STACKED CUSHIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Modular article of footwear and method of manufacturing customized article of footwear

A modular article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface. The peripheral side surface has at least one recess. The modular article of footwear includes an upper component, and a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom. An inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface. A method of manufacturing a customized article of footwear comprises receiving a request for an upper with a specified characteristic, and assembling the modular article of footwear having an upper in accordance with the request.

PLATE WITH FOAM FOR FOOTWEAR

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper , the sole structure comprising:an outsole; an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure;', 'a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point; and', 'a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure, the MTP point opposing the MTP joint of a foot during use; and, 'a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, the plate comprisinga first cushioning layer disposed between the concave portion and the upper.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar.3. The sole structure of claim 2 , wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure claim 2 , the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion.4. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure claim 1 , the posterior-most ...

MODULAR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING CUSTOMIZED ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

A modular article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface. The peripheral side surface has at least one recess. The modular article of footwear includes an upper component, and a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom. An inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface. A method of manufacturing a customized article of footwear comprises receiving a request for an upper with a specified characteristic, and assembling the modular article of footwear having an upper in accordance with the request. 1. A modular article of footwear comprising:a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface;wherein the peripheral side surface has at least one recess;an upper component;a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom; andwherein an inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface.2. The modular article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein:the sole structure and the upper component each include a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region;the at least one recess is a single recess extending around the peripheral side surface throughout the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region of the sole structure; andthe flange is a single flange extending around the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region ...

Plate with foam for footwear

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper.

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Methods of manufacturing articles utilizing foam particles

Methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. In various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing methods comprise increasing the temperature of a plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to fuse a portion of the plurality of foam particles comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers. Increasing the temperature of the foam particles can be carried out for one or multiple iterations. The disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that exhibit differing degrees of fusion between the foam particles, thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

FOOTWEAR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for a footwear article includes a system of support structures. Each support structure includes a tubular body with an inwardly curving wall, which compresses under load to attenuate a force or impact and returns to a resting state when the load is removed. 1. A footwear sole comprising:at least a first support structure and at least a second support structure;the first support structure comprising, a first tubular body including a first wall that at least partially encloses a first hollow cavity and that extends circumferentially around the first hollow cavity, the first tubular body having a first reference axis; the first tubular body comprising a first end and a second end spaced apart from one another in an axial direction; and the first wall comprising a first exterior surface facing away from the first hollow cavity and a first interior surface facing towards the first hollow cavity;the second support structure comprising, a second tubular body including a second wall that at least partially encloses a second hollow cavity and that extends circumferentially around the second hollow cavity, the second tubular body having a second reference axis; the second tubular body comprising a third end and a fourth end spaced apart from one another in an axial direction; and the second wall comprising a second exterior surface facing away from the second hollow cavity and a second interior surface facing towards the second hollow cavity;the first support structure and the second support structure arranged end-to-end, such that the first end of the first support structure is coupled with the third end of the second support structure;the first support structure and the second support structure being offset from one another, such that the first reference axis and the second reference axis are substantially parallel to, and not coaxial with, one another;a portion of the first exterior surface continuous with, and transitioning uninterruptedly into, a portion ...

FOOTWEAR PLATE

A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer. 1. A method of forming a sole structure for an article of footwear , the method comprising:positioning a first tow of fibers on a substrate at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate;positioning a second tow of fibers on the first layer at a second angle different than the first angle to form a second layer on the first layer;positioning a third tow of fibers on the second layer at a third angle different than the second angle to form a third layer on the second layer;forming the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the substrate into plate having an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure that opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use; andproviding the plate with a first cushioning layer.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the plate with a first cushioning layer includes providing a cushioning layer at the concave portion of the plate.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein providing the first cushioning layer at the concave portion of the plate includes providing the first cushioning layer between the concave portion and an ...

PLATE FOR FOOTWEAR

A plate for an article of footwear having a sole structure includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. 1. A plate for an article of footwear having a sole structure , the plate comprising:an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure;a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point; anda concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure, the MTP point opposing the MTP joint of a foot during use.2. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar.3. The plate of claim 2 , wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure claim 2 , the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion.4. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure claim 1 , the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion.5. The plate of claim 4 , further comprising a blend portion disposed between and connecting the concave portion and the substantially flat portion claim 4 , the blend portion including a substantially constant radius of curvature.6. The plate of claim 5 , wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar at a junction of ...

