Impact Force Attenuating Bladder Components Having Controlled Re-Expansion Rates And Methods Of Making and Using Such Components

Abstract

Bladder components and footwear uppers and/or articles of footwear that include such bladder components attenuate impact forces incident on an upper and/or a wearer's foot. Such bladder components, uppers, and footwear may dampen impact forces applied by a game ball to the footwear upper (and thus to the wearer's foot) and/or reduce the energy returned to the game ball from the footwear upper. These features may better enable ball control (e.g., by limiting the ball's rebound force/distance off the foot) and/or improve wearer's comfort. Further, delayed re-expansion of the bladder chamber and/or foam material may keep the bladder chamber and/or foam in a compressed configuration as the wearer kicks the ball in further play. In this manner, the force applied to the ball during the kick will not be substantially reduced due to the presence of the bladder chamber and/or foam material in the upper.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates to bladder components and footwear uppers and/or articles of footwear that include such bladder components for attenuating impact forces incident on the upper and the wearer's foot. Such bladder components, uppers, and footwear may dampen impact forces applied by a game ball to the footwear upper and reduce the energy returned to the game ball from the footwear upper. In some aspects of this technology, these features may better enable ball control (e.g., by limiting the ball's rebound force/distance off the foot) and/or improve wearer's comfort. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects of this technology, the bladder's re-expansion rate will be tuned and controlled to delay or slow re-expansion. Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making and using such bladder components, uppers, and/or articles of footwear.

BACKGROUND

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

The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to allow users to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the user to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to moderate pressure applied to the foot by the laces). The upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts relating to this technology in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

Aspects of this technology relate to bladder components and footwear uppers and/or articles of footwear that include such bladder components. The bladder components attenuate impact forces incident on the upper and/or the wearer's foot. Such bladder components, uppers, and footwear may dampen impact forces applied by a game ball to the footwear upper (and thus to the wearer's foot) and reduce the energy returned to the game ball from the footwear upper. These features may better enable ball control (e.g., by limiting the ball's rebound force/distance off the foot) and/or improve wearer's comfort. Further, controlled and delayed re-expansion of the bladder (e.g., a foam material and/or other resilient component within the bladder) may keep the bladder (e.g., the foam material and/or other resilient component) in a compressed configuration as the wearer kicks the ball in further play. In this manner, the force applied to the ball during the kick will not be substantially reduced due to the presence of the bladder (e.g., the foam material and/or other resilient component) in the upper.

Aspects of this technology relate to bladders that include: (a) a first thermoplastic layer fixed to a second thermoplastic layer at a seam (or another type of thermoplastic envelope or chamber wall), wherein an interior chamber is defined between the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer and inside the seam, and wherein at least one through hole opening is defined through the first thermoplastic layer, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber; (b) at least one fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the fluid line(s) is (are) separate from the “at least one through hole opening;” (c) at least one valve (e.g., one or more one-way valves) located and configured with respect to the fluid line(s) to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the fluid line(s) but inhibit fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the fluid line(s); and (d) a foam material and/or other resilient component located in the interior chamber. If desired, a single bladder may include two or more fluid line and valve combinations. The bladder may be included as part of a footwear upper.

In use, a game ball (e.g., a soccer ball) contacts (directly or indirectly) an outer surface of a bladder (included with a shoe). This contact causes: (i) the foam material and/or other resilient component to change from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration and (ii) fluid (e.g., air) to exit the interior chamber through the fluid line(s) and the valve(s). Fluid is admitted into the interior chamber of the bladder through the one or more through hole openings, but the through hole opening(s) is/are sized to delay and control expansion of the foam material and/or other resilient component back to its expanded configuration. In this manner: (a) rebound forces applied to the ball are reduced, helping assure that the ball remains close to the player that contacted it and/or (b) impact forces applied to the wearer's foot are reduced. Further, delayed re-expansion of the foam material and/or other resilient component may keep the foam material and/or other resilient component in a compressed configuration as the wearer kicks the ball in further play. In this manner, the force applied to the ball during the ensuing kick will not be substantially reduced due to the presence of the foam material and/or other resilient component in the upper.

Still additional aspects of this technology relate to footwear uppers and/or articles of footwear including such bladders and/or to methods of making and/or using the bladders, uppers, and/or articles of footwear, e.g., of the types described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate bladders, articles of footwear, and their use in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of bladders and articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of bladders and articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of bladders and upper components in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another example of bladders and upper components in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another example of bladders and upper components in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate another example of bladders and upper components in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another example upper and footwear structure in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIG. 9 shows a view similar to FIG. 1C but illustrating additional or alternative features of bladders in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIG. 10 shows a view similar to FIG. 1B but illustrating additional or alternative features of bladders in accordance with some examples of this technology; and

FIGS. 11A and 11B show views similar to FIGS. 1C and 1D, respectively, but illustrating additional or alternative features of bladders in accordance with some examples of this technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the present technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures 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.

Various structures and parameters of footwear sole structures and/or articles of footwear are described herein based on a “longitudinal length” parameter L. Note FIG. 1A. The longitudinal length L can be found with the article of footwear (or sole structure or other component) oriented on a horizontal support surface S on its ground-facing surface in an unloaded condition (e.g., with no weight applied to it other than weight of other components of the article of footwear, sole structure, or other component). Once so oriented, parallel vertical planes VP that are perpendicular to the horizontal support surface S are oriented to contact the rearmost heel (RH) location(s) and the forwardmost toe (FT) location(s) of the article of footwear, upper, sole structure, or another component of interest. The parallel vertical planes VP should be oriented facing one another, e.g., extending into and out of the page of FIG. 1B, and as far away from one another as possible while still in contact with the rearmost heel RH and forwardmost toe FT locations. The direct distance between these vertical planes VPs corresponds to the longitudinal length L of the article of footwear, sole structure, or other component of interest. Locations of various footwear features and/or components are described in this specification based on their respective locations along the longitudinal length L as measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. The rearmost heel location(s) is (are) located at position 0 L and the forwardmost toe location(s) is (are) located at position 1 L along the longitudinal length L. Intermediate locations along the longitudinal length L are referred to by fractional locations (e.g., 0.33 L) 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 L or longitudinal direction somewhere between P=0 L and P=1.0 L. Note FIG. 1A, including example parallel plane location designators at 0.33 L and 0.67 L.

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). Unless otherwise defined, the terms “heel area” or “heel region” refer to a region bounded by parallel planes at 0 L and 0.33 L; the terms “midfoot area,” “midfoot region,” or “arch region” refer to a region bounded by parallel planes at 0.33 L and 0.67 L; and the terms “forefoot area” or “forefoot region” refer to a region bounded by parallel planes at 0.67 L and 1.0 L. See FIG. 1A. Also, the term “lateral” means the “little toe” side or outside area 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 or inside area of an article of footwear or component thereof (e.g., an upper, a sole structure, etc.).

This application and/or its claims may use the terms, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like, to identify certain components and/or features relating to this technology. These terms 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 terms should not be construed as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and/or features being discussed. Also, use of these specific terms in the specification for a specific structure does not require that the same term be used in the claims to refer to the same structure (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).

The term “resilient” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, refers to a property of a component (e.g., a material or a structure) that enables the component to recoil, spring, or return back to its original size and/or shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed. “Resilient” components may include materials, such as open cell foams, closed cell foams, elastomers, and the like and/or may include structures or components, such as blocks of material including resilient materials, springs, mechanical shock absorbing elements, etc.

Also, while the appended figures illustrate features of uppers and articles of footwear for supporting one wearer's foot, those skilled in the art, given benefit of this disclosure, will understand that this technology can be applied to uppers and articles of footwear for the other foot as well (e.g., as mirror images from the structures illustrated in the appended drawings).

Given the general description of features, aspects, structures, and arrangements according to certain examples of this technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example bladders, uppers, articles of footwear, and methods in accordance with this technology follows. Where the same reference number appears in multiple figures, the same or similar part is being referenced (including any applicable options or alternatives for that part), and at least some of the overlapping description of that part may be omitted.

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate bladders 200, articles of footwear 100 including such bladders 200, and their use in accordance with at least some examples of this technology. More specifically: FIG. 1A shows an article of footwear 100 including a bladder 200 in accordance with some aspects of this technology; FIG. 1B provides a larger view of the bladder 200 of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1C shows a cross sectional view of bladder 200 taken along line 1C-1C in FIG. 1B in an expanded configuration; FIG. 1D shows a cross sectional view of bladder 200 taken along line 1C-1C in FIG. 1B in a compressed configuration; and FIG. 1E illustrates use of bladder 200 in some examples of this technology.

