Patent Description:
Aspects of the present invention relate to articles of footwear and sole structures for articles of footwear that include separate outsole and midsole components. In some examples of this technology, at least some of the footwear and/or sole structure components may be removable (and interchangeable), e.g., one or more outsole components removably engaged with one or more midsole components and/or one or more sole structure components removably engaged with one or more footwear upper components.

Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper may provide a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure may be secured to a lower surface of the upper and generally is positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation.

The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to allow users to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the user to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to modulate pressure applied to the foot by the laces), and the upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel. <CIT> discloses an article of footwear that includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to receive a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is positionable such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures.

A sole structure for an article of footwear according to the claimed invention is defined in claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments of the sole structure according to the claimed invention are defined in dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>. Claims <NUM> and <NUM> define an article of footwear according to the claimed invention. Footwear and sole structures may include separate and/or separable upper, outsole, and/or midsole components. In some examples, at least some of the footwear and/or sole structure components may be removable (and interchangeable), e.g., one or more outsole components that are removably engaged with one or more midsole components and/or one or more sole structure components that are removably engaged with one or more footwear upper components. Footwear and/or sole structures according to some examples of this technology may include any one or more of: (a) a midsole component having one or more relatively large projections that extend into corresponding opening(s) in a midsole component (wherein the free end surface(s) of the large projection(s) may be siped); (b) a midsole component having one or more relatively small protrusions that extend into small corresponding hole(s) in an outsole component; (c) a midsole component having one or more relatively small holes into which small corresponding protrusion(s) on the outsole component extend; (d) a midsole component having medial and/or lateral side ridges (e.g., at least in an arch area) that receive a portion of outermost side edges of a corresponding outsole component; and/or (e) a midsole component having a relatively large central arch recess exposed through an opening in the outsole component.

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

In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of this technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described and illustrated structures, functions, and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

"Footwear," as that term is used herein, means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, dance shoes, urban dance shoes, etc.), and the like.

The term "adjacent" as used herein (unless otherwise noted or clear from the context) means one object (e.g., a hole or other sole element or component) is next to, nearby, and/or close to another object (e.g., a central arch recess or other sole element or component). In some examples of this technology, the term "adjacent" will mean that at least some portion of one object (e.g., a hole or other sole element or component) is located within <NUM> from at least some portion of the other object (e.g., a central arch recess or other sole element or component), and in some examples, at least some portions of the relevant objects will be within <NUM> or even within <NUM> of one another. The term "immediately adjacent" means two objects (e.g., (a) an outsole component and/or a hole defined through the outsole component and (b) a free end surface of a projection received in the outsole component hole) are abutting or located continuous with one another. "Adjacent" or "immediately adjacent" objects may contact or abut one another.

The terms "removably engaged" or "removably attached" as used herein (unless otherwise noted or clear from the context) mean that the two "engaged" or "attached" objects are designed to be repeatedly "engaged/disengaged" and/or "attached/unattached" to one another without damaging either object or structures with which those objects are engaged. In other words, the terms "removably engaged" and/or "removably attached" mean that the two "engaged" or "attached" objects are "non-destructibly removable" and/or releasable from one another.

This application and/or claims use the adjectives, e.g., "first," "second," "third," and the like, to identify certain components and/or features relating to this technology. These adjectives are used merely for convenience, e.g., to assist in maintaining a distinction between components and/or features of a specific structure or structures. Use of these adjectives should not be construed as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and/or features being discussed. Also, use of these specific adjectives in the specification for a specific structure does not require that the same adjective be used in the claims to refer to the same part (e.g., a component or feature referred to as the "fourth" in the specification may correspond to any numerical adjective used for that component or feature in the claims).

Various structures and parameters of articles of footwear and sole structures therefor are described based on a "longitudinal length" parameter L. The longitudinal length L can be found with the article of footwear and/or sole structure oriented on a horizontal support surface S on its ground-facing surface in an unloaded condition (e.g., with no weight applied to it other than weight of other components of the article of footwear and/or sole structure). Once so oriented, parallel vertical planes VP that are perpendicular to the horizontal support surface S are oriented to contact the rearmost heel (RH) location(s) and forwardmost toe (FT) location(s) of the article of footwear and/or sole structure. The parallel vertical planes VP should be oriented facing one another, e.g., extending into and out of the page of <FIG>, and as far away from one another as possible while still in contact with the rearmost heel RH and forwardmost toe FT locations. The direct distance between these vertical planes VPs corresponds to the longitudinal length L of the article of footwear and/or sole structure. The locations of some footwear components are described in this specification based on their respective locations along the longitudinal length L as measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. The rearmost heel location(s) is (are) located at position <NUM> and the forwardmost toe location(s) is (are) located at position <NUM> along the longitudinal length L. Intermediate locations along the longitudinal length L are referred to by fractional locations (e.g., <NUM>) along the longitudinal length L measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. The term "parallel planes" as used herein are planes oriented parallel to the vertical planes VP. These parallel planes may intersect the longitudinal length or longitudinal direction somewhere between P = <NUM> and P = <NUM>. Note <FIG>.

As noted above, articles of footwear and sole structures in accordance with some aspects of this technology include removable (and interchangeable) sole structure components (e.g., one or more outsole components that are removably engaged with one or more midsole components and/or one or more sole structure components that are removably engaged with one or more footwear upper components).

