CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/077,208, filed on Sep. 11, 2020. 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

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 enhancing traction with the ground surface.

While 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 environmental view illustrating a contact zone and centroid associated with an article of footwear and resulting from a first movement;

FIG. 1B is an environmental view illustrating a contact zone and centroid associated with an article of footwear and resulting from a second movement;

FIG. 1C is an environmental view illustrating a contact zone and centroid associated with an article of footwear and resulting from a third movement;

FIG. 1D is an environmental view showing the centroids associated with the first, second, and third movements overlaid onto an article of footwear;

FIGS. 1E-1G are enlarged environmental views showing radii associated with the first, second, and third centroids and respectively taken at Areas 1E-1G of FIG. 1D;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an example of an article of footwear according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the article of footwear of FIG. 2, showing a forefoot region of the article of footwear;

FIG. 5 is an environmental view of a forefoot plate of the article of footwear of FIG. 2 overlaid with the centroids and radii of rotation associated with the first, second, and third movements of FIG. 1D;

FIGS. 5A-5C are enlarged environmental views respectively taken at Areas 5A-5C of FIG. 5 and showing the radii of rotation associated with the first, second, and third movements;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an example of an article of footwear according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the article of footwear of FIG. 6, showing a forefoot region of the article of footwear;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of an example of an article of footwear according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9, showing a forefoot region of the article of footwear;

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.

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.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a structure for an article of footwear includes a first plurality of traction elements having a first series of directional traction elements arranged within a first annular zone in a first rotational direction around a pivot zone. The sole structure further includes a second plurality of traction elements including a second series of directional traction elements arranged within a second annular zone concentric with and larger than the first annular zone. The second plurality of traction elements are arranged in the first rotational direction around the pivot zone.

Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, each of the directional traction elements is elongate and includes a length extending from a first end to a second end along the first rotational direction. In some implementations, each of the directional traction elements includes a chamfer formed adjacent to at least one of the first end and the second end.

In some configurations, each of the directional traction elements includes a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface each extending along the first rotational direction. Optionally, the inner surface converges with the outer surface along the first rotational direction.

In some implementations, the sole structure includes a third plurality of directional traction elements disposed in a heel region, each of the directional traction elements of the third plurality of directional traction elements oriented in the first rotational direction. In some examples, the first plurality of traction elements and the second plurality of traction elements are disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure.

In some configurations, the first plurality of traction elements further includes an omnidirectional traction element arranged within the first annular zone. Here, the omnidirectional traction element is disposed on a medial side of the sole structure and at least one of the directional traction elements of the first series is disposed on a lateral side of the sole structure. In some examples, at least one of directional traction elements includes a unidirectional traction element and at least one of the directional traction elements includes a bidirectional traction element.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a sole structure for an article of footwear including a first annular group of traction elements and a second annular group of traction elements. The first annular group of traction elements is arranged in series along a first annular zone in a forefoot region. The first annular group includes a first directional traction element on a lateral side of the sole structure and a second directional traction element on a medial side of the sole structure. The second annular group of traction elements is arranged in series along a second annular zone concentric with the first annular zone. The second annular group of traction elements includes a third directional traction element on the lateral side of the sole structure and a fourth directional traction element on the medial side of the sole structure.

Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, each of the directional traction elements is elongate and includes a length extending from a first end to a second end along a first rotational direction around a pivot zone of the sole structure. Optionally, each of the directional traction elements includes a chamfer formed adjacent to at least one of the first end and the second end.

In some implementations, each of the directional traction elements includes a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface each extending along the first rotational direction. In some examples, the inner surface converges with the outer surface along the first rotational direction. Optionally, the sole structure includes a third group of directional traction elements disposed in a heel region, each of the directional traction elements of the third group of directional traction elements oriented in the first rotational direction. In some configurations, the first annular group and the second annular group are disposed in the forefoot region of the sole structure.