STACKED CUSHIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear , the sole structure comprising:a midsole;a first plate including a first surface attached to the midsole and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the first plate than the first surface; anda cushioning arrangement attached to the second surface of the first plate and including a first cushioning arrangement disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure, a second cushioning arrangement disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure, and a third cushioning arrangement disposed between a heel region of the sole structure and at least one of the first cushioning arrangement and the second cushioning arrangement, the third cushioning arrangement including a first cushion attached to the second surface of the first plate and a second cushion attached to the first cushion and disposed between the first cushion and a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first cushioning arrangement claim 1 , the second cushioning arrangement ...

Footwear sole structure

A sole structure for a footwear article includes a system of support structures. Each support structure includes a tubular body with an inwardly curving wall, which compresses under load to attenuate a force or impact and returns to a resting state when the load is removed.

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

PLATE WITH FOAM FOR FOOTWEAR

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper , the sole structure comprising:a plate including a first surface defining a concave portion and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate than the first surface and defining a convex portion; anda midsole including a first portion disposed between the first surface of the plate and the upper and a second portion disposed between the second surface of the plate and a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure, the first portion including a first thickness above the concave portion and the second portion including a second thickness less than the first thickness below the convex portion.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the concave portion and the convex portion are disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure.3. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the midsole includes a first segment disposed between the concave portion and the upper in a forefoot region of the sole structure and a second segment disposed between the plate and the upper in one of a midfoot region of the sole structure and a heel region of the sole structure.4. The sole structure of claim 3 , wherein the first segment includes a greater ...

PLATE FOR FOOTWEAR

A plate for an article of footwear having a sole structure includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. 1. A plate for an article of footwear having a sole structure , the plate comprising:an anterior-most point configured to be disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure;a posterior-most point configured to be disposed within a heel region of the sole structure;an aft point disposed between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point;a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point disposed between the anterior-most point and the aft point and configured to oppose an MTP joint of a foot during use;a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the aft point and including a constant first radius of curvature from the anterior-most point past the MTP point; anda lateral edge portion extending from the anterior-most point past the MTP point along a lateral side of the plate, the lateral edge portion being continuously convex along an entire length of the concave portion.2. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the plate is formed of a material including fibers consolidated by a resin.3. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the aft point is disposed at a location ranging from 50% to 70% of a distance from the anterior-most point to the posterior-most point.4. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the aft point claim 1 , the anterior-most point claim 1 , and the posterior-most point are co-planar with each other in a relaxed configuration.5. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion configured to ...

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

PLATE WITH FOAM FOR FOOTWEAR

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper , the sole structure comprising:an outsole; an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure;', 'an aft point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point;', 'a concave portion including a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a transition point disposed between a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure and the aft point, the MTP point being tangent with a reference plane and located twenty-five percent to thirty-five percent of a total length of the plate from the anterior-most point; and', 'a convex portion extending from the transition point to the aft point in a direction away from the reference plane, the aft point located twenty-five percent to thirty-five percent of the total length of the plate from the MTP point;, 'a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, the plate comprisinga first cushioning layer disposed between the concave portion and the upper; anda second cushioning layer disposed between the outsole and the plate.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the anterior-most point and the aft point are co-planar.3. The sole structure of claim 1 , ...

Plate with foam for footwear

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper.

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

METHODS OF MANUFACTURING ARTICLES UTILIZING FOAM PARTICLES

Methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. In various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing methods comprise increasing the temperature of a plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to fuse a portion of the plurality of foam particles comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers. Increasing the temperature of the foam particles can be carried out for one or multiple iterations. The disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that exhibit differing degrees of fusion between the foam particles, thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

STACKED CUSHIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear , the sole structure comprising:a midsole;a first cushion depending from the midsole, located within a forefoot region of the sole structure, and disposed adjacent a medial side of the sole structure; anda second cushion depending from the midsole, located within the forefoot region of the sole structure, and disposed adjacent to a lateral side of the sole structure, wherein the second cushion is laterally spaced apart from the first cushion by a gap.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first cushion and the second cushion comprises a fluid-filled chamber.3. The sole structure of claim 2 , wherein the fluid-filled chamber is pressurized within a range of 15-30 pounds per square inch.4. The sole structure of claim 2 , wherein the fluid-filled chamber includes a sidewall providing the fluid-filled chamber with an arcuate outer surface.5. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the first cushion includes a first sidewall providing the first cushion with a first arcuate outer surface and the second cushion ...