The claimed invention relates to sole structures and/or articles of footwear that include: (a) a midsole component having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface includes: (i) a base surface and (ii) a first projection including a first body extending away from the base surface, wherein a first exposed free end surface of the first projection includes a first pair of intersecting sipes extending inward into the first body, wherein each sipe of the first pair of intersecting sipes has a sipe depth of at least <NUM>% of an overall height dimension of the first projection; and (b) an outsole component removably engaged with the midsole component. The outsole component includes a first hole defined therein, and the first projection extends into the first hole. The first exposed free end surface of the first projection is exposed through the first hole and recessed inward from an exposed exterior surface of the outsole component located immediately adjacent the first hole. Sole structures and/or articles of footwear according to aspects of this technology may include one or more mating pair of midsole projection(s) and outsole component hole(s) of this type. Such mating pair of midsole projection(s) and outsole component hole(s) may be located in a sole structure and/or article of footwear structure at one or more of the following locations: (a) between parallel planes (as described above) located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> or between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>; (b) between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> or between parallel places located at <NUM> and <NUM>; and/or (c) between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> or between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>. Additionally, in some examples of this technology, a projection/hole pair of this type may span at least <NUM>% (and in some examples, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>%) of the distance between the parallel planes for any one or more of the parallel plane ranges described above. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology at least <NUM>% of the surface area and/or volume of the projection/hole pair(s) (and in some examples, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of the surface area and/or volume) will be located between any one or more of the parallel plane ranges described above. Such sole structures and/or articles of footwear may include multiple projection and hole pairs of this type (e.g., up to <NUM> projection/hole pairs, up to <NUM> projection/hole pairs, up to <NUM> projection/hole pairs, etc.).

Some additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to sole structures and/or articles of footwear that include: (a) a midsole component having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface includes: (i) a base surface, (ii) a lateral side ridge extending away from (e.g., downward from) the base surface, wherein a lateral side portion of the midsole component outside the lateral side ridge defines at least a portion of a lateral side bottom perimeter surface of the sole structure (a lateral side outermost exterior perimeter of the sole structure), and (iii) a medial side ridge extending away from (e.g., downward from) the base surface, wherein a medial side portion of the midsole component outside the medial side ridge defines at least a portion of a medial side bottom perimeter surface of the sole structure (a medial side outermost exterior perimeter of the sole structure); and (b) an outsole component removably engaged with the midsole component, wherein at least a portion of an outermost exterior lateral edge of the outsole component is located inside the lateral side ridge, and wherein at least a portion of an outermost exterior medial edge of the outsole component is located inside the medial side ridge.

Still additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to sole structures and/or articles of footwear that include: (a) a midsole component having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface includes: (i) a base surface, (ii) a first protrusion extending outward from the base surface, wherein the first protrusion has a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>, and (iii) a first hole extending inward from the base surface, wherein the first hole defines a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>; and (b) an outsole component removably engaged with the midsole component, wherein the outsole component includes: (i) an interior surface, (ii) a second protrusion extending from the interior surface (e.g., inwardly) and into the first hole of the midsole component, and (iii) a second hole defined in the interior surface and receiving the first protrusion of the midsole component. Each of the midsole component and the outsole component may have multiple protrusions and/or multiple holes such that the overall sole structure has plural projection/hole pairs engaged together.

Further additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to sole structures and/or articles of footwear that include: (a) a midsole component having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface includes: (i) a base surface, (ii) a first hole extending inward from the base surface, wherein the first hole defines a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>, and (iii) a second hole extending inward from the base surface, wherein the second hole defines a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>; and (b) an outsole component removably engaged with the midsole component, wherein the outsole component includes: (i) an interior surface, (ii) a first protrusion extending from the interior surface (e.g., inwardly) and into the first hole of the midsole component, and (iii) a second protrusion extending from the interior surface (e.g., inwardly) and into the second hole of the midsole component. The midsole component may include one or more additional holes and/or one or more additional projections and the outsole component may include one or more additional mating projections and/or one or more additional holes.

Still further additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to sole structures and/or articles of footwear that include: (a) a midsole component having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface includes: (i) a base surface, (ii) a first protrusion extending outward from the base surface, wherein the first protrusion has a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>, (iii) a second protrusion extending outward from the base surface, wherein the second protrusion has a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>, (iv) a first hole extending inward from the base surface, wherein the first hole defines a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>, and (v) a second hole extending inward from the base surface, wherein the second hole defines a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>; and (b) an outsole component removably engaged with the midsole component, wherein the outsole component includes: (i) an interior surface, (ii) a third protrusion extending from the interior surface (e.g., inwardly) and into the first hole of the midsole component, (iii) a fourth protrusion extending from the interior surface (e.g., inwardly) and into the second hole of the midsole component, (iv) a third hole defined in the interior surface and receiving the first protrusion of the midsole component, and (v) a fourth hole defined in the interior surface and receiving the second protrusion of the midsole component. Each of the midsole component and the outsole component may include one or more additional protrusions and/or one or more mating holes engaging the additional protrusion(s).

Additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to sole structures and/or articles of footwear that include: (a) a midsole component having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface includes: (i) a base surface including a lateral side region and a medial side region, (ii) a central arch recess extending inward from the base surface and located between the lateral side region and the medial side region, and (iii) a first hole located adjacent the central arch recess and extending inward from the base surface at one of the lateral side region or the medial side region, wherein the first hole defines a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>; and (b) an outsole component removably engaged with the midsole component, wherein the outsole component includes: (i) an interior surface, (ii) a first opening through which the central arch recess is exposed at a bottom of the sole structure, and (iii) a first protrusion extending from the interior surface and into the first hole of the midsole component. Such sole structures and/or articles of footwear may include one or more additional mating holes and protrusion pairs located in the lateral and/or medial ridge regions, e.g., up to <NUM> hole/protrusion pairs, up to <NUM> hole/protrusion pairs, or up to <NUM> hole/protrusion pairs.

In some examples of this technology, the midsole components and outsole components of any of the examples described above may be releasably engaged with one another (e.g., to permit interchanging parts, to facilitate recycling, etc.). Alternatively, some aspects of this technology relate to sole structures and/or articles of footwear of the types described above in which the midsole components and the outsole components according to any of the examples described above are permanently engaged with one another (e.g., by adhesives or cements, by mechanical fasteners, etc.).

