Patent ID: 12250991

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and component parts 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, methods, and environments in which aspects of this technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures, methods, and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described 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, etc.), and the like.

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. 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 “third” 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 components thereof are described based on a “longitudinal length” parameter L. SeeFIG.16. The longitudinal length L can be found with the article of footwear and/or sole structure oriented on a horizontal support surface 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 (into and out of the page ofFIG.16) 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, 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 length (e.g., a longitudinal length) L of the article of footwear and/or sole structure. The locations of some footwear components may be described in this specification based on their respective locations along the longitudinal length L as measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. Thus, the rearmost heel location(s) is (are) located at position 0L and the forwardmost toe location(s) is (are) located at position 1L along the longitudinal length L. Intermediate locations along the longitudinal length L are referred to by fractional locations (e.g., 0.33L or 0.66L) 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=0L and P=1.0L.

The term “rearward” as used herein means at or toward the heel region of the article of footwear (or component thereof), and the term “forward” as used herein means at or toward a forefoot or forward toe region of the article of footwear (or component thereof). SeeFIG.16. As also shown inFIG.16, the terms “heel,” “heel area,” or “heel region” as used herein generally refer to a region bounded by parallel planes at 0L and 0.33L. The terms “midfoot,” “midfoot area,” or “midfoot region” as used herein generally refer to a region bounded by parallel planes at 0.33L and 0.66L. The terms “forefoot,” “forefoot area,” or “forefoot region” as used herein generally refer to a region bounded by parallel planes at 0.66L and 1.0L. Also, the term “lateral” means the “little toe” side of an article of footwear or component thereof (e.g., an upper, a sole structure, etc.), and the term “medial” means the “big toe” side of an article of footwear or component thereof (e.g., an upper, a sole structure, etc.). The directional terms “upper,” lower,” “top,” and/or “bottom” and the like, as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, refer to a direction or position with the article of footwear and/or other component oriented with its ground-facing surface supported on or facing a horizontal contact surface (e.g., level ground). The term “upper” also is used herein as a noun to refer to a footwear component structure (as conventionally used in the footwear art).

The term “providing” as used herein in the context of method steps, such as “providing an upper component,” “providing a foot support component,” “providing an inflatable bladder,” and/or “providing an impact force-attenuating component,” means any manner of making the identified component available for use in further method steps. Thus, the term “providing” in this context includes, but is not limited to: manufacturing the noted component, assembling the noted component, purchasing the noted component, obtaining the noted component from a third-party supplier or other source, retrieving the noted component from storage or inventory, reclaiming the noted component from a previously formed product, etc.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF THIS TECHNOLOGY

Sole structures and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include removable (and potentially interchangeable) components (e.g., foot support components that are removably engaged with impact force-attenuating components and/or sole components that are removably engaged with footwear upper components). In at least some aspects of this technology, the footwear component parts may be assembled in an adhesive-free manner. One or more of the footwear components (e.g., one or more of an upper component, an impact force-attenuating component, a foot support component, etc.) may be formed from a single material, may be formed as a unitary, one-piece construction, may be formed from recycled materials, and/or may themselves be recyclable.

Some aspects of this technology relate to articles of footwear that include: (a) an upper component having a first through hole opening (e.g., in a bottom surface thereof, in a strobel component, etc.); (b) a foot support component (e.g., a midsole component, an outsole component, etc.) having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber; and (c) an impact force-attenuating component (e.g., an inflatable bladder) including: (i) a foot support surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot (e.g., a top surface or sheet of a fluid-filled bladder), (ii) a base surface opposite the foot support surface (e.g., a bottom surface or sheet of a fluid-filled bladder), and (iii) a first expandable lug (e.g., an inflatable lug) extending from the base surface, wherein a sealed fluid chamber is defined at least within the first expandable lug. The first expandable lug may extend through the first through hole opening and into the first receptacle. When the sealed fluid chamber is filled with a fluid (e.g., inflated with a gas), the first expandable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the first expandable lug from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening. The interior surface of the first interior chamber may provide an “undercut” or “bearing surface” that engages the exterior surface of the first expandable lug to prevent the first expandable lug from pulling out of the first interior chamber or first receptacle through the first opening. In at least some examples, articles of footwear may include: (i) uppers with plural through hole openings, (ii) foot support components with plural receptacles and/or plural openings providing access the receptacle(s); and/or (iii) impact force-attenuating components having plural expandable lugs (e.g., inflatable lugs). Sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include the foot support components and impact force-attenuating components as described above without the upper component.

Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of assembling articles of footwear that include: (a) providing an upper component having a first through hole opening (e.g., in a bottom surface thereof, in a strobel component, etc.); (b) providing a foot support component (e.g., a midsole component, an outsole component, etc.) having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber; and (c) providing an impact force-attenuating component (e.g., an inflatable bladder, etc.) having: (i) a foot support surface (e.g., a top surface or sheet of a fluid-filled bladder) for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a base surface (e.g., a bottom surface or sheet of a fluid-filled bladder) opposite the foot support surface, and (iii) a first expandable lug (e.g., an inflatable lug) extending from the base surface, wherein a first fluid chamber is defined at least within the first expandable lug; (d) with the first fluid chamber in a contracted condition (e.g., a deflated condition, a low-pressure condition, etc.), positioning the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component with respect to the upper component such that the first expandable lug extends through the first through hole opening and into the first receptacle; and (e) with the first expandable lug extending into the first receptacle, introducing fluid (e.g., a gas, a liquid, etc.) into the first fluid chamber to change the first fluid chamber from the contracted condition to an expanded condition (e.g., an inflated condition, a high-pressure condition, etc.) during which a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the first expandable lug changes such that the first expandable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening. Assembly methods in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may be used for assembling articles of footwear having: (i) uppers with plural through hole openings, (ii) foot support components with plural receptacles and/or plural openings providing access the receptacle(s); and/or (iii) impact force-attenuating components having plural expandable lugs (e.g., inflatable lugs). Some methods of assembling sole structures and/or articles of footwear in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include engaging the foot support components with the impact force-attenuating components as described above without including the upper component in the assembly method (e.g., the upper component may be incorporated into the assembly process in another manner and/or in other steps).

Still additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of disassembling sole structures and/or articles of footwear that include: (a) releasing fluid from at least a first expandable lug (e.g., an inflatable lug) of an impact force-attenuating component (e.g., an inflatable bladder), wherein the first expandable lug includes: (i) a base portion that extends to a first receptacle formed in a foot support component (e.g., a midsole component, an outsole component, etc.) and (ii) an expandable securing portion that, when filled with a fluid (e.g., a gas), has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the first expandable lug from pulling out of the first receptacle; and (b) after releasing sufficient fluid, removing the expandable securing portion of the first expandable lug from the first receptacle. The step of releasing the fluid may include puncturing a sealed fluid-filled bladder, opening a valve of the fluid-filled bladder, removing a cap from a port of the fluid-filled bladder, etc. Disassembly methods in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may be used for disassembling sole structures and/or articles of footwear having two or more of: (i) uppers with plural through hole openings, (ii) foot support components with plural receptacles and/or plural openings providing access the receptacle(s); and/or (iii) impact force-attenuating components having plural expandable lugs (e.g., inflatable lugs). Also, such disassembly methods may be used with sole structures and/or articles of footwear of the types described above and/or sole structures and/or articles of footwear made by the assembly methods described above.

Any one or more of the examples and aspects of this technology described above further may include any one or more of the following properties: (a) the sole structures and/or article of footwear may be assembled in an adhesive-free manner; (b) some or all of the component parts of the sole structures and/or article of footwear (e.g., at least the upper component, the foot support component, and/or the impact force-attenuating component (e.g., the inflatable bladder)) may be formed from a single material and/or as a unitary, one-piece construction; (c) some or all of the component parts of the sole structures and/or article of footwear (e.g., at least the upper component, the foot support component, and/or the impact force-attenuating component (e.g., the inflatable bladder)) may be releasably engaged together; and/or (d) some or all of the component parts of the sole structures and/or article of footwear (e.g., at least the upper component, the foot support component, and/or the impact force-attenuating component (e.g., the inflatable bladder)) may be recyclable and/or may be made from a recycled material.

Given the general description of features, examples, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements according to certain aspects and 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.

II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE SOLE STRUCTURES, ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR, AND COMPONENTS/FEATURES THEREOF ACCORDING TO ASPECTS OF THIS TECHNOLOGY

Referring to the figures and following discussion, examples of footwear components, sole structures, and articles of footwear in accordance with aspects of this technology are described.FIGS.1-4illustrate component parts of example articles of footwear in accordance with aspects of this technology andFIGS.5A-5Emore fully illustrate the assembly and various properties of such example articles of footwear and component parts.

FIG.1illustrates a bottom view of an example upper component102(formed as a flat upper blank in this illustrated example) for articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology. The upper component102of this illustrated example is a single component part that includes a lateral side portion102L, a medial side portion102M, and a bottom panel102B extending between and connecting the lateral side portion102L and the medial side portion102M. The bottom panel102B of this example upper component102includes a plurality of through hole openings104extending completely through this upper component102. While other arrangements are possible, the plurality of through hole openings104in this example are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in a medial side-to-lateral side direction of the upper component102(and of an article of footwear in which the upper component102is included). The through hole openings104also may be arranged in a plurality of columns extending in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the upper component102(and of an article of footwear in which the upper component102is included). Any desired number and/or arrangement of through hole openings104may be provided in examples of this technology.

The upper component102may be formed from any desired material and/or in any desired constructions, including materials and/or constructions conventionally known and used in the footwear arts. More specific examples include textile materials, fabric materials, plastic materials, knit components, woven components, molded components, etc. Further, upper component102, e.g., as illustrated inFIG.1, may form the complete upper for an article of footwear. Alternatively, in some examples, upper component102, e.g., as shown inFIG.1, may form one component of a multi-component footwear upper. Still additionally or alternatively, component102itself may be made as a single component part (e.g., a single continuous fabric or polymer component) or it may constitute multiple parts that are engaged together (e.g., by sewn seams, by mechanical fasteners, by adhesives, etc.). In some examples of this technology, the bottom panel102B including one or more through hole openings104may form a strobel element for an article of footwear (which, optionally, may be stitched to one or more other components forming the lateral side portion102L, the medial side portion102M, and/or other components of an overall footwear upper). In some examples, the area around one or more of the through hole openings104may be reinforced, e.g., to inhibit stretch, deformation, and/or tearing of the upper component102at the opening(s)104. As an example,FIG.1shows a reinforcing ring104R, e.g., made of thicker fabric, heavier fabric, or plastic material (akin to a washer structure), around one through hole opening104.

