FASTENING SYSTEM FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/737,438, filed on Dec. 20, 2024. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear and, more particularly, to a fastening system for an article of footwear.

BACKGROUND

[0003]This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004]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.

[0005]Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper and a strobel attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner.

[0006]Articles of footwear may also be provided with specialized outsoles having traction elements to enhance traction during an athletic event such as, for example, football, baseball, soccer, and golf to name a few. In each instance, the outsole is provided with traction elements that are useful for the intended activity. For example, traction elements incorporated into an outsole intended for use in soccer will have a shape and position on the sole structure to enhance forward, lateral, and pivoting movements. Conversely, traction elements incorporated into an outsole intended for use in golf will be positioned and oriented such that the traction elements resist pivoting and serve to anchor an athlete's feet to a ground surface during use. In each of the foregoing examples, the traction elements are provided to an outsole in an effort to improve the performance of an athlete during a sporting event.

[0007]While outsoles having traction elements of a particular shape and pattern are useful in aiding an athlete during a sporting event, other aspects of an article of footwear may also be tailored to improve an athlete's performance.

DRAWINGS

[0008]The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a lateral side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 with a strap in a secured state;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 with a strap in a released state;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a portion of a strap of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 showing an access panel to a pocket of the strap;

[0015]FIG. 7 is a side view of a first cushion for use with the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first cushion of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0017]FIG. 9 is a side view of a second cushion for use with the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second cushion of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

[0019]FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the portion of the strap shown in FIG. 6 with a cushion being inserted into the pocket via the access panel;

[0020]FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the portion of the strap shown in FIG. 6 with the cushion installed in the pocket;

[0021]FIG. 13 is a top view of a left-foot article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure next to a right-foot article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure showing a cushion arrangement for a right-handed golfer; and

[0022]FIG. 14 is a top view of a left-foot article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure next to a right-foot article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure showing a cushion arrangement for a left-handed golfer.

[0023]Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024]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.

[0025]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.

[0026]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.

[0027]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.

[0028]In one configuration, an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure and defining a foot-receiving cavity, a fastening system coupled to the sole structure and extending over a portion of the foot-receiving cavity, the fastening system comprising a first fastener and a second fastener selectively engageable with the first fastener, the second fastener having a pocket, and at least one cushion selectively received within the pocket.

[0029]The article of footwear may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first fastener may include a first strap having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end and coupled to the sole structure. The second fastener may include a second strap having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end and coupled to the sole structure. In this configuration, the first end of the second strap may include a hoop that selectively receives a portion of the first strap. Additionally or alternatively, the second strap may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the pocket being arranged between the first surface and the second surface of the second strap.

[0030]In one configuration, the first fastener may include an anchor coupled to the sole structure and a first strap coupled to and extending away from the anchor. The second fastener may be coupled to the sole structure and may include the pocket facing a portion of the upper.

[0031]The fastening system may include a first position where a portion of the at least one cushion is urged against the upper and a second position where the at least one cushion is spaced apart from the upper.

[0032]In another configuration, an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure and defining a foot-receiving cavity, a fastening system coupled to the sole structure, and at least one cushion arranged in the fastening system, the at least one cushion comprising a first barrier element, a second barrier element coupled to the first barrier element, and a void defined between the first barrier element and the second barrier element.

[0033]The article of footwear may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first barrier element and the second barrier element may define a peripheral seam. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one cushion may further include a foam block disposed in the void between the first barrier element and the second barrier element.

[0034]In one configuration, the at least one cushion may further include a tensile element disposed between the first barrier element and the second barrier element. In this configuration, the tensile element may include a first tensile sheet coupled to the first barrier element and a second tensile sheet coupled to the second barrier element. One or more tensile strands may be coupled to and extend between the first tensile sheet and the second tensile sheet.