Still additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making sole structures and/or articles of footwear of the various types described above as well as to methods of using sole structures and/or articles of footwear of the types described above (e.g., by attaching and detaching the outsole component from the midsole component, by attaching and detaching the sole structure (or at least a portion thereof) from a footwear upper component, by interchanging different outsole components on a midsole component structure, by interchanging different midsole component structures on an outsole component, by interchanging different sole structures on an upper component, by interchanging different upper components on a sole structure, etc.).

Given the general description of features, examples, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements according to certain examples of this technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example sole structures, articles of footwear, and/or methods in accordance with this technology follows.

Referring to the figures and following discussion, examples of foot support components, sole structures, and articles of footwear in accordance with aspects of this technology are described. The article of footwear <NUM> of <FIG> includes an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM> engaged with the upper <NUM>. In the figures, <FIG> provides a front, lateral perspective view, <FIG> provides a rear, medial perspective view, <FIG> provides a lateral side view, and <FIG> provides a medial side view of an article of footwear <NUM> and sole structure <NUM> in accordance with some examples of this technology.

The upper <NUM> and sole structure <NUM> may be engaged together in any desired manner (such as by one or more of adhesives or cements, stitching or sewing, mechanical connectors, etc.), including in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts. In some examples or aspects of this technology, however, the upper <NUM> will be attached to a midsole component <NUM> of the overall sole structure <NUM>, e.g., by stitching or sewing (in some examples solely by stitching or sewing) and/or by one or more hook-and-loop fastener connections (in some examples solely by one or more hook-and-loop fastener connections). Suitable hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners with strong holding strength) are known and commercially available, e.g., under the VELCRO® brand from Velcro Companies, from <NUM> Company, etc.).

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show that midsole components <NUM> of these illustrated examples include an indented or recessed top perimeter rim 200P around at least a portion of the top perimeter of the midsole component <NUM>. This indented or recessed top perimeter rim 200P provides surface area to engage a bottom perimeter rim 102P of upper <NUM>. In some examples of this technology, an adhesive may be applied to one or both of rims 200P and/or 102P, and this adhesive will permanently fix (or destructively engage) the upper <NUM> to the midsole component <NUM>. In other examples of this technology, however, one or more portions of a hook-and-loop fastener may be applied to the top perimeter rim 200P of the midsole component <NUM> and to the bottom perimeter rim 102P of the upper <NUM> (e.g., by stitching, by adhesives, etc.). Portions of hook-and-loop fasteners are represented in <FIG> and <FIG> at reference number <NUM>. One or more hook-and-loop fasteners <NUM> may be provided around the perimeter rims 102P and 200P, and the hook-and-loop fastener(s) <NUM> may extend to cover any desired percentage of the circumference of the perimeter rims 102P and 200P. In this manner, the upper <NUM> may be removably engaged with the midsole component <NUM> by engagement of the hook-and-loop fasteners <NUM>. In this illustrated example, the bottom perimeter rim 102P of the upper <NUM> fits over and covers the top perimeter rim 200P of the midsole component <NUM> (although the top perimeter rim 200P of the midsole component <NUM> could fit over and cover all or at least some portion of the bottom perimeter rim 102P of the upper <NUM>, if desired).

Alternatively, if desired, the upper <NUM> and sole member <NUM> could be engaged by sewing. This would enable the upper <NUM> and sole member <NUM> to still be separated, e.g., for recycling purposes.

The upper <NUM> (which may be formed from one or more parts), potentially together with the sole structure <NUM>, defines a foot-receiving interior chamber <NUM> for containing a wearer's foot. The bottom of the upper <NUM> may include a strobel or other component engaged with or integrally formed with another portion of the upper <NUM> to close off the bottom of the upper <NUM>. The upper <NUM> may include other components as well. For example, the upper <NUM> may include a tongue member located across the foot instep area and positioned to moderate the feel of the footwear's closure system on the wearer's foot; a closure system (e.g., including one or more of a lace type closure system, a zippered closure system, a buckle type closure system, one or more elastic stretch elements, etc.); a heel counter; a toe cap; securing straps; etc. Additionally or alternatively, the upper <NUM> may include a "sock-like" upper component, e.g., made from fabric and configured to closely fit the wearer's foot like a conventional sock. In the illustrated example, a lace element <NUM> extends over the instep area (in a crisscrossed manner), passes through one or more loops <NUM>, <NUM> located at a lateral side and a medial side of an ankle-containing portion 102A of the upper <NUM> (and/or adjacent a lateral side and a medial side of the opening for receiving a wearer's foot), and engages a tightening mechanism and/or lock mechanism <NUM>. The lock mechanism <NUM> in this illustrated example is located at a rear heel area of the upper <NUM>. At least some portion of the lace-engaging loop(s) <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (and in some examples, between parallel places located at <NUM> and <NUM>).

The upper <NUM> may be made from any desired material(s) and/or in any desired constructions and/or manners without departing from this technology. As some more specific examples, all or at least a portion of the upper <NUM> (and optionally a majority, substantially all, or even all of the upper <NUM>) may be formed as a woven textile component, a knitted textile component, another textile component, a natural leather component, a synthetic leather component, a polymeric component (e.g., a TPU, etc.), etc. The component(s) for upper <NUM> may have structures and/or constructions like those used in footwear products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, OR and/or other manufacturers, including conventional structures and constructions as are known and used in the art.

Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the upper <NUM> construction may include foot securing and engaging structures (e.g., "dynamic" and/or "adaptive fit" structures), e.g., of the types described in <CIT>. As some additional examples, if desired, uppers <NUM> and articles of footwear <NUM> in accordance with this technology may include foot securing and engaging structures of the types used in footwear products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. These types of wrap-around and/or adaptive or dynamic fit structures may at least partially wrap around and securely hold the wearer's foot.

