Patent Description:
Footwear generally includes a sole that provides support and cushioning to a wearer's foot and an upper attached to the sole that encloses the wearer's foot. The sole may be constructed to provide the desired comfort and performance characteristics for the wearer. Soles may be made by molding a foam material, such as EVA, among others. Manufacturing a sole by molding may be inexpensive, but molding methods may provide limited ability to customize the performance characteristics of the sole.

Runners and other athletes may desire footwear having specific performance characteristics to optimize their performance. Further, customization of the sole may allow the footwear to be tailored to a particular athlete. Thus, methods of forming a midsole that allow for greater customization of the resulting properties and performance characteristics of the sole is desired.

<CIT> and <CIT> show midsoles for sports shoes, which are additively manufactured and provide with solid layers.

The underlying problem of the present invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

In any of the various embodiments disclosed herein, the first solid component and the second solid component may each include a foam material.

The mesh component includes a plurality of interconnected unit cells.

In any of the various embodiments disclosed herein, the sole may include a toe region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and the first solid component may extend from the toe region toward the midfoot region. In some embodiments, the second solid component may be arranged at the heel region.

In any of the various embodiments disclosed herein, the sole may include a toe region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, the mesh component may extend from the lower end of the sole to the upper end of the sole, and the mesh component may extend from the midfoot region to the heel region.

The mesh component of the sole overlaps with a portion of the upper.

In any of the various embodiments disclosed herein, the mesh component may define a cavity. In some embodiments, an insert may be arranged within the cavity. In some embodiments, particles may be arranged within the cavity.

In any of the various embodiments disclosed herein, a filler material may be disposed within the mesh component. In some embodiments, the mesh component may include a port configured to facilitate injection of the filler material into the mesh component.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles thereof and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the same.

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims.

Soles and midsoles of footwear are often formed by molding methods, such as by injection or compression molding. In some cases, when midsoles are molded in one piece, the properties of the resulting midsole cannot be made to vary across different portions of the midsole. As a result, the molded midsole may have isotropic properties. However, in some cases, it may be desirable to provide a midsole with mechanical properties that vary across or within different regions and/or that vary depending on the directions in which the midsole is loaded to improve the performance of the midsole and allow for customization of the performance of the midsole. For example, it may be desirable to provide a midsole with anisotropic properties that vary on different portions of the midsole in order to improve the performance of the midsole and allow for customization of the performance of the midsole.

The embodiments described herein relate to footwear having a sole that includes a mesh component to provide the sole with desired properties, for example anisotropic properties. The mesh component may be customized to provide different properties in different regions of the sole. In certain embodiments, anisotropic properties may help to guide a foot of an athlete during sports movements, or may be used to guide a foot of a wearer in daily use. Further, selective mechanical deformation of the mesh component may be achieved to provide stride length gains during phases of ground contact while walking or running. Such stride length gains can be optimized by selection of the geometry and dimensions of the mesh component. The mesh component may absorb midfoot and heel strike forces and translate vertical momentum in running into forward momentum through angular-biased mesh components arranged to translate force applied in a desired direction and create angular rotation.

The embodiments described herein relate to an article of footwear or a footwear component that includes a sole having one or more one solid components and one or more mesh components. As a result, footwear can be customized to provide the sole with mechanical properties that vary across or within different regions and/or that vary depending on the direction in which the midsole is loaded (for example, anisotropic properties) to provide performance improvements. Some embodiments described herein relate to an article of footwear or a footwear component having a mesh component that is additively manufactured. As a result, footwear having custom properties may be produced by controlling the mesh component geometry and dimensions.

As used herein, the term mesh component refers to a three-dimensional structure comprising a plurality of unit cells arranged in a web-like structure or a lattice structure. The web-like or lattice structure of a mesh component comprises interconnected structural members defining the plurality of unit cells. The structural members, and thus the unit cells, are connected at nodes. The interconnected structural members are struts that are connected at nodes and that define unit cells arranged in a lattice configuration. In some embodiments, the plurality of interconnected unit cells can be arranged in a regular or repeating lattice configuration. Exemplary lattice configurations include, but are not limited to basic cubic lattices, body-centered cubic lattices, face-centered cubic lattices, and modified lattices based on these lattice types. Exemplary lattice configurations include, but are not limited to the lattice structures shown in <FIG>.

Unit cells may have any of various dimensions and geometries. Further, unit cells within a mesh component may be the same or may differ. Thus, a mesh component may include unit cells of different dimensions or geometries. The three-dimensional shape of a <NUM> unit cell is defined by a plurality of interconnected struts connected to one another at nodes, as shown for example in <FIG>. Each unit cell may have a base geometry defined by the struts. As used herein, "base geometry" means the base three-dimensional shape, connection, and arrangement of the struts defining a unit cell. The base geometry of a unit cell may be, but is not limited to, a dodecahedron (e.g., rhombic), a tetrahedron, an icosahedron, a cube, a cuboid, a prism, or a parallelepiped. Each node may connect two or more struts. Struts may be arranged to provide a mesh component with the desired performance characteristics, and a mesh component may include regions with different densities of struts.

In some embodiments, a mesh component may include unit cells composed of sub-cells as described in reference to <FIG>. In some embodiments, a mesh component may include a perimeter structure as described in reference to <FIG>.

A mesh component may be formed by additive manufacturing (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printing). For example, a mesh component may be formed using a digital light synthesis (DLS) method. In the DLS process, an ultraviolet (UV) light is selectively applied to a pool of a liquid photopolymer resin to cause a portion of the resin to cure. The product is formed in sections in a layer-by-layer method and once a layer is formed, a new layer of photopolymer resin flows beneath the cured layer and is in turn cured via the UV light until the final product is produced. An oxygen-permeable membrane is arranged beneath the resin so as to form a dead zone to prevent curing of the resin adjacent a window through which the UV light is applied. The DLS process is continuous, which can allow products to be formed with increased speed relative to alternative types of additive manufacturing methods. In some embodiments, other additive manufacturing methods may be used to form the mesh component. The mesh component may be additively manufactured using various materials, including for example an elastomeric polyurethane, among others. In some embodiments, <NUM>-D printing a mesh component can include <NUM>-D printing the mesh in an intermediate green state, shaping the mesh in the green state, and curing the green mesh in its final shape.

Techniques for producing an intermediate object from resins by additive manufacturing are known. Suitable techniques include bottom-up and top-down additive manufacturing, generally known as stereolithography. Such methods are known and described in, for example, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing step is carried out by one of the family of methods sometimes referred to as continuous liquid interface production (CLIP). CLIP is known and described in, for example, <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and others; in <NPL>); and in<NPL>). Other examples of methods and apparatus for carrying out particular embodiments of CLIP include, but are not limited to: <CIT>); <CIT>); <CIT>);<CIT>); <CIT>). <CIT>); <CIT>); <CIT>)<CIT> (see also <CIT> and <CIT>); and<CIT> (see also US Pat.

While stereolithography techniques such as CLIP can be preferred, it will be appreciated that other additive manufacturing techniques, such as jet printing (see, e.g., <CIT> and US Patent App. Serial No. <CIT>) can also be used.

In any of the embodiments described herein, a mesh component may be selected to provide desired performance characteristics. A mesh component may be tailored to provide a higher stiffness to weight ratio to provide a lightweight midsole, to control midsole shear stiffness to allow for or to prevent midsole shear, and to control energy return and damping.

