SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear and more particularly to a sole structure for an article of footwear.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.

Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. For example, a sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole is generally disposed between the outsole and the upper and provides cushioning for the foot. The midsole may include a pressurized fluid-filled chamber that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The outsole provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface and may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface.

While known known outsoles have proven acceptable for their intended purposes, a continuous need for improvement in the relevant art remains. For example, a need exists for an outsole that provides improved traction with the ground surface when forces having varying magnitude and direction are applied from the midsole or the upper to the outsole. A need also exists for an article of footwear having improved overall comfort and fit while providing such improved traction.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is an example of an article of footwear with an adjustment element and a sole structure, where the adjustment element is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 1B an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A, where the adjustment element is in a constricted state;

FIG. 1C is an exploded perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A, where the adjustment element is in the relaxed state;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1B, where the adjustment element is in the constricted state;

FIG. 3A is an example of an article of footwear with an adjustment element and a sole structure, where the adjustment element is in a relaxed state and the sole structure includes a plurality of flex regions;

FIG. 3B is an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 3A, where the adjustment element is in a constricted state and the plurality of flex regions are flexed;

FIG. 3C is an example of the sole structure of the article of footwear of FIG. 3A, where the plurality of flex regions are formed by grooves along an upper surface and a lower surface of the sole structure

FIG. 3D is a plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 3C;

FIG. 4A is an example of an article of footwear with an adjustment element and a sole structure, where the adjustment element is in a relaxed state and the sole structure includes a plurality of flex regions;

FIG. 4B is an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 4A, where the adjustment element is in a constricted state;

FIG. 4C is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of the article of footwear of FIG. 4A, where the plurality of flex regions are formed by grooves;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 4B, where the adjustment element is in the constricted state and the flex regions are separated;

FIG. 5A is an example of an article of footwear with an adjustment element and a sole structure, where the adjustment element is in a relaxed state and the sole structure includes a plurality of flex regions;

FIG. 5B is an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 5A, where the adjustment element is in a constricted state;

FIG. 5C is a partial enlarged view of the plurality of flex regions of the article of footwear of FIG. 5B, where the plurality of flex regions are separated;

FIG. 6A is an example of an article of footwear with an adjustment element and a sole structure, where the adjustment element is in a relaxed state and the sole structure includes a plurality of flex regions;

FIG. 6B is an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 6A with the adjustment element in a constricted state; and

FIG. 6C is a cross sectional view of a portion of the article of footwear of FIG. 6B with the adjustment element in the constricted state and the plurality of flex regions separated.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

In some configurations, an article of footwear includes an upper including a bladder that defines an interior void. The bladder is movable from an expanded state to a constricted state when fluid is removed from the interior void. A sole structure includes at least one flex groove. The at least one flex groove is movable from a relaxed state to an expanded state in response to movement of the bladder from the expanded state to the constricted state.

The article of footwear may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the at least one flex groove may be formed in a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure. The at least one flex groove may extend along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. Optionally, the at least one flex groove may extend along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

In other configurations, the at least one flex groove may be formed in a sidewall of the sole structure. For example, the at least one flex groove may extend along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one flex groove may extend around a perimeter of the sole structure from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure around at least one of a posterior end of the sole structure and an anterior end of the sole structure. In some configurations, a resilient member may be disposed within the interior void. Optionally, the resilient member may bias the bladder into the expanded state. The resilient member may be formed from foam.

In another aspect of the disclosure, an article of footwear includes an upper including a bladder that defines an interior void. The bladder is movable from an expanded state to a constricted state when fluid is removed from the interior void. A sole structure is movable from a relaxed state to an expanded state in response to movement of the bladder from the expanded state to the constricted state.

The article of footwear may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the sole structure may include at least one flex groove formed in a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure. The at least one flex groove may increase in size in response to movement of the sole structure from the relaxed state to the expanded state. The at least one flex groove may extend along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. Optionally, the at least one flex groove may extend along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.

In another example, the sole structure may include at least one flex groove formed in a sidewall of the sole structure. The at least one flex groove may increase in size in response to movement of the sole structure from the relaxed state to the expanded state. The at least one flex groove may extend along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one flex groove may extend around a perimeter of the sole structure from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure around at least one of a posterior end of the sole structure and an anterior end of the sole structure. In some configurations, a resilient member may be disposed within the interior void. Optionally, the resilient member may bias the bladder into the expanded state. The resilient member may be formed from foam.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, an article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200. The footwear 10 is depicted as an enclosed athletic shoe, such as a tennis, basketball, and/or running shoe. Additionally or alternatively, the footwear 10 may include non-enclosed shoes, such as sandals and/or slides. The footwear 10 may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10 and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10. A medial side 16 and a lateral side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18.