As yet another alternative or additional feature, if desired, uppers <NUM> and articles of footwear <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include fused layers of upper materials, e.g., uppers of the types that include upper materials bonded by hot melt or other adhesive materials, such as in footwear products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. As still additional examples, uppers of the types described in <CIT> and/or <CIT> may be used without departing from this technology.

Example articles of footwear <NUM>, sole structures <NUM>, and components thereof now will be described in more detail in conjunction with <FIG>. <FIG> provides a bottom view, <FIG> provides a front, medial perspective view, <FIG> provides a front, lateral perspective view, <FIG> provides an exploded bottom, medial perspective view, and <FIG> provides an exploded bottom, front perspective view of a sole structure <NUM> in accordance with some examples and aspects of this technology. <FIG> provides a top view, <FIG> provides a bottom view, <FIG> provide lateral side views, <FIG> provide medial side views, <FIG> provide rear views, <FIG> provide front views of a sole structure <NUM> in accordance with some examples and aspects of this technology. <FIG> provide top and bottom views, respectively, of the outsole component alone, and <FIG> provides a bottom view of the midsole component alone. <FIG> provide sectional views of a sole structure <NUM> according to some examples and aspects of this technology along the corresponding section lines shown in <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> provide enlarged views of different structures that may be provided in the encircled area labeled "5A, 5B" in <FIG>.

The sole structures <NUM> of these illustrated examples include multiple parts, including a midsole component <NUM> (e.g., made from one or more component parts) and an outsole component <NUM> (e.g., made from one or more component parts). The midsole component(s) <NUM> may be made from any desired material and/or of any desired construction, including conventional materials (e.g., polymeric foam material(s), ethylvinylacetate (EVA) foam(s), polyurethane foam(s), etc.) and conventional constructions (e.g., optionally including one or more fluid-filled bladders, one or more mechanical shock absorbing components, etc.) as are known and used in the footwear art. The outsole component(s) <NUM> may be made from any desired material and/or of any desired construction, including conventional materials (e.g., rubber material(s), thermoplastic polyurethane material(s), etc.) and conventional constructions as are known and used in the footwear art. As mentioned above, in some examples of this technology, and according to the claimed invention, the outsole component <NUM> releaseably engages with the midsole component <NUM>. Portions of the description below will highlight structures and features that provide and/or support the releasable engagement and/or stable engagement of the outsole component <NUM> and midsole component <NUM> in accordance with some examples of this technology.

In this example sole structure <NUM>, the midsole component <NUM> has a bottom surface <NUM> that is partially exposed at the bottom of the final assembled sole structure <NUM> and article of footwear <NUM>. This bottom surface <NUM> includes: (i) a base surface <NUM> and (ii) one or more (and optionally, a plurality of) projections <NUM> extending away from the base surface <NUM> (extending downward when the sole structure <NUM> is supported on a horizontal base surface on its ground-facing surface). One or more of the projections <NUM> in this illustrated example sole structure <NUM> (including all of the projections <NUM>) include a main body 204B extending away from the base surface <NUM> (e.g., a cylindrical structure). An exposed free end surface <NUM> of one or more of the projection(s) <NUM> may include one or more sipes <NUM> (and according to the claimed invention a pair of intersecting sipes <NUM>) extending inward into the body 204B.

Further, this example sole structure <NUM> includes an outsole component <NUM> that is removably engaged with the midsole component <NUM>. This outsole component <NUM> includes one or more (and optionally, a plurality of) holes <NUM> defined therein (e.g., through holes). These holes <NUM> are structured and arranged such that each hole <NUM> receives one of the corresponding projections <NUM> (which extends into the hole <NUM>). The hole(s) <NUM> may be sized and/or shaped to be somewhat smaller than the projection <NUM> it is designed to receive, e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> smaller around the perimeter or circumference of its interior surface, to assure a tight fit as the outsole component <NUM> hole <NUM> stretches around the outer perimeter surface of the projection <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the exposed free end surface(s) <NUM> of the projection(s) <NUM> is (are) exposed through an open end of the hole <NUM> into which the projection <NUM> extends. The exposed free end surface(s) <NUM> of the projection(s) <NUM> of this illustrated example sole structure <NUM> is (are) recessed inward from an exposed exterior surface <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> immediately adjacent the hole <NUM> through which the free end surface <NUM> is exposed. This recessed distance (see D2 in <FIG>) may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> or even from <NUM> to <NUM>. Thus, the outsole component <NUM> extends downward further than the midsole component <NUM> at the projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> locations (e.g., at least when no external force is applied to the sole structure <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in at least some examples of this technology, the outsole component <NUM> may be made somewhat thicker at locations immediately adjacent the hole(s) <NUM>, e.g., to provide structural support, wear resistance, etc. As some more specific examples, the surface of the outsole component <NUM> forming the hole(s) <NUM> may have a thickness (in the vertical direction of <FIG> and <FIG>) within a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> or even from <NUM> to <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the exposed surface <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> may include traction elements, such as recesses (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), raised ribs, separate traction elements, etc..