As used herein, the term solid component refers to a component that does not have a web-like or lattice structure. A solid component may be free of openings or voids unless specifically described otherwise in connection with an embodiment herein. A solid component may be formed from a foam material, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or expanded-TPU (e-TPU), a polyether block amide (PEBA), or a combination thereof, among other materials. A solid component may be formed by molding, such as by injection molding, transfer molding, or compression molding, among other molding methods. In embodiments having multiple solid components, each solid component may be formed of the same material or may be formed of different materials depending on the desired properties of a sole.

The embodiments described herein relate to an article of footwear <NUM> having a sole <NUM> that includes at least one solid component <NUM>, <NUM> and a mesh component <NUM>, and an upper <NUM> connected to sole <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Article of footwear <NUM> is a complete article of footwear, such as a shoe, sneaker, boot, or cleat, among other types of footwear. Sole <NUM> may include a toe region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. Sole <NUM> may include a lower end <NUM> that is a ground-engaging surface of footwear <NUM>, and an upper end <NUM> that is connected to upper <NUM>.

A longitudinal direction <NUM> of a mesh component described herein (e.g., mesh component <NUM> or <NUM>) extends between a forefoot end and a heel end of the mesh component. Longitudinal direction <NUM> includes a forward longitudinal direction ("forward direction") extending from the heel end to the forefoot end and a rearward longitudinal direction ("rearward direction") extending from the forefoot end to the heel end. A transverse direction <NUM> of a mesh component extends between a medial side and a lateral side of the mesh component. Transverse direction <NUM> of the mesh component includes a medial transverse direction ("medial direction") extending from the lateral side to the medial side and a lateral transverse direction ("lateral direction") extending from the medial side to the lateral side. A vertical direction <NUM> of a mesh component extends between a top side and a bottom side of the mesh component. Vertical direction <NUM> includes an upward vertical
direction ("upward direction") extending from the bottom side to the top side and a downward vertical direction ("downward direction") extending from the top side to the bottom side. The top side can be considered an "upper-facing side" and the bottom side can be considered a "ground-facing side.

In some embodiments, upper <NUM> may be a knit upper. A knit upper may be formed by flat knitting or circular knitting. In some embodiments, upper <NUM> may be a sock-type upper. In some embodiments, upper <NUM> may include a woven material.

In some embodiments, sole <NUM> may additionally include an outsole <NUM>. Outsole <NUM> may be attached to lower end <NUM> of sole <NUM> or a portion of lower end <NUM> of sole <NUM>. In some embodiments, a spacer material may be secured to lower end <NUM> of sole <NUM> such that outsole <NUM> is attached to the spacer material rather than directly to solid component <NUM> or mesh component <NUM> of sole <NUM>. Sole <NUM> may be connected to outsole <NUM> via any of various methods, such as by stitching, bonding, or by the use of adhesives, among other methods. Outsole <NUM> may include a durable material, such as a natural or synthetic rubber, among others.

In <FIG>, sole <NUM> of footwear <NUM> includes a first solid component <NUM> and a second solid component <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, sole <NUM> may include additional solid components. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be arranged between first solid component <NUM> and second solid component <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may extend from a medial side <NUM> to a lateral side <NUM> of footwear <NUM>. In some embodiments, first and second solid components <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced from one another by mesh component <NUM>.

Mesh component <NUM> may be connected to each of first and second solid components <NUM>, <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may include a plurality of struts <NUM> connected to one another at nodes <NUM> as described herein. Struts <NUM> connected to one another at nodes <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> define a plurality of interconnected unit cells <NUM> for mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may extend from lower end <NUM> of sole <NUM> to or toward upper end <NUM> of sole <NUM>. In such embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be arranged diagonally on sole <NUM> at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of sole <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, a forefoot end of mesh component <NUM> may be located at lower end <NUM> of sole <NUM> in midfoot region <NUM> and extend upward and
rearward toward upper end <NUM> of sole <NUM> such that a heel end of mesh component <NUM> is located at upper end <NUM> in heel region <NUM> of sole <NUM>. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be mesh component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be arranged at upper end <NUM> of sole <NUM> at heel region <NUM> and may form a foot-engaging surface at heel region <NUM> to provide underfoot cushioning. Mesh component <NUM> at heel region <NUM> may be shaped to extend around a wearer's heel when footwear <NUM> is worn.

In some embodiments, first solid component <NUM> is arranged at toe region <NUM> of sole <NUM> and may extend toward midfoot region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be arranged at heel region <NUM> and may extend to or toward midfoot region <NUM>. In some embodiments, second solid component <NUM> may be arranged at heel region <NUM> below mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, first solid component <NUM> may be connected to an upper end of mesh component <NUM> and second solid component <NUM> may be connected to an opposing lower end of mesh component <NUM>. In such embodiments, second solid component <NUM> may define all or a portion of the ground-engaging portion of sole <NUM> at heel region <NUM>, and mesh component <NUM> may not be a ground-engaging portion at heel region <NUM>. In this way, mesh component <NUM> may provide cushioning when a wearer's foot contacts the ground, during phases of ground contact while a wearer is walking or running.

In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may have greater energy absorption while solid components <NUM>, <NUM> may have greater energy return. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may provide greater longitudinal displacement during running than solid components <NUM>, <NUM>, and the longitudinal displacement during landing serves to lengthen the landing phase of running. Second solid component <NUM> may provide a soft landing for a runner wearing footwear <NUM> and may provide a smooth transition.

Mesh component <NUM> may be connected to first and second solid components <NUM>, <NUM> by any of various fastening methods, such as by epoxy, glue, or other adhesives. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be connected to first and second solid components <NUM>, <NUM> by radiofrequency welding, friction fit, or by placing the pre-formed mesh component <NUM> in the mold or molds used to form first and second solid components <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may include a bonding flange (for example, bonding flange <NUM>) to provide a surface for bonding mesh component <NUM> to solid components <NUM>, <NUM>. First solid component <NUM> may be connected to a first surface <NUM> (e.g., an upper-facing surface) of mesh component <NUM>, and second solid component <NUM> may be connected to a second surface <NUM> (e.g., a ground-facing surface) of mesh component <NUM> opposite first surface <NUM>.

A portion <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> overlaps with a portion <NUM> of upper <NUM> of footwear <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Portion <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> overlaps with portion <NUM> of upper <NUM> arranged at a heel region of footwear <NUM>. Overlap of mesh component <NUM> and upper <NUM> may help to facilitate securement of mesh component <NUM>, and sole <NUM>, to upper <NUM>. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be directly secured to upper <NUM> via bonding, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, an upper may be directly secured to a bonding flange <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> as shown for example in <FIG>. In some embodiments, upper may be welded to mesh component <NUM>, such as by high-frequency (HF) or infrared (IR) welding.

In some embodiments mesh component <NUM> of sole <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG>. While mesh component <NUM> includes open space, such as space between struts or within unit cells, such open spaces are not a cavity as the term is used herein. Instead, a cavity is formed by an absence of struts or unit cells at an area of mesh component that would otherwise include struts or unit cells. In some embodiments, cavity <NUM> may be empty so as to form an open space in sole <NUM>. This may provide mesh component <NUM> and sole <NUM> with increased flexibility and may serve to reduce the weight of mesh component <NUM>, which also reduces the overall weight of footwear <NUM>. Cavity <NUM> may be fully enclosed by mesh component <NUM> so as to be an internal cavity surrounded by unit cells of mesh component <NUM>, or cavity <NUM> may be open at a portion of mesh component <NUM>, such as at an upper end <NUM> of sole <NUM>. In some embodiments, cavity <NUM> may be arranged at a midfoot region <NUM>, a heel region <NUM>, a toe region <NUM>, or at a location between two regions. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may define multiple cavities <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an insert <NUM> may be arranged within cavity <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Insert <NUM> may be, for example, a foam insert. In some embodiments, insert <NUM> may be formed from a material used to form first solid component <NUM> or second solid component <NUM>. In some embodiments, insert <NUM> may be a bladder, for example an air-filled or fluid-filled bladder. Insert <NUM> may be selected to provide footwear with the desired performance attributes, such as improved stiffness, cushioning, shock-absorption, rebound, weight distribution, and the like.