As shown in FIG. 1A, article of footwear 100 includes a footwear upper 102 (e.g., an upper base member formed from one or more component parts) and a sole structure 104 engaged with the upper 102. The article of footwear 100, upper 102, and sole structure 104 include a forefoot region (between parallel planes at P=0.67 L and 1 L), a heel region (between parallel planes at P=0 L and 0.33 L), and a midfoot region extending between and connecting the forefoot region and the heel region (between parallel planes at P=0.33 L and 0.67 L). The upper 102 may have any desired construction, number of parts, features, or the like, without departing from this technology, including conventional constructions, parts, features, etc. As some more specific examples, the upper 102 may be formed, at least in part, from one or more textile elements, one or more leather components (e.g., natural or synthetic), and/or one or more plastic components.

Additionally, the sole structure 104 may engage with the upper 102 in any desired manner, including in conventional manners as are known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., by one or more of adhesives, mechanical connectors, stitching, etc.). As shown in the example of FIG. 1A, the sole structure 104 includes a midsole component 104M (e.g., formed from one or more foam components, one or more fluid-filled bladder components, and/or one or more mechanical shock absorbing components). The sole structure 104 further includes an outsole component 1040, e.g., formed from one or more of rubber materials, thermoplastic polyurethane components, plastics, etc. Midsole component 104M and/or outsole component 1040 may have conventional structures as are known and used in the footwear arts, may be made of conventional materials as are known and used in the footwear arts, and/or may be engaged together and/or with the upper 102 in manners as are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts. Outsole component 1040 of this example includes one or more traction elements (e.g., cleats 106). Any type of traction elements may be provided, including traction elements of types that are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., integrally formed or releasably attached soccer or football cleats).

As shown in FIG. 1A, this example upper 102 includes a bladder 200 fixed to one or more upper components, e.g., by adhesives or cements, by stitching, by mechanical fasteners, etc. An exterior surface of the bladder 200 may be fixed to an exterior upper component (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the bladder 200 may be fixed between layers of the upper 102 (e.g., and optionally exposed through one or more openings in the upper 102, as will be described in more detail below) and/or located at least partially inside an outermost layer of the upper 102. In some examples of this technology, an exterior surface of the bladder 200 may be fixed to the upper 102 in any of the manners described in U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. Nos. 2023/0141164 A1, 2023/0141325 A1, 2023/0146597 A1, and 2023/0147306 A1, each of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. While FIG. 1A shows at least a portion of the bladder 200 (including its interior chamber 200I) located in a medial midfoot region of the upper 102, other options are possible. In some examples of this technology, at least a portion of the bladder 200 (and at least a portion of the bladder 200's interior chamber 200I) may be located in one or more of: (a) a medial midfoot region of the upper 102; (b) a medial heel region of the upper 102; (c) a medial forefoot region of the upper 102; (d) a lateral heel region of the upper 102; (e) a lateral midfoot region of the upper 102; and/or (f) a lateral forefoot region of the upper 102. While other options are possible, in at least some examples of this technology, the bladder 200 will be formed prior to engaging the bladder 200 with the one or more component parts of the upper 102. The bladder 200 may be inflated before or after it is engaged with the upper 102.

This example bladder 200 structure will be described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 1B-1D. This example bladder 200 includes a thermoplastic envelope or chamber wall (e.g., a first thermoplastic layer 200A fixed to a second thermoplastic layer 200B at a seam 208). Exterior surface 200AX of bladder 200 may be at least partially exposed in the final footwear 100 structure, and/or exterior surface 200BX may face and/or contact an upper 102 component part (and may be engaged with an upper 102 component part). An interior chamber 200I is defined by the thermoplastic envelope or chamber wall (e.g., between the first thermoplastic layer 200A and the second thermoplastic layer 200B and inside the seam 208). The first thermoplastic layer 200A and the second thermoplastic layer 200B may be formed from one or more sheets of thermoplastic elastomer material, including materials of the types that are conventionally known and used in the footwear bladder arts. The seam 208 can be formed in any suitable manner, including through the use of adhesives, welding techniques (e.g., RF welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.), including in manners as are conventionally known and used in the footwear bladder art. As shown in FIG. 1B, in some examples of this technology, the seam 208 may form a continuous perimeter seam that extends around an entire exterior perimeter of the bladder 200 except at a single location where the fluid line 220 interrupts the seam 208. The seam 208 may form a base through which the bladder 200 may be engaged with a component part of the upper 102, e.g., by an adhesive, by stitching through the seam 208, by a mechanical connector extending through the seam 208, etc. Exterior surfaces 200AX and/or 200BX and/or the seam 208 of the bladder 200 may be attached to one or more component parts of the footwear upper 102.

The interior chamber 200I of this example bladder 200 includes a foam material 210 located therein (e.g., formed from one or more foam component parts). The foam material 210 may be fixed to one or both interior surfaces 200AI, 200BI of the thermoplastic layers 200A, 200B, respectively, e.g., by adhesives. Alternatively, the foam material 210 may be unfixed within interior chamber 200I. The foam material 210 may be placed in the interior chamber 200I prior to formation of the seam 208 that fixes the first thermoplastic layer 200A with the second thermoplastic layer 200B (and thus fixes the foam material 210 within the interior chamber 200I).

This example bladder 200 further includes at least one fluid line (e.g., fluid line 220) in fluid communication with the interior chamber 200I and with (e.g., opening into) an external environmental area 150 (e.g. the open air). At least one valve (e.g., valve 230) is located within (or otherwise associated with) the fluid line 220. The valve(s) 230 may comprise a one-way valve located and configured with respect to the fluid line 220 to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 via the fluid line 220 but to inhibit fluid from the external environmental area 150 from entering the interior chamber 200I via the fluid line 220. While other valve 230 constructions are possible, FIG. 1B shows valve 230 including: (a) a fixed valve component 230F (e.g., a valve seat component), (b) a movable valve component 230B (e.g., a ball) to open and close an opening 2300 through the fixed valve component 230F, and (c) a biasing member 230S (e.g., spring, resilient member (such as a foam block), etc.) to bias the movable valve component 230B toward the fixed valve component 230F (so that the valve 230 typically is biased to a closed configuration). FIG. 1B shows the valve 230 in an open configuration or condition in which fluid pressure within interior chamber 200I applies a force to the movable valve component 230B (through opening 2300) that exceeds the biasing force applied to the movable valve component 230B by biasing member 230S. This configuration unseats the movable valve component 230B from the fixed valve component 230F and opens fluid line 220 to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber 200I and move to the external environmental area 150. This valve 230 “crack pressure,” in some examples of this technology, may be approximately 0.5 psi (i.e., so that the valve 230 opens when pressure within the interior chamber 200I is at least 0.5 psi greater than the surrounding pressure in the external environmental area 150), and in some examples, within a range of 0.1 psi to 2 psi, or 0.25 psi to 1.25 psi.

When fluid pressure in the interior chamber 200I is not sufficient to move and/or hold the movable valve component 230B against the biasing force of biasing member 230S, the biasing member 230S will push the movable valve component 230B against the fixed valve component 230F, thereby placing fluid line 220 in a closed configuration or condition. Note the movable valve component 230B position in FIG. 1A (not all valve parts are shown in FIG. 1A).

This example bladder 200 further includes one or more through hole openings 206 defined through the thermoplastic envelope or chamber wall (e.g., through at least one of the first thermoplastic layer 200A or the second thermoplastic layer 200B). The through hole opening(s) 206 open into the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 and permit fluid from the external environmental area 150 to enter the interior chamber 200I. The through hole opening(s) 206, however, is/are sized shaped, and arranged so that fluid enters the interior chamber 200I through the through hole opening(s) 206 at a rate that slows or delays re-expansion of the foam material 210 in the interior chamber 200I to its full expanded configuration. As a more specific example, if foam material 210 was compressed or flattened in the open external environment area 150, it would re-expand at its natural rate (e.g., depending on porosity, type of foam material, atmospheric pressure, etc.). But, within interior chamber 200I, because through hole opening(s) 206 are small sized, fluid (e.g., air) from the external environmental area 150 will re-fill interior chamber 200I at a slowed rate. Thus, foam material 210 will re-expand at a slowed rate. In at least some examples of this technology, the through hole opening(s) 206 will be sized, spaced, and/or relatively positioned such that foam material 210 may take from 2 to 10 seconds to re-expand to its expanded size within the interior chamber 200I.