In some examples, the first annular group of traction elements further includes an omnidirectional traction element arranged along the first annular zone. Here, the omnidirectional traction element may be disposed on a medial side of the sole structure. In some implementations, at least one of directional traction elements includes a unidirectional traction element and at least one of the directional traction elements includes a bidirectional traction element.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate examples of reactionary forces and motions corresponding to common athletic movements associated with an article of footwear. As shown, these forces and motions are illustrated with respect to an article of footwear including a conventional pattern of traction elements configured for translational (i.e., lateral, longitudinal) traction with a ground surface. In FIG. 1A, a first contact zone Z_P1associated with a 45° outside cut (i.e., forward and lateral direction) is shown. Here, the first contact zone Z_P1indicates a pressure area along the anterior-medial side of the article of footwear, with a higher degree of contact at the anterior end associated with the 45° movement. A centroid C_P1associated with the first contact zone Z_P1is located adjacent to an anterior end of the article of footwear. FIG. 1B illustrates a second contact zone Z_P2and second centroid C_P2corresponding to a second movement associated with a 180° outside cut (i.e., lateral direction). As shown, the second contact zone Z_P2and second centroid C_P2are shifted away from the anterior end and towards the lateral side relative to the first contact zone Z_P1and first centroid C_P1. FIG. 1C illustrates a third contact zone Z_P3and third centroid C_P3corresponding to a third movement associated with a 90° inside cut (i.e., longitudinal direction), such as an acceleration, deceleration, or planting kick. Here, the third contact zone Z_P3includes a full width of the sole structure such that the third centroid C_P3is closer to the lateral side than the first and second centroids C_P1, C_P2. For clarity, FIGS. 1A-1C each show a plurality of radii of rotation associated with the respective centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3, which will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 1D-1G. As discussed throughout the application, the centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3may collectively define a rotational or pivot zone Z_P, which is an area of the sole structure encompassing all three of the centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3about which the sole structure may pivot during any one of the three movements.

FIGS. 1D-1G illustrate the relationships between the rotational motions corresponding to each of the first, second, and third centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3associated with the first, second, and third movements. In FIG. 1D, the rotational radii corresponding to each of the centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3are all overlaid upon the same example sole structure. As shown, the rotational radii are offset relative to one another such that the rotational radii have different degrees of alignment at different areas of the sole structure. For example, at Area 1E (FIG. 1E), the rotational radii associated with the first centroid C_P1(solid line) and the third centroid C_P3(dashed line) have a relatively high degree of alignment (e.g., tangentially) to each other while the rotational radius associated with the second centroid C_P2(solid line) extends transversely to the rotational radii associated with the second centroid C_P2and the third centroid C_P3. Accordingly, at Area 1E, the sole structure moves in a similar rotational direction during a 45° outside cut and a 90° inside cut, but moves along a different rotational path during a 180° outside cut. In another example, at Area 1F (FIG. 1F), the rotational radii associated with the first, second, and third centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3have a relatively low degree of alignment with each other. Thus, the sole structure moves in different rotational directions at Area 1F during a 45° outside cut, a 180° outside cut, and a 90° inside cut. At Area 1G (FIG. 1G) the rotational radii associated with the first, second, and third centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3have a relatively high degree of alignment with each other, indicating that the sole structure moves along a common rotational path at Area 1G during a 45° outside cut, a 180° outside cut, and a 90° inside cut.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1D-1G, the different degrees of alignment between the rotational radii of the first, second, and third centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3may affect a torsional force associated with the article of footwear based on the shape, location, and orientation of traction elements on the article of footwear. For instance, the example of the article of footwear shown in FIGS. 1D-1G includes chevron-shaped traction elements arranged in a random pattern with broad faces of the traction elements being transverse to the rotational radii. Thus, in areas of the sole structure having a relatively high degree of alignment (e.g., Areas 1E, 1G), conventional configurations and shapes of traction elements may impart a higher torsional force during the associated movements (e.g., cuts, kicks, etc.) as the traction elements engage the ground surface along the direction of the rotational radii.

As discussed in greater detail below, the examples of the articles of footwear 10, 10a, 10b according to the present disclosure are configured to tune torsional forces associated with the articles of footwear 10, 10a, 10b by providing an annular series of traction elements that are aligned with one another based on an optimized alignment with the rotational radii. Here, combinations of directional traction elements and omnidirectional traction elements are incorporated based on the relationship between the rotational radii. For instance, directional traction elements are provided in areas of the sole structure associated with relatively high degrees of alignment between rotational radii, while omnidirectional traction elements are provided in areas of the sole structure associated with relatively low degrees of alignment between rotational radii.

Referring to FIG. 2, an article of footwear 10 includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100. The footwear 10 may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10. As shown in FIG. 3, a longitudinal axis A₁₀of 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.