PLATE WITH FOAM FOR FOOTWEAR

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper , the sole structure comprising:a plate including a concave portion disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a flat portion disposed in a heel region of the sole structure and disposed further from a ground-contacting surface than the concave portion, and a transition portion extending between and connecting the concave portion and the flat portion; anda midsole including a first portion disposed between the plate and the upper and a second portion disposed between the plate and the ground-contacting surface of the sole structure, the first portion including a first thickness above the concave portion and a second thickness different than the first thickness below the concave portion.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.3. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the midsole includes a first segment disposed between the concave portion and the upper in the forefoot region of the sole structure and a second segment disposed between the plate and the upper in one of a midfoot region of the sole structure and the heel region of the sole structure.4. The sole structure of claim 3 , ...

MODULAR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING CUSTOMIZED ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

A modular article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface. The peripheral side surface has at least one recess. The modular article of footwear includes an upper component, and a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom. An inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface. A method of manufacturing a customized article of footwear comprises receiving a request for an upper with a specified characteristic, and assembling the modular article of footwear having an upper in accordance with the request. 1. A modular article of footwear comprising: a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface;', 'wherein the peripheral side surface has at least one recess;, 'a first module including an upper component;', 'wherein the upper component has a split;', 'a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom;, 'a second module disjoined from the first module in a first state and joined to the first module in a second state, the second module includingwherein the flange has a first end at a first side of the split, and a second end at a second side of the split; andwherein an inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface.2. The modular article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein:the sole structure and the upper component each include a forefoot ...

STACKED CUSHIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear , the sole structure comprising:an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface;a midsole having an anterior segment extending from an anterior end into a forefoot region of the sole structure, and a posterior segment extending from a posterior end to at least a midfoot region of the sole structure, the anterior segment and the posterior segment being spaced apart from one another by a gap disposed therebetween;a cushioning arrangement disposed in the gap between the anterior segment and the posterior segment, and coupled proximate the upper surface of the outsole; anda first plate disposed adjacent to and coupled with the cushioning arrangement at an opposite side of the cushioning arrangement than the outsole.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein an anterior end of the first plate is joined to the anterior segment of the midsole claim 1 , a posterior end of the first plate is joined to the posterior segment of the midsole claim 1 , ...

Plate with foam for footwear

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper.

Modular article of footwear and method of manufacturing customized article of footwear

A modular article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface. The peripheral side surface has at least one recess. The modular article of footwear includes an upper component, and a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom. An inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface. A method of manufacturing a customized article of footwear comprises receiving a request for an upper with a specified characteristic, and assembling the modular article of footwear having an upper in accordance with the request.

Plate for footwear

A plate for an article of footwear having a sole structure includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use.

Footwear sole structure

A sole structure for a footwear article includes a system of support structures. Each support structure includes a tubular body with an inwardly curving wall, which compresses under load to attenuate a force or impact and returns to a resting state when the load is removed.

FOOT SUPPORT COMPONENTS FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR INCLUDING MULTIPLE FLEXIBLE PROJECTIONS AT THE GROUND-FACING SURFACE

Foot support components for footwear include a sole member made from one or more parts and including a base surface. A plurality of medial side primary traction elements (e.g., soccer cleats) and a plurality of lateral side primary traction elements (e.g., soccer cleats) extend in a direction away from the base surface. A central space is defined between interior extents (e.g., interior-most surfaces) of the plurality of medial and lateral side primary traction elements, and this central space may be free of primary traction elements (e.g., free of cleats). A projection field comprising a plurality of projections is located at least partially in the central space. These projections can readily bend under the weight of the user and help provide better “feel” for a ball, e.g., by transmitting force from the ball to the wearer's foot and providing audible feedback when contacting the ball.