The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 is associated with phalanges and metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that have an interior space 102 and an ankle opening 104 configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 200. The upper 100, and components thereof, may be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the upper 100 includes a toe cap 106 disposed at the anterior end 12 and extending over the toes from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18. A pair of quarter panels 108 extend from the toe cap 106 in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior space 102. A throat 110 extends across the top of the upper 100 and includes an instep region extending between the quarter panels 108 from the toe cap 106 to the ankle opening 104. In the illustrated example, the throat 110 is enclosed, whereby a material panel extends between the opposing quarter panels 108 in the instep region to cover the interior space 102. Here, the material panel covering the throat 110 may optionally be formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the quarter panels 108.

The upper 100 of the article of footwear 10 may be further described as including heel side panels 112 extending through the heel region 24 along the medial and lateral sides 16, 18 of the ankle opening 104. A heel counter 114 may be included and wraps around the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10 and connects the heel side panels 112. Uppermost edges of the throat 110, the heel side panels 112, and the heel counter 114 cooperate to form a collar 116, which includes the ankle opening 104 of the interior space 102.

The upper 100 may include an inner bootie 120 that forms the interior space 102. The inner bootie 120 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior space 102. Suitable materials of the upper 100 may include, but are not limited to, mesh textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. The example bootie 120 may be formed as an inner liner including a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and/or one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the bootie 120 to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between a tightened state and a loosened state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, without limitation, spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

The sole structure 200 includes an upper surface 202 and a lower surface 204 formed on an opposite side of the sole structure 200 than the upper surface 202. A thickness T₂₀₀of the sole structure 200 is defined by the distance between the upper surface 202 and the lower surface 204. The sole structure 200 may further include an anterior end 206 associated with a forward-most point of the sole structure 200, and a posterior end 208 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the sole structure 200. A longitudinal axis A₂₀₀of the sole structure 200 extends along a length of the sole structure 200 from the anterior end 206 to the posterior end 208 parallel to a ground surface, and generally divides the sole structure 200 into a medial side 210 (FIG. 1C) and a lateral side 212. Accordingly, the medial side 210 and the lateral side 212 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the sole structure 200, and extend from the anterior end 206 to the posterior end 208, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A₁₀₀and extending from the medial side 210 to the lateral side 212.

The sole structure 200 may be further described as including a peripheral region 214 and an interior region 216, as indicated in FIG. 1C. The peripheral region 214 is generally described as being a region between the interior region 216 and an outer perimeter 218 (i.e., edge) of the sole structure 200. Particularly, the peripheral region 214 extends from a forefoot region 220 through a mid-foot region 222 to a heel region 224 along each of the medial side 210 and the lateral side 212 and wraps around each of the forefoot region 220 at the anterior end 206 and the heel region 224 at the posterior end 208. The interior region 216 is circumscribed by the peripheral region 214, and extends from the forefoot region 220, through the mid-foot region 222, to the heel region 224 along a central portion of the sole structure 200. Accordingly, each of the forefoot region 220, the mid-foot region 222, and the heel region 224 may be described as including the peripheral region 214 and the interior region 216. It is further contemplated that the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel regions 220, 222, 224 of the sole structure 200 generally correspond to the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel regions 20, 22, 24 of the footwear 10 more generally.

The sole structure 200 is configured to provide lightweight support and may have a variable stiffness. The upper surface 202 includes a foot cavity 226 that defines a footbed of the sole structure 200, while the lower surface 204 may define a portion of a ground-engaging surface. The sole structure 200 may further be formed to include a plurality of grooves 230 to provide increased flexibility in the sole structure 200. The plurality of grooves 230 may be formed in the forefoot region 220 and extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A₂₀₀between the medial side 210 and the lateral side 212. Stated differently, the plurality of grooves 230 may be formed along the peripheral region 214 in the forefoot region 220 and extending toward the upper 100. As described in more detail below, the plurality of grooves 230 are configured to move between a relaxed state and an engaged state, such that the plurality of grooves 230 are proximal one another in the relaxed state and separated from one another in the engaged state. For example, the relaxed state of the grooves 230 may generally correspond with a relaxed state of the upper 100.

With further reference to FIGS. 1A-2B, the footwear 10 includes an adjustment element 300 that is coupled to a pump 130. The pump 130 is configured to translate the upper 100 of the article of footwear 10 and the adjustment element 300 from the relaxed state to a constricted state, as described further below. As best illustrated in FIG. 2A, the adjustment element 300 includes a bladder 302 forming an interior void 304 and having a compressible component or infill 306 disposed therein. The compressible component 306 may include a lattice structure 308 that may have a geometry that includes reliefs 310. Stated differently, the lattice structure 308 may include different geometrical configurations to impart different constriction profiles in different areas of the article 10.

In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the adjustment element 300 includes an inner barrier layer 312a and an outer barrier layer 312b forming at least a portion of the footwear 10. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate cross-sectional views of an example of the adjustment element 300 transitioning from the relaxed state (FIG. 2A) taken along Line 2A-2A of FIG. 1A to the constricted state (FIG. 2B) taken along Line 2B-2B of FIG. 1B. Interior surfaces of the barrier layers 312a, 312b face each other and are joined to each other to form a chamber 314 sealed by a peripheral seam 316 that surrounds the interior void 304 of the bladder 302.