[0035]The at least one cushion may comprise a fluid-filled chamber pressurized with a fluid. Additionally or alternatively, the first barrier element and the second barrier element may be formed from at least one sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0036]In yet another configuration, a kit includes a first article of footwear configured for use on a right foot and including a first sole structure, a first upper attached to the first sole structure, a first fastening system coupled to the first sole structure and including a first pocket, and a first cushion disposed within the first pocket, the first fastening system operable to selectively position the first cushion adjacent to a lateral side of the first upper in a fastened state. The kit additionally includes a second article of footwear configured for use on a left foot and including a second sole structure, a second upper attached to the second sole structure, a second fastening system coupled to the second sole structure and including a second pocket, and a second cushion having a different configuration than the first cushion and disposed within the second pocket, the second fastening system operable to selectively position the second cushion adjacent to a lateral side of the second upper in a fastened state.

[0037]The kit may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first cushion may comprise a foam block and the second cushion may comprise a fluid-filled chamber. In one configuration, the foam block may be received within an interior void defined by a first barrier element and a second barrier element. Additionally or alternatively, the first cushion may comprise a fluid-filled chamber and the second cushion may comprise a foam block.

[0038]Referring to FIG. 1, an article of footwear 10 includes a sole structure 100, an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100, and a fastening system 300 attached to the sole structure 100 and/or the upper 200. 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. As shown in FIG. 1, a longitudinal axis A₁₀ (FIGS. 4 and 5) of the footwear 10 extends along a length of the footwear 10 from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14 parallel to a ground surface, and generally divides the footwear 10 into a medial side 16 and a lateral side 18. Accordingly, the medial side 16 and the 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.

[0039]The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 may correspond with a toe portion and a ball portion of a foot. The midfoot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot.

[0040]The sole structure 100 includes a midsole 102 having a resilient cushion or cushioning element 106 configured to provide cushioning and support and an outsole 104 attached to the midsole 102 and including a traction arrangement 108 (e.g., molded spikes, replaceable spikes, cleats, etc.) defining a ground-engaging surface 26 (i.e., contacts the ground during a stance phase of a gait cycle) of the footwear 10.

[0041]The midsole 102 may include a resilient cushion or cushioning element 106 formed as a monolithic structure including a homogenous elastomeric material or can be defined in terms of a plurality of portions or subcomponents. The cushioning element 106 of the midsole 102 extends from an anterior end 110 at the anterior end 12 of the footwear 10 to a posterior end 112 at the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10. Additionally, the cushioning element 106 includes a first or top side 114 facing the upper 200 and a second or bottom side 116 formed on an opposite of the cushioning element 106 from the top side 114. The cushioning element 106 also includes a third or peripheral side 118 extending from the top side 114 to the bottom side 116 and defining an outer peripheral profile of the cushioning element 106.

[0042]In the present illustrative example, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cushioning element 106 can include one or more cutouts, grooves, receptacles, or designated regions between the top side 114 and the bottom side 116 that are configured to accommodate and/or receive a portion of the fastening system 300. For instance, with reference to FIG. 2, a first receptacle 120 is disposed in the peripheral side 118 and opens toward the upper 200. The first receptacle 120 can be arranged on a medial side 122 of the cushioning element 106 between the anterior end 110 and the posterior end 112. In the present illustrative example, the first receptacle 120 is arranged on the medial side 16 in the heel region 24 of the footwear 10. With reference to FIG. 3, a second receptacle 124 is disposed in the peripheral side 118 and opens toward the upper 200. The second receptacle 124 is arranged on a lateral side 126 of the cushioning element 106 between the anterior end 110 and the posterior end 112. In this example, the second receptacle 124 is arranged on the lateral side 18 in the midfoot region 22 of the footwear 10. Each of the first receptacle 120 and the second receptacle 124 tapers in a direction toward the upper 200 such that the receptacles 120, 124 decrease in size in a direction extending from the outsole 104 toward the upper 200.

[0043]In one configuration, the midsole 102 is formed from a resilient polymeric material such as foam. Example resilient polymeric materials for the midsole 102 are provided below in the Materials section.