Thus, the through hole opening(s) 206 typically will be small sized to delay and control (e.g., tune) the refilling rate of the interior chamber 200I and re-expansion of the foam material 210. As some more specific examples, the through hole opening(s) 206 may define a length direction extending through one of the first thermoplastic layer 200A or the second thermoplastic layer 200B and a width direction extending across the respective through hole opening 206. At least one (and optionally some or even all) of the through hole openings 206 may have a width dimension across the width direction (e.g., a diameter or longest diagonal dimension) of less than 2 mm, and in some examples, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.75 mm, or even less than 0.5 mm. One, some, or all of the through hole openings 206 may have a “pinpoint” size (e.g., less than 0.3 mm in diameter or longest diagonal dimension in the width direction). The through hole openings 206 shown in FIGS. 1A-IE may be somewhat exaggerated in size to assure they are clearly discernible in these drawings.

In any of the bladder structures described herein, the one or more through hole openings 206 (e.g., with the size ranges described above) may constitute the only inlet(s) for fluid to refill the interior chamber 200I with fluid. For example, no pump or compressor is provided and/or used to refill the interior chamber 200I or re-inflate the bladder 200 with fluid.

FIGS. 1C-IE further illustrate some example uses of aspects of this technology when interacting with a game ball 240. Prior to the interaction, the foam material 210 in the bladder 200 may be in an expanded configuration, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C and at the top-left of FIG. 1E. When the game ball 240 contacts the bladder 200 (directly if the bladder 200 is exposed at the exterior of the footwear 100 or through a layer of the upper 102), the impact force F1 (if sufficient) will compress the foam material 210 and force fluid (e.g., air) out of the interior chamber 200I through the first fluid line 220 (assuming the fluid force inside interior chamber 200I is sufficient to move the movable valve component 230B away from the fixed valve component 230F against the biasing force of biasing member 230S). See impact force arrow F1 and fluid flow arrow 270 in the top-middle of FIG. 1E. This action changes: (a) bladder 200 thickness from T1 to T2, and (b) foam material 210 from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration, as shown in a comparison of FIGS. 1C and 1D and a comparison of the top-middle and top-right portions of FIG. 1E. In some examples of this technology, the expanded thickness T1 of the bladder 200 may be at least 3 mm, and in some examples, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, or even at least 6 mm. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the expended thickness T1 may be less than 25 mm, and in some examples, less than 20 mm, less than 16 mm, or even less than 12 mm.

Once the impact force F1 is sufficiently relaxed or removed (e.g., as the game ball 240 begins to move away from the bladder 200), the movable valve component 230B will re-seat on the fixed valve component 230F (due to force from biasing member 230S) thereby sealing fluid line 220. Because through hole opening(s) 206 are small, fluid from the external environmental area 150 will begin to be admitted to the interior chamber 200I through the through hole opening(s) 206, but at an overall fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the foam material 210 back to its expanded configuration. See fluid arrows F2 at the bottom-left of FIG. 1E. Thus, expansion of the foam material 210 will continue even after the game ball 240 is away from the bladder 200. While foam material 210 may push outward on the interior surfaces 200AI and 200BI of the bladder 200, the slow entry of air into the interior chamber 200I via through hole opening(s) 206 delays transfer of the foam material 210 to its expanded state. Over time, fluid from the external environmental area 150 (entering through the opening(s) 206) will re-expand the bladder 200 to its expanded configuration. See FIG. 1C and the bottom-right of FIG. 1E.

As noted above, the number and/or overall size of the through hole opening(s) 206 may be controlled to control or tune the rate of re-expansion of the foam material 210. As some more specific examples, the number, overall size(s), and/or arrangements of the through hole opening(s) 206 may be selected so that the foam material 210 re-expansion rate within the interior chamber 200I may take up to 12 seconds, up to 10 seconds, from 1 to 10 seconds, from 2 to 10 seconds, from 2 to 8 seconds, or even from 2 to 6 seconds. Additionally, the thicknesses (e.g., note thickness dimension T3 in FIG. 1C) of the thermoplastic layers 200A, 200B or chamber wall(s) may be controlled to provide desired properties, such as desired mass properties (e.g., sufficiently lightweight), desired stiffness properties, sufficient durability, etc. The thicknesses of the thermoplastic layer(s) 200A, 200B may be varied over the surface area of the bladder 200. As some more specific examples, the thickness (e.g., T3) of the thermoplastic layers 200A, 200B or chamber wall(s) may be constant or varied and/or within a range of 20 to 1000 microns, and in some examples, from 25 to 500 microns, or from 30 to 300 microns.

Because of the presence of the foam material 210, the change of the foam material 210 from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration in response to contact with the game ball 240, and the slowed re-expansion rate of the foam material 210, impact force of the game ball 240 with the bladder 200 will be absorbed. Thus, the game ball 240 will bound away from the bladder 200 with less force than would be the case if the foam material 210 was not present and/or if the foam material 210 was permitted to quickly re-expand to its expanded state. This absorption of game ball 240 rebound force will tend to cause the game ball 240 to bounce away less aggressively than otherwise would be the case, thereby keeping the game ball 240 closer to the player that contacted it. This feature can help the player maintain control and possession of the game ball 240. But the delayed re-expansion of the foam material 210 also may keep the foam material 210 in a compressed configuration as the wearer kicks the ball during further play. In this manner, the force applied to the game ball 240 during the ensuing kick will not be substantially reduced due to the presence of the foam material 210 in the upper 102 (because the foam material 210 may still be compressed during the kick and as a result of the kick).

The foam material 210 may comprise a resilient polymer foam (e.g., an open cell foam material), such as a polyurethane foam, an ethylvinylacetate foam, or other foam material (e.g., foam rubbers, closed cell foams, etc.). Any desired size and/or volume of foam material 210 may be provided in the interior chamber 200I in various specific examples of this technology. As some more specific examples, the interior chamber 200I may define a first volume V1 (e.g., the volume defined by the first thermoplastic layer 200A, the second thermoplastic layer 200B, and inside the seam 208). In the fully expanded configuration within the interior chamber 200I, the foam material 210 may define a volume of V2. In some examples of this technology: (a) V2 may be at least 50% of V1, at least 60% of V1, or even at least 75% of V1, and/or (b) V2 may be less than 98% of V1, and in some examples, less than 95% of V1, less than 90% of V1, or even less than 85% of V1.

Various properties of the foam material 210 (or other resilient components described below) may be controlled to provide the desired properties and response (e.g., ball interaction properties). As some more specific examples, the foam material 210's resilience properties may be varied, e.g., to provide the desired ball rebound effects. For example, the foam material 210 may have a resiliency of 0 to 80% (e.g., measured in a ball drop test (e.g., according to ASTM Standard D2632) in which the resiliency percentage corresponds to the ball's rebound height (RH) as a percentage of the ball drop height (DH), i.e., (Resiliency=RH/DH×100)). In some examples, the resiliency will be within a range of 2% to 70%, or 2.5% to 50%. Additionally or alternatively, the foam material 210 may have various stiffness properties. As some more specific examples, the foam material 210's secant stiffness (measuring using a load of 2000N) may be within a range of 15-1000 N/mm, and in some examples, within a range of 20-800 N/mm or even 25-600 N/mm.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show the bladder 200 as having a substantially double lobed or figure-8 shape, with the majority of the bladder 200 located at a medial midfoot area of the upper 102 and article of footwear 100. The two lobes of the bladder 200 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are in open fluid communication with one another.

Many variations in the size, shape, and/or location of the bladder 200 may be provided in other specific examples of this technology. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an article of footwear 100A that includes a medial side bladder 200M and a lateral side bladder 200L of the types described above in conjunction with bladder 200 of FIGS. 1A-1E. At least portions of the chambers of the bladders 200M and 200L are exposed at the exterior of the upper 102. The medial side bladder 200M of this example includes four lobes 200M1, 200M2, 200M3, 200M4 extending along a medial side of the upper 102, e.g., from the medial heel region, through the medial midfoot region, and into the medial forefoot region. If all of these medial side lobes 200M1, 200M2, 200M3, 200M4 are in fluid communication with one another: (a) a single fluid line (e.g., akin to fluid line 220) may be provided for the entire medial side bladder 200M and (b) one or more small through hole openings (akin to openings 206) may be provided in any one or more of medial side lobes 200M1, 200M2, 200M3, 200M4. On the other hand, if all of these medial side lobes 200M1, 200M2, 200M3, 200M4 are not in fluid communication with one another: (a) a fluid line and valve combination (e.g., akin to fluid line 220 and valve 230) and (b) one or more small through hole openings 206 may be provided for each lobe or communicating set of lobes where the above-noted impact force attenuation and re-expansion functionality is desired.