FIG.2illustrates an example impact force-attenuating component200(e.g., an inflatable bladder200) that may be used in sole structures and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology.FIG.2provides a bottom view of the impact force-attenuating component200, illustrating a base surface202B for a portion of the impact force-attenuating component200. One or more expandable lugs210(e.g., inflatable lugs210) extend away from (e.g., downward from) the base surface202B. The base surface202B shown inFIG.2is located opposite a foot support surface202A of the impact force-attenuating component200that is not seen inFIG.2(but foot support surface202A is shown in other figures, such asFIGS.5B-5C). Any desired number and/or arrangement of expandable lugs210may be provided in examples of this technology (e.g., matching the number and arrangement of the through hole openings104in an upper component102to which the impact force-attenuating component200is to be engaged).

While the expandable lug210pattern shown inFIG.2does not match the exact through hole opening104pattern shown inFIG.1, an impact force-attenuating component200(e.g., an inflatable bladder200) could be produced in which the locations and pattern of expandable lugs210extending from the base surface202B match the through hole opening104patterns shown inFIG.1. For example,FIGS.3A and3Bshow a bottom view and a bottom, lateral perspective view, respectively, of an example upper component102in which expandable lugs210of an impact force-attenuating component200(e.g., an inflatable bladder200) are arranged to match up with and extend through the through hole openings104in the bottom panel102B of the upper component102. In the arrangement shown inFIGS.3A and3B, the base surface202B of the impact force-attenuating component200lies inside and is covered by the upper component102, optionally in direct contact with the upward-facing surface (102BT, seeFIGS.5A and5B) of the bottom panel102B of the upper component102. The combined upper component102and impact force-attenuating component200are referred to herein as footwear precursor component300.

In this specification, the same reference number may be used when referring to a specific footwear component by its generic terminology and its more specific embodiment. For example, reference number “200” is used herein to refer both to a generic “impact force-attenuating component” and the more specific inflatable or fluid-filled “bladder.” Similarly: (i) reference number “202A” is used herein to refer both to the more generic “foot support surface” of an impact force-attenuating component and a “first sheet” of the more specific inflatable bladder; (ii) reference number “202B” is used herein to refer both to the more generic “base surface” of an impact force-attenuating component and a “second sheet” of the more specific inflatable bladder; and (iii) reference number “210” is used herein to refer both to the more generic “expandable lug” of an impact force-attenuating component and an “inflatable lug” of the more specific inflatable bladder. When formed as an inflatable bladder200, the bladder200may be formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane material (e.g., with a sealed, inflatable chamber defined between two “sheets” or portions of thermoplastic polyurethane material), including thermoplastic polyurethane materials (“TPU”) as are conventionally known and used in the footwear and/or inflatable bladder arts. The thickness of the TPU material(s) may be selected and/or controlled (e.g., in the region of the expandable lug(s)210) to provide a desired level of expandability to the lug(s)210, to provide a desired level of flexibility to the lug(s) (e.g., in an uninflated or low-pressure condition), and/or to provide a desired level of rigidity to the lug(s)210and/or the bladder200(e.g., in an inflated or high-pressure condition).

FIG.4provides a bottom view of an overall article of footwear400in which the footwear precursor component300ofFIGS.3A and3Bis combined with a foot support component402. The foot support component402may comprise or may function as a midsole component (e.g., an impact force-attenuating component, such as a polymeric foam material), an outsole component (e.g., a ground-engaging component, such as a rubber or thermoplastic material), or both. As will be explained in more detail in conjunction withFIGS.5A-5E and9, the foot support component402includes one or more receptacles410(seeFIGS.5A-5E) that correspond to the location(s) of the expandable lug(s)210and the through hole openings104. In this manner (and as will be described in more detail below), expansion of the expandable lug(s)210within the receptacle(s)410may be used to secure the impact force-attenuating component200(and optionally the upper component102) with the foot support component402. As further shown inFIG.5A, the expandable lugs210may include: (i) a base portion220B, e.g., that extends through the through hole opening104of the upper component102(when present) and the opening414for a respective receptacle410in a foot support component402and (ii) an expandable securing portion220E (e.g., an inflatable bulb) that extends from the base portion220B and is received in the respective receptacle410. In some examples, the expandable lugs210may have the appearance of a balloon-like structure extending from the base surface202B of the impact force-attenuating component200(e.g., extending from the bottom sheet202B of an inflatable bladder200), with the base portion220B forming the air inlet stem of the balloon-like structure and the expandable securing portion220E forming the main body of the balloon-like structure. In the example ofFIG.4, ground-engaging lugs412provide the outer surface of the structure in which a corresponding receptacle410is defined. In the arrangement shown inFIG.4, the bottom surface102BB of the upper component102at least partially lies inside and is covered by the foot support component402. In some examples, the bottom surface102BB may lie in direct contact with the first surface402T (e.g., the upward-facing surface) of the foot support component402. SeeFIG.5A.

The foot support component402may be formed in any desired manner. More specific examples include: injection molding or other molding techniques; 3D printing techniques; etc. Also, the foot support component402may be made of any desired materials, including materials conventionally known and used in the footwear arts, such as thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, rubber materials, etc. The foot support component402may function, at least in part, as a midsole component and/or an outsole component for the sole structures and/or articles of footwear in which it is incorporated.

Assembly of example sole structures and/or articles of footwear400and various features of these components according to some examples of this technology will be described in more detail in conjunction withFIGS.5A-5E.FIG.5Aillustrates one example step in an assembly process in which: (a) an upper component102is provided having at least a first through hole opening104(and optionally multiple openings104, e.g., as shown inFIG.1) and (b) a foot support component402is provided. The upper component102may comprise a fabric element (or other suitable footwear upper material) having a bottom panel102B with a top surface102BT and a bottom surface102BB. The bottom panel102B may comprise a footwear strobel element closing off a bottom of the overall footwear upper. The through hole opening(s)104extend completely through the upper component102bottom panel102B from the top surface102BT to the bottom surface102BB.

The foot support component402of this example includes a first surface402T (e.g., a top surface) and a second surface402B (e.g., a bottom surface) opposite the first surface402T. As shown inFIG.5A, the foot support component402is shaped to form a first receptacle410(and optionally a plurality of receptacles410). Each of the receptacle(s)410may provide or define an interior chamber410C. An access opening414defined at the first surface402T provides access to the interior chamber410C of a respective receptacle410. The assembly step shown by arrow502inFIG.5Aincludes positioning the bottom surface102BB of the upper component102with respect to the first surface402T of the foot support component402(e.g., in direct contact) such that the first through hole opening104of the upper component102and the first access opening414to the first receptacle410at least partially align (e.g., overlap in an axial direction of the openings104,414). When a plurality of through hole openings104and a corresponding plurality of access openings414and/or receptacles410are provided in a footwear structure, the step ofFIG.5Amay include positioning the upper component102with respect to the foot support component402such that the through hole openings104of the upper component102at least partially align with the corresponding access openings414of the foot support component402. No adhesive is provided between the bottom surface102BB of the upper component102and the first surface402T of the foot support component402in at least some examples of this assembly process.

FIG.5Billustrates another step in this example assembly process. In the step ofFIG.5B, an inflatable bladder200(or other impact force-attenuating component) is included in the assembly process. The inflatable bladder200of this example includes: (i) a first sheet202A (e.g., a top sheet) forming a top surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot (e.g., a foot support surface) and (ii) a second sheet202B (e.g., a bottom sheet forming a base surface) opposite the first sheet202A. A fluid chamber204is defined between the first sheet202A and the second sheet202B. The inflatable bladder200further includes at least one inflation port206through which fluid (e.g., a gas, such as air) may be introduced into the fluid chamber204. The inflatable bladder200may be made from conventional materials formed in conventional manners, e.g., as are known and used in the footwear arts. Further, the first sheet202A and the second sheet202B may be formed from separate sheets (e.g., of thermoplastic elastomer material) or they may constitute different portions of a single sheet (e.g., parts of a larger, single sheet folded at one edge). The sheets202A,202B may be joined together, e.g., at a perimeter seam, for example, using heat and/or pressure, welding techniques, etc., as known and used in the footwear arts. Additionally, internal welds or seams (e.g., joining the interior surfaces of sheet202A and sheet202B) and/or other features (such as internal tensile elements) may be used to control the shape of the inflatable bladder200, e.g., in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts.

As further shown inFIG.5B, the inflatable bladder200of this example further includes a first inflatable lug210extending from the second sheet202B (and extending outward from the base surface provided by the second sheet202B). The fluid chamber204of this example extends continuously from the volume between the first sheet202A and the second sheet202B and into the interior volume defined within the first inflatable lug210. At this stage in the process, the inflatable bladder200(including the inflatable lug210) may be in an uninflated condition or a low-pressure condition, e.g., such that the surface of the inflatable lug210is readily collapsible and/or foldable. When a plurality of through hole openings104, a plurality of access openings414, and/or a plurality of receptacles410are provided in a footwear structure, the inflatable bladder200may include a corresponding plurality of inflatable lugs210, e.g., with one inflatable lug210provided for each corresponding through hole opening104, each corresponding access opening414, and/or each corresponding receptacle410.

In the assembly step illustrated by process arrow504, the inflatable bladder200is positioned with respect to the upper component102and the foot support component402such that the first inflatable lug210extends into the first receptacle410. More specifically, as illustrated in the example ofFIG.5B, the first inflatable lug210is positioned such that: (a) its base portion220B extends through the first through hole opening104and through opening414of the foot support component402and (b) its expandable portion220E extends into the first chamber410C of the first receptacle410. When present, other inflatable lugs210may be positioned to extend through other corresponding through hole openings104in the upper component102and into other receptacles410provided in the foot support component402in similar manners. In this manner, as illustrated inFIG.5B, at least a portion of the upper component102may be sandwiched between the base surface202B of the inflatable bladder200(formed by the second sheet202B) and the first surface402T (the top surface) of the foot support component402. No adhesive is provided between the base surface202B of the inflatable bladder200and the upward-facing surface102BT of the upper component102in at least some examples of this assembly process. Reference number510shown inFIG.5Brefers to the combined structure of the upper component102, the inflatable bladder200, and the foot support component402assembled with the inflatable lug(s)210extending into corresponding receptacle(s)410and through corresponding through hole opening(s)104provided in the upper component102.