[0044]With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the traction arrangement 108 of the outsole 104 is coupled to the bottom side 116 of the cushioning element 106. The traction arrangement 108 can include a plurality of projections 128 and/or a plurality of spikes 130 (e.g., permanent spikes or replaceable spikes) that are coupled to and extend away from the bottom side 116 of cushioning element 106. The plurality of spikes 130 can be arranged in the forefoot region 20 and the heel region 24 and the plurality of projections 128 can be arranged between the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 and between the anterior end 12 and the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10. The traction arrangement 108 can be configured for a variety of sports, such as golf, baseball, lacrosse, football, etc. In at least one configuration, the traction arrangement 108 may not include any of projections 128 or spikes 130 and may instead include a traction array that is configured for a multi-terrain activity such as, for example, basketball or tennis.

[0045]With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, the upper 200 forms an enclosure having a plurality of components that cooperate to define an interior void 202 and an ankle opening 204, which cooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 100. The upper 200 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define the interior void 202. Suitable materials for the upper 200 are provided below in the Materials section. The example upper 200 may include one or more engagement regions 206 that are configured to correspond with and/or receive a portion of the fastening system 300. According to one aspect, the engagement regions 206 can be made of a material that is more pliable than the rest of the upper 200.

[0046]With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, the fastening system 300 extends from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18 and/or from the first receptacle 120 to the second receptacle 124 and is configured to secure a foot arranged in the upper 200. In the present example, the fastening system 300 includes a fastened position (FIG. 4) and an unfastened position (FIG. 5). With reference to FIG. 2, the fastening system 300 includes a first fastener 302 coupled to the sole structure 100 and/or the upper 200. In the present example, with reference to FIG. 2, the first fastener 302 includes an anchor 304 coupled to the midsole 102 and, more particularly, within the first receptacle 120 along the peripheral side 118. The anchor 304 includes a first or top edge 306 and a second or bottom edge 308 spaced from the top edge 306. The anchor 304 further includes a first or anterior side 310 and a second or posterior side 312 that can be arranged so that the anchor 304 is tapered between the bottom edge 308 and the top edge 306. The anchor 304 also includes an opening 314 that can be arranged adjacent to the first side 310 of the anchor 304. A first strap 316 is coupled to the sole structure 100 and, in this example, to the anchor 304. The first strap 316 includes a first or free end 318 and a second or terminal end 320 spaced from the free end 318. The terminal end 320 can be coupled to the opening 314 so that the first strap 316 is permanently attached to the anchor 304. Alternatively, in another configuration, the terminal end 320 may be coupled directly to the midsole 102. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, the first strap 316 also includes a first surface 322 and a second surface 324 opposite the first surface 322. The first surface 322 and the second surface 324 each extend between the free end 318 and the terminal end 320. While not readily shown in the figures, the first surface 322 can include a fastening device, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, one or more snaps, etc. As will be discussed in more detail below and as shown in FIG. 4, the first strap 316 can be configured so that the free end 318 can be secured and/or arranged adjacent to or near the terminal end 320. The first strap 316 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together. Suitable materials of the first strap 316 may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather.

[0047]The example first strap 316 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the first strap 316 to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between the tightened state and the 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 of thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

[0048]With reference to FIGS. 3-5, the fastening system 300 includes a second fastener 326 coupled to the to the sole structure 100 and/or the upper 200. In the present example, with reference to FIG. 3, the second fastener 326 includes a second strap 328 coupled to midsole 102. The second strap 328 includes a first or free end 330 and a second or terminal end 332 spaced from the free end 330. The terminal end 332 of the second strap 328 can be coupled to the midsole 102 and, more particularly, within the second receptacle 124 along the peripheral side 118. A hoop 334 can be coupled to the free end 330 of the second strap 328 and can be configured to receive and retain a portion of the first strap 316.