As used herein, the term “barrier layer” (e.g., barrier layers 312a, 312b) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 312a, 312b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 312a, 312b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from approximately 0.2 micrometers to approximately 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from approximately 0.5 micrometers to approximately 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 100 micrometers.

One or both of the barrier layers 312a, 312b can independently be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term “transparent” for a barrier layer means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier layer. In comparison, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer, in that light passes through a translucent layer but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the layer.

The barrier layers 312a, 312b can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

As used herein, “polyurethane” refers to a copolymer (including oligomers) that contains a urethane group (—N(C═O)O—). These polyurethanes can contain additional groups such as ester, ether, urea, allophanate, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocynaurate, uretdione, carbonate, and the like, in addition to urethane groups. In an aspect, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (—N(C═O)O—) linkages.

Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3′-dimethyldiphenyl-4, 4′-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4′-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

In particular aspects, the polyurethane polymer chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatics, and combinations thereof. In an aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

The barrier layers 312a, 312b may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,141 and Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,065, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where the barrier layers 312a, 312b include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in Bonk et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In further embodiments, barrier layers 312a, 312b may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers 312a, 312b includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

The chamber 314 can be produced from the barrier layers 312a, 312b using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an aspect, the barrier layers 312a, 312b can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce the chamber 314.

The chamber 314 desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve a retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the chamber 314 has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least approximately ten (10) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, chamber 314 has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of 15 cubic-centimeter/square-meter·atmosphere·day (cm³/m²·atm·day) or less for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on thicknesses of the barrier layers 210a, 210b). In further aspects, the transmission rate is 10 cm³/m²·atm·day or less, 5 cm³/m²·atm·day or less, or 1 cm³/m²·atm·day or less.

In some implementations, the inner barrier layer 312a and the outer barrier layer 312b cooperate to form a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the chamber 314. The peripheral seam 316 may extend around the chamber 314 to seal the chamber 314 and allow a vacuum to be applied to the chamber 314. Thus, the chamber 314 is associated with an area of the bladder 302 where interior surfaces of the inner and outer barrier layers 312a, 312b are not joined together and, thus, are separated from one another. The compressible component 306 is received within the chamber 314 in areas where the barrier layers 312a, 312b are not joined together.

In some examples, the barrier layers 312a, 312b may include the same materials to provide the chamber 314 with a homogenous barrier construction, such that both sides of the adjustment element 300 will contract and relax at the same rate when pressure within the chamber 314 is adjusted. Alternatively, a first one of the barrier layers 312a, 312b may be at least partially constructed of a different barrier material and/or configuration than the other one of the barrier layers 312a, 312b to selectively impart a contour as the adjustment element 300 transitions between the relaxed state and the contracted state. For example, one of the barrier layers 312a, 312b may be at least partially formed with a different modulus of elasticity and/or stiffness than the other barrier layer 312a, 312b, such that when the adjustment element 300 transitions from the relaxed state to the constricted state, the first one of the barrier layers 312a, 312b contracts at a different rate than the other barrier layer 312a, 312b to cause the adjustment element 300 to curl.

As mentioned above, the pump 130 is configured to translate the adjustment element 300 from the relaxed state to the constricted state by removing fluid from the chamber 314 (i.e., by applying a vacuum to the chamber 314). As the adjustment element 300 contracts into the constricted state, the adjustment element 300 applies a force F on the sole structure 200. The force F applied on the sole structure 200 may generally flex the sole structure 200, such that the anterior and posterior ends 206, 208 of the sole structure 200 may extend in an upward direction relative to the upper 100 of the footwear 10. As the anterior and posterior ends 206, 208 flex upward, the plurality of grooves 230 defined in the sole structure 200 are expanded to alter the general structure and configuration of the sole structure 200. The plurality of grooves 230 provides the sole structure 200 with added flexibility and structural flexion to accommodate various foot structures of the wearer and provides an advantageous customizable fit for the wearer.

For example, as the adjustment element 300 is constricted in response to the applied vacuum, the upper 100 is constricted, which alters a configuration of and lifts the sole structure 200. As a result, the plurality of grooves 230 are drawn apart from one another such that one or more of the grooves 230 increases in size. While FIG. 1B illustrates the grooves 230 along the forefoot region 220 of the sole structure, it is contemplated that the grooves 230 may be formed along the mid-foot and/or heel regions 222, 224. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the toe cap 106 is generally extended upward toward the throat 110 of the upper 100 as the grooves 230 are expanded. It is contemplated that the anterior end 206 of the sole structure 200 may flex in an upward direction a greater distance as compared to the posterior end 208 of the sole structure 200 when the grooves 230 are formed along the forefoot region 220 under the constriction of the adjustment element 300.