In some embodiments, cavity <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> may be filled with particles <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG>. Particles <NUM> may have a diameter that is greater than a maximum dimension the space between struts in mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, particles <NUM> may have a maximum diameter measured as a greatest dimension of each particle in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. In this way, particles <NUM> are bound by mesh component <NUM> and may not escape from mesh component <NUM> to an exterior of sole <NUM>. Particles <NUM> may be formed from a foam material, for example EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PU (polyurethane), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), or PEBA (polyether block amide). In some embodiments, particles <NUM> may be formed of a material used to form solid components <NUM>. Cavity <NUM> may be partially filled with particles <NUM> or may be substantially filled with particles <NUM>, depending upon the desired mechanical properties and performance characteristics of sole <NUM>. In some embodiments, particles <NUM> may fill at least about <NUM>% of a volume of cavity <NUM>.

In some embodiments, sole <NUM> may be a sole <NUM> as shown in <FIG> including a first solid component <NUM>, a second solid component <NUM>, and a mesh component <NUM>. First and second solid components <NUM>, <NUM> may be constructed and arranged in the same manner as described above with respect to sole <NUM>. Sole <NUM> includes mesh component <NUM> having a channel <NUM> extending from a medial side <NUM> to a lateral side <NUM> of sole <NUM>. Channel <NUM> may extend in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis Z of footwear <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. Channel <NUM> may be arranged at or adjacent bottom surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> so that mesh component <NUM> may bend or flex at channel <NUM>. In such embodiments, channel <NUM> may define an opening in bottom surface <NUM> that creates a gap between mesh component <NUM> and second solid component <NUM> at bottom surface <NUM>.

While mesh component <NUM> includes open space, such as space between struts or within unit cells, such open spaces are not a channel as the term is used herein. Instead, a channel is formed by an absence of struts or unit cells at an area of mesh component that would otherwise include struts or unit cells.

The top surface of the sole <NUM> may include a top surface <NUM> of the first solid component <NUM> at the toe region <NUM> and midfoot region <NUM>, and a top surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. First solid component <NUM> may define a rim <NUM> that circulates around an upper perimeter of sole <NUM>, and mesh component <NUM> may similarly define a rim <NUM> at heel region <NUM> and that aligns with rim <NUM> of first solid component <NUM>. Bottom surface of sole <NUM> may include a bottom surface <NUM> of first solid component <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM>, and a bottom surface <NUM> of second solid component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In embodiments where channel <NUM> defines an opening in bottom surface <NUM>, channel <NUM> creates a gap between bottom surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM> of second solid component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> having a channel <NUM> may be manufactured via additive manufacturing so that bottom surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> is substantially flat or planar, as shown in <FIG>. Once manufacturing is complete, mesh component <NUM> may be bent at channel <NUM> to a final shape, such that bottom surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> is not planar. Mesh component <NUM> may be bent so that top surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> is planar, and is arranged along plane P in <FIG>. To facilitate bending of mesh component <NUM>, top surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> may include a channel <NUM>. Channel <NUM> may extend from medial side <NUM> to lateral side <NUM> of mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, channel <NUM> may be parallel to channel <NUM> of top surface <NUM>. In embodiments, including channel <NUM>, top surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> may define a notch <NUM> for receiving a protrusion <NUM> when mesh component <NUM> is bent. Notch <NUM> and protrusion <NUM> may be arranged on opposing sides of channel <NUM> so that when mesh component <NUM> is bent into the final shape, protrusion <NUM> moves towards and engages with notch <NUM>, closing channel <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> in its final shape may then treated to maintain the bent configuration of mesh component <NUM>. For example, mesh component may be baked on an angled tray to maintain the bent configuration of mesh component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an outsole <NUM> may be secured to sole <NUM>, and to bottom surface <NUM> of mesh component <NUM>, to cover channel <NUM>. This may help to prevent external objects from becoming lodged within channel <NUM>. Outsole <NUM> may include a recessed groove <NUM> that is aligned with channel <NUM> of mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, recessed groove <NUM> of outsole <NUM> may be disposed in channel <NUM>. Recessed groove <NUM> of outsole <NUM> may serve as an expansion joint to allow for longitudinal deflection of mesh component <NUM> while limiting the stretch of mesh component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, not forming part of the claimed invention, an article of footwear <NUM> may include a mesh component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Footwear <NUM> is similar to footwear <NUM> and includes a sole <NUM> and an upper <NUM>. Sole <NUM> includes a toe region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. Sole <NUM> further includes a lower end <NUM> that is a ground-engaging surface, and an upper end <NUM> connected to upper <NUM>. Footwear <NUM> differs from footwear <NUM> in a construction of sole <NUM>. Sole <NUM> includes a single solid component <NUM> and a mesh component <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may extend from toe region <NUM> to or toward heel region <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may be the ground-engaging surface of sole <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be arranged on and connected to upper end <NUM> of solid component <NUM>, such as at heel region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may form an upper surface of sole <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> and may alternatively or additionally extend around a portion of a perimeter of solid component <NUM>. Particularly, mesh component <NUM> may extend from solid component <NUM> around heel region <NUM> and toward lateral and medial sides of sole <NUM> at midfoot region <NUM>. In some embodiments, a portion <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> overlaps with a portion <NUM> of upper <NUM>. The overlapping portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be at a heel region <NUM>. Overlapping portions <NUM>, <NUM> may facilitate secure connection of mesh component <NUM> to upper <NUM>.

Similar to sole <NUM> of <FIG>, sole <NUM> may include a solid component <NUM> and a mesh component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Sole <NUM> may include a toe region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may extend from toe region <NUM> to heel region <NUM>, and mesh component <NUM> may be arranged on upper end of sole <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. Upper surface <NUM> of solid component <NUM> may define a foot-engaging surface of sole <NUM>. However, sole <NUM> differs in that it includes a lip <NUM> extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of sole <NUM> at upper surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, lip <NUM> may extend around an entire perimeter of sole <NUM>. Lip <NUM> may
extend around toe region <NUM> and toward midfoot region <NUM> on both lateral and medial sides of sole <NUM>. Further, lip <NUM> may increase in height from toe region <NUM> toward midfoot region <NUM> so as to form an upstanding fin <NUM> on opposing medial side and lateral sides of sole <NUM>. Fin <NUM> may form a concave portion <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be connected to a perimeter of solid component <NUM> of sole <NUM> at a heel region <NUM> of sole <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may extend around heel region <NUM> and toward midfoot region <NUM> and connect to fins <NUM>, and particularly to concave portions <NUM> of fins <NUM> at lateral and medial sides of midfoot region <NUM> to create a smooth and continuous transition from solid component <NUM> to mesh component <NUM>.