FOOTWEAR PLATE

A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer. 1. A method of forming a sole structure for an article of footwear , the method comprising:securing a first tow of fibers on a substrate via a first set of stitches to form a first layer on the substrate;forming the first layer and the substrate into plate having an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point; andproviding the plate with a first cushioning layer.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the plate with the first cushioning layer includes providing the first cushioning layer at the concave portion of the plate.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising providing the sole structure with an upper claim 2 , and wherein providing the first cushioning layer at the concave portion of the plate includes providing the first cushioning layer between the concave portion and the upper.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising securing a second tow of fibers on the first layer via a second series of stitches to form a second layer on the first layer.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising forming the anterior-most point co-planar with the posterior-most point.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing the plate with a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure claim 1 , the ...

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

FOOTWEAR PLATE

A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer. 1. A plate for an article of footwear , the plate comprising:a substrate;a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching and including first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate;a second strand portion disposed on the first layer and including second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer;an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the article of footwear;a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the article of footwear than the anterior-most point; anda concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the article of footwear, the MTP point opposing the MTP joint of a foot during use; anda polymeric resin consolidating the first strand portion, the second strand portion, and the substrate to form a composite when heat and pressure are applied.2. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the first stitching crosses over the first strand portion and penetrates the substrate at first attachment locations that are spaced apart from the first strand portion.3. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the second strand portion is attached to the substrate via second stitching that crosses over the second strand portion claim 1 , extends ...

PLATE WITH FOAM FOR FOOTWEAR

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper , the sole structure comprising:a plate including a first surface facing the upper and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate than the first surface and facing a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure; anda midsole including a first portion disposed between the first surface of the plate and the upper in a forefoot region of the sole structure and having a first thickness and a second portion disposed between the second surface of the plate and the ground-contacting surface of the sole structure in the forefoot region and having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the first surface defines a concave portion of the plate and the second surface defines a convex portion of the plate claim 1 , the concave portion and the convex portion being disposed in the forefoot region of the sole structure.3. The sole structure of claim 2 , wherein the first portion of the midsole includes a first segment disposed between the concave portion and the upper in the forefoot region and a second segment disposed between the plate and the upper in one of a midfoot region of the ...

Footwear plate

A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.

METHODS OF MANUFACTURING ARTICLES UTILIZING FOAM PARTICLES

Methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. In various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing methods comprise increasing the temperature of a plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to fuse a portion of the plurality of foam particles comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers. Increasing the temperature of the foam particles can be carried out for one or multiple iterations. The disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that exhibit differing degrees of fusion between the foam particles, thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. 117-. (canceled)18. An article comprising:a structure formed of a plurality of fused foam particles, whereineach individual foam particle of the plurality of fused foam particles includes a first surface formed of a first thermoplastic elastomer material, and the first surface also includes one or more fused regions affixing the individual foam particle to a second surface of one or more adjacent foam particles, the second surface of the one or more adjacent foam particles comprises a second thermoplastic elastomer material;the fused regions include a portion of the first thermoplastic elastomer material from the first surface of the individual foam particle intermingled with a portion of the second thermoplastic elastomer material from the second surface of the one or more adjacent foam particles;the structure formed of the plurality of fused foam particles includes a plurality of gaps between particles, with the gaps occupying at least 10 percent of a total volume of the structure; andprior to fusing, at least 20 percent of the ...

STACKED CUSHIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

METHODS OF MANUFACTURING ARTICLES UTILIZING FOAM PARTICLES

Methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. In various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing methods comprise increasing the temperature of a plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to fuse a portion of the plurality of foam particles comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers. Increasing the temperature of the foam particles can be carried out for one or multiple iterations. The disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that exhibit differing degrees of fusion between the foam particles, thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. 1. A method of making an article , the method comprising:arranging a plurality of foam particles such that the plurality of foam particles comprise a first foam particle having a first surface formed of a first thermoplastic elastomer material in contact with a second surface of an adjacent foam particle, the second surface of the adjacent foam particle being formed of a second thermoplastic elastomer material;increasing a temperature of at least a portion of the plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to melt or soften a portion of the first thermoplastic elastomer material of the first surface of the first foam particle, or the second thermoplastic elastomer material of the second surface of the adjacent foam particle, or both; anddecreasing the temperature of the melted or softened portion of the first thermoplastic elastomer material, of the second thermoplastic elastomer material, or of both, thereby solidifying the melted or softened portion of the first thermoplastic elastomer material, of ...

STACKED CUSHIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Plate with foam for footwear

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper.