When the vacuum applied to the chamber 314 is removed, the adjustment element 300 returns to the relaxed state due to the resilient nature of the compressible component 306 and the shapes of the lattice structure 308 and associated reliefs 310. Specifically, when the vacuum is applied to the chamber 314 and the chamber 314 moves from the relaxed state to the constricted state, the compressible component 306 is compressed and the lattice structure 308 collapses. In so doing, the reliefs 310 that define the lattice structure 308 likewise collapse.

When the vacuum is removed, fluid (i.e., air) is one again permitted to enter the chamber 314 via a valve (not shown), thereby allowing the chamber 314 to expand and return to the relaxed state. The chamber 314 automatically returns to the relaxed state due to interaction between the compressible component 306 and the barrier layers 312a, 312b. Specifically, the compressible component 306—due to the resilient material of the compressible component 306 and the shape of the lattice structure 308—once again expands and causes the adjustment element 300 to return to the relaxed or expanded state by exerting an outward force on the barrier layers 312a, 312b. In one configuration, the compressible component 306 is formed from foam and is biased into the expanded state due to the resilient nature of the foam material. Further, the shape of the lattice structure 308 is such that when the compressible component 306 is free to move and expand (i.e., when not subjected to a vacuum within the chamber 314), the lattice structure 308 causes the reliefs 310 to expand until the lattice structure 308 takes the shape shown in FIG. 1A.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D, an alternate configuration of the article of footwear 10a is depicted. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10a with respect to the article of footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The article of footwear 10a includes an upper 100, a sole structure 200a, and an adjustment element 300. The footwear 10a may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10a, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10a. A medial side 16 and a lateral side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10a and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18.

The article of footwear 10a may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 is associated with phalanges and metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that have an interior space 102 and an ankle opening 104 configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 200a. The upper 100, and components thereof, may be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the upper 100 includes a toe cap 106 disposed at the anterior end 12 and extending over the toes from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18. A pair of quarter panels 108 extend from the toe cap 106 in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior space 102. A throat 110 extends across the top of the upper 100 and includes an instep region extending between the quarter panels 108 from the toe cap 106 to the ankle opening 104. In the illustrated example, the throat 110 is enclosed, whereby a material panel extends between the opposing quarter panels 108 in the instep region to cover the interior space 102. Here, the material panel covering the throat 110 may optionally be formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the quarter panels 108.

The footwear 10a includes an adjustment element 300 coupled to a pump 130. The pump 130 is configured to translate the article of footwear 10a and the adjustment element 300 from a relaxed state to a constricted state, as described further below. The adjustment element 300 includes a bladder 302 forming an interior void 304 and having a compressible component 306 disposed therein. The compressible component 306 may include a lattice structure 308 that may have a geometry that includes reliefs 310.

With reference still to FIGS. 3A-3D, the sole structure 200a includes an upper surface 202a and a lower surface 204a formed on an opposite side of the sole structure 200a than the upper surface 202a. A thickness T_200aof the sole structure 200a is defined by the distance between the upper surface 202a and the lower surface 204a. It is contemplated that the thickness T_200amay vary along a length L_200aof the sole structure 200a. The sole structure 200a may further include an anterior end 206 associated with a forward-most point of the sole structure 200a, and a posterior end 208 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the sole structure 200a. The sole structure 200 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 220a, a mid-foot region 222a, and a heel region 224a.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the sole structure 200a includes a plurality of grooves 230a defined along the upper surface 202a and the lower surface 204a. The grooves 230a may generally extend between a medial side 210 and a lateral side 212 of the sole structure 200a, such that the sole structure 200a is configured to flex and extend along the length L_200aof the sole structure 200a between the posterior end 208 and the anterior end 206. The plurality of grooves 230a include upper grooves 232a formed along the upper surface 202a and lower grooves 234a formed along the lower surface 204a of the sole structure 200a. The upper and lower grooves 232a, 234a are generally divided by a connection portion 236a that extends between each respective upper groove 232a and each respective lower groove 234a. Stated differently, flex regions 238a of the sole structure 200a are generally formed by the connection portions 236a and the respective upper and/or lower grooves 232a, 234a. The upper surface 202a of each flex region 238a may include a slit 240a centrally positioned within the flex region 238a along the upper surface 202a of the sole structure 200a. The slits 240a may extend from the upper surface 202a to the lower surface 204a of the sole structure 200a to connect with the lower grooves 234a. For example, the slit 240a may generally correspond with the lower grooves 234a. It is contemplated that as the lower grooves 234a flex apart, the slit 240a formed along the upper surface 202a may be generally compressed to increase the degree of flexion of each respective flex region 238a. The slits 240a may have a variable length L_240aalong the upper surface 202a, such that some slits 240a may have a greater length L_240acompared to other slits 240a. Incorporating the variable length L_240amay increase the degree of flexion in some areas of the sole structure 200a compared to others. For example, the slits 240a formed along the mid-foot and forefoot regions 222a, 220a may have a greater length L_240acompared to the length L_240aof the slits 240a formed along the heel region 224a which, in turn, may provide the mid-foot and forefoot regions 222a, 220a with a greater degree of flexibility.