While any desired number and/or arrangement of projections <NUM> and corresponding holes <NUM> of this type may be provided (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM>), in this illustrated example sole structure <NUM>, six (e.g., first through sixth) relatively large and siped projections <NUM> and six (e.g., first through sixth) relatively large holes <NUM> are provided-three located toward the lateral side (or outside edge) of the sole structure <NUM> and three located toward the medial side (or inside edge) of the sole structure <NUM>. There are two forefoot supporting projections <NUM> and corresponding holes <NUM> (one on each side in the forefoot region of the sole structure <NUM>), two ball of the foot supporting projections <NUM> and corresponding holes <NUM> (one on each side in the forefoot and/or midfoot region of the sole structure <NUM>), and two heel supporting projections <NUM> and corresponding holes <NUM> (one on each side in the heel region of the sole structure <NUM>). Some examples of this technology will include sole structures <NUM> having any combination of two or more of the foot supporting projections <NUM> and corresponding hole <NUM> combinations, e.g., in any combination of the positions shown in the figures. When multiple projections <NUM> and corresponding holes <NUM> are present in a sole structure <NUM>, the projections <NUM> may have the same or different structures and/or shapes (e.g., each having a main body 204B, an exposed free end surface <NUM>, and/or a pair (or more) intersecting sipes <NUM>, etc.). Similarly, the holes <NUM> may have the same or different structures and/or shapes (e.g., extending outward beyond the free end surface <NUM> the same or different distances, the same or different thicknesses at the hole <NUM> opening location, the same or different stretchability, etc.).

The midsole component <NUM> and the outsole component <NUM> of this example are removably engaged together at least in part through use of the projections <NUM> and the holes <NUM> (e.g., held together by a tight fit or friction fit). These projections <NUM> and holes <NUM> are relatively large, providing relatively large interfacing areas (e.g., areas where a side surface of the projection <NUM> main body 204B contacts a side surface defining the hole <NUM> in the outsole component <NUM>). As some more specific examples, one or more of the free end surfaces <NUM> of the projections <NUM> and/or the transverse cross-sectional areas of the projections <NUM> (e.g., cross-sections substantially parallel to the free end surface <NUM> or perpendicular to base surface <NUM>) may be at least <NUM><NUM>, and in some examples, at least <NUM><NUM>, at least <NUM><NUM>, or even at least <NUM><NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, as some additional specific examples, one or more of the free end surfaces <NUM> of the projections <NUM> and/or the transverse cross-sectional areas of the projections <NUM> (e.g., cross-sections substantially parallel to the free end surface <NUM> or perpendicular to base surface <NUM>) may be less than <NUM><NUM>, and in some examples, less than <NUM><NUM>, less than <NUM><NUM>, less than <NUM><NUM>, less than <NUM><NUM>, less than <NUM><NUM>, less than <NUM><NUM>, or even less than <NUM><NUM>. The corresponding holes <NUM> may be within any of these same size ranges (or stretchable to these size ranges) to receive a corresponding projection <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the illustrated sole structure <NUM> includes six total large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs: (a) two forefoot supporting pair, (b) two ball of the foot supporting pair (e.g., metatarsal head supporting pair), and (c) two heel supporting pair. All of the illustrated large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs are elongated in the longitudinal direction L of the sole structure <NUM> (although this is not a requirement in all examples of this technology). While other options are possible: (a) one or both of the two forefoot supporting large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair may be located between parallel planes (as described above) located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example); (b) one or both of the two ball of the foot supporting large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair may be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example); and/or (c) one or both of the two heel supporting large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair may be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example). Each large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair may span at least <NUM>% (and in some examples, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>%) of the distance between the parallel planes for the ranges described above. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology: (a) at least <NUM>% of the surface area and/or volume of one or both of the two forefoot supporting large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair will be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> or between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>; (b) at least <NUM>% of the surface area and/or volume of one or both of the two ball of the foot supporting large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair will be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> or between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>; and/or (c) at least <NUM>% of the surface area and/or volume of the two heel supporting large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair will be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> or between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>. At least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of the surface area and/or volume of the large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs may be located within the parallel plane ranges described above. Some sole structures <NUM> in accordance with aspects of this technology will consist of or consist essentially of six total large projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs, e.g., having the size and/or position features described herein.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> further show that the base surface <NUM> (at the bottom surface <NUM>) of the midsole component <NUM> according to at least some aspects of this technology includes a lateral side ridge <NUM> and a medial side ridge <NUM>. These side ridges <NUM>, <NUM> extend away from the base surface <NUM> (e.g., in a substantially vertical direction when the sole structure <NUM> is arranged horizontally on its ground-facing surface). As further shown in these figures, at least a portion of an outermost exterior lateral edge <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> extends (and is located) inside the lateral side ridge <NUM> and/or at least a portion of an outermost exterior medial edge <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> extends (and is located) inside the medial side ridge <NUM>. In this manner: (a) the midsole component <NUM> portion located outside the lateral side ridge <NUM> defines at least a portion of a lateral side bottom outermost perimeter surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, (b) the midsole component <NUM> portion located outside the medial side ridge <NUM> defines at least a portion of a medial side bottom outermost perimeter surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, (c) at least a portion of the exposed outermost exterior lateral edge <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> does not extend to the outermost exterior bottom perimeter edge of the sole structure <NUM>, and (d) at least a portion of the exposed outermost exterior medial edge <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> does not extend to the outermost exterior bottom perimeter edge of the sole structure <NUM>. In at least some examples of this technology, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of the bottom outermost perimeter surface of the sole structure <NUM> will be formed by the midsole component <NUM> (including lateral side bottom outermost perimeter surface <NUM> and medial side bottom outermost perimeter surface <NUM>).

