a defined by the upper barrier layer <NUM> and a substantially planar lower face 165b defined by the lower barrier layer <NUM>. The respective upper faces are formed at an oblique angle relative to the lower faces such that the respective upper and lower faces of the terminal ends 164a, 164b are both angled rearwardly from the peripheral seam <NUM>.

The peripheral chamber <NUM> may be described as including a plurality of segments 166a-166c. Here, a lateral segment <NUM> extends from the first terminal end 164a to the posterior end <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> along the lateral side of the bladder <NUM>, a medial segment 166b extends from the second terminal end 164b to the posterior end <NUM> along the medial side of the bladder <NUM>, and a posterior segment 166c extends from the lateral segment 166a to the medial segment 166b along the posterior end <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>.

While each of the segments 166a-166b is substantially elongate, the segments 166a-166b may each extend along a respective path having a concave curvature relative to the interior chamber <NUM>. In other words, each of the segments 166a-166c has a slight curvature around the interior chamber <NUM>. Furthermore, intersections 167a, 167b between the posterior segment 166c and each of the lateral segment 166a and the medial segment 166b may also be curved, and have a radius R167a, R167b that is substantially smaller than the respective radii R166a-R166c of the segments 166a-166c, such that the intersections 167a, 167b provide the peripheral chamber <NUM> with curved corners at the posterior end <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the peripheral chamber <NUM> is defined by a plurality of sidewalls 168a-168d arranged to provide the peripheral chamber <NUM> with a polygonal cross-sectional shape. In the illustrated example, the peripheral chamber <NUM> includes a plurality of substantially straight sidewalls 168a-168d arranged in a quadrilateral shape. Here, the sidewalls 168a-168d are arranged in a diamond-like shape, having a pair of upper sidewalls 168a, 168b formed by the upper barrier layer <NUM> and a pair of lower sidewalls 168c, 168d formed by the lower barrier layer <NUM>. As described below, the respective pairs of the upper sidewalls 168a, 168b and the lower sidewalls 168c, 168d converge with each other at upper and lower edges 170a, 170c formed on opposite sides (e.g., top and bottom) of the bladder <NUM>. Each of the upper edge 170a and the lower edge 170b may be radiused.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the pair of upper sidewalls 168a, 168b includes an inner-upper sidewall 168a and an opposing outer-upper sidewall 168b that converge with each other at the upper edge 170a. The inner-upper sidewall 168a extends from the web area <NUM> at a first oblique angle relative to the web area <NUM>. As shown, the inner-upper sidewall 168a extends upwardly and outwardly from the web area <NUM> to the upper edge 170a. The outer-upper sidewall 168b extends from the peripheral seam <NUM> at a second oblique angle relative to the web area <NUM>. As shown, the outer-upper sidewall 168b extends inwardly and upwardly from the peripheral seam <NUM> to the upper edge 170a.

On the bottom of the bladder <NUM>, the inner-lower sidewall 168c extends from the web area <NUM> at a third oblique angle relative to the web area <NUM>. Particularly, the inner-lower sidewall 168c extends downwardly and outwardly from the web area <NUM> to the lower edge 170b. Conversely, the outer-lower sidewall 168d extends at a fourth oblique angle from the peripheral seam <NUM> to the lower edge 170b, such that the outer-lower sidewall 168d extends downwardly and inwardly from the peripheral seam <NUM> to the lower edge <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner sidewalls 168a, 168c of the peripheral chamber <NUM> includes a first series of ports 172a-172j formed therein. As shown, each of the ports 172a-172j is formed as a rounded protrusion from each of the inner sidewalls 168a, 168c. Particularly, each of the ports 172a-172j is a semi-spherical protrusion formed between the web area <NUM> and the respective inner sidewall 168a, 168c. As such, an interior of each of the ports 172a-172j defines a semi-spherical void (<FIG>) in communication with the interior void <NUM> of the peripheral chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, the ports 172a-172j are configured both as gussets between the inner sidewalls 168a, 168c and the web area <NUM> to provide the peripheral chamber <NUM> with improved lateral (i.e., side-to-side) stability, and to act as fluid expansion zones for damping pressure increases within the interior void <NUM> when the bladder <NUM> is compressed under the load of a foot. In the illustrated example, the inner sidewalls 168a, 168c each include a series of the ports 172a-172j formed along the lateral and medial segments 166a, 166b.

Referring to <FIG>, the inner-upper sidewall 168a includes a first series of ports 172a-172c distributed along the lateral segment 166a and a second series of ports 172d-172f distributed along the medial segment 166b. Here, the first series of ports 172a-172c and the second series of ports 172d-172f each includes an anterior port 172a, 172d disposed adjacent to the anterior end <NUM>, a posterior port 172c, 172f disposed adjacent to the posterior end <NUM>, and one or more intermediate ports 172b, 172e disposed in the intermediate portion <NUM>. The ports 172a-172f of each of the first series and the second series are evenly spaced from each other along each of the lateral and medial segments 166a, 166b.