Sole <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is similar to sole <NUM> of <FIG> and includes a solid component <NUM> that extends from toe region <NUM>, to midfoot region <NUM>, and to heel region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be arranged on upper end <NUM> of solid component <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may be the ground-engaging portion of sole <NUM>, or in some embodiments, an outsole may be applied to lower end <NUM> of sole <NUM>. Sole <NUM> may include a lip <NUM> extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of sole <NUM>. Lip <NUM> may increase in height from toe region <NUM> to midfoot region <NUM> to form a fin <NUM>. Fin <NUM> may slope from midfoot region <NUM> toward heel region <NUM>. Fin <NUM> may have a generally triangular shape. Mesh component <NUM> may be connected to fin <NUM> at medial and lateral sides of midfoot region <NUM> and may extend around heel region <NUM> to create a smooth and continuous transition from solid component <NUM> to mesh component <NUM>.

Footwear <NUM> may include a sole <NUM> having a solid component <NUM> and a mesh component <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Footwear <NUM> includes a sole <NUM> connected to an upper <NUM>. Sole <NUM> includes a toe region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. Sole <NUM> differs from soles <NUM>, <NUM> in that solid component <NUM> does not include a heel portion located below mesh component <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may extend from toe region <NUM> to midfoot region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be connected to solid component <NUM> at midfoot region <NUM> and may be arranged at heel region <NUM>. A portion of upper end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> may be connected to solid component <NUM> and a second portion of mesh component <NUM> may be connected to upper <NUM>. In some embodiments, lower end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> may be a ground-engaging portion of sole <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. In some embodiments, sole <NUM> may include an outsole coupled to lower end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> and defining a ground-engaging portion of sole <NUM> at heel region <NUM>.

Mesh component <NUM> of sole <NUM> may increase in height from midfoot region <NUM> toward heel region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may have a triangular or wedge-like shape when footwear <NUM> is viewed from the side, as shown in <FIG>. Mesh component <NUM> may include a plurality of struts <NUM> extending between lower end <NUM> and upper end <NUM>. Struts <NUM> may form a web-like pattern, such that upper end <NUM> and lower end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> are relatively dense in comparison to a midportion of mesh component <NUM> having struts <NUM>. Struts <NUM> extend between upper end <NUM> and lower end <NUM> and define through-openings <NUM> in mesh component <NUM>. Struts <NUM> may increase in length from midfoot region <NUM> toward heel region <NUM>, and similarly the size or diameter of through-openings <NUM> may increase from midfoot region <NUM> toward heel region <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a mesh component as described herein, such as mesh component <NUM>, may have a stiffness gradient. Stiffness of a mesh component may increase from heel region toward midfoot region. During touchdown of a wearer's foot when running, the stiffness gradient may promote the foot moving forward into the stiffer region of the mesh component.

In some embodiments, footwear <NUM> may include a sole <NUM> having a recess <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Footwear <NUM> includes a sole <NUM> connected to an upper <NUM>. Sole <NUM> includes a toe region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. Sole <NUM> further includes a solid component <NUM> that extends from toe region <NUM> to heel region <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may be a ground-engaging surface of sole <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may define a recess <NUM> in sole <NUM>. Recess <NUM> may be located at midfoot region <NUM>, heel region <NUM>, or at a location between midfoot region <NUM> and heel region <NUM>. Recess <NUM> may extend in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of footwear <NUM> such that it extends from a medial side to a lateral side of footwear <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may extend across recess <NUM> from solid component <NUM> at midfoot region <NUM> to solid component <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. Upper end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> may be connected to upper <NUM>, and a portion of lower end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> may be separated from solid component <NUM> by recess <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be arranged between upper <NUM> and solid component <NUM>.

When footwear <NUM> is worn, a wearer's foot is supported on solid component <NUM> at toe region <NUM> and midfoot region <NUM>, and on mesh component <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. When the wearer's foot flexes, such as when the wearer pushes off of the ground when walking or running, mesh component <NUM> may bend or flex into recess <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This may provide improved suspension and reduction of transfer of ground-strike forces to a wearer's foot, and may provide improved rebound or spring during the lift-off or propulsive stage of walking or running. Higher deformation distance when compressed will result in a greater cushioning for the wearer. Further, greater energy return may be provided which can improve running efficiency. The recess <NUM> may also help to reduce the overall weight of sole <NUM> and of footwear <NUM>, which may improve running economy.

When footwear <NUM> is at rest, as shown for example in <FIG>, lower end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> may include a portion suspended within recess <NUM>. Portion of lower end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> suspended within recess <NUM> is disposed above and separated from a surface of solid component <NUM> defming recess <NUM>. The separation between the portion of lower end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> suspended within recess <NUM> and a surface of sole <NUM> defining recess <NUM> may create a void in sole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the void may be an open space in sole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the void may be fully or partially filled with a support element. Exemplary support elements include, but are not limited to, a solid foam element, a bladder, an additively manufactured component that includes a material different than the mesh component <NUM>, a cast or injected elastomeric component to fill the void and provide cushioning.

In some embodiments, footwear <NUM> may include a sole <NUM> that includes a solid component <NUM> and a mesh component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Solid component <NUM> may be arranged at toe region <NUM> of sole <NUM> and may extend toward midfoot region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be arranged at a heel region <NUM> of sole <NUM>, and may extend toward midfoot region <NUM> of sole <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may serve as a foot-engaging portion of footwear <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. In some embodiments, a wearer's foot may rest on or contact mesh component <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may be connected to mesh component <NUM> at midfoot region <NUM> and may be connected to upper <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may extend onto upper <NUM> so as to overlap with at least a portion of upper <NUM> at heel region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may provide a smooth
transition to upper <NUM> of footwear <NUM>. Similar to footwear <NUM> of <FIG>, mesh component <NUM> of sole <NUM> may define a cavity. However, in <FIG>, cavity may extend in a longitudinal direction of footwear <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may bend or flex into the recess when the wearer pushes off of the ground when walking or running.

In some embodiments, sole <NUM> may include a mesh component <NUM> and a solid component, as shown in <FIG>. Sole <NUM> includes a mesh component <NUM> having an arched lower end <NUM>. Arched lower end <NUM> may create an empty area <NUM> below sole <NUM> to maximize displacement of a wearer's foot when footwear incorporating sole <NUM> is worn and used for walking or running. Further, the arched shape of sole <NUM> reduces the amount of material required to form sole <NUM>, reducing manufacturing costs and reducing weight of sole <NUM> relative to a sole <NUM> having area <NUM> below arched lower end <NUM> filled with material. Sole <NUM> may have a concave curvature when viewed from the heel of footwear, such that the arch extends from a medial side to a lateral side of footwear. Mesh component <NUM> may further include a curved upper end <NUM> that forms a foot-engaging surface of sole <NUM>. Upper end <NUM> may have a concave curvature for receiving a heel of a wearer's foot.

Some embodiments described herein relate to footwear <NUM> having a mesh component <NUM> that is filled with a filler material, as shown for example in <FIG>. Footwear <NUM> may include a sole <NUM> and an upper <NUM> as described herein with respect to any of sole <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. Unit cells of mesh component <NUM> may be filled with a filler material <NUM>, such as a foam material. Filler material <NUM> may be for example EVA, TPU, PEBA, or a combination thereof, among other materials. Filler material <NUM> may be selected so as to provide sole <NUM> with the desired mechanical properties and performance characteristics. Thus, open space within mesh component <NUM>, e.g., the open space between struts, may be at least partially filled with filler material <NUM>.