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 may be subdivided into a toe portion 20_Tcorresponding with phalanges and a ball portion 20_Bassociated with metatarsal bones of a foot. As shown, the article of footwear 10 may be described in terms of a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) axis A_MTPcorresponding to an MTP joint of the foot, which generally extends between the toe portion 20_Tand the ball portion 20_B. 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.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the sole structure 100 includes a forefoot plate 102 attached to the upper 200 in the forefoot region 20 and a heel plate 104 attached to the upper 200 in the heel region 24. The sole structure 100 and/or the plates 102, 104 of the sole structure 100 may be described as including a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface 108 formed on an opposite side of the sole structure 100 from the upper 200. An outer peripheral edge 110 connects the top surface 106 to the bottom surface 108 and defines an outer peripheral profile of the sole structure 100.

In the illustrated example, the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 are formed as separate components such that the forefoot plate 102 extends from a first end 112 at the anterior end 12 to a second end 114 adjacent to the mid-foot region 22. Here, a portion of the peripheral edge 110 defining the second end 114 of the forefoot plate 102 extends along a concave path from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18 such that the second end 114 includes an arcuate recess 116 defining a pair of posterior-facing lobes 118 on opposite sides of the second end 112. The heel plate extends from a first end 120 adjacent to the mid-foot region 22 to a second end 122 at the posterior end 14. While the illustrated example includes the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 as separate components attached at opposite ends of the sole structure 100, the plates 102, 104 may be provided as a unitary component extending along an entire length of the article of footwear 10 from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14.

In the illustrated example, the sole structure 100 includes a plurality of directional traction elements 124-124f and an omnidirectional traction element 126. In this example, the directional traction elements 124-124f include unidirectional traction elements 124-124f provided as elongate members configured to move translationally through a ground surface (e.g., turf, soil) with a lower directional force in one direction than in an opposite direction, while the omnidirectional traction element 126 is provided as a round (i.e., cylindrical, conical, hemispherical) member configured to move through the ground surface in all directions with a substantially similar directional force.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, each of the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 includes a plurality of the unidirectional traction elements 124-124f As described herein, the unidirectional traction elements 124-124f may be alternatively referred to as blade cleats 124-124f The blade cleats 124-124f may each be described as having a height extending from a proximal end 130 at the bottom surface 108 of the sole structure 100 to a distal end 132 spaced apart from the bottom surface 108 of the sole structure 100. Thus, the proximal end 130 of each blade cleat 124-124f forms a base 130 of the blade cleat 124-124f while the distal end 132 forms a tip 132 of the blade cleat 124-124f configured to engage the ground surface.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, a length of each of the blade cleats 124-124f extends from a first end 134 to a second end 136 disposed at an opposite end of the blade cleat 124-124f from the first end 134. Each blade cleat 124-124f further includes a pair of side surfaces 138, 140 formed on opposite sides of the blade cleat 124-124f and extending from the first end 134 to the second end 136. Accordingly, a width of each blade cleat 124-124f is defined by a distance between the side surfaces 138, 140. As shown, a width of each of the blade cleats 124-124f tapers along a direction from the second end 136 to the first end 134. Here, the width of each blade cleat 124-124f tapers continuously along the entire length of the blade cleat 124-124f from the second end 136 to the first end 134. In other words, a width of the each blade cleat 124-124f is greater at the second end 136 than at the first end 134 such that the blade cleat 124-124f is configured to move through a ground surface material (e.g., soil) in a direction from the first end 134 to the second end 136 with a lower resistance than in a direction from the second end 136 to the first end 134.

In the illustrated example, each of the first surface 138 and the second surface 140 may be multi-faceted such that the blade cleats 124-124f each bend along a direction from the first end 134 to the second end 136. For instance, the first side surface 138 may include a first plurality of facets 142 arranged in series from the first end 134 to the second end 136. The facets 142 of the first side surface 138 are angled towards each other and cooperate to form a cupped or concave first surface 138, which may be referred to as an inner surface 138 of the blade cleat 124-124f Conversely, the second surface 140 may include a second plurality of facets 144 arranged in series from the first end 134 to the second end 136 on the opposite side of the blade cleat 124-124f from the first surface 138. The facets 144 of the second surface 140 are angled away from each other and cooperate to provide the second surface 140 with a convex shape. Thus, the second surface 140 may be referred to as an outer surface 140. In the illustrated example, the inner surface 138 and the outer surface 140 each include a pair of the facets 142, 144 such that each blade cleat 124-124f may be described as including first and second segments. However, in other examples, a facet resolution of the inner surface 138 and/or the outer surface 140 may be increased such that the surfaces 138, 140 include a greater number of facets 142, 144 or are fully arcuate.