Referring to <FIG>, the inner-lower sidewall 168c includes a third series of ports <NUM>-<NUM> distributed along the lateral segment 166a and a fourth series of ports <NUM>-172i distributed along the medial segment 166b. Here, the third series of ports <NUM>-<NUM> and the fourth series of ports 172i-172j each includes a posterior port <NUM>, 172j disposed adjacent to the posterior end <NUM>, and one or more intermediate ports <NUM>, 172i disposed in the intermediate portion <NUM>. The ports <NUM>-172j of each of the first series and the second series are evenly spaced from each other along each of the lateral and medial segments 166a, 166b. Particularly, the intermediate and posterior ports <NUM>-172j of the inner-lower sidewall 168c are aligned with the intermediate and posterior ports 172b, 172c, 172e, 172f of the inner-upper sidewall 168a across the thickness of the bladder <NUM>. Accordingly, the corresponding semi-spherical ports of the upper and lower inner sidewalls 168a, 168c cooperate with each other to form hemispherical structures between the peripheral chamber <NUM> and the web area <NUM>.

Unlike the inner-upper sidewall 168a, the lower inner sidewall 168c does not include anterior ports. Instead, the manifold <NUM> is formed within the lower barrier layer <NUM> and provides fluid communication to the interior void <NUM> of the peripheral chamber <NUM> through the inner-lower sidewall 168c at locations aligned with the anterior ports 172a, 172d of the upper barrier layer <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the upper barrier layer <NUM> and the lower barrier layer <NUM> cooperate to enclose the interior void <NUM> of the manifold <NUM>. However, the geometry of the manifold <NUM> is formed entirely within the lower barrier layer <NUM> such that the upper barrier layer <NUM> merely acts as a cover for the interior void <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Accordingly, the portion of the upper barrier layer <NUM> enclosing the interior void <NUM> is planar and provides a uniform surface that is flush with the web area <NUM> on top of the bladder <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the manifold <NUM> includes a plurality of conduits 174a-174c each in fluid communication with the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown, the manifold <NUM> includes a first conduit 174a in fluid communication with the interior void <NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM> and a pair of laterally-extending conduits 174b, 174c extending from the first conduit 174a to each of the lateral segment 166a and the medial segment 166b. Each of the conduits 174b, 174c extends along a compound curve, whereby a first portion of the conduit 174b, 174c adjacent to the longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the bladder <NUM> has a concave curvature relative to the interior chamber <NUM> and a second portion of the conduit 174b, 174c that is connected to the peripheral chamber <NUM> has a convex curvature relative to the interior chamber <NUM>. Particularly, the first portion of each conduit 174b, 174c extends around the interior chamber <NUM> while the second portion curves away from the interior chamber <NUM>. As shown, this compound curvature results in each conduit 174b, 174c intersecting or connecting with the peripheral chamber <NUM> at a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the inner-upper sidewall 168a.

The chambers <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided in a fluid-filled (e.g., as provided in footwear <NUM>) or in an unfilled state. The chambers <NUM>, <NUM> can be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid. In one aspect, the gas can include air, nitrogen (N<NUM>), or any other suitable gas. The fluid provided to the chambers <NUM>, <NUM> can result in the bladder <NUM> being pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to the chambers <NUM>, <NUM> can be at atmospheric pressure such that the chambers <NUM>, <NUM> are not pressurized but, rather, simply contain a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure. In other aspects, the chambers <NUM>, <NUM> can alternatively include other compressible media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled material, and the like (e.g., foamed beads and/or rubber beads).

In the illustrated example, the interior voids <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> include a first fluid at a first pressure. As discussed above, the interior chamber <NUM> is in fluid communication with the peripheral chamber <NUM> via the manifold <NUM> such that both chambers <NUM>, <NUM> have the same pressure. In some examples, the first pressure ranges from <NUM> psi to <NUM> psi, and more particularly from <NUM> psi to <NUM> psi, and even more particularly from <NUM> psi to <NUM> psi. The second pressure may range from <NUM> psi to <NUM> psi, and more particularly from <NUM> psi to <NUM> psi, and even more particularly from <NUM> psi to <NUM> psi.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the chassis <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> extends continuously from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM> defining a profile of a footbed of the article of footwear <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> further includes a bottom surface <NUM> and a recessed surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the chassis <NUM> than the top surface <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the bottom surface <NUM> extends from the anterior end <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> and terminates at an intermediate portion of the chassis <NUM> in the mid-foot region <NUM>.