With specific reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D, the sole structure 200a is generally segmented by the flex regions 238a, such that each flex region 238a is substantially separate from an adjacent flex region 238a. It is contemplated that the upper grooves 232a may have a greater width W_232aas compared to the widths W_234aof the lower grooves 234a. When the upper grooves 232a have a greater width W_232a, the upper surface 202a of the sole structure may be compressed to a greater degree as compared to the lower surface 204a.

Referring still to FIGS. 3A-3D and as generally described above, the adjustment element 300 is configured to translate between a relaxed state and a constricted state. As the adjustment element 300 is contracted into the constricted state by removing fluid from the chamber 314, the upper 100 of the footwear 10a exerts a force on the upper surface 202a of the sole structure 200a, thereby flexing the flex regions 238a and compressing the upper grooves 232a. In contrast, the lower grooves 234a are expanded or otherwise drawn apart when the adjustment element 300 is in the constricted state. Stated differently, the sole structure 200a is adjusted to a flexed form that may be advantageous in promoting efficient movement during activities such as, for example, running where a wearer's foot may be positioned to promote forward motion.

As with the article of footwear 10, the adjustment element 300 of the article of footwear 10a can be returned to the relaxed state by permitting fluid to enter the chamber 314. In so doing, the compressible component 306—due to the resilient material of the compressible component 306 and the shape of the lattice structure 308—once again expands and causes the adjustment element 300 to return to the relaxed or expanded state by exerting an outward force on the barrier layers 312a, 312b. In one configuration, the compressible component 306 is formed from foam and is biased into the expanded state due to the resilient nature of the foam material. Further, the shape of the lattice structure 308 is such that when the compressible component 306 is free to move and expand (i.e., when not subjected to a vacuum within the chamber 314), the lattice structure 308 causes the reliefs 310 to expand until the lattice structure 308 takes the shape shown in FIG. 3A.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, an alternate configuration of the article of footwear 10b is depicted. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10b with respect to the article of footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The article of footwear 10b includes an upper 100, a sole structure 200b, and an adjustment element 300. The footwear 10b may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10b, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10b. A medial side 16 and a lateral side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10b and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18.

The article of footwear 10b may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 is associated with phalanges and metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that have an interior space 102 and an ankle opening 104 configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 200b. The upper 100, and components thereof, may be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the upper 100 includes a toe cap 106 disposed at the anterior end 12 and extending over the toes from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18. A pair of quarter panels 108 extend from the toe cap 106 in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior space 102. A throat 110 extends across the top of the upper 100 and includes an instep region extending between the quarter panels 108 from the toe cap 106 to the ankle opening 104. In the illustrated example, the throat 110 is enclosed, whereby a material panel extends between the opposing quarter panels 108 in the instep region to cover the interior space 102. Here, the material panel covering the throat 110 may optionally be formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the quarter panels 108.

The footwear 10b includes an adjustment element 300 coupled to a pump 130. The pump 130 is configured to translate the article of footwear 10b and the adjustment element 300 from a relaxed state to a constricted state, as described above with respect to FIG. 1A. The adjustment element 300 includes a bladder 302 forming an interior void 304 and having a compressible component 306 disposed therein. The compressible component 306 may include a lattice structure 308 that may have a geometry that includes reliefs 310.

With reference still to FIGS. 4A-4D, the sole structure 200b includes an upper surface 202b and a lower surface 204b formed on an opposite side of the sole structure 200b than the upper surface 202b. A thickness T_200bof the sole structure 200b is defined by the distance between the upper surface 202b and the lower surface 204b. The thickness T_200bmay vary along the sole structure 200b, such that the thickness T_200bmay be greater along the heel region 224b as compared to the mid-foot and forefoot regions 222b, 220b. The sole structure 200b may further include an anterior end 206 associated with a forward-most point of the sole structure 200b, and a posterior end 208 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the sole structure 200b. The sole structure 200 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 220b, a mid-foot region 222b, and a heel region 224b.

The sole structure 200b includes a plurality of grooves 230b extending between a medial side 210 and a lateral side 212 and along a length L of sole structure 200b between the anterior and posterior ends 206, 208. In this configuration, the sole structure 200b is configured to flex and extend both along the length L_200bof the sole structure 200b as well as laterally and medially, such that the sole structure 200b may be configured to cradle a foot of the wearer in part with the upper 100. The plurality of grooves 230b form flex regions 238b of the sole structure 200b that are each configured to flex independent of the adjacent flex regions 238b. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the flex regions 238b disposed in the forefoot and mid-foot regions 220b, 222b are arranged in a grid configuration. It is generally contemplated that the mid-foot region 222b may include a greater number of flex regions 238b as compared with the forefoot and heel regions 220b, 224b.