In some embodiments, filler material <NUM> may be injected into an additively manufactured mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may include a port <NUM> to facilitate injection of filler material <NUM> into mesh component <NUM>. Port <NUM> may include a tube or channel that extends into mesh component <NUM> to facilitate distribution of filler material <NUM> throughout mesh component <NUM>. Port <NUM> may be connected to a plurality of struts of mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, port <NUM> may be a separate piece attached to mesh component <NUM>. In such embodiments, mesh
component <NUM> may be formed with a cavity configured to receive all or a portion of a port <NUM>. In some embodiments, however, port <NUM> may be integrally formed with mesh component <NUM>. For example, port <NUM> may be formed during an additive manufacturing process used to make mesh component.

In some embodiments as shown in <FIG>, sole <NUM> may include a single solid component <NUM> extending from toe region <NUM> to heel region <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may be foot-shaped so as to support the wearer's foot from toe region <NUM> to heel region <NUM>. Solid component <NUM> may include one or more recesses <NUM> for receiving a mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, a recess <NUM> may be formed in and along a medial side <NUM> or sole <NUM>. In some embodiments, a recess <NUM> may be formed in and along a lateral side <NUM> of sole <NUM>. A recess <NUM> may be arranged at a toe region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, or a heel region <NUM>, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, recess <NUM> may have a square or rectangular configuration when sole <NUM> is viewed in a top-down manner. Each recess <NUM> may receive a mesh component <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be sized and shaped to fill recess <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be a square or rectangular block. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be sized and shaped to fill recess <NUM> and extend from recess <NUM>. In some embodiments, an upper end <NUM> of mesh component <NUM> may be flush with upper surface <NUM> of solid component <NUM> so that sole <NUM> has a continuous upper surface. However, in some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, an upper end <NUM> of a mesh component <NUM> may be sized and shaped to extend upward and above an upper surface <NUM> of solid component <NUM> of sole <NUM>.

Similar to sole <NUM> of <FIG>, solid component <NUM> of sole <NUM> of <FIG> may include a recess <NUM> for receiving a mesh component <NUM>. However, in <FIG>, recess <NUM> of sole <NUM> may be arranged along only a lateral side <NUM> or a medial side <NUM> of sole <NUM>. Recess <NUM> may extend along a perimeter of sole <NUM> from toe region <NUM> to or toward midfoot region <NUM>, and may further extend to or toward heel region <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be arranged in recess <NUM> so as to extend along a perimeter of sole <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM> may be a thin, elongated strip. Mesh component <NUM> may support sidewall of sole <NUM> to provide stiffness to enhance motion control or prevent over-pronation, among other things.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, sole <NUM> may include a solid component <NUM> and a mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, similar to sole <NUM> of <FIG>, sole <NUM> may include a solid component <NUM> extending from toe region <NUM> to heel region <NUM>, and may be foot-shaped to support the wearer's foot from toe region <NUM> to heel region <NUM>. In some embodiments, solid component <NUM> may define a portion of sole <NUM>, for example, solid component <NUM> may define all or a portion of toe region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and heel region <NUM>.

Solid component <NUM> may include a sidewall cavity <NUM> configured to receive a mesh component <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, sidewall cavity <NUM> may extend through solid component <NUM> in a transverse direction of sole <NUM>. Sidewall cavity <NUM> may be formed in and extend from medial side <NUM> to or toward lateral side <NUM>, or vice versa. Sidewall cavity <NUM> may be located in heel region <NUM> of sole <NUM>, or may be located at various locations within sole <NUM>.

Sidewall cavity <NUM> may have a cross sectional area corresponding to the cross sectional area of a mesh component <NUM> such that mesh component <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, sidewall cavity <NUM> can have a circular cross sectional area to receive a cylindrical or tubular mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, solid component <NUM> of sole <NUM> includes multiple sidewall cavities <NUM>. In some embodiments, each sidewall cavity <NUM> may have a cross sectional area corresponding to the cross sectional area of a mesh component <NUM>. In some embodiments, each sidewall cavity <NUM> may have a circular cross sectional area to receive a cylindrical or tubular mesh component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be removably securable within sidewall cavity <NUM> of solid component <NUM> so that mesh component <NUM> may be interchanged by the consumer or by the manufacturer to provide a sole <NUM> with desired performance characteristics. Alternatively, one or more sidewall cavities <NUM> may remain empty, i.e., no mesh component <NUM> may be secured within sidewall cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be permanently secured within sidewall cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may include a knob <NUM> at one end of mesh component. Knob <NUM> may serve as a point of attachment between mesh component <NUM> and solid component <NUM>. In some embodiments, knob <NUM> may be disposed outside of sidewall cavity <NUM> when mesh component <NUM> is fully inserted into sidewall cavity
<NUM>. Knob <NUM> may have a cross sectional area larger than the cross sectional area of the portion of mesh component <NUM> configured to be inserted into sidewall cavity <NUM>.

In some embodiments, one or more sidewall cavities <NUM> may be arranged in a longitudinal direction of sole <NUM>. In such embodiments, a sidewall cavity <NUM> may extend in a direction from toe region <NUM> to or toward heel region <NUM>. A mesh component <NUM> may be inserted into a longitudinal sidewall cavity <NUM> in the same manner as described for a transverse sidewall cavity <NUM>. In such embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may serve as a torsion bar to support midfoot region <NUM> of sole <NUM>. In some embodiments, sole <NUM> may include one or more transverse sidewall cavities <NUM> and one or more longitudinal sidewall cavities <NUM>.

In some embodiments, any of the soles described herein may be manufactured with a heel counter. In <FIG>, a sole <NUM> includes a solid component <NUM> and a mesh component <NUM> as described herein. Sole <NUM> may further include a heel counter <NUM>. Heel counter <NUM> may extend around a perimeter of heel region <NUM> of sole <NUM> to wrap around a wearer's heel during use. In some embodiments, heel counter <NUM> may be an injection molded plastic. For example, heel counter <NUM> may include injection molded nylon or TPU. In some embodiments, heel counter <NUM> may be additively manufactured. In some embodiments, heel counter <NUM> may be additively manufactured using an elastomeric polyurethane. In some embodiments, heel counter <NUM> may be integrally formed with mesh component <NUM>. In such embodiments, mesh component <NUM> and heel counter <NUM> may be additively manufactured as one integrally formed unitary component. The mesh component <NUM> and heel counter <NUM> may be joined to solid component <NUM> to form sole <NUM>.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a sole <NUM> having a mesh component <NUM> and a solid component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In this way, sole <NUM> may have anisotropic properties due to difference in performance characteristics of the solid component and the mesh component. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be arranged at a heel region <NUM> and solid component <NUM> may be arranged at toe region <NUM> and may connect to mesh component <NUM> at midfoot region <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, solid component <NUM> may connected to mesh component <NUM> closer to toe region <NUM> of sole <NUM>. Mesh component <NUM>, solid component <NUM>, or both, may
include a spacer material <NUM> on a lower surface so that an outsole may be secured to the spacer material <NUM> rather than directly to mesh component <NUM> or solid component <NUM>. In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may include protrusions <NUM> configured to engage with solid component <NUM> to facilitate connection of solid component <NUM> to mesh component <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM> may extend from mesh component <NUM> in a direction toward toe region <NUM>. In some embodiments, solid component <NUM> may be connected to mesh component <NUM> so that solid component <NUM> does not overlap with mesh component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may be arranged at toe region <NUM> and solid component <NUM> may be arranged at heel region <NUM>.

In some embodiments, mesh component <NUM> may extend from toe region <NUM> to heel region <NUM> so as to form the ground-engaging surface of sole, and solid component <NUM> may be arranged on the upper surface of mesh component <NUM> to provide a cushioned surface for contact with a foot of the wearer.