[0049]With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second strap 328 also includes a first surface 336 and a second surface 338 opposite the first surface 336. The first surface 336 and the second surface each extend between the free end 330 and the terminal end 332. The second fastener 326 can include a pocket or compartment 340 coupled to the second strap 328. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, the pocket 340 can be arranged between the first surface 336 and the second surface 338 and can be configured receive and retain one or more cushions 400. According to one aspect, the second surface 338 can be formed to accommodate the contour and/or shape of the one or more cushions 400, as shown in FIG. 1. The pocket 340 can include access panels 342 that define a slit or opening 344 that is configured to receive the one or more cushions 400. The access panels 342 can be manipulated by a wearer so that the one or more cushions 400 can be installed and/or removed from the pocket 340, as shown in FIG. 6. The pocket 340 can be arranged so that it faces a portion of the upper 200 and in at least one example, corresponds with or aligns with at least one of the one or more engagement regions 206. The second strap 328 and/or the pocket 340 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together. Suitable materials of the second strap 328 and/or the pocket 340 may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The example second strap 328 and/or the example pocket 340 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the second strap 328 and/or the example pocket 340 to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between the tightened state and the 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 of thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

[0050]In one configuration, the access panels 342 are formed from an elastic material that allows the access panels 342 to be selectively moved away from one another to allow the cushion 400 to be inserted into and removed from the pocket 340. Forming the access panels 342 from an elastic material allows the panels 342 to be biased into a closed state (FIGS. 6 and 12) but movable from the closed state to an open state (FIG. 11) when a cushion 400 is inserted into or removed from the pocket 340. Further, the elasticity of the access panels 342 accommodate larger cushions 400 by expanding should a cushion 400 be inserted into the pocket 340 that has a greater size than the pocket 340 in a rest state. Specifically, the material of the access panels 342 may expand in response to a force exerted thereon by a cushion 400 having a larger size than a size of the pocket 340 in a rest state to allow the cushion 400 to be received within the pocket 340 will still being surrounded and retained by the access panels 342.

[0051]With reference to FIGS. 7-10, the one or more cushions 400 can be configured so that a wearer can selectively interchange and position at least one of the cushions 400 within the footwear 10 and, more particularly, within the pocket 340. The cushions 400 can include one or more different cushion arrangements. For instance, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the one or more cushions 400 can include a first cushion arrangement 402. The first cushion arrangement 402 includes a first or upper end 404, a second or lower end 406 spaced from the upper end 404, a first side or edge 408 extending between the upper end 404 and the lower end 406, and a second side or edge 410 spaced from the first side 408 and extending between the upper end 404 and the lower end 406. With reference to FIG. 8, the first cushion arrangement 402 includes a first barrier element 412 and a second barrier element 414 that define an interior void or chamber 416. The first barrier element 412 may be joined to the second barrier element 414 by applying heat and pressure at a perimeter of the first barrier element 412 and the second barrier element 414 to define a peripheral seam 418. The peripheral seam 418 seals the interior void 416, thereby defining a volume of the first cushion arrangement 402. One or more foam blocks 420 may be received within the interior void 416 defined by the first barrier element 412 and the second barrier element 414. Positioning a foam block 420 within the interior void 416 defined by the first barrier element 412 and the second barrier element 414 allows the barrier elements 412, 414 to restrict expansion of the foam blocks 420 beyond a predetermined amount when subjected to a predetermined load. Accordingly, the overall shape and, thus, the performance of the foam blocks 420 may be controlled by allowing the foam blocks 420 to interact with the barrier elements 412, 414 during loading. While the foam blocks 420 are described and shown as being received within the interior void 416 of the barrier elements 412, 414, the foam blocks 420 could alternatively be positioned within the pocket 340 absent the barrier elements 412, 414. In such a configuration, the foam blocks 420 would be directly contacting an interior portion of the pocket 340 and can be configured to assume the shape of the pocket 340.

[0052]With reference to FIGS. 9-10, the one or more cushions 400 can include a second cushion arrangement 422. The second cushion arrangement 422 includes a first or upper end 424, a second or lower end 426 spaced from the upper end 424, a first side or edge 428 extending between the upper end 424 and the lower end 426, and a second side or edge 430 spaced from the first side 428 and extending between the upper end 424 and the lower end 426. The second cushion arrangement 422 can include a fluid-filled chamber 432 that may include a first barrier element 434 and a second barrier element 436 that cooperate to define an interior void 438. The first barrier element 434 may be joined to the second barrier element 436 by applying heat and pressure at a perimeter of the first barrier element 434 and the second barrier element 436 to define a peripheral seam 440. The peripheral seam 440 seals the interior void 438, thereby defining a volume of the fluid-filled chamber 432. While the second cushion arrangement 422 is described as including a fluid-filled chamber 432, the interior void 416 of the first cushion arrangement 402 could also be filled with a pressurized or unpressurized fluid in conjunction with the foam block 420. Suitable materials for the barrier elements 412, 414, 434, 436 are provided below in the Materials section.