Additionally, the lateral side bladder 200L of this example includes two lobes 200L1, 200L2 extending along a lateral side of the upper 102, e.g., in the lateral midfoot region and the lateral forefoot region. If both of these lateral side lobes 200L1, 200L2 are in fluid communication with one another: (a) a single fluid line (e.g., akin to fluid line 220) may be provided for the entire lateral side bladder 200L and (b) one or more small through hole openings (akin to openings 206) may be provided in any one or more of lateral side lobes 200L1, 200L2. On the other hand, if these lateral side lobes 200L1, 200L2 are not in fluid communication with one another: (a) separate fluid lines (e.g., akin to fluid line 220) and (b) one or more small through hole openings 206 may be provided for each lobe 200L1, 200L2 if the above-noted impact force attenuation and re-expansion functionality is desired for each lobe 200L1, 200L2. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, one or more medial side lobe 200M1-200M4 may be in fluid communication with one or more lateral side lobe 200L1, 200L2, and the “communicating” lobes may share a fluid line 220 and/or through hole opening(s) 206 for the above-noted impact force attenuation and re-expansion functions.

While FIG. 2 shows each of medial side bladder 200M and lateral side bladder 200L having a single valve 230, other options are possible. For example, either or both of the medial side bladder 200M and/or the lateral side bladder 200L may include two or more valves, e.g., of the types described above.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example article of footwear 100B. In this example, the article of footwear 100B includes: (a) a medial side bladder 300M with one lobe, (b) a lateral side bladder 300L with two lobes, and (c) a rear heel bladder 300RH with one lobe. Each of these bladders 300M, 300L, 300RH may be of the types described above in conjunction with bladder 200 of FIGS. 1A-1E (providing the above-noted impact force attenuation and re-expansion functionality, such as by use of a fluid line 220 and valve 230 combination). At least portions of the chambers of the bladders 300M, 300L, and 300RH are exposed at the exterior of the upper 102. The medial side bladder 300M of this example is located at a medial forefoot region, toward the top, instep area of the upper 102 at the forward toe region. While this medial side bladder 300M is shown as a single lobe, two or more lobes may be provided, if desired.

The lateral side bladder 300L of this example includes two lobes 300L1 and 300L2, and these lobes 300L1, 300L2 may be in fluid communication with each other (e.g., via a fluid passageway connecting lobes 300L1 and 300L2) or in fluid isolation from each other (e.g., lobe 300L1 may have its own fluid line and valve combination (such as fluid line 220 and valve 230 combination as shown with lobe 300L2 extending out of the forward edge or top edge of lobe 300L1). These two lobes 300L1, 300L2 extend along a lateral side of the upper 102, e.g., in the lateral midfoot region and the lateral forefoot region.

Further, the rear heel bladder 300RH of this example is a single lobe that extends around the rear heel area of the upper 102 (from the medial side to the lateral side). But, two or more lobes could be provided at the rear heel area, if desired. When two or more lobes are provided at the rear heel region, two or more of those lobes may be in fluid communication with one another and/or two or more of the lobes may be in fluid isolation from one another.

Additionally or alternatively, if desired, any two or more of bladders 300M, 300L, 300RH (or individual lobes thereof) may be in fluid communication with one another, and the “communicating” bladders and/or lobes may share a fluid line 220 and/or through hole opening(s) 206 for the above-noted impact force attenuation and re-expansion functions. If two or more of bladders 300M, 300L, 300RH (or individual lobes thereof) are in fluid communication with one another, those communicating bladders 300M, 300L, and/or 300RH (or lobes thereof) may share a single valve 230 (e.g., the types described above). Still additionally or alternatively, while FIG. 3 shows each of bladders 300M, 300L, and 300RH having a single valve 230, other options are possible. For example, one or more of bladders 300M, 300L, and/or 300RH may include two or more valves, e.g., of the types described above.

FIG. 4 illustrates an upper blank 400 (i.e., an upper component before it is incorporated into a footwear structure) in accordance with yet other examples of this technology. The upper blank 400 includes an upper base component 402 (e.g., formed from one or more parts, including parts used for upper 102 as described above) and a plurality of separate bladders engaged with the upper base component 402 (e.g., in any of the manners described above). The bladders of this specific example include: (a) a medial heel bladder component 400MH, (b) a lateral heel bladder component 400LH, (c) an upper medial side bladder component 400MU, (d) a lower medial side bladder component 400ML, (e) a forward toe bladder component 400FT, (f) a forward lateral side bladder component 400LF, and (g) a rearward lateral side bladder component 400LR. Any one or more of these bladder components 400MH, 400LH, 400MU, 400ML, 400FT, 400LF, and/or 400LR may be of the types described above in conjunction with bladder 200 of FIGS. 1A-1E (providing the above-noted impact force attenuation and re-expansion functionality). In other words, while not shown in FIG. 4, any one or more of bladder components 400MH, 400LH, 400MU, 400ML, 400FT, 400LF, and/or 400LR may have a fluid line and valve combination (such as the fluid line 220 and valve 230 combinations described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-IE). Further, while FIG. 4 shows all of the bladder components 400MH, 400LH, 400MU, 400ML, 400FT, 400LF, and/or 400LR as separate components, other options are possible. For example, any two or more of bladder components 400MH, 400LH, 400MU, 400ML, 400FT, 400LF, and/or 400LR could be in fluid communication with one another, e.g., via fluid passageways that extend between the communicating bladder components. This example upper blank 400 also includes reinforcements 404 (e.g., tougher material, extra layers, etc.) in the lace-engaging area near the instep opening 406.

The bladder components 400MH, 400LH, 400MU, 400ML, 400FT, 400LF, and/or 400LR may take on a wide variety of sizes and/or shapes in specific examples of this technology. In this example, upper medial bladder component 400MU has a large size, extending from the heel area, through the midfoot area, and into the forefoot area. Additionally or alternatively, the forward toe bladder component 400FT of this example has a large size, extending around the forward toe at the upper surface of the upper base component 402 (in the instep region) and extending further rearward on one side (e.g., the lateral side) than on the other side (e.g., the medial side). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, any one or more of bladder components 400MH, 400LH, 400MU, 400ML, 400FT, 400LF, and/or 400LR may have a multi-lobe structure and/or configuration. Still additionally or alternatively, if desired, any one or more of bladder components 400MH, 400LH, 400MU, 400ML, 400FT, 400LF, and/or 400LR may be omitted and/or additional bladder components may be provided in other specific examples of this technology.

FIG. 5A illustrates another example upper blank 500 and FIG. 5B illustrates another example bladder 550 used with that upper blank 500 in accordance with another example of this technology. The upper blank 500 includes an upper base component 502 (e.g., formed from one or more parts, including parts used for upper 102 as described above). The outer solid line 506A in FIG. 5A shows an outline of upper blank 500 before die-cutting to its final shape shown at inner solid line 506B. The inner solid line 506B in FIG. 5A shows the final cut upper shape (before incorporating into an article of footwear 100). The broken line 506C in FIG. 5A represents the sole engagement location (the location where the sole structure 104 will meet the upper base component 502 in the final assembled article of footwear 100).

Upper blank 500 of this example further includes a single bladder 550 with multiple lobes engaged with the upper base component 502 (e.g., in any of the manners described above). The bladder 550 of this example includes thirteen lobes 550A-550M wherein each lobe is connected to (in fluid communication with) at least one other lobe by a fluid passageway 552 (only some fluid passageways 552 are labeled in FIG. 5B). Any one or more of the lobes 550A-550M may include a fluid line (e.g., akin to fluid line 220), valve (e.g., akin to valve 230), through hole opening(s) 206, and/or foam material (e.g., akin to foam material 210) of the types described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1E and may provide the above-noted impact force attenuation and re-expansion functionality.