In some embodiments, an outsole may be applied to footwear or footwear component as described herein, and particularly to a sole of the footwear or footwear component. An outsole may be applied to footwear or footwear components by dipping the footwear component into an outsole material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The outsole material may be in a molten or liquid form. Once the footwear is coated in the liquid polymer, the polymer may be allowed to cure and cool. The outsole material may be coated onto a bottom of the footwear component, or may be applied to a bottom and a portion of a side of footwear component.

In any of the various embodiments described herein, a mesh component may have a lattice structure as shown in any of <FIG>. In some embodiments, mesh component may have a lattice structure <NUM> having a spoke pattern, as shown in <FIG>. Such lattice structure may be a <NUM>-point cubic lattice. Such lattice structure may have improved shear stiffness relative to other lattice structures. In some embodiments, mesh component may have a lattice structure <NUM> that is a shamrock pattern, as shown in <FIG>. In such embodiments, lattice structure is a <NUM>-point cubic lattice and may provide relatively high damping properties. In some embodiments, mesh component may have a lattice structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a lattice structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a lattice structure
<NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a lattice structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a lattice structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or a lattice structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, a plurality of interconnected unit cells defining a mesh component can each include a soft sub-cell and a stiff sub-cell. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of interconnected unit cells can each include a plurality of soft sub-cells and a plurality of stiff sub-cells. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of interconnected unit cells can each include a plurality of the same soft sub-cells and a plurality of the same stiff sub-cells. <FIG> illustrate exemplary soft-sub cells <NUM> and stiff sub-cells <NUM> according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, every interconnected unit cell defining a mesh component can include a soft sub-cell and a stiff sub-cell. In some embodiments, every interconnected unit cell defining a mesh component can include a plurality of soft sub-cells and a plurality of stiff sub-cells. In some embodiments, every interconnected unit cell located in portions of a mesh component having a thickness, measured in vertical direction <NUM>, at least a large as the thickness of a unit cell can include a soft sub-cell and a stiff sub-cell. In some embodiments, every interconnected unit cell located in portions of a mesh component having a thickness, measured in vertical direction <NUM>, at least a large as the thickness of a unit cell can include a plurality of soft sub-cells and a plurality of stiff sub-cells.

In some embodiments, interconnected unit cells defining a mesh component can include eight sub-cells. In some embodiments, the eight sub-cells can include a plurality of soft sub-cells and a plurality of stiff sub-cells. In some embodiments, the eight sub-cells can include four soft sub-cells and four stiff sub-cells. In some embodiments, the eight sub-cells can include four of the same soft sub-cells and four of the same stiff sub-cells.

Soft sub-cells are composed of a plurality of struts and one or more nodes that define a portion of a unit cell. In other words, soft sub-cells are partial unit cells defining a portion of a unit cell. As used herein, a "soft sub-cell" is a sub-cell for a lattice structure having: (i) a modeled compressive modulus that is less than a modeled compressive modulus of a lattice structure for a "stiff sub-cell" defining a portion of the same unit cell, (ii) a modeled shear modulus that is less than a modeled shear modulus of a lattice structure for a "stiff sub-cell" defining a portion of the same unit cell, or (iii) both.

Stiff sub-cells are composed of a plurality of struts and one or more nodes that define a portion of a unit cell. In other words, stiff sub-cells are partial unit cells defining a portion of a unit cell. As used herein, a "stiff sub-cell" is a sub-cell for a lattice structure having (i) a modeled compressive modulus that is greater than a modeled compressive modulus of a lattice structure for a "soft sub-cell" defining a portion of the same unit cell, (ii) a modeled shear modulus that is greater than a modeled shear modulus of a lattice structure for a "soft sub-cell" defining a portion of the same unit cell, or (iii) both.

A soft sub-cell for a unit cell can be a sub-cell for a first lattice structure and a stiff sub-cell for the unit cells can be a sub-cell for a second lattice structure different from the first lattice structure. In some embodiments, the first lattice structure can be an isotropic lattice structure. In some embodiments, the second lattice structure can be an isotropic lattice structure. In some embodiments, the first lattice structure and the second lattice structure can be isotropic lattice structures. <FIG> show exemplary isotropic lattice structures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for soft-sub cells according to some embodiments. <FIG> show exemplary isotropic lattice structures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for stiff-sub cells according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the first lattice structure for soft sub-cells can have a first modeled compressive modulus and the second lattice structure for stiff sub-cells can have a second modeled compressive modulus <NUM>% or more greater than the first modeled compressive modulus. In some embodiments, the first lattice structure for soft sub-cells can have a first modeled compressive modulus and the second lattice structure for stiff sub-cells can have a second modeled compressive modulus greater than the first modeled compressive modulus by <NUM>% to <NUM>%, including subranges. For example, the second lattice structure can have a second modeled compressive modulus that is <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled compressive modulus, <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled compressive modulus, <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled compressive modulus, <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled compressive modulus, <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled compressive modulus, or <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled compressive modulus, or within a range having any two of these values as endpoints.

In some embodiments, the first lattice structure for soft sub-cells can have a first modeled shear modulus and the second lattice structure for stiff sub-cells can have a second modeled shear modulus <NUM>% or more greater than the first modeled shear modulus. In some embodiments, the first lattice structure for soft sub-cells can have a first modeled shear modulus and the second lattice structure for stiff sub-cells can have a second modeled shear modulus greater than the first modeled shear modulus by <NUM>% to <NUM>%, including subranges. For example, the second lattice structure can have a second modeled shear modulus that is <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, or <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the first modeled shear modulus, or within a range having any two of these values as endpoints.

As used herein, a "modeled compressive modulus" and a "modeled shear modulus" for a lattice structure are determined using the following model. A beam model simulation of a unit cell puck is modeled using FEA modeling software. Suitable FEA modeling software includes Abaqus FEA modeling software. For model efficiency purposes, a unit cell puck as small as a <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> unit cell puck can be used. A <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> unit cell puck includes one layer of <NUM> longitudinal rows of <NUM> unit cells arranged and adjacent to each other in the transverse direction as described herein. Other unit cell puck sizes can be used as long as the same size is used when comparing a modeled compressive modulus or a modeled shear modulus for two or more lattice structures. The unit cell puck is modeled as being sandwiched between and in contact with a top plate and a bottom plate. The following parameters were input into the FEA modeling software for the simulation: (<NUM>) material characteristics of the modeled struts for the unit cell puck (including density and elastic material properties), (<NUM>) the loading conditions, and (<NUM>) the contact mechanics between the unit cell puck and the two plates (including the frictional properties).

To determine a "modeled compressive modulus," a uniaxial compression load is applied by compressing the puck up to <NUM>% strain using the top plate and capturing the resulting stress-strain curve. The modeled compressive modulus is calculated by measuring the slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region.

To determine a "modeled shear modulus" the top plate is compressed with a <NUM>-degree angle from the horizontal plane and the resulting stress-strain curve is captured. The modeled shear modulus is calculated by measuring the slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region.