The adjustment element 300, as described above, is configured to translate between a relaxed state and a constricted state when the chamber 314 is subjected to a vacuum (i.e., fluid is removed from the chamber 314). As the adjustment element 300 contracts, the upper 100 engages the sole structure 200b and separates the flex regions 238b along the grooves 230b. Stated differently, the grooves 230b are generally segmented and expanded when the adjustment element 300 is constricted, thereby causing the upper 100 to apply a pulling force on the sole structure 200b. As illustrated in FIG. 4D, the sole structure 200b is drawn or pulled upward separating the grooves 230b in response to the compression of the upper 100 by the adjustment element 300. It is contemplated that the constriction of the upper 100 by the adjustment element 300 assists in providing a custom form-fit to a foot of a wearer. As described in more detail below, the upper 100 may have a loose or relaxed fit relative to the foot of the wearer when the adjustment element 300 is in the relaxed state, and the grooves 230b of the sole structure 200b are condensed to form a generally flat lower surface 204b of the sole structure 200b.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the grooves 230b formed along the heel region 224b may be formed with a greater depth D_230bas compared to the depth D_230bof the grooves 230b formed along the mid-foot and forefoot regions 222b, 220b. The grooves 230b disposed along the heel region 224b may flex or otherwise separate to a greater degree as compared to the grooves 230b formed along the midsole and forefoot regions 222b, 220b, such that the heel region 24 of the footwear 10b may be raised or otherwise articulated in an upward direction. Stated differently, the flex regions 238b of the heel region 224b may have a greater degree of flexion as compared to the flex regions 238b of the mid-foot and forefoot regions 222b, 220b. While both the anterior and posterior ends 206, 208 of the sole structure 200b are configured to generally flex upward, the posterior end 208 may have a greater degree of flexion as a result of the depth D_230bof the respective grooves 230b.

With specific reference to FIG. 4C, the flex regions 238b of the forefoot and mid-foot regions 220b, 222b are illustrated in a plurality of rows, and the flex regions 238b of the heel region 224b are illustrated as being divided into quarters of the heel region 224b. Additionally or alternatively, the flex regions 238b of any of the forefoot, mid-foot, or heel regions 220b, 222b, 224b may be arranged in either rows or divided into thirds, quarters, or any other practical configuration. The sole structure 200b is configured to flex in the x- and y-directions, such that each of the medial and lateral sides 210, 212 and the anterior and posterior ends 206, 208 of the sole structure 200b may flex in an upward direction when the adjustment element 300 is in the constricted state.

In operation, the adjustment element 300 constricts the upper 100 when fluid is removed from the chamber 314, as described above with respect to the article of footwear 10. When fluid is removed and the upper 100 is moved into the constricted state, an upward force is applied to the sole structure 200b at the medial and lateral sides 210, 212 and the anterior and posterior ends 206, 208. The upward force causes the sole structure 200b to flex and change shape-largely along the lines of the sole structure 200b defined by the grooves 230b.

The grooves 230b formed along the sole structure 200b assist in providing flexion of the flex regions 238b. As mentioned above, the depth D_230bof the grooves 230b along the heel region 224b may be greater than the depth D_230bof the grooves along the forefoot region 220b. It is contemplated that the heel region 224b may flex to a greater degree as compared to the forefoot region 220b, such that the flex regions 238b formed along the heel region 224b may separate and alter the sole structure 200b to a greater degree at the heel region 224b. As illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4D, the flex regions 238b of the heel region 224b are drawn apart or otherwise separated under the constriction of the adjustment element 300. For example, the groove 230b illustrated in FIG. 4D is separated and the lateral and medial sides 212, 210 of the sole structure 200b are drawn upward by the adjustment element 300.

As with the article of footwear 10, the adjustment element 300 of the article of footwear 10b can be returned to the relaxed state by permitting fluid to enter the chamber 314. In so doing, the compressible component 306—due to the resilient material of the compressible component 306 and the shape of the lattice structure 308—once again expands and causes the adjustment element 300 to return to the relaxed or expanded state by exerting an outward force on the barrier layers 312a, 312b. In one configuration, the compressible component 306 is formed from foam and is biased into the expanded state due to the resilient nature of the foam material. Further, the shape of the lattice structure 308 is such that when the compressible component 306 is free to move and expand (i.e., when not subjected to a vacuum within the chamber 314), the lattice structure 308 causes the reliefs 310 to expand until the lattice structure 308 takes the shape shown in FIG. 3A.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, an alternate configuration of the article of footwear 10c is depicted. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10c with respect to the article of footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The article of footwear 10c includes an upper 100, a sole structure 200c, and an adjustment element 300. The footwear 10c may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10c, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10c. A medial side 16 and a lateral side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10c and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18.