The bottom surface <NUM> of midsole components <NUM> of sole structures <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include a central arch recess <NUM>. In some examples, this central arch recess <NUM> extends inward from the base surface <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM> and will be located between the lateral side region and the medial side region of the midsole (e.g., between lateral side ridge <NUM> and medial side ridge <NUM>, if they are present in the arch area and/or the sole structure <NUM>). A central arch opening <NUM> defined through the outsole component <NUM> may fit around the central arch recess <NUM> (e.g., optionally around a raised ridge or raised surface <NUM> defining an edge of the central arch recess <NUM>) so that the central arch recess <NUM> is exposed at a bottom of the final assembled sole structure <NUM>. The opening to the central arch recess <NUM> (its perimeter) may be relatively large, e.g., enclosing an area of at least <NUM><NUM>, and in some examples, at least <NUM><NUM>, at least <NUM><NUM>, at least <NUM><NUM>, at least <NUM><NUM>, at least <NUM><NUM>, or even at least <NUM><NUM>. In the illustrated example, the central arch recess <NUM> is ovoid or teardrop shaped (with its narrow end located closer to the heel region of the sole structure <NUM>) having an inwardly (upwardly) curved exposed surface (e.g., smoothly curved). The central arch opening <NUM> defined through the outsole component <NUM> may be sized and shaped to be somewhat smaller than the raised ridge or raised surface <NUM> defining the edge of the central arch recess <NUM>, e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> smaller around the perimeter or circumference of its interior surface, to assure a tight fit as the outsole component <NUM> central arch opening <NUM> stretches around the outer perimeter of the raised ridge or surface <NUM>. The raised ridge or surface <NUM> may have a width dimension W1 (i.e., a dimension directly across the raised ridge <NUM>, see <FIG>) around at least <NUM>% of its outer perimeter from <NUM> to <NUM> wide (and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> wide or even from <NUM> to <NUM> wide around at least <NUM>% of its outer perimeter). These width dimension W1 ranges may be present around at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of the raised surface or ridge <NUM> defining the central arch recess <NUM>.

While other options are possible, in some examples of this technology, the central arch recess <NUM> will be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example). Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology, at least <NUM>% of the surface area and/or volume of the central arch recess <NUM> will be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> or between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example. At least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of the surface area and/or volume of the central arch recess <NUM> may be located within the parallel plane ranges described above. The central arch opening <NUM> for receiving the raised surface or ridge <NUM> defining the central arch recess <NUM> may be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example). Some sole structures <NUM> in accordance with aspects of this technology will consist of or consist essentially of one central arch recess <NUM>, e.g., having the size and/or position features described herein.

In addition to (or as an alternative to) the large projection <NUM> and hole <NUM> pairs, the midsole component <NUM> of this example sole structure <NUM> includes one or more smaller protrusions <NUM> (extending downward or outward from base surface <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM>'s bottom surface <NUM>). The protrusion(s) <NUM> fit into one or more additional smaller holes <NUM> (e.g., through holes) defined in the outsole component <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM>/through hole <NUM> pairs fit together, e.g., to help hold the midsole component <NUM> and outsole component <NUM> together and in place with respect to one another. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the through holes <NUM> for the protrusion <NUM>/through hole <NUM> pairs are defined through a base surface <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM>. The base surface <NUM> may be somewhat thinner (e.g., less than <NUM> thick, and in some examples less than <NUM> thick, less than <NUM> thick, or even less than <NUM> thick) than the areas of the outsole component <NUM> forming the exposed exterior surface(s) <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> immediately adjacent the hole(s) <NUM> through which the free end surface(s) <NUM> is (are) exposed (which may be at least <NUM> thick, at least <NUM> thick, or even at least <NUM> thick). The thinned base surfaces <NUM> of this example are located in the forefoot region and the heel region, e.g., forward and aft from the central arch recess <NUM> in this example (although a central arch recess <NUM> need not be present to have one or more thinned outsole base surfaces <NUM> and/or protrusion <NUM>/through hole <NUM> pair(s) in the areas shown). The thinned base surfaces <NUM> may help improve sole flexibility, and/or help promote more natural flexion of the outsole component <NUM>, e.g., as a wearer moves.

As noted above, the protrusion(s) <NUM> and corresponding hole(s) <NUM> may be relatively small (e.g., as compared to the projections <NUM> and their holes <NUM>). As some more specific examples, one or more of the protrusions <NUM> and holes <NUM> may have a transverse cross sectional area of less than <NUM><NUM>, and in some examples, less than <NUM><NUM>, less than <NUM><NUM>, less than <NUM><NUM>, or even less than <NUM><NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the transverse cross sectional area of protrusion(s) <NUM> and corresponding hole(s) <NUM> pair(s) may be less than <NUM>% of the transverse cross sectional area of a closest projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair (and in some examples, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, or even less than <NUM>%). As some additional or further alternative features, if desired, the transverse cross sectional area of a plurality of the protrusion(s) <NUM> and corresponding hole(s) <NUM> pairs located at a thinned base surface <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> may be less than <NUM>% of the transverse cross sectional area of all of the larger (and optionally siped) projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs (and in some examples, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, or even less than <NUM>%) present in the sole structure <NUM>.

A wide variety of numbers and/or arrangements of the smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs are possible in accordance with aspects of this technology. For example, from <NUM> to <NUM> total smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs may be provided in a sole structure <NUM>, and for some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or even from <NUM> to <NUM> smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs may be provided in a sole structure <NUM>. In the illustrated example: (a) eight (e.g., first through eighth) of the smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs are provided in the forefoot region of the sole structure <NUM> and (b) two (first and second) of the smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs are provided in the heel region of the sole structure <NUM>. In this illustrated example: (a) four smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair are provided between or proximate to the forefoot supporting projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair; (b) four smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair are provided between or proximate to the ball of the foot supporting projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair; and (c) two smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair are provided between or proximate to the heel supporting projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair. Also, in this illustrated example, the smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs are provided forward and aft from the central arch recess <NUM> (although a central arch recess <NUM> need not be present to have one or more of the smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs in these areas). Any desired combination of <NUM> to <NUM> smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs may be arranged in any desired areas of the sole structure <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the illustrated sole structure <NUM> includes ten smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs: (a) four pair in the forefoot supporting region, (b) four pair in the ball of the foot supporting region (e.g., the metatarsal head supporting region), and (c) two pair in the heel supporting region. All of the smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs are cylindrical and circular in cross section (although other shapes are possible). While other options are possible: (a) at least four smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair may be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example); (b) at least four smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair may be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example); and/or (c) at least two smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair may be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example). While more or fewer smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair may be included in any of these parallel plane ranges, some examples of this technology will consist of or consist essentially of ten smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs within the locational ranges described above.