In the assembly process described above, the upper component102is positioned with respect to the foot support component402and then the inflatable bladder200is positioned with respect to the combination of the upper component102and the foot support component402. Other options are possible. For example, the inflatable bladder200could be positioned with respect to the upper component102(e.g., with inflatable lug(s)210extending through the through hole opening(s)104as described above in conjunction withFIGS.3A and3B) and then the foot support component400may be positioned with respect to the combination of the upper component102and the inflatable bladder200(e.g., such that the inflatable lug(s)210of the inflatable bladder200extend into corresponding receptacle(s)410of the foot support component402). Additionally or alternatively, the steps ofFIGS.5A and5Bcould take place simultaneously or in an alternating order (e.g., with different portions of the overall combined structure510assembled in different orders). Any desired manner of providing the combined structure510shown inFIG.5Bmay be used in different examples of this technology.

FIG.5Cshows a portion of the footwear assembly process in which the inflatable bladder200(or other expandable structure) is inflated by fluid524(e.g., gas) from a fluid source520.FIG.5Cshows a fluid line522from the fluid source520introducing fluid524into the fluid chamber204of the inflatable bladder200(e.g., by an inflation needle526inserted into inflation port206). This action changes the inflatable bladder200from an uninflated condition or a low-pressure condition (the left side ofFIG.5C) to an inflated condition or a high-pressure condition (the right side ofFIG.5C). As a result, the inflatable lug(s)210change in size, shape, and/or rigidity to expand within the interior chamber(s)410C of their corresponding receptacle(s)410, as shown at the right side ofFIG.5C. Once expanded (e.g., inflated) to the desired pressure (e.g., from 15 to 25 psi (103 kPa to 172 kPa) and/or rigidity, the inflation port(s)206can be sealed (e.g., crimped shut using heat and/or pressure, capped off, etc.), as shown by sealed end208inFIG.5C. Once inflated with a gas (or otherwise expanded) and sealed, the first inflatable lug210will have a size, shape, and/or rigidity that inhibits the first inflatable lug210from pulling out of the first interior chamber410C of the first receptacle410through the first opening414. Thus, as shown inFIG.5C, when expanded, the exterior surface of the expandable lug210bears against the top interior surface of the receptacle410. See areas512inFIG.5C. The top of the receptacle410forms an “undercut” or “bearing surface” that engages the expanded lug210surface. The interfacing lug210and receptacle410surfaces at area512inhibit the lug210from pulling out of the receptacle. Similarly, when present and inflated with a gas (or otherwise expanded) and sealed, other inflatable lugs210will have a size, shape, and/or rigidity that inhibits that inflatable lug210from pulling out of the interior chamber410C of its corresponding receptacle410through the opening414located at the top surface402T of the foot support component402(e.g., these lugs210and receptacles410may have similar interfacing surfaces and undercuts).

In this manner, as shown inFIG.5C, the upper component102, inflatable bladder200, and foot support component402can be engaged together, optionally in a completely adhesive-free manner. Rather, the inflated lugs210of the inflatable bladder200can hold the parts together by the outer surface of the enlarged head or bulb of the inflatable lug210engaging the interior surface of the interior chamber410C. Indeed, an entire footwear structure400could be assembled in this “adhesive-free” manner. Such structures may be well suited for disassembly (discussed in more detail below) and/or recycling of footwear parts.

In some examples of this technology, the interior surface of the interior chamber(s)410C will define an interior chamber volume (V410) that is substantially the same as the volume (V210) defined by the outer surface of the inflated lug210located within the interior chamber410C. In other words, once fully inflated, the inflated lug210may completely fill or substantially completely fill the interior chamber410C (e.g., V410=V210to 1.1 V210). Alternatively, if desired, V410may be somewhat greater than V210(when fully inflated), e.g., particularly if the inflatable lug210is sufficiently rigid when inflated to prevent it from undesirably deforming within interior chamber410C and pulling out of its corresponding opening414. As another alternative, in at least some examples of this technology, a single interior chamber410C and receptacle410may include multiple openings (e.g., at surface402T) such that multiple inflatable lugs210may extend into a single or continuous interior chamber410C and receptacle410(i.e., two or more inflatable lugs210may extending into a single interior chamber410C and into a single receptacle410). See the right side chambers410C inFIGS.10and11, discussed in more detail below.

Various features of the opening104, receptacle410, interior chamber410C, opening414, and/or inflatable lug210may assist in securing the inflatable bladder200to the foot support component402(and thus securing these parts together and securing these parts with the upper component102). For example, as shown inFIG.5D, a relatively sharp corner or edge416may be provided at the entry to the interior chamber410C. As some more specific examples, the corner or edge416may form an angle α of 75 degrees to 170 degrees. As shown, the angle α is the angle between (i) the side wall416A of the opening414and (ii) an interior surface416B of the interior chamber410C at a location adjacent the opening414. If either or both of these surfaces416A and/or416B are curved, the angle can be measured using tangents (e.g.,416C) at locations adjacent the entry to the interior chamber410C. As additional examples, the angle α may be within a range of 75 degrees to 165 degrees, a range of 80 degrees to 160 degrees, a range of 85 degrees to 155 degrees, a range of 90 degrees to 150 degrees, a range of 80 degrees to 125 degrees, a range of 85 degrees to 120 degrees, or even within a range of 90 degrees to 120 degrees. As still other examples, the edge416may have a curved entry shape, e.g., having a curvature with a radius less than 10 mm, and in some examples, a curvature with a radius less than 8 mm or less than 6 mm. Further, any one or more of the above angles and/or curvature sizes may be provided in any of the foot support components402described in this specification and illustrated inFIGS.1-14. In this manner, the interior surface of the interior chamber410C (at the top) provides an enlarged “bearing surface” or “undercut” that engages the exterior surface of the inflatable lug210when the lug210is expanded. When the inflatable lug210is inflated to a sufficient pressure and/or is made sufficiently rigid, these interfacing and engaged surfaces of the interior chamber410C and the inflatable lug210are sized and/or shaped (and/or have sufficient rigidity) to prevent the inflatable lug210from pulling out of the interior chamber410C or the receptacle410through the opening414. Reinforcing the opening(s)104in the upper component102(as discussed above) and/or the opening414of the foot support component402also may be used in some examples of this technology, e.g., to help prevent or inhibit undesired deforming, stretching, and/or tearing of the materials at the openings104,414.

Another way of defining the “undercut” provided at the entry to the interior chamber410C is by a comparison of: (i) the area (APlane A) defined within the opening414at a first plane A (e.g., a plane located immediately above the entry into the chamber410C and optionally transverse to the axial direction of the opening414) and (ii) the area (APlane B) defined within the chamber410C at a second plane B parallel to the first plane A and at a location spaced “D” mm from the first plane A. NoteFIGS.5D and5E(FIG.5Eprovides a view looking directly down into opening414from the top surface402T of the foot support component402with Plane A shown the size of the opening414and with Plane B shown as a broken line (because it is located within the chamber410C below the opening414)). In at least some examples of this technology, with a parallel plane spacing distance D of 5 mm, the area of Plane A (APlane A) within the opening414may compare to the area of Plane B (APlane B) within the interior chamber410C under any one or more of the following relationships:

APlane B≥APlane B≥APlane B≥1.25 × APlane A1.5 × APlane A1.75 × APlane AAPlane B≥ 2 × APlane AAPlane B≥ 4 × APlane AAPlane B≥ 8 × APlane AAPlane B≥ 10 ×APlane B≥ 12 ×APlane B≥ 15 ×APlane AAPlane AAPlane A100 × APlane A≥80 × APlane A≥APlane B≥ 1.25 × APlane AAPlane B≥ 1.25 × APlane A60 × APlane A≥40 × APlane A≥APlane B≥ 1.25 × APlane AAPlane B≥ 1.25 × APlane A100 × APlane A≥80 × APlane A≥APlane B≥ 2 × APlane AAPlane B≥ 4 × APlane A60 × APlane A≥40 × APlane A≥APlane B≥ 8 × APlane AAPlane B≥ 10 × APlane A
Any one or more of the above noted Plane A and Plane B relationships also may be provided at Planes A and B having a parallel plane spacing distance D of 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and/or 12 mm. Further, any one or more of the above relationships may be provided in any of the foot support components402described in this specification and illustrated inFIGS.1-14.

In the example structures shown inFIGS.4-5D, the ground-facing surface (e.g., surface402B) of the foot support component402located opposite the first (e.g., top) surface402T may form a surface for directly contacting the ground in use (the term “ground” as used herein in this context means any contact surface, indoor or outdoor). In such structures, the ground-facing surface may be formed to include one or more ground-facing and/or ground-engaging lugs412that at least partially enclose the first interior chamber410C of the receptacle410. If desired, a separate ground-facing and/or ground-engaging lug412may be provided for each interior chamber410C and/or receptacle410(e.g., as shown inFIG.4).

In some examples of this technology, however, at least one, some, or even all of the ground-facing lugs412of a foot support component402may be at least partially enclosed in another sole component600, such as an outsole component600(e.g., formed using conventional footwear sole materials and conventional outsole production techniques). NoteFIG.6. Sole component600of this example includes an interior chamber602or recess, e.g., sized and shaped to at least partially contain one or more receptacles410. The bottom surface600B of the sole component600may include traction-enhancing structures, such as ridges, grooves, treads, lugs, spikes, cleats, etc., including traction-enhancing structures that are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts. The sole component600may be engaged with the foot support component402(and/or other footwear component) in any desired manner, including by adhesives, by mechanical fasteners, by sewn seams, etc. In some examples of this technology, the sole component600will be engaged in an adhesive free manner and/or in a detachable manner, such as by sewn seams or mechanical fasteners, e.g., to facilitate disassembly and/or recycling.

FIG.7illustrates a portion of an assembled article of footwear400similar to that described above in conjunction withFIGS.1A-5Ein which the outer surface of one or more receptacles410forms an exposed, ground-facing lug412. In this example footwear400structure, however, an additional protective element700(e.g., outsole element700) is engaged with the bottom exterior surface of the ground-facing lug412. This additional protective element700may be made from conventional outsole material(s) and provides some additional protection (e.g., durability, puncture resistance, abrasion resistance, etc.) for the ground-facing lug412. Any one or more of the ground-facing lugs412(such as any one or more of the ground-facing lugs412shown inFIG.4) may include an additional protective element700of the type shown inFIG.7. The additional protective element(s)700may be engaged with the foot support component402in any desired manner, including by adhesives, by mechanical fasteners, by sewn seams, etc. In some examples of this technology, the additional component700will be engaged in an adhesive free manner and/or in a detachable manner, e.g., to facilitate disassembly and/or recycling.