By arranging soft sub-cells and stiff-sub cells at different locations in unit cells, the mechanical properties of the unit cell, and therefore a mesh component, can be controlled. Unit cells for a mesh component can be populated and arranged in lattice cells for a lattice framework defining the volume of the mesh component. The location of soft sub-cells and stiff sub-cells in the unit cells can be defined by the location of the soft sub-cells and the stiff sub-cells in a lattice cell <NUM> in which a unit cell is populated. <FIG> show a lattice cell <NUM> according to some embodiments. <FIG> show a unit cell <NUM> composed of soft sub-cells <NUM> and stiff sub-cells <NUM> located in lattice cell <NUM> according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the location of soft sub-cells and stiff sub-cells in a lattice cell <NUM> can be defined by the location of one or more soft sub-cells and one or more stiff sub-cells in two or more of the following quadrants of lattice cell <NUM>: (i) an upper-forward quadrant <NUM>, (ii) an upper-rearward quadrant <NUM>, (iii) a lower-forward quadrant <NUM>, and (iv) a lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>. Upper-forward quadrant <NUM> and upper-rearward quadrant <NUM> are the two upper-most quadrants of a lattice cell <NUM> in upward vertical direction <NUM>. Upper-forward quadrant <NUM> and upper-rearward quadrant <NUM> are located above lower-forward quadrant <NUM> and lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>, respectively. Upper-forward quadrant <NUM> and lower-forward quadrant <NUM> are the two forward-most quadrants of lattice cell <NUM> in forward longitudinal direction <NUM>. Upper-forward quadrant <NUM> and lower-forward quadrant <NUM> are located forward of upper-rearward quadrant <NUM> and lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>, respectively. A unit cell <NUM> populated in a lattice cell <NUM> can also be described as having an upper-forward quadrant <NUM>, an upper-rearward quadrant <NUM>, a lower-forward quadrant <NUM>, and a lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include one or more soft sub-cells located in upper-forward quadrant <NUM>. In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include two soft sub-cells located in upper-forward quadrant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include one or more stiff sub-cells located in upper-forward quadrant <NUM>. In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include two stiff sub-cells located in upper-forward quadrant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include one or more soft sub-cells located in upper-rearward quadrant <NUM>. In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include two soft sub-cells located in upper-rearward quadrant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include one or more stiff sub-cells located in upper-rearward quadrant <NUM>. In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include two stiff sub-cells located in upper-rearward quadrant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include one or more soft sub-cells located in lower-forward quadrant <NUM>. In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include two soft sub-cells located in lower-forward quadrant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include one or more stiff sub-cells located in lower-forward quadrant <NUM>. In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include two stiff sub-cells located in lower-forward quadrant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include one or more soft sub-cells located in lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>. In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include two soft sub-cells located in lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include one or more stiff sub-cells located in lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>. In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include two stiff sub-cells located in lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include the following sub-cells: (i) at least one soft sub-cell located in the upper-forward quadrant <NUM>, (ii) at least one stiff sub-cell located in the upper-rearward quadrant <NUM>, (iii) at least one
stiff sub-cell located in the lower-forward quadrant <NUM>, and (iv) at least one soft sub-cell located in the lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>. In such embodiments, this arrangement of soft and stiff sub-cells can result in a mesh component capable of converting vertical loading energy into forward displacement, which can propel a wearer's foot forward when a sole including the mesh component contacts the ground during use. In other words, this arrangement of soft and stiff sub-cells can result in a mesh component predisposed to deform forwards (i.e., in forward longitudinal direction <NUM>) when a sole including the mesh component contacts the ground.

The opposite result can be achieved by rotating the orientation of the unit cells <NUM> by <NUM>°. In such embodiments, unit cells <NUM> of a mesh component can include the following sub-cells: (i) at least one stiff sub-cell located in the upper-forward quadrant <NUM>, (ii) at least one soft sub-cell located in the upper-rearward quadrant <NUM>, (iii) at least one soft sub-cell located in the lower-forward quadrant <NUM>, and (iv) at least one stiff sub-cell located in the lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>. In such embodiments, this arrangement of soft and stiff sub-cells can result in a mesh component that is predisposed to deform rearwards (i.e., in rearward longitudinal direction <NUM>) when a sole including the mesh component contacts the ground.

<FIG> show a lattice cell <NUM> populated with soft sub-cells <NUM> and stiff sub-cells <NUM> for a unit cell <NUM> according to some embodiments. The unit cell <NUM> shown includes: (i) two soft sub-cells <NUM> located side-by-side in the upper-forward quadrant <NUM>, (ii) two stiff sub-cells <NUM> located side-by-side in the upper-rearward quadrant <NUM>, (iii) two stiff sub-cells <NUM> located in the lower-forward quadrant <NUM>, and (iv) two soft sub-cells <NUM> located in the lower-rearward quadrant <NUM>. This arrangement of soft and stiff sub-cells can result in a mesh component that is predisposed to deform forwards (i.e., in forward longitudinal direction <NUM>) when a sole including the mesh component contacts the ground.

A mesh component predisposed to deform in a particular direction (for example, in a forward direction) can offer multiple advantages for a wearer. For example, forward motion created by the mesh component can yield improved efficiency while running. In other words, a mesh component predisposed to deform forward can reduce the energy a wearer is required expend to continue his or her forward motion. As another example, a mesh
component predisposed to deform laterally (for example medially) can improve efficiency when a wearer changes direction by providing additional support under typical lateral loading conditions associated with, for example a lateral or medial cut during running.

In some embodiments, the location of soft sub-cells and stiff sub-cells in a lattice cell <NUM> can be defined by the location of a soft sub-cell or a stiff sub-cell in two or more of the following eight zones of lattice cell <NUM>: (i) an upper-forward-medial zone <NUM>, (ii) an upper-forward-lateral zone <NUM>, (iii) an upper-rearward-medial zone <NUM>, (iv) an upper-rearward-lateral zone <NUM>, (v) a lower-forward-medial zone <NUM>, (vi) a lower-forward-lateral zone <NUM>, (vii) a lower-rearward-medial zone <NUM>, and (viii) a lower-rearward-lateral zone <NUM>. Upper-forward-medial zone <NUM> and upper-forward-lateral zone <NUM> are located in upper-forward quadrant <NUM> of lattice cell <NUM>, with zone <NUM> located medially to zone <NUM> in transverse direction <NUM>. Upper-rearward-medial zone <NUM> and upper-rearward-lateral zone <NUM> are located in upper-rearward quadrant <NUM> of lattice cell <NUM>, with zone <NUM> located medially to zone <NUM> in transverse direction <NUM>. Lower-forward-medial zone <NUM> and lower-forward-lateral zone <NUM> are located in lower-forward quadrant <NUM> of lattice cell <NUM>, with zone <NUM> located medially to zone <NUM> in transverse direction <NUM>. Lower-rearward-medial zone <NUM> and lower-rearward-lateral zone <NUM> are located in lower-rearward quadrant of lattice cell <NUM>, with zone <NUM> located medially to zone <NUM> in transverse direction <NUM>.

A sub-cell located in upper-forward-medial zone <NUM> can be referred to as an upper-forward-medial sub-cell. In some embodiments, an upper-forward-medial sub-cell can be a soft sub-cell. In some embodiments, an upper-forward-medial sub-cell can be a stiff sub-cell.

A sub-cell located in upper-forward-lateral zone <NUM> can be referred to as an upper-forward-lateral sub-cell. In some embodiments, an upper-forward-lateral sub-cell can be a soft sub-cell. In some embodiments, an upper-forward-lateral sub-cell can be a stiff sub-cell.

A sub-cell located in upper-rearward-medial zone <NUM> can be referred to as an upper-rearward-medial sub-cell. In some embodiments, an upper-rearward-medial sub-cell can be a soft sub-cell. In some embodiments, an upper-rearward-medial sub-cell can be a stiff sub-cell.