As discussed in greater detail below, the inner and outer surfaces 138, 140 of the blade cleats 124-124f are configured to be aligned along one or more rotational radii of the sole structure 100 such that the surfaces are substantially aligned along one or more rotational paths associated with the pivot zone Z_P. Thus, the elongate shapes of the blade cleats 124-124f provided by the tapering width and the curved surfaces 138, 140 facilitate movement of the blade cleats 124-124f through the ground surface along the direction of the side surfaces 138, 140 with relatively low resistance while providing a high level of resistance (i.e., traction) in a direction transverse to the side surfaces 138, 140.

Optionally, each of the blade cleats 124-124f may include a chamfer 146 connecting the distal end 132 and the first end 134 of the blade cleat 124-124f. When included, the chamfer 146 includes a surface formed at an oblique angle between the distal end 132 and the first end 134 of the blade cleat 124-124f The chamfer 146 provides the blade cleat 124-124f with a shorter length at the distal end 132 of the blade cleat 124-124f than at the base 130 of the blade cleat 124-124f such that the blade cleat 124-124f is configured to progressively engage the ground surface as the blade cleat 124-124f is inserted into the ground surface.

In some examples, the blade cleats 124-124f include caps 148 attached at the distal end 132 and, when present, the chamfer 146. Here, the caps 148 include a different material than the blade cleat 124-124f and are configured to tune an interface between the blade cleats 124-124f and the ground surface. For instance, the caps 148 may include materials having a lower durometer or a higher coefficient of friction than the body of the blade cleat 124-124f to provide the blade cleats 124-124f with better traction on relatively hard ground surfaces. Alternatively, the caps 148 may include materials having a higher durometer than a material of the blade cleats 124-124f to provide each of the blade cleats 124-124f with a hard tip for engaging softer ground surfaces.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, the omnidirectional traction element 126 has a height extending from a proximal end 150 at the bottom surface 108 of the sole structure 100 to a distal end 152 spaced apart from the bottom surface 108 of the sole structure 100. Thus, the proximal end 150 forms a base 150 of the omnidirectional traction element 126 and the distal end 152 forms a tip 152 of the omnidirectional traction element.

Unlike the unidirectional traction elements 124-124f, which are substantially elongate in shape, the omnidirectional traction element 126 has a length and width that are substantially similar such that the omnidirectional traction element 126 is configured to move through the ground surface in all directions with substantially equal force or resistance. In the illustrated example, the omnidirectional traction element 126 is configured as a post cleat 126 having a substantially flat distal end 152. Specifically, the post cleat 126 is frustoconical such that a width or diameter of the post cleat 126 tapers along a direction from the base 150 to the tip 152. In other examples, the post cleat 126 may be cylindrical, hemispherical, or have an equilateral polygonal cross section.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the forefoot plate 102 of the present example includes a first annular cleat group 154 disposed generally in the toe portion 20_Tof the forefoot region 20 and a second annular cleat group 156 arranged through the ball portion 20_Bof the forefoot region 20. Here, the first annular cleat group 154 includes a plurality of the blade cleats 124a-124d and a single one of the post cleats 126 all arranged in series within a first annular zone Z₁₅₄circumscribing the central pivot zone Z_Passociated with the centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3discussed above. Similarly, the second annular cleat group 156 includes a pair of the blade cleats 124e, 124f arranged in series within a second annular zone Z₁₅₆that is concentric with the first annular zone Z₁₅₄. Here, the first annular zone Z₁₅₄is formed between a first minor radius R_154aand a first major radius R_154band the second annular zone Z₁₅₆is formed between a second minor radius R_156athat is greater than the first major radius R_154aand a second major radius R_156b. Thus, while the traction elements 124a-124f, 126 of each of the annular cleat groups 154, 156 are not aligned along a common radius, the traction elements 124a-124f, 126 of each cleat group 154, 156 are aligned within a radius range defined between the minor radii R_154a, R_156aand the major radii R_154b, R_156b.

The first annular cleat group 154 may be referred to as an inner annular cleat group 154 and includes the post cleat 126 disposed immediately adjacent to the peripheral edge 110 on the medial side 16. The post cleat 126 is disposed between the anterior end 12 and the MTP axis A_MTP. The inner annular cleat group 154 includes four of the blade cleats 124a-124d arranged in series around the first annular zone Z₁₅₄. As shown, the blade cleats 124a-124d are arranged in the same rotational direction around the first annular zone Z₁₅₄such that the first ends 134 of each one of the blade cleats 124b-124d face the second ends 136 of a preceding one of the blade cleats 124a-124c while the inner surface 138 of each blade cleat 124a-124d faces inwardly towards the pivot zone Z_P. Thus, the blade cleats 124a-124d are arranged to move in a rotational direction around the pivot zone Z_P.