[0053]The interior void 438 defined by the first barrier element 434 and the second barrier element 436 may receive a tensile element 442 therein. Each tensile element 442 may include a series of tensile strands 444 extending between a first tensile sheet 446 and a second tensile sheet 448. The first tensile sheet 446 may be attached to the first barrier element 434 while the second tensile sheet 448 may be attached to the second barrier element 436. In this manner, when the fluid-filled chamber 432 receives a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands 444 of the tensile element 442 are placed in tension. Because the first tensile sheet 446 is attached to the first barrier element 434 and the second tensile sheet 448 is attached to the second barrier element 436, the tensile strands 444 retain a desired shape of the fluid-filled chamber 432 when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior void 438.

[0054]In one configuration, the fluid-filled chamber 432 is pressurized to 15 pounds per square inch (psi) plus or minus 10 psi. In another configuration, the fluid-filled chamber 432 is pressurized to 15 pounds per square inch (psi) plus or minus 5 psi. In yet another configuration, the fluid-filled chamber 432 is pressurized to 15 pounds per square inch (psi) plus or minus 1 psi. While the fluid-filled chamber 432 may be pressurized to a pressure within the above ranges, the fluid-filled chamber 432 is preferably pressurized to 15 psi.

[0055]In assembly, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the one or more cushions 400 can be arranged with respect to the fastening system 300. More particularly, the one or more cushions 400 (i.e., the first cushion arrangement 402, the second cushion arrangement 422, or another cushion arrangement) can be arranged in and/or removed from the pocket 340 by a wearer. Specifically, and as described above, the cushions 400 may be inserted into the respective pockets 340 by moving the access panels 342 away from one another to gain access to the pocket 340. Once the access panels 342 are sufficiently separated from one another such that a gap exists between the panels 342, the cushion 400 may be inserted into the gap between the panels 342 before ultimately being received within the pocket 340. At this point, the access panels 342 may return to the relaxed state due to the elastic material forming at least a portion of the panels 342 such that the gap between the panels 342 is substantially eliminated. At this point, the cushion 400 is hidden from view within the pocket 340 behind the access panels 342. It should be noted that the cushions 402, 422 are symmetric and have approximately the same size and shape. As such, the cushions 402, 422 can be interchanged with one another or with a different cushion 400 having different properties but the same size and shape.

[0056]FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate example configurations of a pair of articles of footwear 1000. These configurations are similar in many respects to the configurations of FIGS. 1-12. Accordingly, the descriptions of the configurations are hereby incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the configurations generally may not be repeated.

[0057]With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, each pair of articles of footwear 1000 includes a first or left article of footwear 10L arranged for a left foot of a wearer and a second or right article of footwear 10R arranged for a right foot of the wearer. Each article of footwear 10L, 10R includes the fastening system 300 introduced above. In an effort to improve a wearer's performance (i.e., swing speed, ground engagement, balance, lateral movements, etc.) while playing golf, for example, the wearer may selectively arrange the one or more cushions 400 with respect to each of the articles of footwear 10L, 10R.