As another potential feature in accordance with some examples of this technology, the outsole component <NUM> may include one or more protrusions <NUM> projecting upward from its interior surface <NUM> (e.g., having any of the cross-sectional shape, size, and/or number features described above for protrusions <NUM>). These protrusion(s) <NUM> fit into a corresponding one or more holes <NUM> (e.g., blind holes) defined in the bottom surface <NUM> and/or base surface <NUM> of midsole component <NUM> (e.g., having any of the cross-sectional shape, size, and/or number features described above for holes <NUM>). See <FIG> and <FIG>. The protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs of this example also are shown in <FIG> and <FIG> as broken lines (because the structures are hidden by the outsole component <NUM>). While other arrangements and/or numbers of protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs are possible, in this illustrated example, four total protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs (e.g., first through fourth pairs) are provided. Two of the protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs are located on a lateral side of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., in the arch support area, in a lateral side region of the midsole component <NUM>'s base surface <NUM>, located adjacent the lateral side ridge <NUM>, and/or located along and/or adjacent a lateral side of the central arch recess <NUM>, etc.). Similarly, in this example, two protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs are located on a medial side of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., in the arch support area, in a medial side region of the midsole component <NUM>'s base surface <NUM>, located adjacent the medial side ridge <NUM>, and/or located along and/or adjacent a medial side of the central arch recess <NUM>, etc.). The protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair(s) can help maintain a stable connection between the midsole component <NUM> and outsole component <NUM>, e.g., in the arch region of the sole structure <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the illustrated sole structure <NUM> includes four smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs: (a) two in the lateral side region (e.g., in the arch support area) and (b) two in the medial side region (e.g., in the arch support area). While other options are possible, one or more of these four smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs may be located between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples between parallel planes located at <NUM> and <NUM> (all four located between <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated example). While more or fewer smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair may be included in any of these parallel plane ranges (or other locations), some examples of this technology will consist of or consist essentially of four smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs within the locational ranges described above.

Sole structures <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include a front tab 350F and a rear tab 350R (e.g., provided as part of the outsole component <NUM>). These tabs 350F and/or 350R wrap upward around the sole structure <NUM> to engage with another part of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., the midsole component <NUM>) and/or the upper <NUM>. This engagement may be a permanent engagement (e.g., using adhesives or cements) or a removable engagement (e.g., using hook-and-loop fasteners, using retaining elements, using stretch or friction fit, etc.). <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show a portion <NUM> of a hook-and-loop fastener attached to each of the tabs 350F, 350R. The tabs 350F, 350R, together with their hook-and-loop fastener portion <NUM>, can be wrapped upward to engage a corresponding portion of a hook-and-loop provided on the midsole component <NUM> and/or upper <NUM> (not shown) and thereby provide releasable attachment of the tabs 350F, 350R to the midsole component <NUM> and/or upper <NUM>. The hook-and-loop fastener portion <NUM> may be engaged with its respective tab 350F, 350R in any desired manner, such as by adhesives, by stitching, etc..

These releasable tab(s) 350F, 350R, e.g., in combination with one or more of the projection <NUM>/hole <NUM> pair(s), the smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs, the smaller protrusion <NUM>/hole <NUM> pairs, and/or the raised ridge or raised surface <NUM>/opening <NUM> pair, permit removable attachment between the midsole component <NUM> and outsole component <NUM> of this example. These releasable tab(s) 350F, 350R in combination with releasable connection of the upper <NUM> to the midsole component <NUM> via components <NUM> discussed above also permit removable attachment between the sole structure <NUM> and upper <NUM> in this example footwear structure <NUM>. One or more of these types of removable engagement mechanisms may be omitted from a footwear structure <NUM> and/or sole structure <NUM> in some examples of this technology. In other words, not all of these releasable engagement components are needed in all examples of this technology. Rather, footwear <NUM> and sole structures <NUM> may include removable engagement features with any one or more of these releasable and removable attachment systems.

As evident from the description above, when formed to be removably engaged with a midsole component <NUM>, the outsole component <NUM> may be rather flexible or pliable. This feature enables movement and stretch of the outsole component <NUM>'s holes <NUM> or opening <NUM> over their corresponding mating components on midsole <NUM> and enables the tabs 350F, 350R to be wrapped upward around the midsole component <NUM> and/or upper <NUM>. Thus, the outsole component <NUM> can be formed (e.g., molded, pressed, etc.) in a generally flat form, e.g., as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. This feature can simplify manufacture, reduce tooling costs, and/or reduce needed part storage area. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> correspond to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, respectively, but show the outsole component <NUM> wrapped around and engaged with midsole component <NUM>. <FIG> show the outsole component <NUM> (top and bottom surfaces) as a separate part from the midsole component <NUM> (the bottom surface of which is shown in <FIG>).

This type of removable engagement, when used, is advantageous because it allows individual replacement of parts (e.g., upper <NUM>, midsole component <NUM>, and/or outsole component <NUM>) and/or separation of parts (e.g., upper <NUM>, midsole component <NUM>, and/or outsole component <NUM>) for potential recycling purposes. Additionally or alternatively, this type of removable engagement, when used, is advantageous because it allows the user to swap out the individual parts for other parts, e.g., depending on the activity to be conducted. More specifically, different uppers <NUM>, midsole components <NUM>, outsole components <NUM>, and/or combinations thereof may be used for different activities, e.g., to provide better traction, better support, and/or other desired characteristics for the specific activity. Additionally or alternatively, different uppers <NUM>, midsole components <NUM>, outsole components <NUM>, and/or combinations thereof may be used based on a user's preferences at a specific time (e.g., for different colors and/or color combinations, etc.).