A sub-cell located in upper-rearward-lateral zone <NUM> can be referred to as an upper-rearward-lateral sub-cell. In some embodiments, an upper-rearward-lateral sub-cell can be a soft sub-cell. In some embodiments, an upper-rearward-lateral sub-cell can be a stiff sub-cell.

A sub-cell located in lower-forward-medial zone <NUM> can be referred to as a lower-forward-medial sub-cell. In some embodiments, a lower-forward-medial sub-cell can be a soft sub-cell. In some embodiments, a lower-forward-medial sub-cell can be a stiff sub-cell.

A sub-cell located in lower-forward-lateral zone <NUM> can be referred to as a lower-forward-lateral sub-cell. In some embodiments, a lower-forward-lateral sub-cell can be a soft sub-cell. In some embodiments, a lower-forward-lateral sub-cell can be a stiff sub-cell.

A sub-cell located in lower-rearward-medial zone <NUM> can be referred to as a lower-rearward-medial sub-cell. In some embodiments, a lower-rearward-medial sub-cell can be a soft sub-cell. In some embodiments, a lower-rearward-medial sub-cell can be a stiff sub-cell.

A sub-cell located in lower-rearward-lateral zone <NUM> can be referred to as a lower-rearward-lateral sub-cell. In some embodiments, a lower-rearward lateral sub-cell can be a soft sub-cell. In some embodiments, a lower-rearward lateral sub-cell can be a stiff sub-cell.

<FIG> show lattice cell <NUM> populated with four soft sub-cells <NUM> and four stiff sub-cells <NUM> for a unit cell <NUM> according to some embodiments. The unit cell <NUM> shown includes: (i) an upper-forward-medial soft sub-cell <NUM> located in upper-forward-medial zone <NUM>, (ii) an upper-forward-lateral soft sub-cell <NUM> located in upper-forward-lateral zone <NUM>, (iii) an upper-rearward-medial stiff sub-cell <NUM> located in upper-rearward-medial zone <NUM>, (iv) an upper-rearward-lateral stiff sub-cell <NUM> located in upper-rearward-lateral zone <NUM>, (v) a lower-forward-medial stiff sub-cell <NUM> located in lower-forward-medial zone <NUM>, (vi) a lower-forward-lateral stiff sub-cell <NUM> located in lower-forward-lateral zone <NUM>, (vii) a lower-rearward-medial soft sub-cell <NUM> located in lower-rearward-medial zone <NUM>, and (viii) a lower-rearward-lateral soft-sub cell <NUM> located in lower-rearward-lateral zone <NUM>.

Sub-cells populated in lattice cell <NUM> can include struts connected at a plurality of edge nodes <NUM> located at edges of lattice cell <NUM>. In some embodiments, sub-cells populated lattice cell <NUM> can include struts connected at a plurality of face nodes <NUM> located on faces of lattice cell <NUM>. For structural integrity of a mesh component, it is
preferred to populate lattice cells <NUM> with soft and stiff sub-cells that share the same edge nodes <NUM>, and in embodiments including face nodes <NUM>, that share the same face nodes <NUM>. If soft and stiff sub-cells that do not share the same edge nodes <NUM> and/or face nodes <NUM> are populated into lattice cell <NUM>, it can result in a unit cell with one or more struts not connected to another strut within the mesh component.

In some embodiments, the arrangement of soft sub-cells and stiff sub-cells as described herein can be leveraged to create a mesh component with a perimeter structure having a unique pattern. In some embodiments, a mesh component can have a perimeter sidewall defining a perimeter structure defmed by soft sub-cells and stiff sub-cells arranged as described herein. The perimeter sidewall of a mesh component is defined by the forefoot end, heel end, medial side, and lateral side of the mesh component. The perimeter structure of the perimeter sidewall can be the perimeter structure in side view from medial transverse direction <NUM> or lateral transverse direction <NUM> of a mesh component. In some embodiments, a mesh component as described herein can have a perimeter sidewall defining a perimeter structure including the structure shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, a mesh component as described herein can have a perimeter sidewall defining a perimeter structure having a plurality of eight-sided regions defined by eight struts and arranged in a pattern at the perimeter sidewall. The plurality of eight-sided regions defined by eight struts can have substantially the same size. In some embodiments, the plurality of eight-sided regions defined by eight struts can be arranged directly adjacent to each other at the perimeter sidewall. Directly adjacent eight-sided regions share one or more struts defining their eight-sided shapes. In some embodiments, the plurality of eight-sided regions defined by eight struts can each have a bowtie perimeter shape.

<FIG> shows a perimeter sidewall <NUM> for a mesh component with a perimeter structure <NUM> according to some embodiments. Perimeter structure <NUM> includes a plurality of eight-sided regions <NUM> arranged directly adjacent to each other and having substantially the same size. Directly adjacent eight-sided regions <NUM> share one or more border struts <NUM>. The plurality of eight-sided regions <NUM> can be defmed by eight border struts <NUM> connected at eight nodes. As shown in <FIG>, these eight-sided regions <NUM> can have a bowtie perimeter shape (see dotted lines in <FIG>).

In some embodiments, the plurality of eight-sided regions <NUM> can include a first eight-sided region <NUM> having four openings <NUM> defined by four interior struts <NUM> connected at an interior node <NUM> and a second eight-sided region <NUM> having a single opening <NUM> defined by eight border struts <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plurality of eight-sided regions <NUM> can include a plurality of first eight-sided regions <NUM> having four openings <NUM> defined by four interior struts <NUM> connected at an interior node <NUM> and a plurality of second eight-sided regions <NUM> having a single opening <NUM> defined by eight border struts <NUM>. An interior node <NUM> is a node located within an eight-sided region <NUM>. Similarly, an interior strut <NUM> is a strut that extends into an eight-sided region <NUM>. Border struts <NUM> for an eight-sided region <NUM> define the perimeter shape of the region <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the plurality of first eight-sided regions <NUM> can be arranged in a first row <NUM> extending in longitudinal direction <NUM> between a forefoot end of a mesh component and a heel end of the mesh component. In some embodiments, the plurality of second eight-sided regions <NUM> can be arranged in a second row <NUM> extending in longitudinal direction <NUM> between the forefoot end of the mesh component and the heel end of the mesh component. In some embodiments, first row <NUM> can be located above second row <NUM> in vertical direction <NUM>. In some embodiments, first row <NUM> can be located below second row <NUM> in vertical direction <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, perimeter structure <NUM> can include the structure shown in <FIG>.

Where a range of numerical values comprising upper and lower values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated in specific circumstances, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the disclosure or claims be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. Further, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as a range, one or more ranges, or as list of upper values and lower values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or value and any lower range limit or value, regardless of whether such pairs are separately disclosed. Finally, when the term "about" is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range recites "about," the numerical value or end-point of
a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about," and one not modified by "about.

As used herein, the term "about" refers to a value that is within ± <NUM>% of the value stated. For example, about <NUM>% can include any percentage between <NUM>% and <NUM>%.

Claim 1:
An article of footwear (<NUM>), comprising:
a sole (<NUM>) comprising:
a first solid component (<NUM>);
a second solid component (<NUM>);
an additively manufactured mesh component (<NUM>) arranged between the first solid component and the second solid component, wherein the mesh component is connected to each of the first solid component and the second solid component; and
an upper (<NUM>) connected to the sole,
wherein the mesh component comprises a plurality of interconnected unit cells, wherein a three-dimensional shape of each unit cell is defined by a plurality of interconnected struts connected to one another at nodes,
wherein the mesh component of the sole overlaps with a portion (<NUM>) of the upper.