An inflation line 554 also is shown in FIG. 5B (in fluid communication with lobe 550A). This inflation line 554 may be sealed and trimmed off after the bladder 550 is inflated (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A). In this illustrated example, a perimeter seam 208 and additional welds (e.g., including one or more internal welds 556 where interior surface 200AI of thermoplastic layer 200A is welded to interior surface 200BI of thermoplastic layer 200B) forms the bladder lobes 550A-550M and fluid passageways 552 as a unitary, one piece construction where all bladder lobes 550A-550M are in fluid communication. Thus, no separate fluid lines (e.g., tubing) and/or fluid line connector hardware are needed in the bladder 550, and the single inflation line 554 in this structure can be used to inflate the entire bladder 550.

One or more of the lobes 550A-550M may be equipped with: (a) a fluid line (e.g., akin to fluid line 220), (b) a foam material within its interior chamber area (e.g., akin to foam material 210), and/or (c) one or more small through hole openings 206. The lobes 550A-550M, interconnected by passageways 552, extend from a rear medial heel region of the upper base component 502, through the medial midfoot region, through the medial forefoot region, around a forward toe region, and to a lateral forefoot region or lateral midfoot region of this example upper base component 502. Any one or more of the lobes 550A-550M may be of the types described above in conjunction with bladder 200 of FIGS. 1A-1E and provide the above-noted impact force attenuation and delayed foam re-expansion functionality.

The bladder lobes 550A-550M may take on a wide variety of sizes and/or shapes in specific examples of this technology. In this illustrated example, a large proportion of the medial midfoot and medial forefoot regions are equipped with bladder lobes (e.g., lobes 550D, 550E, 550F, 550K, and 550L) that provide the above-noted impact force attenuation and delayed foam re-expansion functionality. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, any one or more of bladder lobes 550A-550M may be omitted, any two or more bladder lobes 550A-550M may be combined together in a single lobe, and/or additional bladder lobes may be provided in other specific examples of this technology.

FIG. 6A shows a bladder 600 structure in accordance with some examples of this technology that is similar to bladder 550 of FIGS. 5A and 5B, but with fewer lobes. More specifically, FIG. 6A shows bladder 600 as including lobes 550C, 550D, 550E, 550F, 550G, 550H, 550I, 550K, 550L, and 550M similarly shaped and positioned to corresponding lobes shown in FIG. 5B, and lobes 550A, 550B, and 550J are omitted from the structure of FIG. 6A. Thus, the bladder 600 of FIG. 6A is configured to extend primarily along the medial midfoot, medial forefoot, and forward toe regions of a sole structure 104 and/or article of footwear and with less extension into the lateral side and/or medial heel regions (although some of the lobes (e.g., 550C, 550L, 550M) may reach into the medial heel region).

Also, in the example of FIG. 6A, the inflation line 554 is in direct fluid communication with lobe 550M. Like the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B, this inflation line 554 may be sealed and trimmed off after the bladder 600 is inflated. The single inflation line 554 in this bladder 600 structure can be used to inflate the entire bladder 600.

FIG. 6A also illustrates the seam 208 (where interior surface 200AI of thermoplastic layer 200A is joined to interior surface 200BI of thermoplastic layer 200B) defining the outer exterior perimeter of the bladder 600. The seam 208 of this example also extends inwardly to define the shapes of the lobes 550C-550I, 550K, 550L, and 550M and to define the fluid passageways 552. One or more interior welds 556 also may be provided, e.g., to define lobes and/or fluid passageways. Fluid passageways 552 directly connect and place the various lobes (e.g., adjacent lobes) in fluid communication with one another. Any one or more of the lobes 550C-550I, 550K, 550L, and 550M may include a fluid line (e.g., akin to fluid line 220), valve (e.g., akin to valve 230), through hole opening(s) 206, and/or foam material (e.g., akin to foam material 210) of the types described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1E and may provide the above-noted impact force attenuation and re-expansion functionality. Similar to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the seam(s) 208 and internal weld(s) 556 may form the bladder lobes 550C-550I, 550K, 550L, and 550M and fluid passageways 552 as a unitary, one piece construction where all bladder lobes 550C-550I, 550K, 550L, and 550M are in fluid communication. Thus, no separate fluid lines (e.g., tubing) and/or fluid line connector hardware are needed in the bladder 600.

FIG. 6B shows an example upper component part 102A that may be used together with the bladder 600 shown in FIG. 6A. This upper component part 102A includes several through hole openings 1020 (not all openings are labeled in FIG. 6B). The upper component part 102A may overlie the bladder 600 in the final footwear upper 102 and/or article of footwear 100 structure, and portions of the bladder 600 may be exposed (and visible) through the openings 1020. As evident from FIGS. 6A and 6B, the pattern of openings 1020 in the upper component part 102A need not correspond in size and/or shape to the shapes of the lobes 550C-550I, 550K, 550L, and 550M. The upper component part 102A may be formed of a textile, a plastic material, and/or other materials conventionally known and used in the footwear upper arts, and it may form a portion of the outermost surface of the final upper 102. Also, the upper component part 102A may be incorporated into the footwear 100 structure in any desired manner, e.g., using adhesives, sewn seams, mechanical fasteners, etc.

As noted above, bladders in accordance with aspects of this technology may include a wide variety of lobes, including a wide range of number of lobes, sizes of lobes, shapes of lobes, relatively positioning of lobes, etc. FIG. 7A illustrates another bladder 700 structure with multiple interconnected lobes in a different arrangement, and FIGS. 7B and 7C show different upper component parts 102B, 102C, respectively, that may overlie this example bladder 700. In the example of FIG. 7A, several lobes 702 are connected by fluid passageways 704 in a series arrangement. FIG. 7A further shows the seam 208 (or weld area) where two thermoplastic layers 200A, 200B are joined together to form the interior chamber of this bladder 700. Any one or more of the lobes 702, 702A, 702B may include a fluid line (e.g., akin to fluid line 220), valve (e.g., akin to valve 230), through hole opening(s) 206, and/or foam material (e.g., akin to foam material 210) of the types described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-IE and may provide the above-noted impact force attenuation and re-expansion functionality.

In the example of FIG. 7A, some lobes 702A are joined to only one other lobe 702 by a single fluid passageway 704 (e.g., lobes at the end of a line). Many lobes 702, however, are joined to two other lobes. In addition, some lobes 702B are connected to three other lobes 702 (e.g., where the fluid passageways 704 branch from a single lobe in two directions). If desired, a single lobe could be connected to more than three other lobes by fluid passageways. The lobes 702, 702A, 702B may have a wide variety of locations, spacings, arrangements, and interconnections in different specific examples of this technology.

Further, the lobes 702, 702A, 702B may have a variety of sizes and/or shapes. The example of FIG. 7A shows the lobes as generally circular and ranging from a relatively small size (e.g., located around the perimeter) to mid-sizes (e.g., at intermediate locations) to relatively large sizes. As some more specific examples, the smallest lobe(s) in the bladder 700 may define a volume V3. Some lobes may have a volume that is at least 1.25 times larger than V3; some lobes may have a volume that is at least 1.5 times larger than V3; some lobes may have a volume that is at least 1.75 times larger than V3; and/or some lobes may have a volume that is at least 2 times larger than V3. At least some of the relatively large sized lobes may be located at the central area of the bladder 700 structure. This area may correspond to a location on the upper 102 and/or article of footwear 100 structure in the medial midfoot and/or medial forefoot region(s) of the upper 102 and/or footwear 100 structures.

Also, in the example of FIG. 7A, an inflation line 554 is in direct fluid communication with one lobe 702. Like the examples of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6A, this inflation line 554 may be sealed and trimmed off after the bladder 700 is inflated. Thus, the single inflation line 554 in this structure can be used to inflate the entire bladder 700.

FIG. 7A also illustrates the seam 208 (where interior surface 200AI of thermoplastic layer 200A is joined to interior surface 200BI of thermoplastic layer 200B) defining the outer exterior perimeter of the bladder 700. The seam 208 of this example also extends inwardly to define the shapes of the lobes 702, 702A, 702B and to define the fluid passageways 704. Fluid passageways 704 directly connect and place the various lobes 702 (e.g., adjacent lobes) in fluid communication with one another. The seam(s) 208 and weld area may form the bladder lobes 702, 702A, 702B and fluid passageways 704 as a unitary, one piece construction where all bladder lobes 702, 702A, 702B are in fluid communication. Thus, no separate fluid lines (e.g., tubing) and/or fluid line connector hardware are needed in the bladder 700.