The article of footwear 10c may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 is associated with phalanges and metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that have an interior space 102 and an ankle opening 104 configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 200c. The upper 100, and components thereof, may be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the upper 100 includes a toe cap 106 disposed at the anterior end 12 and extending over the toes from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18. A pair of quarter panels 108 extend from the toe cap 106 in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior space 102. A throat 110 extends across the top of the upper 100 and includes an instep region extending between the quarter panels 108 from the toe cap 106 to the ankle opening 104. In the illustrated example, the throat 110 is enclosed, whereby a material panel extends between the opposing quarter panels 108 in the instep region to cover the interior space 102. Here, the material panel covering the throat 110 may optionally be formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the quarter panels 108. The upper 100 of the article of footwear 10c may be further described as including heel side panels 112 extending through the heel region 24 along the medial and lateral sides 16, 18 of the ankle opening 104.

The footwear 10c includes an adjustment element 300 coupled to a pump 130. The pump 130 is configured to translate the upper 100 and the adjustment element 300 from a relaxed state to a constricted state, in a similar fashion as described above with respect to FIG. 1A. The adjustment element 300 includes a bladder 302 forming an interior void 304 and having a compressible component 306 disposed therein. The compressible component 306 may include a lattice structure 308 that may have a geometry that includes reliefs 310.

With reference still to FIGS. 5A-5C, the sole structure 200c includes an upper surface 202c and a lower surface 204c formed on an opposite side of the sole structure 200c than the upper surface 202c. A thickness T_200cof the sole structure 200c is defined by the distance between the upper surface 202c and the lower surface 204c. The sole structure 200c may further include an anterior end 206 associated with a forward-most point of the sole structure 200c, and a posterior end 208 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the sole structure 200c. The sole structure 200c may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 220c, a mid-foot region 222c, and a heel region 224c that generally correspond to the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel regions 20, 22, 24 of the footwear 10c more generally.

The sole structure 200c includes a plurality of flex regions 238c generally positioned in rows 250c around the peripheral region 214 of the sole structure 200c. Compared with other configurations described herein, the flex regions 238c illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B extend proximate to the quarter panels 108, the heel side panels 112, and the toe cap 106 of the upper 100, such that the sole structure 200c extends along each of the anterior and posterior ends 12, 14 and the medial and lateral sides 16, 18 of the footwear 10c. The flex regions 238c may be staggered, such that each flex region 238c covers a gap 252c formed by adjacent flex regions 238c in an adjacent row 250c. Stated differently, the flex regions 238c in a first row 254c are positioned above the gap 252c formed between two flex regions 238c in a second row 256c. The rows 250c may generally form channels 258c between each row 250c of the flex regions 238c that may expand and contract in response to the movement of the adjustment element 300 and the upper 100. For example, the pump 130 of the footwear 10c may draw a vacuum within the bladder 302 of the adjustment element 300 to translate the adjustment element 300 from the relaxed state to the constricted state. In the relaxed state of the adjustment element 300, the channels 258c are close together, such that the flex regions 238c are generally compact along the sole structure 200c. As the adjustment element 300 enters the constricted state, the channels 258c of the sole structure 200c expand and the flex regions 238c are separated from one another.

The positioning of the flex regions 238c proximate to the quarter panels 108, the heel side panels 112 and the toe cap 106 may provide additional structural support for the foot of the wearer. For example, as the flex regions 238c are drawn apart, the support along the quarter panels 108 may be increased to form a custom-fit. The separation formed between the flex regions 238c may provide additional stabilization of the foot by constricting the soft or flexible portion of the upper 100 and expanding the more rigid support of the sole structure 200c.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, an alternate configuration of the article of footwear 10d is depicted. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10d with respect to the article of footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The article of footwear 10d includes an upper 100, a sole structure 200d, and an adjustment element 300. The footwear 10d may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10d, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10d. A medial side 16 and a lateral side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10d and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18.

The article of footwear 10d may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 is associated with phalanges and metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The footwear 10d includes an adjustment element 300 coupled to a pump 130. The pump 130 is configured to translate the upper 100 and the adjustment element 300 from a relaxed state to a constricted state, as described above with respect to the article of footwear 10. The adjustment element 300 includes a bladder 302 forming an interior void 304 and having a compressible component 306 disposed therein. The compressible component 306 may include a lattice structure 308 having a geometry including reliefs 310.

With reference still to FIGS. 6A-6C, the sole structure 200d includes an upper surface 202d and a lower surface 204d formed on an opposite side of the sole structure 200d than the upper surface 202d. A thickness T_200dof the sole structure 200d is defined by the distance between the upper surface 202d and the lower surface 204d. The sole structure 200d may further include an anterior end 206 associated with a forward-most point of the sole structure 200d, and a posterior end 208 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the sole structure 200d. The sole structure 200d may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 220d, a mid-foot region 222d, and a heel region 224d.