FIG.8provides a cross sectional view through a receptacle410of another example foot support component402having one or more receptacles410formed therein. In the example ofFIG.8, however, the exterior surface of the ground-facing lug412is formed more in the conventional shape of a traction-enhancing component for a footwear sole structure, such as a cleat or other sole component. Thus, the exterior surface of the ground-facing lug412need not correspond to the shape of the interior chamber410C of the receptacle410formed in the ground-facing lug412. This enables the ground-facing lug412to be sized and shaped as needed to provide the desired traction, durability, and/or other performance characteristics while also adequately protecting the inflatable lug210of the inflatable bladder200housed within the receptacle410. While not a requirement,FIG.8illustrates an additional protective component700(e.g., an outsole element) engaged with the bottom of the ground-facing lug412(e.g., in the manners described above for element700inFIG.7).

Similar to the structure shown inFIG.4,FIG.9illustrates the top surface402T of an example foot support component402having multiple openings414extending to multiple interior chambers410C and receptacles410. In this illustrated example, each illustrated receptacle410has its own separate ground-facing lug412, but all of the ground-facing lugs412connect to or extend from a common base (that forms top surface or upper-facing surface402T and bottom surface or ground-facing surface402B). While not shown inFIG.9, one or more of the ground-facing lugs412may include a protective element, such as protective component700shown inFIGS.7and8.

FIGS.10and11show additional examples of foot support components402in which a single ground-facing lug412includes two or more receptacles410, two or more interior chambers410C, and/or two or more openings414at the upper-facing surface402T providing access to the receptacle(s)410and/or interior chamber(s)410C. Thus, as shown in the examples at the left sides ofFIGS.10and11, each opening414may include its own and a separate receptacle410and interior chamber410C. Alternatively, in some examples of this technology, two or more of openings414at the upper-facing surface402T may open into a single receptacle410and interior chamber410C, e.g., as shown on the right sides ofFIGS.10and11.

FIG.12illustrates an article of footwear400structure similar to that shown inFIGS.1-5Eexcept the ground-facing lug412and the receptacle410/interior chamber410C have more of a frusto-conical shape. Thus, the inflatable lug210, when inflated, also takes on a more frusto-conical shape. The footwear structure400ofFIG.12may include any of the alternative and/or additional features described above in conjunction withFIGS.1-11, such as additional outsole components600, additional protective components700, one-to-one inflatable lug210to receptacle410ratio, two or more inflatable lugs210extending into a single receptacle410, additional reinforcements, etc. The component parts shown inFIG.12may be engaged together in an adhesive-free manner, e.g., using engagement supplied only by the inflated lugs210within the receptacle(s)410.

FIG.13illustrates example features in accordance with another aspect of this technology.FIG.13illustrates the step of inflating the bladder200, e.g., similar to that shown inFIG.5C. In the example ofFIG.13, however, inflation of the inflatable lug210applies an outward force on the interior surface of the receptacle410such that the receptacle410also expands in size somewhat, as shown by the broken lines on the right hand side ofFIG.13. This feature may provide a visual indicator of the inflation of the inflatable lugs210, which are not visible from the exterior of the article of footwear400. If desired, the outer surface of the ground-facing lug412and/or the receptacle410may include expansion supporting features, such as folds, bellows, or the like, and/or may be made at least in part from a stretchable material (such as a thermoplastic side wall or panel). Such expansion supporting features are shown by component1300inFIG.13(e.g., with reference number1300generally representing folds, bellows, or stretchable material). Any of the other features described above forFIGS.1-12also may be included with or applied to structures of the types shown inFIG.13and/or the expansion support feature(s) ofFIG.13may be applied to any of the structures shown and described above forFIGS.1-12. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, when expanded, the bottom-most extent of the lug(s)412may displace a distance Z of at least 2 mm. As additional examples, distance Z may be at least one or more of: at least 3 mm; at least 4 mm; at least 5 mm; between 2 mm and 12 mm; between 2 mm and 10 mm; between 2 mm and 8 mm; between 3 mm and 12 mm; between 3 mm and 10 mm; and/or between 3 mm and 8 mm.

While the outer surface(s) of one or more ground-facing lugs412may expand any desired amount without departing from this technology, in some examples of this technology, the expanded lug volume (VEXP) of ground-facing lug412as compared to the initial and unexpanded lug volume (VINIT) of ground-facing lug412may correspond to one or more of the following relationships:

VEXP≥ 1.05 × VINITVEXP≥ 1.1 × VINITVEXP≥ 1.2 × VINIT2.5 × VINIT≥ VEXP≥ 1.05 × VINIT2 × VINIT≥ VEXP≥ 1.1 × VINIT

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology, the exterior surface area of the expanded of ground-facing lug412(AEXP) as compared to the initial and unexpanded exterior surface area of ground-facing lug412(AINIT) may correspond to one or more of the following relationships:

AEXP≥ 1.05 × AINITAEXP≥ 1.1 × AINITAEXP≥ 1.2 × AINIT2.5 × AINIT≥ AEXP≥ 1.05 × AINIT2 × AINIT≥ AEXP≥ 1.1 × AINIT.

As described above, in accordance with at least some aspects of this technology, a footwear400structure may be assembled (at least in part) in an adhesive-free manner, e.g., using one or more inflatable lugs210of a foot supporting inflatable bladder200to engage one or more receptacles410provided in a foot support component402, such as a footwear midsole or outsole component. Optionally, the one or more inflatable lugs210may extend through one or more through hole openings104of an upper component102to further engage the upper component102in the footwear400structure in an adhesive-free manner. Avoiding use of adhesives generally enhances the recyclability of the footwear parts, as it eases the disassembly process and avoids contaminating the materials to be recycled with adhesive materials. Further, avoiding the use of adhesive during assembly improves the sustainability and environmentally friendly nature of the product and production by reducing use of volatile chemicals.

FIG.14illustrates an example process for disassembling an article of footwear400in accordance with some aspects of this technology. The process begins with a completed article of footwear400, e.g., of any of the types described above in conjunction withFIGS.1-13. Then, as shown by process arrow1400inFIG.14, the process begins by releasing fluid from the sealed fluid chamber204in any desired manner, e.g., by puncturing a fluid-filled bladder200, by opening a valve (if present), by opening sealed end208, etc. WhileFIG.14shows a sharp element1402piercing the inflated lug210, the sealed fluid chamber204could be punctured at any location and/or fluid could be released through a valve or other port206provided with the inflatable bladder200. This action releases fluid524from the fluid chamber204thereby deflating the inflated lug210. See the top, right-hand side ofFIG.14.

Once the inflated lug210is deflated, the absence of adhesive (when not used) allows the footwear parts to be readily pulled apart, e.g., as shown at the bottom ofFIG.14. For example, because the inflatable lug(s)210is (are) no longer expanded, it can be pulled out of the receptacle(s)410through the opening414. See process arrows1404. This allows the inflatable bladder200to be completely removed from the remaining footwear components. Due to the absence of adhesive on the surfaces of the inflatable bladder200, the bladder200(e.g., made from thermoplastic elastomer materials) may be well suited for reuse in a new shoe (e.g., after cleaning and/or other processing) and/or well suited for use in recycling processes, e.g., in which the bladder200may be reprocessed and made into a new bladder, other footwear components, and/or other products.

Also, as shown at the bottom right-hand side ofFIG.14, the absence of adhesive (when not used) allows the upper component102to be separated from the foot support component402. See process arrows1406. In this manner, the foot support component402(e.g., made from a rubber or thermoplastic material) may be well suited for use in a new shoe (e.g., after cleaning and/or other processing) and/or well suited for use in recycling processes, e.g., in which the foot support component402may be reprocessed and made into a new foot support component, other footwear components, and/or other products. Similarly, the upper component102(e.g., a fabric component, a textile, a plastic component, etc.) may be cleaned for use in a new shoe (e.g., after cleaning and/or other processing) and/or well suited for use in recycling processes, e.g., in which the upper component102may be reprocessed and made into a new footwear upper component, other footwear components, and/or other products.

The expandable lugs210and the receptacle(s)410into which they are received may vary widely in aspects of this technology. Further, all expandable lugs210and/or receptacles410present in a single article of footwear and/or sole structure need not have the same size and/or shape. Different expandable lug210and/or receptacle410sizes, shapes, geometries, and/or arrangements may be provided in different areas of a sole structure. As some more specific examples, lug(s)210and/or receptacle(s)410may differ in size, shape, geometry, and/or arrangement: (i) in the heel region as compared to the midfoot region, (ii) in the heel region as compared to the forefoot region, (iii) in the midfoot region as compared to the heel region, (iv) at the lateral side (in any one or more regions) as compared to the medial size (in any one or more regions), and the like.

FIGS.15A-15Cshow some additional specific examples. Where the same reference numbers are used inFIGS.15A-15Cas used in other figures, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options, alternatives, and the like for these same or similar parts), and much of the duplicative description thereof may be omitted.

FIG.15Ashows a bottom view of an expandable component (e.g., an inflatable bladder)200having a plurality of expandable lugs210of varying sizes and shapes extending downward from the base surface202B. The heel region and at least some of the midfoot region of this illustrated example include relatively small expandable lugs210HS and relatively large sized expandable lugs210HL. While the expandable lugs may be arranged in a wide range of configurations, in the heel region and/or at least part of the midfoot region in this illustrated example, the expandable lugs are arranged in an alternating manner. For example: (a) in the side-to-side direction, a small expandable lug210HS is arranged next to a large expandable lug210HL, (b) in the heel-to-toe direction, a small expandable lug210HS is arranged between two large expandable lugs210HL, and/or (c) a large expandable lug210HL is arranged between two small expandable lugs210HS.

The forefoot region of this example includes expandable lugs having three general sizes, namely: relatively small expandable lugs210FS, relatively midsize expandable lugs210FM, and relatively large expandable lugs210FL. While again the expandable lugs may be arranged in a wide range of configurations, in this illustrated example, in the forefoot region, where space permits, the three differently sized expandable lugs are arranged generally aligned in the side-to-side direction with increasing size in the medial side-to-lateral side direction and/or with decreasing size in the medial side-to-lateral side direction. As generally shown inFIG.15A, the relatively large size expandable lugs210FL may be separated from one another by either or both of the relatively small expandable lugs210FS and/or the relatively midsize expandable lugs210FM.

FIG.15Billustrates a top surface402T of a foot support component402configured to engage the expandable lugs of expandable component200shown inFIG.15A. Thus, the top view ofFIG.15Bshows openings414HL,414HS,414FS,414FM, and414FL of various different sizes provided to receive corresponding expandable lugs210HL,210HS,210FS,210FM, and210FL, respectively, discussed above. The openings414HL,414HS,414FS,414FM, and414FL provide access to one or more interior chambers410C of receptacles410in foot support component402, e.g., of the types described in detail above. In at least some examples of this technology, a footwear upper component (e.g., like component102discussed above) could be provided to be positioned between the bottom base surface202B of the expandable component (e.g., inflatable bladder)200shown inFIG.15Aand the top surface402T of the foot support component402shown inFIG.15B. Such a footwear upper component102may include one or more parts (e.g., fabric component(s)) having through holes (e.g., like holes104) having the general layout and arrangement show inFIG.15B(e.g., to axially align or overlap with one or more of openings414HL,414HS,414FS,414FM, and414FL).