FIGS. 7B and 7C show alternative example upper component parts 102B and 102C, respectively, that may be used together with the bladder 700 shown in FIG. 7A. These upper component parts 102B and 102C include several through hole openings 1020 (not all openings are labeled). Either upper component part 102B or 102C may overlie the bladder 700 in the final footwear upper 102 and/or article of footwear 100 structure, and portions of the bladder 700 may be exposed (and visible) through the openings 1020. FIG. 7B shows openings 1020 separated from one another, while FIG. 7C shows some openings 1020 interconnected with other openings 1020. The upper component parts 102B and 102C may form a portion of an outermost layer of the final footwear upper 102 or footwear 100 structure.

A comparison of FIGS. 7B and 7C with 7A demonstrates that the pattern of openings 1020 in the upper component parts 102B and/or 102C need not correspond in size and/or shape to the shapes and/or arrangements of the lobes 702, 702A, 702B. The upper component parts 102B and 102C may be formed of a textile, a plastic material, and/or other materials conventionally known and used in the footwear upper arts. Also, the upper component parts 102B and/or 102C may be incorporated into the footwear 100 structure in any desired manner, e.g., using adhesives, sewn seams, mechanical fasteners, etc.

As evident from FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2-7C, bladders, bladder lobes, bladder chambers, upper components, openings through upper components through which bladder features are visible and/or exposed, and the arrangements of these parts may take on a wide variety of sizes, shapes, looks, feels, and/or ornamental appearances without affecting the ability of the bladder(s) to perform their desired impact force attenuation and delayed foam re-expansion functionality. The specific sizes, shapes, arrangements, and/or ornamental appearances of the bladder, upper, and/or footwear components can vary widely and still perform the desired functions. Thus, the specifically illustrated sizes, shapes, arrangements, and/or ornamental appearances of the bladder, upper, and/or footwear components shown in this application are not critical to performance of the desired functions.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate additional features and/or structures that may be provided in articles of footwear 800 in accordance with at least some examples, of this technology. The article of footwear 800 of FIGS. 8A and 8B is similar to that described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-IE. Where the same reference number is used in FIGS. 8A and 8B as used in FIGS. 1A-IE, the same or similar parts are being referenced and much of the overlapping description may be omitted.

As noted above, in accordance with aspects of this technology, the size(s) of the through hole opening(s) 206 may be selected to control (tune) the rate at which fluid (e.g., air) from the external environmental area 150 enters the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 and re-expands the foam material 210. As some more specific examples of this technology, the size(s) of the through hole opening(s) 206 may be selected so that it takes from 2 seconds to 12 seconds for the foam material 210 and/or bladder chamber or lobes to change from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration.

The footwear 800 structure of FIGS. 8A and 8B includes additional features that enable a user to further control or tune this re-expansion rate. In the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, one or more cover members 802 may be provided-positioned and configured to selectively change one or more of the plurality of through hole openings 206 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, two cover members 802 are engaged with the upper 102 (e.g., by adhesives, by stitching, by mechanical fasteners, etc.). FIG. 8A shows these cover members 802 in a retracted condition so that all through hole openings 206 are in the open configuration. FIG. 8B, on the other hand, shows one of the cover members 802 in an extended configuration in which it extends over at least a portion of the bladder 200 and closes off one or more of the through hole openings 206. The cover member 802 may engage a fastener strip 804 (e.g., adhesive, hook-and-loop fastener, etc.) to secure it in place and to maintain the through hole opening(s) 206 in the closed configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, as another option, FIGS. 8A and 8B show a cover member 806 as a separate component that is engageable with the bladder 200 to cover one or more through hole openings 206 and place the through hole opening(s) 206 in a closed configuration. Cover member 806 may constitute a plastic sheet, such as a strip of adhesive tape. One or more cover members 806 may be provided, e.g., covering any desired number of through hole openings 206.

By covering one or more through hole openings 206 using cover member(s) 802 and/or cover member(s) 806, an overall fluid entry rate into the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 can be altered, and thus the foam material 210 re-expansion rate can be controlled and tuned.

FIG. 9 shows a view of an example bladder assembly 900 similar to the view of FIG. 1C, but with additional and/or different potential features. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 9 as used in FIG. 1C and/or the other figures discussed above, the same or similar parts are being referenced (with any of the features, options, or variations for those parts as described above), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, in some examples of this technology, one or more of the first thermoplastic layer 200A and/or the second thermoplastic layer 200B (e.g., interior surface(s) 200AI, 200BI), the interior chamber 200I, and/or the foam material 210 may include or be treated with (e.g., coated, sprayed, etc.) a biocide material, desiccant, or other growth inhibiting material 902, e.g., to prevent development of mold and/or mildew within the interior chamber 200I.

Additionally or alternatively, if desired, some examples of this technology may include an air permeable membrane 904 over one or more of the through hole openings 206. Such air permeable membranes 904 may allow air to pass through but prevent water from passing into the interior chamber 200I (e.g., a waterproof/breathable membrane, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene film).

FIG. 9 further shows that this example bladder assembly 900 includes a multi-layer foam (e.g., with a first foam material 210 layer and a second foam material 210A layer shown in the example of FIG. 9). Any number of foam layers may be provided, and the individual foam layers may have foam materials 210, 210A with different properties (e.g., different thicknesses, different densities, different porosities, different resiliencies, different stiffnesses (e.g., secant stiffnesses), etc.). As one more specific example, the outermost foam material (e.g., foam material 210A in this illustrated example) may have a greater density or stiffness (e.g., to remove less rebound force from the ball) while the innermost foam material (e.g., foam material 210 in this illustrated example) may have a lower density or stiffness (e.g., to provide a softer feel against the wearer's foot). Additionally or alternatively, different foam layers and foam materials may be provided at targeted locations on the footwear structure.

The additional or alternative features described above in conjunction with FIG. 9 also may be incorporated into any of the other examples of this technology described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-8B. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the specific features described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-8B also may be used along with the example structures and features of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 shows a view of another example bladder assembly 1000 similar to the view of FIG. 1B, but with additional and/or different potential features. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 10 as used in FIG. 1B and/or the other figures discussed above, the same or similar parts are being referenced (with any of the features, options, or variations for those parts as described above), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, in some examples of this technology, a bladder assembly 1000 may be equipped with two (or more) fluid line 220 and valve 230 combinations of the types described above (e.g., one-way valves). In other words, two (or more) fluid line 220 and valve 230 combinations of the types described above may be in fluid communication with a single interior chamber 200I of bladder assembly 1000. Any of the bladder assemblies described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-9 may include two or more fluid line 220 and valve 230 combinations.

FIG. 10 further shows that the valve(s) 230 and/or fluid line(s) 220 may be equipped with a switch 1002. Switch 1002, shown schematically in FIG. 10, may be used to selectively enable or disable fluid flow through the valve(s) 230 and/or fluid line(s) 220. The switch(es) 1002, when present, may function in any desired manner in different examples of this technology. For example, switch(es) 1002 may selectively place a switch part in a position to physically prevent movement of the movable valve component 230B (e.g., to hold the movable valve component 230B either in the open position (FIGS. 1B and 9) or the closed position (e.g., FIG. 1A)). Additionally or alternatively, as another example, switch(es) 1002 may include components that will move to physically bend or kink fluid line 220 and/or physically crush or pinch fluid line 220 to place the fluid line 220 in a closed configuration (e.g., if the fluid line 220 includes a flexible and/or resilient portion). Thus, the switch(es) 1002 may have the structure and/or function of a clamp to clamp fluid line 220 closed. In these manners, users can determine whether or not they wish to activate the functions of the bladder system 1000 (e.g., as described above). With at least some switch 1002 structures, the bladder 1000 may be held in either an expanded configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1C and 10) or a compressed configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1D), e.g., depending on the configuration when the fluid line 220 is closed and/or whether the through hole opening(s) 206 are closed off (e.g., by cover member(s) 802). Switch(es) 1002 of these types may be provided with any one or more of the fluid lines 220 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-10.

The additional or alternative features described above in conjunction with FIG. 10 also may be incorporated into any of the other examples of this technology described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-9. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the specific features described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-9 also may be used along with the example structures and features of FIG. 10.