As described above, and according to the claimed invention, the free end surfaces <NUM> of one or more of the projections <NUM> include a pair of intersecting sipes extending into the projection <NUM> main body 204B. This is shown, for example, in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are enlarged views taken from the area shown in circle 5A, 5B in <FIG>. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory of operation, these sipes <NUM> may help hold the outsole component <NUM> to the midsole component <NUM> in use. As shown in <FIG>, under an adequate applied force F at the projection <NUM> (e.g., from foot contact with the ground), the sipes <NUM> may allow the quadrants of the projections <NUM> to splay outward from the sipe <NUM> intersection toward the surrounding walls of the outsole component <NUM> defining the hole <NUM>. See splay direction arrows <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>. This outwardly directed splay force (from the sipe <NUM> intersection) applies added force between the exterior surface 204X of the projection <NUM> and the interior surface 302I of the outsole component <NUM> defining the hole <NUM> to more securely hold these parts in place (e.g., more securely seat the projection <NUM> in the outsole component <NUM>'s hole <NUM>).

The sipe(s) <NUM> (e.g., formed as cuts by a knife, by a hot knife, by laser; formed by molding; etc.) may have any desired depth dimension D1 into the free end surface <NUM>. In accordance with some aspects of this technology, the depth dimension D1 for the sipes <NUM> (when no external force is applied to the sole member <NUM>, e.g., by a wearer's weight) may be within the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> or even from <NUM> to <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, and according to the claimed invention, the sipe depth D1 is at least <NUM>% of an overall height dimension of its projection <NUM> (e.g., the height dimension from base surface <NUM> to free end surface <NUM>), and in some examples, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>%. of an overall height dimension. Some sole structure <NUM> examples according to this technology will have a sipe configuration(s) and/or sipe depth dimension(s) sufficient to provide the splay effect described above. The sipe width W2 in an unsplayed configuration (e.g., when no external force is applied to the sole member <NUM>, e.g., by a wearer's weight) may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative structure to that shown in <FIG>. In the example of <FIG>, the projection <NUM> of midsole component <NUM> is formed such that its sidewall includes one or more indentations <NUM> in its exterior surface 204X. The interior surface 302I of the outsole component <NUM> forming the hole <NUM> in this example is formed to include one or more ridges <NUM> that extend into the corresponding indentation(s) <NUM> in the midsole component <NUM>. In addition to the securing functions performed by interaction of the ridge(s) <NUM> with the indentation(s) <NUM>, the splaying forces <NUM> described above in conjunction with <FIG> will further push the ridge(s) <NUM> into the indentation(s) <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, one or more indentation(s) <NUM> may be provided on the interior surface 302I of the outsole component <NUM> forming the hole <NUM> and corresponding projection(s) <NUM> may be provided on the exterior surface 204X of the outsole component <NUM>'s projection <NUM>.

As another additional or alternative potential feature in accordance with at least some examples of this technology, one or more sipes <NUM> may be formed in the exposed surface of the central arch recess <NUM> (extending upward into the material of the midsole component <NUM>). Such sipes <NUM> are shown as broken lines in <FIG> and as sipes <NUM> forming one or more intersections. Sipes <NUM> of this type can help the regions of the central arch recess <NUM> splay outward in a similar manner as described above in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>. This outward splay can help engage the outer surface of raised ridge or raised surface <NUM> with the interior surface of the outsole component <NUM> at the area defining central arch opening <NUM>. While other patterns and/or numbers of sipes <NUM> are possible, <FIG> shows a central longitudinal sipe <NUM> intersected by two transverse sipes <NUM>. As other options, however, two or more sipes <NUM> could be arranged in a diagonal arrangement across central arch recess <NUM>, more or fewer sipes <NUM> could be provided, etc..

Additionally or alternatively, if desired: (a) the raised ridge or raised surface <NUM> of the central arch recess <NUM> may include one or more indentations (e.g., like those described above as reference number <NUM> in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>) and (b) the interior surface of outsole component <NUM> forming the central arch opening <NUM> may include one or more ridges (e.g., like those described above as reference number <NUM> in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>) that engage the corresponding indentation(s). Still additionally or alternatively, if desired: (a) the raised ridge or raised surface <NUM> of the central arch recess <NUM> may include one or more ridges (e.g., like those described above as reference number <NUM> in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>) and (b) the interior surface of outsole component <NUM> forming the central arch opening <NUM> may include one or more indentations (e.g., like those described above as reference number <NUM> in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>) that engage the corresponding ridge(s). The indentation/ridge pair(s), when present, can help hold the midsole component <NUM> and outsole component <NUM> together at the arch region, e.g., as described above.

Claim 1:
A sole structure (<NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>), comprising:
a midsole component (<NUM>) having a bottom surface (<NUM>), wherein the bottom surface (<NUM>) includes: (i) a base surface (<NUM>) and (ii) a first projection (<NUM>) including a first body (204B) extending away from the base surface (<NUM>), wherein a first exposed free end surface (<NUM>) of the first projection (<NUM>) includes a first pair of intersecting sipes (<NUM>) extending inward into the first body (204B), wherein each sipe (<NUM>) of the first pair of intersecting sipes (<NUM>) has a sipe depth (D1) of at least <NUM>% of an overall height dimension of the first projection (<NUM>); and
an outsole component (<NUM>) removably engaged with the midsole component (<NUM>), wherein the outsole component (<NUM>) includes a first hole (<NUM>) defined therein, wherein the first projection (<NUM>) extends into the first hole (<NUM>), and wherein the first exposed free end surface (<NUM>) of the first projection (<NUM>) is exposed through the first hole (<NUM>) and recessed inward from an exposed exterior surface of the outsole component (<NUM>) immediately adjacent the first hole (<NUM>).