PLATE FOR FOOTWEAR

A plate for an article of footwear having a sole structure includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper , the sole structure comprising:a plate including a first surface defining a concave portion and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate than the first surface and defining a convex portion; anda midsole including a first portion disposed between the first surface of the plate and the upper and having a first thickness and a second portion disposed between the second surface of the plate and a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure and having a second thickness, the first thickness being at least twice the second thickness.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the concave portion and the convex portion are disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure.3. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the midsole includes a first segment disposed between the concave portion and the upper in a forefoot region of the sole structure and a second segment disposed between the plate and the upper in one of a midfoot region of the sole structure and a heel region of the sole structure.4. The sole structure of claim 3 , wherein the first segment includes a greater thickness than the second segment.5. The sole structure of claim 3 , wherein the second portion includes a third segment disposed between the convex portion and the ground-contacting surface in the forefoot region and a fourth segment disposed between the plate ...

SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first plate extending from a forefoot region of the sole structure to a heel region of the sole structure. The first plate has a first surface and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the first plate than the first surface. The sole structure further includes a second plate extending from the forefoot region to the heel region. The second plate has a third surface opposing the second surface of the first plate and a fourth surface disposed on an opposite side of the second plate than the third surface. The third surface is spaced apart from the second surface to define a cavity between the first plate and the second plate that extends from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure between the forefoot region and the heel region. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear including an upper , the sole structure comprising:a first plate extending from a forefoot region of the sole structure to a heel region of the sole structure, the first plate including a first surface opposing the upper and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the first plate than the first surface; anda second plate extending from the forefoot region of the sole structure to the heel region of the sole structure and including a third surface opposing the second surface of the first plate and a fourth surface disposed on an opposite side of the second plate than the third surface, the third surface being spaced apart from the second surface to define a cavity between the first plate and the second plate that extends from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure between the forefoot region and the heel region.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , further comprising a first cushion disposed between the first plate and the second plate in the forefoot region.3. The sole structure of claim 2 , wherein the first cushion is attached to the second surface of the ...

Methods of manufacturing articles utilizing foam particles

Methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. In various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing methods comprise increasing the temperature of a plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to fuse a portion of the plurality of foam particles comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers. Increasing the temperature of the foam particles can be carried out for one or multiple iterations. The disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that exhibit differing degrees of fusion between the foam particles, thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

STACKED CUSHIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper , the sole structure comprising:an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface;a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion attached to the outsole and including a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward a heel region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion and spaced apart from the first segment along a longitudinal axis of the midsole by a gap;at least one plate extending from the midsole into the gap; anda cushion disposed in the gap of the midsole and joined to the plate.2. The sole structure of claim 1 , wherein a first end of the plate is joined to the first segment of the midsole claim 1 , a second end of the plate is joined to the second segment of the midsole claim 1 , and an intermediate portion of the plate extends ...

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Footwear plate

A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.

FOOTWEAR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for a footwear article includes a system of support structures. Each support structure includes a tubular body with an inwardly curving wall, which compresses under load to attenuate a force or impact and returns to a resting state when the load is removed.

STACKED CUSHIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR SOLE STRUCTURE

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear , the sole structure comprising:an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface;a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion attached to the outsole and including an anterior segment extending from an anterior end into a forefoot region of the sole structure, and a posterior segment extending continuously from a posterior end and through at least a midfoot region of the sole structure, the anterior segment and the posterior segment being spaced apart from one another by a gap disposed therebetween;a cushioning arrangement disposed in the gap between the anterior segment and the posterior segment, and coupled proximate the upper surface of the outsole, the cushioning arrangement including a first cushioning arrangement disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and a second cushioning arrangement disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure; anda first plate having a lower surface and ...

Plate for footwear

Plate for footwear

A plate for an article of footwear having a sole structure includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use.