While the discussion above relates to structures that include foam materials 210 (and 210A) in the interior chamber 200I of a bladder assembly or component 200, 200L, 200M, 300L, 300M, 300RH, 400MH, 400MU, 400ML, 400FT, 400LF, 400LR, 400LH, 550, 600, 700, 900, 1000, other resilient materials may be used. As some more specific examples, resilient materials and/or resilient components other than foams may be provided within the interior chamber 200I in place of foam material 210, such as a resilient plastic block, an elastomeric material, a rubber material, etc.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are views similar to the views of FIGS. 1C and 1D, respectively, but with some other potential features. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 11A and 11B as used in FIGS. 1C and 1D and/or the other figures discussed above, the same or similar parts are being referenced (with any of the features, options, or variations for those parts as described above), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in some examples of this technology, a bladder assembly 1100 may be equipped with one or more resilient components 1102 (two non-foam resilient components 1102 are shown in the example of FIGS. 11A and 11B). The resilient component(s) 1102 may be a block of rubber, elastomer, or other resilient plastic material. In this illustrated example, the resilient components 1102 comprise mechanical resilient components in the form of a spring, such as a helical spring, conical spring, coil spring, leaf spring, compression spring, Belleville spring, or other types of springs. Other types of mechanical shock absorbing structures also may be provided as one or more resilient components 1102 in other specific examples of this technology. FIG. 11A shows this example bladder assembly 1100 in an expanded condition (with resilient component(s) 1102 in an expanded state), and FIG. 11B shows this example bladder assembly 1100 in a compressed configuration (with resilient component(s) 1102 in a compressed state).

The additional or alternative features described above in conjunction with FIGS. 11A and 11B also may be incorporated into any of the other examples of this technology described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-10. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the specific features described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-10 also may be used along with the example structures and features of FIGS. 11A and 11B. Different types of resilient components may be used in a single bladder and/or footwear structure. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology, a single bladder or footwear structure may include one or more foam type resilient components (e.g., foam material 210, 210A) in combination with one or more non-foam resilient components of the types described above.

While the above discussion focuses primarily on contact between a game ball with the bladders and footwear, bladders and footwear in accordance with aspects of this technology may be useful during contact with other objects, such as another player or person, a wall or other surface, etc. Alternatively, bladders and footwear in accordance with at least some aspects of this technology may be used in “non-sport” related activities and “non-sport” environments and/or uses, such as for work shoes, shoes for casual wear, etc.

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 this technology, not to limit the scope of the claimed invention. 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 presently claimed 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. A bladder, comprising:

• • a thermoplastic envelope defining an interior chamber that is movable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber;
  • a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening;
  • a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line; and
  • a resilient component located in the interior chamber, the resilient component applying a force to the thermoplastic envelope in a direction toward the expanded configuration.

Clause 2. The bladder according to Clause 1, wherein the first through hole opening is one of a plurality of through hole openings defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the plurality of through hole openings permitting fluid from the external environmental area to enter the interior chamber.

Clause 3. The bladder according to Clause 2, wherein the resilient component is configured to change between an expanded state and a compressed state within the interior chamber.

Clause 4. The bladder according to Clause 3, wherein a sufficient external force applied to the thermoplastic envelope: (a) fluid within the interior chamber to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve and (b) a change in the resilient component from the expanded state to the compressed state.

Clause 5. The bladder according to Clause 4, wherein the plurality of through hole openings are sized such that when the resilient component has changed to the compressed state, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the plurality of through hole openings at an overall fluid entry rate that delays re-expansion of the resilient component to the expanded state.

Clause 6. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 2 to 5, further comprising a cover member positioned and configured to selectively change one or more of the plurality of through hole openings between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Clause 7. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 2 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of through hole openings defines a length direction extending through one of thermoplastic envelope and a width direction extending across the respective through hole opening, and wherein each of the plurality of through hole openings has a width dimension across the width direction of less than 2 mm.

Clause 8. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, further comprising a cover member positioned and configured to selectively change the first through hole opening between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Clause 9. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the thermoplastic envelope forms the interior chamber into a plurality of chamber lobes that are in fluid communication with one another via fluid passageways that interconnect two chamber lobes of the plurality of chamber lobes.

Clause 10. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the thermoplastic envelope forms the interior chamber to include a first chamber lobe, a second chamber lobe, and a fluid passageway extending between and directly connecting the first chamber lobe and the second chamber lobe.

Clause 11. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the resilient component includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: an open cell foam material; a closed cell foam material; a rubber material; an elastomeric material; a resilient plastic material; and a spring.

Clause 12. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the first through hole opening is sized such that when the resilient component is in a compressed state, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the first through hole opening at a fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the resilient component to an expanded state.

Clause 13. A bladder, comprising:

• • a first thermoplastic layer fixed to a second thermoplastic layer at a seam, wherein an interior chamber is defined between the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer and inside the seam, and wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the first thermoplastic layer, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber;
  • a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening;
  • a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line; and
  • a foam material located in the interior chamber.

Clause 14. The bladder according to Clause 13, wherein the first through hole opening is one of a plurality of through hole openings defined through at least one of the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer, the plurality of through hole openings permitting fluid from the external environmental area to enter the interior chamber.

Clause 15. The bladder according to Clause 14, wherein the foam material is configured to change between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration within the interior chamber.

Clause 16. The bladder according to Clause 15, wherein a sufficient external force applied to the first thermoplastic layer causes: (a) fluid within the interior chamber to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve and (b) a change in the foam material from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration.

Clause 17. The bladder according to Clause 16, wherein the plurality of through hole openings are sized such that when the foam material has changed to the compressed configuration, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the plurality of through hole openings at an overall fluid entry rate that delays re-expansion of the foam material to the expanded configuration.

Clause 18. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 14 to 17, further comprising a cover member positioned and configured to selectively change one or more of the plurality of through hole openings between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Clause 19. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 14 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of through hole openings defines a length direction extending through one of the first thermoplastic layer or the second thermoplastic layer and a width direction extending across the respective through hole opening, and wherein each of the plurality of through hole openings has a width dimension across the width direction of less than 2 mm.

Clause 20. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 13 to 19, further comprising a cover member positioned and configured to selectively change the first through hole opening between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Clause 21. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 13 to 20, wherein the seam comprises a continuous perimeter seam that extends around an entire exterior perimeter of the bladder except at a single location where the first fluid line interrupts the seam.

Clause 22. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 13 to 21, wherein the seam constitutes at least a portion of one or more seams that form the interior chamber into a plurality of chamber lobes that are in fluid communication with one another via fluid passageways that interconnect two chamber lobes of the plurality of chamber lobes.

Clause 23. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 13 to 21, wherein the interior chamber defines a first chamber lobe, a second chamber lobe, and a fluid passageway extending between and directly connecting the first chamber lobe and the second chamber lobe.

Clause 24. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 13 to 23, wherein the foam material is configured to change between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration within the interior chamber, wherein the interior chamber defines a first volume V1, wherein in the expanded configuration the foam material defines a second volume V2, and wherein V2 is at least 60% of V1.

Clause 25. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 13 to 23, wherein the foam material is configured to change between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration within the interior chamber, wherein the interior chamber defines a first volume V1, wherein in the expanded configuration the foam material defines a second volume V2, and wherein V2 is at least 60% of V1 and less than 95% of V1.

Clause 26. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 13 to 25, wherein the first through hole opening defines a length direction extending through the first thermoplastic layer and a width direction extending across the first through hole opening, and wherein the first through hole opening has a width dimension across the width direction of less than 2 mm.

Clause 27. The bladder according to any one of Clauses 13 to 26, wherein the first through hole opening is sized such that when the foam material is in a compressed configuration, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the first through hole opening at a fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the foam material to an expanded configuration.

Clause 28. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising: (A) an upper base member formed from one or more upper component parts; and (B) a bladder according to any one of Clauses 1 to 27 engaged with the upper base member.

Clause 29. The upper according to Clause 28, wherein at least a portion of the interior chamber of the bladder is located in a medial midfoot region of the upper base member.

Clause 30. The upper according to Clause 28 or 29, wherein at least a portion of the interior chamber of the bladder is located in a medial forefoot region of the upper base member.

Clause 31. The upper according to any one of Clauses 28 to 30, wherein at least a portion of the interior chamber of the bladder is located in a medial heel region of the upper base member.

Clause 32. The upper according to any one of Clauses 28 to 31, wherein at least a portion of the interior chamber of the bladder is located in a lateral heel region of the upper base member.

Clause 33. The upper according to any one of Clauses 28 to 32, wherein at least a portion of the interior chamber of the bladder is located in a lateral midfoot region of the upper base member.