[0058]For instance, with reference to FIG. 13, the example pair of articles of footwear 1000 is arranged for a right-handed golfer or wearer. In this configuration, the second cushion arrangement 422 is arranged in the pocket 340 of the right article of footwear 10R and the first cushion arrangement 402 is arranged in the pocket 340 of the left article of footwear 10L. In so doing, the second cushion arrangement 422 of the trailing foot (i.e., the right foot) acts as a wall against which the wearer can push when swinging a golf club. Exerting a force on the second cushion arrangement 422 (i.e., the “wall”) allows the wearer to engage and compress the fluid-filled chamber 432 of the second cushion arrangement 422 during a golf swing. In so doing, the fluid-filled chamber 432 stores energy that is returned to the wearer as the wearer completes the golf swing. The fluid-filled chamber 432 therefore provides a dynamic energy return to the wearer which, in turn, increases rotational speed and clubhead speed. While the trailing foot is described and shown as including the second cushion arrangement 422, the trailing foot could alternatively include the first cushion arrangement 402. If the trailing foot includes the first cushion arrangement 402, the foam of the first cushion arrangement 402 could be tailored to act in a similar fashion as the fluid-filled chamber 432 by controlling the energy return properties of the foam (i.e., foam type, density, etc.). If the trailing foot includes the first cushion arrangement 402, the leading foot could include a first cushion arrangement 402 or a second cushion arrangement 422.

[0059]With reference to FIG. 14, the example pair of articles of footwear 1000 is arranged for a left-handed golfer or wearer. In other words, the first cushion arrangement 402 is arranged in the pocket 340 of the right article of footwear 10R and the second cushion arrangement 422 is arranged in the pocket 340 of the left article of footwear 10L. As described above with respect to a right-handed golfer, providing the trailing foot (i.e., the left foot of a left-handed golfer) with a fluid-filled chamber 432 allows the fluid-filled chamber 432 to provide the wearer with a dynamic energy return which, in turn, increases rotational speed and clubhead speed.

[0060]In another configuration, the pocket 340 of each article of footwear 10L, 10R can each include the same type of cushion 400 of the one or more cushions 400 (e.g., the first cushion arrangement 402, the second cushion arrangement 422, or another cushion arrangement). In yet another configuration, the one or more cushions 400 (e.g., the first cushion arrangement 402, the second cushion arrangement 422, or another cushion arrangement) may be arranged in either the left article of footwear 10L or the right article of footwear 10R interchangeably.

[0061]Use of the cushions 400 within the pockets 340 of the fastening system 300 provides lateral support to a golfer while playing golf and, more specifically, while swinging a golf club. Initially, a golfer disengages the first strap 316 from the second strap 328. Specifically, the golfer first disengages the opposing fasteners associated with the first surface 322 and the second surface 324. Once disengaged, the first strap 316 can be removed from the second strap 328, as shown in FIG. 5. At this point, the golfer can insert a left foot into the left footwear 10L and a right foot into the right footwear 10R.

[0062]Once inserted into the respective footwear 10L, 10R, the free end 330 of the first strap 316 may be inserted into the hoop 334 of the second strap 328. Once the first strap 316 is received by the hoop 334 of the second strap 328, a force may be exerted on the first strap 316 to adjust a desired compression of the upper 200 around the feet of the golfer. Once the desired compression is achieved, the opposing fasteners respectively associated with the opposing surfaces 322, 324 may engage one another to fix a relative position of the free end 330 of the first strap 316 and the upper 200. As can be appreciated, the closer the free end 330 is positioned relative to the ground-engaging surface 26, the tighter the upper 200 is constricted around a foot by the first strap 316 and the second strap 328.

[0063]Tightening the straps 316, 328 around the upper 200 to secure a foot within the upper 200 likewise causes the particular cushion 400 to be exerted against a lateral side of the foot. For example, for a right-handed golfer or wearer (FIG. 13), the first cushion arrangement 402 is arranged in the pocket 340 of the left article of footwear 10L and the second cushion arrangement 422 is arranged in the pocket 340 of the right article of footwear 10R. These cushions 402, 422 are respectively exerted against the lateral sides of a left foot and a right foot within the respective uppers 200 to allow the cushions 402, 422 to support a lateral side of the golfer or wearer's feet while performing a golf swing. Providing lateral support increases lateral stability and, in some instances, may provide the golfer or wearer with a reactionary force that may aid the golfer in striking a golf ball.