FIG.15Cshows an enlarged view of an example expandable lug210, e.g., of the types shown inFIG.15A, in a deflated or low-pressure configuration (the left side) and in an inflated or high-pressure configuration (the left side). As shown in this example, the portion210A of the expandable lug210located closest to and extending away from the base surface202B may extend substantially straight away from the base surface202B. This expandable lug210top portion210A may extend away from the bottom base surface202B at an angle of about 90 degrees (e.g., 90 degrees ±10 degrees, and in some examples, 90 degrees±5 degrees). This top portion210A may form the base portion220B of the expandable lug210discussed above. Also, this top portion210A may form an exterior surface of the expandable lug210that may directly engage (e.g., directly contact) the side surfaces of the holes104in the footwear upper component102(when present) and/or the openings414of the foot support component402.

An expandable portion210B of the expandable lug210extends downward from (in the arrangement show inFIG.15C) and is located below the top portion210A. This expandable portion210B forms the expandable securing portion220E of the expandable lug210discussed above. In the example ofFIG.15C, the expandable portion210B is generally trapezoidally shaped in cross-section, although other shapes are possible (e.g., having more outwardly bulging sidewalls, having more rounded corners, etc.).

In at least some examples of this technology, inflation of an expandable lug210(including any of the expandable/inflatable lugs210shown inFIGS.2-3B,5B,5C,6,7,12,13, and15A) may cause a dimensional change to one or more dimensions of the lug210. The left side ofFIG.15Cshows this example expandable lug210in a low-pressure or uninflated condition having a lug height dimension H1and a lug width dimension W1(e.g., any dimension directly across the expandable lug210, such as a diameter or chord dimension). The right side ofFIG.15Cshows the same example expandable lug210in a high-pressure or inflated condition (e.g., optionally after having been inserted into a receptacle410of a foot support component402and/or through an opening104in an upper component102as described above). In the high-pressure or inflated condition, the expandable/inflatable lug210may increase its lug height dimension to H2and/or its lug width dimension to W2, wherein H2>H1and/or W2>W1. The broken lines on the right side ofFIG.15Cshow the original expandable/inflatable lug210dimensions H1and W1.

As some more specific examples, H1, H2, W1, and W2(in any of the expandable/inflatable lugs210shown inFIGS.2-3B,5B,5C,6,7,12,13, and15A) may have any one or more of the following properties:

W2 ≥ 1.05 × W1W2 ≥ 1.1 × W1W2 ≥ 1.15 × W1W2 ≥ 1.2 × W12 × W1 ≥ W2 ≥1.75 × W1 ≥1.5 × W1 ≥ W2 ≥1.05 × W1W2 ≥ 1.1 × W11.15 × W1H2 ≥ 1.05 × H1H2 ≥ 1.1 × H1H2 ≥ 1.15 × H1H2 ≥ 1.2 × H12 × H1 ≥ H2 ≥1.75 × H1 ≥1.5 × H1 ≥ H2 ≥1.05 × H1H2 ≥ 1.1 × H11.15 × H1
Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this technology, W2may be at least 2 mm greater than W1, and in some examples, at least 3 mm greater, at least 4 mm greater, at least 5 mm greater, at least 7.5 mm greater, at least 10 mm greater, or even at least 12.5 mm greater. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this technology, H2may be at least 2 mm greater than H1, and in some examples, at least 3 mm greater, at least 4 mm greater, at least 5 mm greater, at least 7.5 mm greater, at least 10 mm greater, or even at least 12.5 mm greater.

While the outer surface(s) of one or more expandable/inflatable lugs210may expand any desired amount without departing from this technology, in some examples of this technology (including in any of the expandable/inflatable lugs210shown inFIGS.2-3B,5B,5C,6,7,12,13, and15A), the expanded lug volume (VEXP) of expandable/inflatable lug210as compared to the initial and unexpanded lug volume (VNIT) of expandable/inflatable lug210may correspond to one or more of the following relationships:

VEXP≥ 1.025 × VINITVEXP≥ 1.05 × VINITVEXP≥ 1.075 × VINITVEXP≥ 1.1 × VINIT2 × VINIT≥ VEXP≥1.025 × VINIT1.75 × VINIT≥ VEXP≥ 1.05 × VINIT
Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology, the exterior surface area of the expanded lug210(AEXP) as compared to the initial and unexpanded exterior surface area of the lug210(AINIT) may correspond to one or more of the following relationships:

AEXP≥ 1.025 × AINITAEXP≥ 1.05 × AINITAEXP≥ 1.075 × AINITAEXP≥ 1.1 × AINIT2 x AINIT≥ AEXP≥1.025 × AINIT1.75 × AINIT≥ AEXP≥ 1.05 × AINIT.

Further, in accordance with some at least aspects of this technology, one or more of the upper component102, the inflatable bladder200, and/or the foot support component402may itself be formed from a single material and/or as a unitary, one-piece construction. These features, when present, can enhance the recyclability of the parts, e.g., after the initial useful life of the overall footwear product400has ended. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this technology: (a) the entire article of footwear400may be assembled in an adhesive-free manner; (b) the individual the upper component102, inflatable bladder200, and/or foot support component402may be made without using adhesives and in an adhesive-free manner; and/or (c) other footwear components present (e.g., components600,700, etc.), if any, may be releasably engaged with one another and/or with the other footwear400components. One or more of these features, when present, may improve the environmental “friendliness” of the article of footwear400and/or may enhance recyclability of the individual component parts (e.g., the upper component102, the inflatable bladder200, and/or the foot support component402). Alternatively, some advantageous features of this technology still may be realized with the upper component102, the inflatable bladder200, and/or the foot support component402formed from multiple parts and/or constructed using adhesives and/or other permanent connections. While such modifications may adversely affect the ability to recycle some components and/or the overall structure, a useful article of footwear product still may be produced. Thus, not all aspects of this technology need have improved recyclability and/or improved environmentally friendly features described herein for some aspects of this technology.

In the specific examples described above, an overall footwear400structure, including an upper component102and foot support components (inflatable bladder200and foot support component402), are releasably held together using one or more expandable lugs210of the impact force-attenuating component200extending into one or more receptacles410of the foot support component402. In some examples of this technology, however, the upper component102need not be included in the structures held together using one or more expandable lugs210extending into one or more receptacles410. Rather, an impact force-attenuating component200and a foot support component402may be held together, assembled, and disassembled in any of the various manners described above without an upper component extending between the impact force-attenuating component200and the foot support component402. In such structures, an upper component (e.g., including one or more component parts and/or of conventional construction) may be engaged with the impact force-attenuating component200and/or the foot support component402before or after the impact force-attenuating component200and the foot support component402are releasably engaged together by one or more expandable lugs210extending into one or more receptacles410. The upper component(s) may be engaged with either or both of the impact force-attenuating component200and the foot support component402, e.g., by one or more of adhesives, mechanical connectors, sewn seams, etc.

The above description also focuses on structures in which an inflatable bladder200includes a single fluid chamber204that extends into and is in fluid communication with all of the inflatable lugs210. Other arrangements and structures are possible. For example, a footwear structure400may include multiple, separate inflatable bladders200with separate fluid chambers204provided in the separate bladders (and each bladder including one or more expandable lugs210). As another example, the interior of a single inflatable bladder may include separated compartments that are in fluid isolation from one another (e.g., such that not all inflatable lugs210are in open fluid communication with one another). Use of such separated and fluid isolated inflatable lugs210may help hold an article of footwear400together in the event that one or more inflatable lugs deflate for any reason.

The above specific examples also focus on structures in which the expandable securing element(s) is (are) an inflatable lug210inflated by a gas. Other structures are possible. For example, rather than inflating with gas, a bladder200could be filled with a liquid, and thus, the expandable lugs210in that structure would be expanded due to introduced liquid. Once the interior chamber204of the bladder200is filled with the liquid, the chamber204can be sealed, and the bladder200may operate in the manner described above.

As other potential features, the bladder200and/or the expandable lug(s)210may constitute a portion of an impact force-attenuating component that includes other component parts as well. For example, a bladder200of the various types described above may be at least partially contained within a polymeric foam midsole component and/or a midsole component including one or more mechanical impact force-attenuating components.

III. CONCLUSION

The present technology is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the technology, not to limit its scope. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered Clauses:

Clause 1. An article of footwear, comprising:an upper component having a first through hole opening;a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber; andan inflatable bladder including: (i) a first sheet for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a second sheet opposite the first sheet, and (iii) a first inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein a sealed fluid chamber is defined between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the first inflatable lug, wherein the first inflatable lug extends through the first through hole opening and into the first receptacle, and wherein, when inflated with a gas, the first inflatable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the first inflatable lug from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening.

Clause 2. The article of footwear according to clause 1, wherein: (i) the upper component includes a second through hole opening, (ii) the foot support component includes a second receptacle having a second interior chamber, wherein a second opening defined at the first surface provides access to the second interior chamber, and (iii) the inflatable bladder includes a second inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the second inflatable lug, wherein the second inflatable lug extends through the second through hole opening and into the second receptacle, and wherein, when inflated with the gas, the second inflatable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the second inflatable lug from pulling out of the second interior chamber through the second opening.

Clause 3. The article of footwear according to clause 2, wherein: (i) the upper component includes a third through hole opening, (ii) the foot support component includes a third receptacle having a third interior chamber, wherein a third opening defined at the first surface provides access to the third interior chamber, and (iii) the inflatable bladder includes a third inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the third inflatable lug, wherein the third inflatable lug extends through the third through hole opening and into the third receptacle, and wherein, when inflated with the gas, the third inflatable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the third inflatable lug from pulling out of the third interior chamber through the third opening.

Clause 4. The article of footwear according to clause 3, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes: (i) a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, (ii) a second ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the second interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug, and (iii) a third ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the third interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug and from the second ground-facing lug.

Clause 5. The article of footwear according to clause 4, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing lug, a second ground-engaging component engaged with the second ground-facing lug, and a third ground-engaging component engaged with the third ground-facing lug.

Clause 6. The article of footwear according to clause 3, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, the second interior chamber, and the third interior chamber.

Clause 7. The article of footwear according to clause 6, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 8. The article of footwear according to clause 3, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a continuous ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, the second interior chamber, and the third interior chamber.

Clause 9. The article of footwear according to clause 8, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the continuous ground-facing element.