The recessed surface <NUM> is spaced between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> and is configured to interface with the upper barrier layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. Thus, a depth or height of the recess <NUM> is defined by the offset distance between the bottom surface <NUM> and the recessed surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the recessed surface <NUM> is configured to interface or mate with the exterior surface <NUM> of the upper barrier layer <NUM> such that the chassis <NUM> contacts the web area <NUM> and fills the space formed between the interior chamber <NUM> and the peripheral chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, the recessed surface <NUM> may include features corresponding to the elements of the bladder <NUM> formed by the upper barrier layer <NUM>. For example, the recessed surface <NUM> may include a series of dimples <NUM> configured to receive respective ones of the ports 172a-172f, a receptacle <NUM> configured to receive the interior chamber <NUM>, and a channel <NUM> configured to receive the upper edge 170a of the bladder <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> formed in the recessed surface <NUM> corresponds in shape to the shape of the interior chamber <NUM>, such that the receptacle <NUM> conforms to the outer profile of the interior chamber <NUM>. In some examples, the receptacle <NUM> is formed through a thickness of the chassis <NUM> from the recessed surface <NUM> to the top surface <NUM> and forms an opening <NUM> through the top surface <NUM>. Here, the top surface <NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM> is exposed through the opening <NUM> such that the footbed of the upper <NUM> is in direct contact with the interior chamber <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the outsole <NUM> of the sole structure is configured to receive each of the lower surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> and the lower portion of the bladder <NUM> formed by the lower barrier layer <NUM>. As shown, the outsole <NUM> includes a first portion 192a formed in the forefoot region <NUM> and the mid-foot region <NUM> for receiving the lower surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>, and a second portion 192b formed in the mid-foot region <NUM> and the heel region <NUM> for interfacing with the bladder <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the second portion 192b of the outsole <NUM> includes features (e.g., dimples <NUM>) configured to mate with the portions of the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, the manifold <NUM>, and the ports <NUM>-172i formed by the lower barrier layer <NUM>. Accordingly, the second portion 192b of the outsole <NUM> substantially fills the space formed between the interior chamber <NUM> and the peripheral chamber <NUM>.

Each of the outsole <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> may be formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as foam or rubber, to impart properties of cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the foot of the wearer. In some examples, the outsole <NUM> is formed of a first foam material and the chassis <NUM> is formed of a second foam material. For example, the chassis <NUM> may be formed of foam materials providing greater cushioning and impact distribution, while the outsole <NUM> is formed of a foam material having a greater stiffness and/or abrasion resistance to provide durability and stability to the sole structure.

Example resilient polymeric materials may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.

In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and/or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethanes and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed above for the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

When the resilient polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and/or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as adodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and/or an isocyanate.

Optionally, the sole structure <NUM> may include additional components. For example, the sole structure <NUM> may include the heel counter <NUM> connecting the bladder <NUM>, the outsole <NUM>, and the chassis <NUM> in the heel region <NUM>. The heel counter <NUM> includes a peripheral wall <NUM> configured to extend along the chassis <NUM> and the bladder <NUM> in the heel region <NUM>, and a pair of fingers 196a, 196b extending from anterior ends of the peripheral wall <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> in the mid-foot region <NUM>. Particularly, each of the fingers 196a, 196b extends to a respective distal end 197a, 197b beneath the outsole <NUM>, such that the outsole <NUM> is captured between the distal ends 197a, 197b of the fingers 196a, 196b and the bottom surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> may further include a support plate <NUM> configured to be received between the bladder <NUM> and the outsole <NUM>. Particularly, the support plate <NUM> may be disposed between the bottom surface <NUM> of the interior chamber <NUM> and the second portion 192b of the outsole <NUM> and may include an oval shape that mimics a shape of the interior chamber <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> provides additional strength to the sole structure <NUM> in an area where the outsole <NUM> may be relatively thin due to the presence of the interior chamber <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> is attached to the sole structure <NUM> and includes interior surfaces that define an interior void <NUM> configured to receive and secure a foot for support on sole structure <NUM>. The upper <NUM> may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void <NUM>. Suitable materials of the upper may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

Claim 1:
A bladder (<NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>), the bladder (<NUM>) comprising:
a first chamber (<NUM>) including a first segment (166a) extending along a first side of the bladder (<NUM>) and a second segment (166b) formed on an opposite side of the bladder (<NUM>) from the first segment (166a);
a second chamber (<NUM>) at least partially surrounded by the first chamber (<NUM>) and disposed between the first segment (166a) and the second segment (166b);
a manifold (<NUM>) in direct fluid communication with each of the first segment (166a) of the first chamber (<NUM>), the second segment (166b) of the first chamber (<NUM>), and the second chamber (<NUM>), the manifold (<NUM>) including a first conduit (174a) in fluid communication with an interior void (<NUM>) of the second chamber (<NUM>) and a pair of laterally-extending conduits (174b, 174c) extending from the first conduit (174a) to each of the first segment (166a) of the first chamber (<NUM>) and the second segment (166b) of the first chamber (<NUM>), wherein each of the laterally-extending conduits (174b, 174c) extends along a compound curve, whereby a first portion of the conduit (174b, 174c) adjacent to the longitudinal axis (A<NUM>) of the bladder (<NUM>) has a concave curvature relative to the second chamber (<NUM>) and a second portion of the conduit (174b, 174c) that is connected to the first chamber (<NUM>) has a convex curvature relative to the second chamber (<NUM>);
a web area (<NUM>) extending continuously from the manifold (<NUM>) at a medial side of the second chamber (<NUM>), around a posterior end of the second chamber (<NUM>), to the manifold (<NUM>) at a lateral side of the second chamber (<NUM>), and connecting each of the first chamber (<NUM>), the second chamber (<NUM>), and the manifold (<NUM>); and
a first series of ports (172a-172c) extending between the first chamber (<NUM>) and the web area (<NUM>).