The sole structure 200d includes a plurality of flex regions 238d generally positioned in rows 250d around a peripheral region 214d of the sole structure 200d. Compared with other configurations described herein, the flex regions 238d illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B extend proximate to the quarter panels 108, the heel side panels 112, and the toe cap 106 of the upper 100, such that the flex regions 238d extend along each of the anterior and posterior ends 12, 14 and the medial and lateral sides 16, 18 of the footwear 10d. The configuration of the flex regions 238d extending along the medial and lateral sides 16, 18 of the footwear 10d assist in providing medial and lateral pull when the adjustment element 300 is in the constricted state. For example, the adjustment element 300 constricts the upper 100 and ultimately engages the sole structure 200d to translate the flex regions 238d away from one another. The movement of the flex regions 238d in response to the articulation of the adjustment element 300 provides a customized fit for a wearer from the bottom of the footwear 10d. Namely, causing the flex regions 238d to move away from one another may cause the sole structure 200d to form a cup that cradles and surrounds the outer perimeter of the wearer's foot, thereby causing the sole structure 200d to fully engage and support the wearer's foot during use.

The rows 250d may generally form channels 258d between each row 250d of the flex regions 238d that may expand and contract in response to the movement of the adjustment element 300 and the upper 100. For example, the pump 130 of the footwear 10d may draw a vacuum within the bladder 302 of the adjustment element 300 to translate the adjustment element 300 from the relaxed state to the constricted state. In the relaxed state of the adjustment element 300, the channels 258d are close together, such that the flex regions 238d are generally compact along the sole structure 200d. As the adjustment element 300 enters the constricted state, the channels 258d of the sole structure 200d expand and the flex regions 238d are generally separated from one another.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A-6C, each configuration of the footwear 10-10d provides a customized fit for the wearer by manipulating the sole structure 200-200d via the adjustment element 300. The footwear 10-10d may be adjusted to fit the wearer both by constricting the upper 100 using the adjustment element 300 and by articulating the flex regions 238-238d of the sole structure 200-200d. It is also contemplated that the articulation of and segmented configuration of the sole structure 200-200d may advantageously assist in the performance of the footwear 10-10d. For example, the footwear 10-10d may be translated from a generally loose fit with a planar sole structure 200-200d to a constricted fit with a flexed or otherwise engaged sole structure 200-200d.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a sole structure and article of footwear described above.

- Clause 1. An article of footwear includes an upper including a bladder defining an interior void, the bladder movable from an expanded state to a constricted state when fluid is removed from the interior void, and a sole structure including at least one flex groove, the at least one flex groove movable from a relaxed state to an expanded state in response to movement of the bladder from the expanded state to the constricted state.
- Clause 2. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the at least one flex groove is formed in a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure.
- Clause 3. The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein the at least one flex groove extends along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.
- Clause 4. The article of footwear of either Clause 2 or Clause 3, wherein the at least one flex groove extends along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.
- Clause 5. The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the at least one flex groove is formed in a sidewall of the sole structure.
- Clause 6. The article of footwear of Clause 5, wherein the at least one flex groove extends along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.
- Clause 7. The article of footwear of either Clause 5 or Clause 6, wherein the at least one flex groove extends around a perimeter of the sole structure from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure around at least one of a posterior end of the sole structure and an anterior end of the sole structure.
- Clause 8. The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, further including a resilient member disposed within the interior void.
- Clause 9. The article of footwear of Clause 8, wherein the resilient member biases the bladder into the expanded state.
- Clause 10. The article of footwear of either Clause 8 or Clause 9, wherein the resilient member is formed from foam.
- Clause 11. An article of footwear includes an upper including a bladder defining an interior void, the bladder movable from an expanded state to a constricted state when fluid is removed from the interior void and a sole structure movable from a relaxed state to an expanded state in response to movement of the bladder from the expanded state to the constricted state.
- Clause 12. The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein the sole structure includes at least one flex groove formed in a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure, the at least one flex groove increasing in size in response to movement of the sole structure from the relaxed state to the expanded state.
- Clause 13. The article of footwear of either Clause 11 or Clause 12, wherein the at least one flex groove extends along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.
- Clause 14. The article of footwear of either Clause 12 or Clause 13, wherein the at least one flex groove extends along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.
- Clause 15. The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the sole structure includes at least one flex groove formed in a sidewall of the sole structure, the at least one flex groove increasing in size in response to movement of the sole structure from the relaxed state to the expanded state.
- Clause 16. The article of footwear of Clause 15, wherein the at least one flex groove extends along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure.
- Clause 17. The article of footwear of either Clause 15 or Clause 16, wherein the at least one flex groove extends around a perimeter of the sole structure from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure around at least one of a posterior end of the sole structure and an anterior end of the sole structure.
- Clause 18. The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, further including a resilient member disposed within the interior void.
- Clause 19. The article of footwear of Clause 18, wherein the resilient member biases the bladder into the expanded state.
- Clause 20. The article of footwear of either Clause 18 or Clause 19, wherein the resilient member is formed from foam.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

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