Clause 10. The article of footwear according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes: (i) a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, and (ii) a second ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the second interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 11. The article of footwear according to clause 10, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing lug and a second ground-engaging component engaged with the second ground-facing lug.

Clause 12. The article of footwear according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber.

Clause 13. The article of footwear according to clause 12, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 14. The article of footwear according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a continuous ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber.

Clause 15. The article of footwear according to clause 14, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the continuous ground-facing element.

Clause 16. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber.

Clause 17. The article of footwear according to clause 16, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing element.

Clause 18. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the upper component, the foot support component, and the inflatable bladder are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 19. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the upper component includes a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the upper component lies immediately adjacent the first surface of the foot support component, and wherein the second surface of the upper component lies immediately adjacent the second sheet of the inflatable bladder.

Clause 20. An article of footwear, comprising:an upper component having a plurality of through hole openings;a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle having an interior chamber, and wherein a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of receptacles are defined at the first surface, the openings of the plurality of openings providing access to a corresponding interior chamber; andan inflatable bladder including: (i) a first sheet for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a second sheet opposite the first sheet, and (iii) a plurality of inflatable lugs extending from the second sheet, wherein a sealed fluid chamber is defined between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the plurality of inflatable lugs, wherein the plurality of inflatable lugs extend through corresponding through hole openings of the upper component and into corresponding receptacles of the foot support component, and wherein, when inflated with a gas, the plurality of inflatable lugs have a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibit the inflatable lugs from pulling out of the corresponding interior chamber through the corresponding opening of the plurality of openings.

Clause 21. The article of footwear according to clause 20, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes one or more ground-facing elements that at least partially enclose one or more interior chambers formed in one or more of the plurality of receptacles.

Clause 22. The article of footwear according to clause 21, further comprising: one or more ground-engaging components engaged with at least one of the one or more ground-facing elements.

Clause 23. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 20 to 22, wherein the upper component, the foot support component, and the inflatable bladder are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 24. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 20 to 23, wherein the plurality of through hole openings and the plurality of inflatable lugs are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in a medial side-to-lateral side direction of the article of footwear and/or in a plurality of columns extending in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the article of footwear.

Clause 25. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 20 to 24, wherein the upper component includes a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the upper component lies immediately adjacent the first surface of the foot support component, and wherein the second surface of the upper component lies immediately adjacent the second sheet of the inflatable bladder.

Clause 26. A method of assembling an article of footwear, comprising:providing an upper component having a first through hole opening;providing a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber;providing an inflatable bladder having: (i) a first sheet for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a second sheet opposite the first sheet, and (iii) a first inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein a fluid chamber is defined between the first sheet and the second sheet and within the first inflatable lug;with the fluid chamber in a first pressure condition, positioning the second sheet of the inflatable bladder with respect to the upper component such that the first inflatable lug extends through the first through hole opening and into the first receptacle; andwith the first inflatable lug extending into the first receptacle, introducing gas into the fluid chamber to change the fluid chamber to a second pressure condition, wherein the second pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the first pressure condition, and wherein the step of introducing the gas into the fluid chamber changes a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the first inflatable lug such that the first inflatable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening.

Clause 27. The method according to clause 26, wherein: (i) the upper component includes a second through hole opening, (ii) the foot support component includes a second receptacle having a second interior chamber, wherein a second opening defined at the first surface provides access to the second interior chamber, and (iii) the inflatable bladder includes a second inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein the fluid chamber extends within the second inflatable lug,wherein the positioning step includes positioning the second sheet of the inflatable bladder with respect to the upper component such that the second inflatable lug extends through the second through hole opening and into the second receptacle, andwherein the introducing step includes introducing gas into the fluid chamber to change a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the second inflatable lug such that the second inflatable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the second interior chamber through the second opening.

Clause 28. The method according to clause 27, wherein: (i) the upper component includes a third through hole opening, (ii) the foot support component includes a third receptacle having a third interior chamber, wherein a third opening defined at the first surface provides access to the third interior chamber, and (iii) the inflatable bladder includes a third inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein the fluid chamber extends within the third inflatable lug,wherein the positioning step includes positioning the second sheet of the inflatable bladder with respect to the upper component such that the third inflatable lug extends through the third through hole opening and into the third receptacle, andwherein the introducing step includes introducing gas into the fluid chamber to change a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the third inflatable lug such that the third inflatable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the third interior chamber through the third opening.

Clause 29. The method according to clause 28, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes: (i) a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, (ii) a second ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the second interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug, and (iii) a third ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the third interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug and from the second ground-facing lug.

Clause 30. The method according to clause 29, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing lug, engaging a second ground-engaging component with the second ground-facing lug, and engaging a third ground-engaging component with the third ground-facing lug.

Clause 31. The method according to clause 28, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, the second interior chamber, and the third interior chamber.

Clause 32. The method according to clause 31, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 33. The method according to clause 28, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a continuous ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, the second interior chamber, and the third interior chamber.

Clause 34. The method according to clause 33, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the continuous ground-facing element.

Clause 35. The method according to clause 27 or 28, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes: (i) a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, and (ii) a second ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the second interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 36. The method according to clause 35, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing lug, and engaging a second ground-engaging component with the second ground-facing lug.

Clause 37. The method according to clause 27 or 28, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber.

Clause 38. The method according to clause 37, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 39. The method according to clause 27 or 28, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a continuous ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber.

Clause 40. The method according to clause 39, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component engaged with the continuous ground-facing element.

Clause 41. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 28, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber.

Clause 42. The method according to clause 41, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing element.

Clause 43. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 42, wherein the upper component, the foot support component, and the inflatable bladder are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 44. A method of assembling an article of footwear, comprising:providing an upper component having a plurality of through hole openings;providing a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle having an interior chamber, and wherein a plurality of openings are defined at the first surface providing access to a corresponding interior chamber;providing an inflatable bladder having: (i) a first sheet for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a second sheet opposite the first sheet, and (iii) a plurality of inflatable lugs extending from the second sheet, wherein a fluid chamber is defined between the first sheet and the second sheet and within the plurality of inflatable lugs;with the fluid chamber in a first pressure condition, positioning the second sheet of the inflatable bladder with respect to the upper component such that the plurality of inflatable lugs extend through corresponding through hole openings of the upper component and into corresponding receptacles of the plurality of receptacles; andwith the plurality of inflatable lugs extending into corresponding receptacles, introducing gas into the fluid chamber to change the fluid chamber to a second pressure condition, wherein the second pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the first pressure condition, and wherein the step of introducing the gas into the fluid chamber changes a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the plurality of inflatable lugs such that the plurality of inflatable lugs are inhibited from pulling out of their corresponding receptacles.

Clause 45. The method according to clause 44, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes one or more ground-facing elements that at least partially enclose one or more interior chambers formed in one or more of the plurality of receptacles.

Clause 46. The method according to clause 45, further comprising: engaging one or more ground-engaging components with at least one of the one or more ground-facing elements.

Clause 47. The method according to any one of clauses 44 to 46, wherein the upper component, the foot support component, and the inflatable bladder are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 48. The method according to any one of clauses 44 to 47, wherein the plurality of through hole openings and the plurality of inflatable lugs are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in a medial side-to-lateral side direction of the article of footwear and/or in a plurality of columns extending in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the article of footwear.

Clause 49. An article of footwear, comprising:an upper component having a first through hole opening;a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber; andan impact force-attenuating component including: (i) a foot support surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a base surface opposite the foot support surface, and (iii) a first expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein a sealed fluid chamber is defined at least within the first expandable lug, wherein the first expandable lug extends through the first through hole opening and into the first receptacle, and wherein, when the sealed fluid chamber is filled with a fluid, the first expandable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the first expandable lug from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening.

Clause 50. The article of footwear according to clause 49, wherein: (i) the upper component includes a second through hole opening, (ii) the foot support component includes a second receptacle having a second interior chamber, wherein a second opening defined at the first surface provides access to the second interior chamber, and (iii) the impact force-attenuating component includes a second expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the second expandable lug, wherein the second expandable lug extends through the second through hole opening and into the second receptacle, and wherein, when filled with the fluid, the second expandable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the second expandable lug from pulling out of the second interior chamber through the second opening.

Clause 51. The article of footwear according to clause 50, wherein: (i) the upper component includes a third through hole opening, (ii) the foot support component includes a third receptacle having a third interior chamber, wherein a third opening defined at the first surface provides access to the third interior chamber, and (iii) the impact force-attenuating element includes a third expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the third expandable lug, wherein the third expandable lug extends through the third through hole opening and into the third receptacle, and wherein, when filled with the fluid, the third expandable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the third expandable lug from pulling out of the third interior chamber through the third opening.

Clause 52. The article of footwear according to clause 51, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes: (i) a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, (ii) a second ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the second interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug, and (iii) a third ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the third interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug and from the second ground-facing lug.

Clause 53. The article of footwear according to clause 52, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing lug, a second ground-engaging component engaged with the second ground-facing lug, and a third ground-engaging component engaged with the third ground-facing lug.

Clause 54. The article of footwear according to clause 51, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, the second interior chamber, and the third interior chamber.

Clause 55. The article of footwear according to clause 54, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 56. The article of footwear according to clause 51, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a continuous ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, the second interior chamber, and the third interior chamber.

Clause 57. The article of footwear according to clause 56, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the continuous ground-facing element.

Clause 58. The article of footwear according to clause 50 or 51, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes: (i) a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, and (ii) a second ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the second interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 59. The article of footwear according to clause 58, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing lug and a second ground-engaging component engaged with the second ground-facing lug.

Clause 60. The article of footwear according to clause 50 or 51, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber.

Clause 61. The article of footwear according to clause 60, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 62. The article of footwear according to clause 50 or 51, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a continuous ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber.

Clause 63. The article of footwear according to clause 62, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the continuous ground-facing element.

Clause 64. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 49 to 51, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber.

Clause 65. The article of footwear according to clause 64, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the first ground-facing element.

Clause 66. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 49 to 65, wherein the upper component, the foot support component, and the impact force-attenuating component are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 67. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 49 to 66, wherein the upper component includes a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the upper component lies immediately adjacent the first surface of the foot support component, and wherein the second surface of the upper component lies immediately adjacent the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component.

Clause 68. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 49 to 67, wherein the fluid filling the sealed fluid chamber is a gas.