Plate with foam for footwear

【課題】アッパーを有する履物の物品のためのソール構造を提供する。【解決手段】アッパー１００を有する履物の物品のためのソール構造２００が、アウトソールと、アウトソールとアッパーとの間に配置される板と、第1の緩衝層とを備える。板は、ソール構造の前足領域に配置される最前方の点と、最前方の点よりソール構造の踵領域の近くに配置される最後方の点と、最前方の点と最後方の点との間で延びる凹部分とを備える。凹部分は、最前方の点からソール構造の中足指節(MTP)点まで一定の曲率半径を含む。MTP点は使用中に足のMTP関節に対向する。第1の緩衝層は、凹部分とアッパーとの間に配置される。【選択図】図３

Methods of manufacturing articles utilizing foam particles

Methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. In various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing methods comprise increasing the temperature of a plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to fuse a portion of the plurality of foam particles comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers. Increasing the temperature of the foam particles can be carried out for one or multiple iterations. The disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that exhibit differing degrees of fusion between the foam particles, thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Methods of manufacturing articles utilizing foam particles

Methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. In various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing methods comprise increasing the temperature of a plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to fuse a portion of the plurality of foam particles comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers. Increasing the temperature of the foam particles can be carried out for one or multiple iterations. The disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that exhibit differing degrees of fusion between the foam particles, thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Plate with foam for footwear

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper.

Foot support components for articles of footwear including multiple flexible projections at the ground-facing surface

Sole structures (104, 404, 904, 954) have a ground-facing surface (210G) and an upper-facing surface (210U). These sole structures (104, 404, 904, 954) comprise a sole member (106, 406, 906, 956) made from one or more parts and including a base surface (106S), a medial side (106M), and a lateral side (106L). The sole member (106, 406, 906, 956) includes a first sole part and a projection field (200) engaged with or integrally formed with the first sole part. The projection field (200) comprises a plurality of projections (202) that extend beyond the base surface (106S) and have exposed free ends (202E). The plurality of projections (202) may include at least 20 projections (202) having a projection packing density of at least 4 projections (202) per square inch (0.62 projections (202) per square centimeter) in the projection field (202). A first subset of the plurality of projections (202) may have a length of at least 5 mm. At least a majority of the plurality of projections (202) in the projection field (200) readily bend under force applied by weight of a user of the sole structure (104, 404, 904, 954). The projection field (200) may be located at least partially in a central space (104S) defined between medial primary traction elements (110M) and lateral side primary traction elements (110L). Bending of the projections (202) under the weight of the user and help provide better "feel" for a ball, e.g., by transmitting force from the ball to the wearer's foot and providing audible feedback when contacting the ball.

Methods of manufacturing articles utilizing foam particles

Methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. In various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing methods comprise increasing the temperature of a plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to fuse a portion of the plurality of foam particles comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers. Increasing the temperature of the foam particles can be carried out for one or multiple iterations. The disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that exhibit differing degrees of fusion between the foam particles, thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Plate for footwear

A plate for an article of footwear having a sole structure includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use.

Foot support components for articles of footwear including multiple flexible projections at the ground-facing surface

Foot support components for footwear include a sole member made from one or more parts and including a base surface. A plurality of medial side primary traction elements (e.g., soccer cleats) and a plurality of lateral side primary traction elements (e.g., soccer cleats) extend in a direction away from the base surface. A central space is defined between interior extents (e.g., interior-most surfaces) of the plurality of medial and lateral side primary traction elements, and this central space may be free of primary traction elements (e.g., free of cleats). A projection field comprising a plurality of projections is located at least partially in the central space. These projections can readily bend under the weight of the user and help provide better “feel” for a ball, e.g., by transmitting force from the ball to the wearer's foot and providing audible feedback when contacting the ball.

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Modular article of footwear and method of manufacturing a customized article of footwear

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

The claimed invention relates to a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper. The sole structure comprises: an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion, the midsole extending between an anterior end and a posterior end and being joined to the outsole, the lower portion including a first segment extending from a forefoot region in a direction toward a heel region and a second segment extending from the heel region in a direction toward the forefoot region, the first segment being spaced apart from the second segment to define a gap therebetween, a cushioning arrangement joined to the outsole, wherein the cushioning arrangement includes a medial cushioning arrangement and a lateral cushioning arrangement, the medial cushioning arrangement being disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and the lateral cushioning arrangement being disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure, the medial cushioning arrangement being spaced apart and separated from the lateral cushioning arrangement, and the medial cushioning arrangement being identical to the lateral cushioning arrangement, and a first plate attached to the cushioning arrangement proximate to an exposed surface of the first plate, the first plate having a ground facing surface, wherein the plate is embedded within a material of the midsole such that the upper portion of the midsole extends between the plate and the upper, and the lower portion of the midsole extends between the plate and the outsole.