[0064]Additionally, because the first strap 316 is anchored closer to the posterior end 14 of the sole structure 100 than the second strap 328 and the second strap 328 is anchored closer to the anterior end 12 of the sole structure 100 than the first strap 316, when the straps 316, 328 are attached to one another, the straps 316, 328 cooperate to extend over an instep region of the upper 200. Positioning the straps 316, 328 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 allows the straps 316, 328 to be under tension throughout a golf swing, thereby allowing the second straps 328 to maintain engagement of a lateral side of the upper 200 with the particular cushion 400. Maintaining engagement between the lateral side of the upper 200 and the particular cushion 400 allows the cushion 400 to provide dynamic energy return to a wearer's foot, as described above.

Materials

[0065]Example resilient polymeric materials for the midsole 102 may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.

[0066]In some aspects, the one or more polymers may include olefinic homopolymers, olefinic copolymers, or blends thereof. Examples of olefinic polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof. In other aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated mono-fatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0067]In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof.

[0068]In yet further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomeric polymers. In these aspects, the ionomeric polymers may include polymers with carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and/or anhydrides thereof. For instance, the ionomeric polymer(s) may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomeric polymers, polystyrene sulfonate, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0069]In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0070]In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and/or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethanes and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed below with respect to the cushions 400. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0071]When the resilient polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and/or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and/or an isocyanate.

[0072]In some embodiments, the foamed polymeric material may be a crosslinked foamed material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide may be used. Furthermore, the foamed polymeric material may include one or more fillers such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc glass fiber, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, and the like.

[0073]The resilient polymeric material may be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the resilient polymeric material is a molded elastomer, the uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) may be mixed in a Banbury mixer with an optional filler and a curing package such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package, calendared, formed into shape, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.

[0074]In another example, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the material may be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process. A thermoplastic polymeric material may be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical blowing agent and optionally a crosslinking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions which activate the blowing agent, forming a molded foam.

[0075]Optionally, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the foamed material may be a compression molded foam. Compression molding may be used to alter the physical properties (e.g., density, stiffness and/or durometer) of a foam, or to alter the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., to fuse two or more pieces of foam, to shape the foam, etc.), or both.

[0076]The compression molding process desirably starts by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming a polymeric material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting foamed sheet stock, and the like. The compression molded foam may then be made by placing the one or more preforms formed of foamed polymeric material(s) in a compression mold, and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in a closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and/or pressure is applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient duration of time to alter the preform(s) by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fuse individual foam particles to each other, permanently increase the density of the foam(s), or any combination thereof. Following the heating and/or application of pressure, the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.

[0077]Suitable materials of the upper 200 may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The example upper 200 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper 200 to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between the tightened state and the 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 of thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

[0078]As used herein, the term “barrier layer” (e.g., barrier layers 412, 414, 434, 436) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or all of the barrier layers 412, 414, 434, 436 are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or all of the barrier layers 412, 414, 434, 436 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 about 0.2 micrometers to about 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

[0079]One or all of the barrier layers 412, 414, 434, 436 can independently be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term “transparent” for a barrier layer and/or a fluid-filled chamber 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.

[0080]The barrier layers 412, 414, 434, 436 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.

[0081]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.

[0082]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.

[0083]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.

[0084]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.

[0085]The barrier layers 412, 414, 434, 436 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 412, 414, 434, 436 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 412, 414, 434, 436 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 412, 414, 434, 436 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.

[0086]The cushions 400 can be produced from the barrier layers 412, 414, 434, 436 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 412, 414, 434, 436 can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce an inflatable chamber, which can optionally include one or more valves (e.g., one way valves) that allows the cushions 400 to be filled with the fluid (e.g., gas).

[0087]The cushions 400 can be provided in a fluid-filled or in an unfilled state. The cushions 400 can be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid. In an aspect, the gas can include air, nitrogen (N₂), or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, the cushions 400 can alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled material, and the like (e.g., foamed beads and/or rubber beads). The fluid provided to the cushions 400 can result in the cushions 400 being pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to the cushions 400 can be at atmospheric pressure such that the cushions 400 are not pressurized but, rather, simply contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

[0088]The fluid-filled cushions 400 desirably have a low gas transmission rate to preserve their retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the fluid-filled cushions 400 have a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten (10) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, fluid-filled cushions 400 have 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 412, 414, 434, 436). 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.

[0089]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.