Clause 69. An article of footwear, comprising:an upper component having a plurality of through hole openings;a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle having an interior chamber, and wherein a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of receptacles are defined at the first surface, the openings of the plurality of openings providing access to a corresponding interior chamber; andan impact force-attenuating component including: (i) a foot support surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a base surface opposite the foot support surface, and (iii) a plurality of expandable lugs extending from the base surface, wherein the plurality of expandable lugs define one or more sealed fluid chambers within the plurality of expandable lugs, wherein the plurality of expandable lugs extend through corresponding through hole openings of the upper component and into corresponding receptacles of the foot support component, and wherein, when the one or more sealed fluid chambers is filled with a fluid, the plurality of expandable lugs has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibit the plurality of expandable lugs from pulling out of the corresponding interior chamber through the corresponding opening of the plurality of openings.

Clause 70. The article of footwear according to clause 69, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes one or more ground-facing elements that at least partially enclose one or more interior chambers formed in one or more of the plurality of receptacles.

Clause 71. The article of footwear according to clause 70, further comprising: one or more ground-engaging component engaged with at least one of the one or more ground-facing elements.

Clause 72. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 69 to 71, wherein the upper component, the foot support component, and the impact force-attenuating component are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 73. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 69 to 72, wherein the plurality of through hole openings and the plurality of expandable lugs are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in a medial side-to-lateral side direction of the article of footwear and/or in a plurality of columns extending in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the article of footwear.

Clause 74. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 69 to 73, wherein the upper component includes a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the upper component lies immediately adjacent the first surface of the foot support component, and wherein the second surface of the upper component lies immediately adjacent the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component.

Clause 75. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 69 to 74, wherein the fluid filling the one or more sealed fluid chambers is a gas.

Clause 76. A method of assembling an article of footwear, comprising:providing an upper component having a first through hole opening;providing a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber;providing an impact force-attenuating component having: (i) a foot support surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a base surface opposite the foot support surface, and (iii) a first expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein a first fluid chamber is defined at least within the first expandable lug;with the first fluid chamber in a contracted condition, positioning the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component with respect to the upper component such that the first expandable lug extends through the first through hole opening and into the first receptacle; andwith the first expandable lug extending into the first receptacle, introducing fluid into the first fluid chamber to change the first fluid chamber from the contracted condition to an expanded condition during which a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the first expandable lug changes such that the first expandable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening.

Clause 77. The method according to clause 76, wherein: (i) the upper component includes a second through hole opening, (ii) the foot support component includes a second receptacle having a second interior chamber, wherein a second opening defined at the first surface provides access to the second interior chamber, and (iii) the impact force-attenuating component includes a second expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein a second fluid chamber extends within the second inflatable lug,wherein the positioning step includes positioning the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component with respect to the upper component such that the second expandable lug extends through the second through hole opening and into the second receptacle, andwherein the introducing step includes introducing fluid into the second fluid chamber to change a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the second expandable lug such that the second expandable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the second interior chamber through the second opening.

Clause 78. The method according to clause 77, wherein: (i) the upper component includes a third through hole opening, (ii) the foot support component includes a third receptacle having a third interior chamber, wherein a third opening defined at the first surface provides access to the third interior chamber, and (iii) the impact force-attenuating component includes a third expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein a third fluid chamber extends within the third expandable lug,wherein the positioning step includes positioning the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component with respect to the upper component such that the third expandable lug extends through the third through hole opening and into the third receptacle, andwherein the introducing step includes introducing fluid into the third fluid chamber to change a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the third expandable lug such that the third expandable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the third interior chamber through the third opening.

Clause 79. The method according to clause 78, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes: (i) a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, (ii) a second ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the second interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug, and (iii) a third ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the third interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug and from the second ground-facing lug.

Clause 80. The method according to clause 79, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing lug, engaging a second ground-engaging component with the second ground-facing lug, and engaging a third ground-engaging component with the third ground-facing lug.

Clause 81. The method of footwear according to clause 78, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, the second interior chamber, and the third interior chamber.

Clause 82. The method according to clause 81, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 83. The method according to clause 78, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a continuous ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, the second interior chamber, and the third interior chamber.

Clause 84. The method according to clause 83, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the continuous ground-facing element.

Clause 85. The method according to clause 77 or 78, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes: (i) a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber, and (ii) a second ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the second interior chamber and is spaced from the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 86. The method according to clause 85, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing lug, and engaging a second ground-engaging component with the second ground-facing lug.

Clause 87. The method according to clause 77 or 78, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber.

Clause 88. The method according to clause 87, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 89. The method according to clause 77 or 78, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a continuous ground-facing element that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber.

Clause 90. The method according to clause 89, further comprising: a first ground-engaging component engaged with the continuous ground-facing element.

Clause 91. The method according to any one of clauses 76 to 78, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes a first ground-facing lug that at least partially encloses the first interior chamber.

Clause 92. The method according to clause 91, further comprising: engaging a first ground-engaging component with the first ground-facing lug.

Clause 93. The method according to any one of clauses 76 to 92, wherein the upper component, the foot support component, and the impact force-attenuating component are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 94. The method according to any one of clauses 76 to 93, wherein the step of introducing the fluid into the first fluid chamber includes inflating the first fluid chamber with a gas.

Clause 95. A method of assembling an article of footwear, comprising:providing an upper component having a plurality of through hole openings;providing a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle having an interior chamber, and wherein a plurality of openings are defined at the first surface providing access to a corresponding interior chamber;providing an impact force-attenuating component having: (i) a foot support surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a base surface opposite the foot support surface, and (iii) a plurality of expandable lugs extending from the base surface, wherein the plurality of expandable lugs define a corresponding plurality of fluid chambers;with the plurality of fluid chambers in contracted conditions, positioning the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component with respect to the upper component such that the plurality of expandable lugs extend through corresponding through hole openings of the upper component and into corresponding receptacles of the plurality of receptacles; andwith the plurality of expandable lugs extending into corresponding receptacles, introducing fluid into the plurality of fluid chambers to change the plurality of fluid chambers to expanded conditions, wherein when changing from the contracted conditions to the expanded conditions, sizes and/or shapes and/or rigidities of the plurality of expandable lug change such that the plurality of expandable lugs are inhibited from pulling out of their corresponding receptacles.

Clause 96. The method according to clause 95, wherein the foot support component includes a ground-facing surface located opposite the first surface, wherein the ground-facing surface includes one or more ground-facing lugs that at least partially enclose one or more interior chambers formed in one or more of the plurality of receptacles.

Clause 97. The method according to clause 96, further comprising: engaging one or more ground-engaging components with at least one of the one or more ground-facing lugs.

Clause 98. The method according to any one of clauses 95 to 97, wherein the upper component, the foot support component, and the impact force-attenuating component are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 99. The method according to any one of clauses 95 to 98, wherein the plurality of through hole openings and the plurality of expandable lugs are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in a medial side-to-lateral side direction of the article of footwear and/or in a plurality of columns extending in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the article of footwear.

Clause 100. The method according to any one of clauses 95 to 99, wherein the step of introducing the fluid into the plurality of fluid chambers includes inflating the plurality of fluid chambers with a gas.

Clause 101. A method of disassembling a sole structure and/or an article of footwear comprising:deflating at least a first inflatable lug of an inflatable bladder, wherein the first inflatable lug includes: (i) a base portion that extends to a first receptacle formed in a foot support component and (ii) an inflatable securing portion that, when inflated with a gas, has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the first inflatable lug from pulling out of the first receptacle; andafter sufficient deflating, removing the inflatable securing portion of the first inflatable lug from the first receptacle.

Clause 102. The method of clause 101, wherein the base portion of the first inflatable lug extends through a first through hole opening of an upper component.

Clause 103. The method of clause 101 or 102, wherein the article of footwear has a structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 19.

Clause 104. A method of disassembling a sole structure and/or an article of footwear comprising:deflating at least a plurality of inflatable lugs of an inflatable bladder, wherein each of the plurality of inflatable lugs includes: (i) a base portion that extends to one of a plurality of receptacles formed in a foot support component and (ii) an inflatable securing portion that, when inflated with a gas, has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the plurality of inflatable lugs from pulling out of a corresponding receptacle of the plurality of receptacles; andafter sufficient deflating, removing the inflatable securing portions of the plurality of inflatable lugs from the plurality of receptacles.

Clause 105. The method of clause 104, wherein the base portions of the plurality of inflatable lugs extend through a corresponding plurality of through hole openings of an upper component.

Clause 106. The method of clause 104 or 105, wherein the article of footwear has a structure according to any one of clauses 20 to 25.

Clause 107. A method of disassembling a sole structure and/or an article of footwear comprising:releasing fluid from at least a first expandable lug of an impact force-attenuating component, wherein the first expandable lug includes: (i) a base portion that extends to a first receptacle formed in a foot support component and (ii) an expandable securing portion that, when filled with a fluid, has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the first expandable lug from pulling out of the first receptacle; andafter releasing sufficient fluid, removing the expandable securing portion from the first expandable lug out of the first receptacle.

Clause 108. The method of clause 107, wherein the base portion of the first expandable lug extends through a first through hole opening of an upper component.

Clause 109. The method of clause 107 or 108, wherein the article of footwear has a structure according to any one of clauses 49 to 68.

Clause 110. A method of disassembling a sole structure and/or an article of footwear comprising:releasing fluid from at least a plurality of expandable lugs of an impact force-attenuating component, wherein each of the plurality of expandable lugs includes: (i) a base portion that extends to one of a plurality of receptacles formed in a foot support component and (ii) an expandable securing portion that, when filled with a fluid, has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the plurality of expandable lugs from pulling out of a corresponding receptacle of the plurality of receptacles; andafter releasing sufficient fluid, removing the expandable securing portions of the plurality of expandable lugs from the plurality of receptacles.

Clause 111. The method of clause 110, wherein the base portions of the plurality of expandable lugs extend through a corresponding plurality of through hole openings of an upper component.

Clause 112. The method of clause 110 or 111, wherein the article of footwear has a structure according to any one of clauses 69 to 75.

Clause 113. A sole structure and/or an article of footwear, comprising:a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber; andan inflatable bladder including: (i) a first sheet for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a second sheet opposite the first sheet, and (iii) a first inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein a sealed fluid chamber is defined between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the first inflatable lug, wherein the first inflatable lug extends into the first receptacle, and wherein, when inflated with a gas, the first inflatable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the first inflatable lug from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening.

Clause 114. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to clause 113, wherein: (i) the foot support component includes a second receptacle having a second interior chamber, wherein a second opening defined at the first surface provides access to the second interior chamber, and (ii) the inflatable bladder includes a second inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the second inflatable lug, wherein the second inflatable lug extends into the second receptacle, and wherein, when inflated with the gas, the second inflatable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the second inflatable lug from pulling out of the second interior chamber through the second opening.