Clause 34. The upper according to any one of Clauses 28 to 33, wherein at least a portion of the interior chamber of the bladder is located in a lateral forefoot region of the upper base member.

Clause 35. The upper according to any one of Clauses 28 to 34, wherein a first upper component part of the one or more upper component parts is fixed to an exterior surface of the bladder.

Clause 36. The upper according to Clause 35, wherein an opening is defined through the first upper component part, and wherein a portion of the bladder defining the interior chamber is exposed through the opening in the first upper component part.

Clause 37. The upper according to Clause 35, wherein the bladder includes multiple chamber lobes, wherein a plurality of openings are defined through the first upper component part, and wherein at least some of the multiple chamber lobes are exposed through the plurality of openings in the first upper component part.

Clause 38. An article of footwear, comprising: (A) an upper according to any one of Clauses 28 to 37; and (B) a sole structure engaged with the upper.

Clause 39. A method of making an upper for an article of footwear, comprising: engaging a bladder according to any one of Clauses 1 to 27 with one or more footwear upper component parts.

Clause 40. The method according to Clause 39, further comprising forming the bladder prior to engaging the bladder with the one or more footwear upper component parts.

Clause 41. The method according to Clause 40, wherein the forming includes: (a) placing the resilient component inside the thermoplastic envelope, and/or (b) placing the foam material between the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer; and sealing the first thermoplastic layer to the second thermoplastic layer to form the seam.

Clause 42. A method of interacting with a game ball, comprising:

• • contacting a game ball with an outer surface of a bladder included with a shoe, wherein the bladder includes: (a) an interior chamber defined by a chamber wall, wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the chamber wall, (b) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with an external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening, (c) a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, and (d) a foam material located in the interior chamber, wherein the contacting causes: (i) the foam material to change from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration and (ii) fluid to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve; and
  • admitting fluid into the interior chamber through the first through hole opening, wherein the first through hole opening is sized to delay expansion of the foam material to the expanded configuration.

Clause 43. A method of interacting with a game ball, comprising:

• • contacting a game ball with an outer surface of a bladder included with a shoe, wherein the bladder includes: (a) an interior chamber defined by a chamber wall, wherein a plurality of through hole openings are defined through the chamber wall, (b) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with an external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the plurality of through hole openings, (c) a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, and (d) a foam material located in the interior chamber, wherein the contacting causes: (i) the foam material to change from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration and (ii) fluid to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve; and
  • admitting fluid into the interior chamber through one or more of the plurality of through hole openings, wherein the plurality of through hole openings are sized such that fluid from the external environmental area is admitted into the interior chamber through the one or more of the plurality of through hole openings at an overall fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the foam material to the expanded configuration.

Clause 44. A method of interacting with a game ball, comprising:

• • contacting a game ball with an outer surface of a bladder included with a shoe, wherein the bladder includes: (a) an interior chamber defined by a chamber wall, wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the chamber wall, (b) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with an external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening, (c) a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, and (d) a resilient component located in the interior chamber, wherein the contacting causes: (i) the resilient component to change from an expanded state to a compressed state and (ii) fluid to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve; and
  • admitting fluid into the interior chamber through the first through hole opening, wherein the first through hole opening is sized to delay expansion of the resilient component to the expanded state.

Clause 45. A method of interacting with a game ball, comprising:

• • contacting a game ball with an outer surface of a bladder included with a shoe, wherein the bladder includes: (a) an interior chamber defined by a chamber wall, wherein a plurality of through hole openings are defined through the chamber wall, (b) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with an external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the plurality of through hole openings, (c) a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, and (d) a resilient component located in the interior chamber, wherein the contacting causes: (i) the resilient component to change from an expanded state to a compressed state and (ii) fluid to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve; and
  • admitting fluid into the interior chamber through one or more of the plurality of through hole openings, wherein the plurality of through hole openings are sized such that fluid from the external environmental area is admitted into the interior chamber through the one or more of the plurality of through hole openings at an overall fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the resilient component to the expanded state.

Clause 46. The method according to Clause 43 or 45, further comprising covering one or more of the plurality of through hole openings to alter the overall fluid entry rate.

Clause 47. The method according to any one of Clauses 42 to 46, wherein the bladder comprises a bladder according to any one of Clauses 1 to 27.

Clause 48. The method according to any one of Clauses 42 to 46, wherein the shoe comprises an article of footwear according to Clause 38.

Claims

1. A bladder, comprising: a thermoplastic envelope defining an interior chamber that is movable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber;a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening;a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line; anda resilient component located in the interior chamber, the resilient component applying a force to the thermoplastic envelope in a direction toward the expanded configuration.

2. The bladder according to claim 1, wherein the first through hole opening is one of a plurality of through hole openings defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the plurality of through hole openings permitting fluid from the external environmental area to enter the interior chamber.

3. The bladder according to claim 2, wherein the resilient component is configured to change between an expanded state and a compressed state within the interior chamber, and wherein a sufficient external force applied to the thermoplastic envelope: (a) fluid within the interior chamber to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve and (b) a change in the resilient component from the expanded state to the compressed state.

4. The bladder according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of through hole openings are sized such that when the resilient component has changed to the compressed state, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the plurality of through hole openings at an overall fluid entry rate that delays re-expansion of the resilient component to the expanded state.

5. The bladder according to claim 1, wherein the resilient component includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: an open cell foam material; a closed cell foam material; a rubber material; an elastomeric material; a resilient plastic material; and a spring.

6. The bladder according to claim 1, wherein the first through hole opening is sized such that when the resilient component is in a compressed state, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the first through hole opening at a fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the resilient component to an expanded state.

7. A bladder, comprising: a first thermoplastic layer fixed to a second thermoplastic layer at a seam, wherein an interior chamber is defined between the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer and inside the seam, and wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the first thermoplastic layer, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber;a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening;a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line; anda foam material located in the interior chamber.

8. The bladder according to claim 7, wherein the first through hole opening is one of a plurality of through hole openings defined through at least one of the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer, the plurality of through hole openings permitting fluid from the external environmental area to enter the interior chamber.

9. The bladder according to claim 8, wherein the foam material is configured to change between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration within the interior chamber, and wherein a sufficient external force applied to the first thermoplastic layer causes: (a) fluid within the interior chamber to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve and (b) a change in the foam material from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration.

10. The bladder according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of through hole openings are sized such that when the foam material has changed to the compressed configuration, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the plurality of through hole openings at an overall fluid entry rate that delays re-expansion of the foam material to the expanded configuration.

11. The bladder according to claim 7, further comprising a cover member positioned and configured to selectively change the first through hole opening between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

12. The bladder according to claim 7, wherein the seam constitutes at least a portion of one or more seams that form the interior chamber into a plurality of chamber lobes that are in fluid communication with one another via fluid passageways that interconnect two chamber lobes of the plurality of chamber lobes.

13. The bladder according to claim 7, wherein the interior chamber defines a first chamber lobe, a second chamber lobe, and a fluid passageway extending between and directly connecting the first chamber lobe and the second chamber lobe.

14. The bladder according to claim 7, wherein the foam material is configured to change between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration within the interior chamber, wherein the interior chamber defines a first volume V1, wherein in the expanded configuration the foam material defines a second volume V2, and wherein V2 is at least 60% of V1 and less than 95% of V1.

15. The bladder according to claim 7, wherein the first through hole opening defines a length direction extending through the first thermoplastic layer and a width direction extending across the first through hole opening, and wherein the first through hole opening has a width dimension across the width direction of less than 2 mm.

16. The bladder according to claim 7, wherein the first through hole opening is sized such that when the foam material is in a compressed configuration, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the first through hole opening at a fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the foam material to an expanded configuration.

17. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising: an upper base member formed from one or more upper component parts; anda bladder engaged with the upper base member, the bladder comprising: a first thermoplastic layer fixed to a second thermoplastic layer at a seam, wherein an interior chamber is defined between the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer and inside the seam, and wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the first thermoplastic layer, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber,a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening,a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, anda foam material located in the interior chamber.

18. The upper according to claim 17, wherein the first through hole opening defines a length direction extending through the first thermoplastic layer and a width direction extending across the first through hole opening, and wherein the first through hole opening has a width dimension across the width direction of less than 2 mm.

19. The upper according to claim 17, wherein the first through hole opening is sized such that when the foam material is in a compressed configuration, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the first through hole opening at a fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the foam material to an expanded configuration.

20. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper according to claim 17; anda sole structure engaged with the upper.