Clause 115. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to clause 114, wherein: (i) the foot support component includes a third receptacle having a third interior chamber, wherein a third opening defined at the first surface provides access to the third interior chamber, and (ii) the inflatable bladder includes a third inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the third inflatable lug, wherein the third inflatable lug extends into the third receptacle, and wherein, when inflated with the gas, the third inflatable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the third inflatable lug from pulling out of the third interior chamber through the third opening.

Clause 116. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to any one of clauses 113 to 115, wherein the foot support component and the inflatable bladder are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 117. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to any one of clauses 113 to 116, further comprising an upper component having a first portion sandwiched between the first surface of the foot support component and the second sheet of the inflatable bladder.

Clause 118. A sole structure and/or an article of footwear, comprising:a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle having an interior chamber, and wherein a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of receptacles are defined at the first surface, the openings of the plurality of openings providing access to a corresponding interior chamber; andan inflatable bladder including: (i) a first sheet for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a second sheet opposite the first sheet, and (iii) a plurality of inflatable lugs extending from the second sheet, wherein a sealed fluid chamber is defined between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the plurality of inflatable lugs, wherein the plurality of inflatable lugs extend into corresponding receptacles of the foot support component, and wherein, when inflated with a gas, the plurality of inflatable lugs have a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibit the inflatable lugs from pulling out of the corresponding interior chamber through the corresponding opening of the plurality of openings.

Clause 119. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to clause 118, wherein the foot support component and the inflatable bladder are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 120. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to clause 118 or 119, further comprising an upper component having a first portion sandwiched between the first surface of the foot support component and the second sheet of the inflatable bladder.

Clause 121. A method of assembling a sole structure and/or an article of footwear, comprising:providing a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber;providing an inflatable bladder having: (i) a first sheet for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a second sheet opposite the first sheet, and (iii) a first inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein a fluid chamber is defined between the first sheet and the second sheet and within the first inflatable lug;with the fluid chamber in a first pressure condition, positioning the second sheet of the inflatable bladder such that the first inflatable lug extends into the first receptacle; andwith the first inflatable lug extending into the first receptacle, introducing gas into the fluid chamber to change the fluid chamber to a second pressure condition, wherein the second pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the first pressure condition, and wherein the step of introducing the gas into the fluid chamber changes a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the first inflatable lug such that the first inflatable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening.

Clause 122. The method according to clause 121, wherein: (i) the foot support component includes a second receptacle having a second interior chamber, wherein a second opening defined at the first surface provides access to the second interior chamber, and (ii) the inflatable bladder includes a second inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein the fluid chamber extends within the second inflatable lug,wherein the positioning step includes positioning the second sheet of the inflatable bladder such that the second inflatable lug extends into the second receptacle, andwherein the introducing step includes introducing gas into the fluid chamber to change a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the second inflatable lug such that the second inflatable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the second interior chamber through the second opening.

Clause 123. The method according to clause 122, wherein: (i) the foot support component includes a third receptacle having a third interior chamber, wherein a third opening defined at the first surface provides access to the third interior chamber, and (ii) the inflatable bladder includes a third inflatable lug extending from the second sheet, wherein the fluid chamber extends within the third inflatable lug,wherein the positioning step includes positioning the second sheet of the inflatable bladder such that the third inflatable lug extends into the third receptacle, andwherein the introducing step includes introducing gas into the fluid chamber to change a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the third inflatable lug such that the third inflatable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the third interior chamber through the third opening.

Clause 124. The method according to any one of clauses 121 to 123, wherein the foot support component and the inflatable bladder are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 125. A method of assembling a sole structure and/or an article of footwear, comprising:providing a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle having an interior chamber, and wherein a plurality of openings are defined at the first surface providing access to a corresponding interior chamber;providing an inflatable bladder having: (i) a first sheet for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a second sheet opposite the first sheet, and (iii) a plurality of inflatable lugs extending from the second sheet, wherein a fluid chamber is defined between the first sheet and the second sheet and within the plurality of inflatable lugs;with the fluid chamber in a first pressure condition, positioning the second sheet of the inflatable bladder such that the plurality of inflatable lugs extend into corresponding receptacles of the plurality of receptacles; andwith the plurality of inflatable lugs extending into corresponding receptacles, introducing gas into the fluid chamber to change the fluid chamber to a second pressure condition, wherein the second pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the first pressure condition, and wherein the step of introducing the gas into the fluid chamber changes a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the plurality of inflatable lugs such that the plurality of inflatable lugs are inhibited from pulling out of their corresponding receptacles.

Clause 126. The method according to clause 125, wherein the foot support component and the inflatable bladder are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 127. A sole structure and/or an article of footwear, comprising:a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber; andan impact force-attenuating component including: (i) a foot support surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a base surface opposite the foot support surface, and (iii) a first expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein a sealed fluid chamber is defined at least within the first expandable lug, wherein the first expandable lug extends into the first receptacle, and wherein, when the sealed fluid chamber is filled with a fluid, the first expandable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the first expandable lug from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening.

Clause 128. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to clause 127, wherein: (i) the foot support component includes a second receptacle having a second interior chamber, wherein a second opening defined at the first surface provides access to the second interior chamber, and (ii) the impact force-attenuating component includes a second expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the second expandable lug, wherein the second expandable lug extends into the second receptacle, and wherein, when filled with the fluid, the second expandable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the second expandable lug from pulling out of the second interior chamber through the second opening.

Clause 129. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to clause 128, wherein: (i) the foot support component includes a third receptacle having a third interior chamber, wherein a third opening defined at the first surface provides access to the third interior chamber, and (ii) the impact force-attenuating element includes a third expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein the sealed fluid chamber extends within the third expandable lug, wherein the third expandable lug extends into the third receptacle, and wherein, when filled with the fluid, the third expandable lug has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibits the third expandable lug from pulling out of the third interior chamber through the third opening.

Clause 130. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to any one of clauses 127 to 129, wherein the foot support component and the impact force-attenuating component bladder are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 131. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to any one of clauses 127 to 130, further comprising an upper component having a first portion sandwiched between the first surface of the foot support component and the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component.

Clause 132. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to any one of clauses 127 to 131, wherein the fluid filling the sealed fluid chamber is a gas.

Clause 133. A sole structure and/or an article of footwear, comprising:a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle having an interior chamber, and wherein a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of receptacles are defined at the first surface, the openings of the plurality of openings providing access to a corresponding interior chamber; andan impact force-attenuating component including: (i) a foot support surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a base surface opposite the foot support surface, and (iii) a plurality of expandable lugs extending from the base surface, wherein the plurality of expandable lugs define one or more sealed fluid chambers within the plurality of expandable lugs, wherein the plurality of expandable lugs extend into corresponding receptacles of the foot support component, and wherein, when the one or more sealed fluid chambers is filled with a fluid, the plurality of expandable lugs has a size and/or shape and/or rigidity that inhibit the plurality of expandable lugs from pulling out of the corresponding interior chamber through the corresponding opening of the plurality of openings.

Clause 134. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to clause 133, wherein the foot support component and the impact force-attenuating component are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 135. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to clause 133 or 134, further comprising an upper component having a first portion sandwiched between the first surface of the foot support component and the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component.

Clause 136. The sole structure and/or article of footwear according to any one of clauses 133 to 135, wherein the fluid filling the one or more sealed fluid chambers is a gas.

Clause 137. A method of assembling a sole structure and/or an article of footwear, comprising:providing a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a first receptacle having a first interior chamber, and wherein a first opening defined at the first surface provides access to the first interior chamber;providing an impact force-attenuating component having: (i) a foot support surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a base surface opposite the foot support surface, and (iii) a first expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein a first fluid chamber is defined at least within the first expandable lug;with the first fluid chamber in a contracted condition, positioning the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component such that the first expandable lug extends the first receptacle; andwith the first expandable lug extending into the first receptacle, introducing fluid into the first fluid chamber to change the first fluid chamber from the contracted condition to an expanded condition during which a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the first expandable lug changes such that the first expandable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the first interior chamber through the first opening.

Clause 138. The method according to clause 137, wherein: (i) the foot support component includes a second receptacle having a second interior chamber, wherein a second opening defined at the first surface provides access to the second interior chamber, and (ii) the impact force-attenuating component includes a second expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein a second fluid chamber extends within the second expandable lug,wherein the positioning step includes positioning the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component such that the second expandable lug extends into the second receptacle, andwherein the introducing step includes introducing fluid into the second fluid chamber to change a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the second expandable lug such that the second expandable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the second interior chamber through the second opening.

Clause 139. The method according to clause 138, wherein: (i) the foot support component includes a third receptacle having a third interior chamber, wherein a third opening defined at the first surface provides access to the third interior chamber, and (iii) the impact force-attenuating component includes a third expandable lug extending from the base surface, wherein a third fluid chamber extends within the third expandable lug,wherein the positioning step includes positioning the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component such that the third expandable lug extends into the third receptacle, andwherein the introducing step includes introducing fluid into the third fluid chamber to change a size and/or shape and/or rigidity of the third expandable lug such that the third expandable lug is inhibited from pulling out of the third interior chamber through the third opening.

Clause 140. The method according to any one of clauses 137 to 139, wherein the foot support component and the impact force-attenuating component are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 141. The method according to any one of clauses 137 to 140, wherein the step of introducing the fluid into the first fluid chamber includes inflating the first fluid chamber with a gas.

Clause 142. A method of assembling a sole structure and/or an article of footwear, comprising:providing a foot support component having a first surface, wherein the foot support component is shaped to form a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle having an interior chamber, and wherein a plurality of openings are defined at the first surface providing access to a corresponding interior chamber;providing an impact force-attenuating component having: (i) a foot support surface for supporting at least a portion of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, (ii) a base surface opposite the foot support surface, and (iii) a plurality of expandable lugs extending from the base surface, wherein the plurality of expandable lugs define a corresponding plurality of fluid chambers;with the plurality of fluid chambers in contracted conditions, positioning the base surface of the impact force-attenuating component such that the plurality of expandable lugs extend into corresponding receptacles of the plurality of receptacles; andwith the plurality of expandable lugs extending into corresponding receptacles, introducing fluid into the plurality of fluid chambers to change the plurality of fluid chambers to expanded conditions, wherein when changing from the contracted conditions to the expanded conditions, sizes and/or shapes and/or rigidities of the plurality of expandable lug change such that the plurality of expandable lugs are inhibited from pulling out of their corresponding receptacles.

Clause 143. The method according to clause 142, wherein the foot support component and the impact force-attenuating component are engaged together in an adhesive-free manner.

Clause 144. The method according to clause 142 or 143, wherein the step of introducing the fluid into the plurality of fluid chambers includes inflating the plurality of fluid chambers with a gas.