Starting at the post cleat 126, the blade cleats 124a-124d are arranged in order including a first blade cleat 124a on the medial side 16 of the anterior end 12, a second blade cleat 124b on the lateral side 18 of the anterior end 12, a third blade cleat 124c immediately adjacent to the peripheral edge 110 on the lateral side 18, and a fourth blade cleat 124d adjacent to the longitudinal axis A₁₀and the MTP axis A_MTP. As shown in FIG. 4, the first blade cleat 124a is oriented such that the first end 134 faces the post cleat 126 on the medial side 16 and the outer surface 140 of the first blade cleat 124a is adjacent and substantially parallel to the peripheral edge 110 of the forefoot plate 102. The first end 134 of the second blade cleat 124b faces the second end 136 of the first blade cleat 124a and the outer surface 140 converges with the peripheral edge 110 along a direction from the first end 134 to the second end 136. Thus, the first end 134 of the second blade cleat 124b is spaced apart from the peripheral edge 110 by a greater distance at the first end 134 than at the second end 136. The third blade cleat 124c is disposed immediately adjacent to the peripheral edge 110 on the lateral side 18 and diverges from the peripheral edge 110 along the direction from the first end 134 to the second end 136. The fourth blade cleat 124d is disposed in a central portion of the sole structure 100 adjacent to the longitudinal axis A₁₀and is oriented such that the first end 134 is closer to the anterior end 12 and the medial side 16 than the second end 136.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second annular cleat group 156 includes a pair of the blade cleats 124e, 124f arranged around the second annular zone Z₁₅₆. As provided above, the second annular zone Z₁₅₆is concentric with the first annular zone Z₁₅₄and has a larger radius than the first annular zone Z₁₅₆such that the blade cleats 124e, 124f of the second annular cleat group 156 partially surround the first annular cleat group 154. Here, the second annular zone Z₁₅₆is sized such that the blade cleats 124e, 124f of the second annular cleat group 156 are disposed on a posterior side of the MTP axis A_MTP(i.e., in the ball portion 20_B). The blade cleats 124e, 124f of the second annular cleat group 156 are arranged in the same rotational direction (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise) around the pivot zone Z_Pas the blade cleats 124a-124f of the first annular cleat group 154. For example, the first ends 134 of each of the blade cleats 124e, 124f of the second annular cleat group 156 face the lateral side 18 of the sole structure 100. A first one of the blade cleats 124e of the second annular cleat group 156 is disposed adjacent to the medial side 16 and a second one of the blade cleats 124f of the second annular cleat group 156 is disposed adjacent to the lateral side 18. The inner surfaces 138 of each of the blade cleats 124e, 124f are oriented towards the pivot zone Z_P.

With reference to FIGS. 5-5C, the positions of one of the inner blade cleats 124c, one of the outer blade cleats 124e, and the post cleat 126 are illustrated relative to the radii of rotation associated with the pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3. As provided above, the first pivot centroid C_P1(FIG. 1A) is associated with a 45° outside cut, the second pivot centroid C_P2(FIG. 1B) is associated with a 180° outside cut (FIG. 1B), and the third pivot centroid C_P3(FIG. 1C) is associated with a 90° inside cut (e.g., accelerating, decelerating, or a planting kick).

With reference to FIG. 5A, the third blade cleat 124c of the inner annular cleat group 154 is shown with the radii of rotation associated with the pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3overlaid. Here, the length of the third blade cleat 124c (i.e., from the first end 134 to the second end 136) is substantially tangentially aligned along the radii of rotation associated with the first pivot centroid C_P1and the third pivot centroid C_P3and is oriented at an acute angle relative to the radius of rotation associated with the second pivot centroid C_P2. Thus, the third blade cleat 124c is configured to move in the rotational directions corresponding to the first and third centroids C_P1, C_P3.

FIG. 5B shows the position of the post cleat 126 of the inner annular cleat group 154 with the radii of rotation of the pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3overlaid. As shown, in Area 5B, the radii of rotation of the pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3are substantially misaligned such that there is no best-fit orientation for a unidirectional blade cleat 124. In other words, incorporating a directional traction element at Area 5B to accommodate rotational movement about one of the centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3would result in a relatively high degree of rotational resistance (i.e., traction) to rotational movement about the other two centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3. Accordingly, the omnidirectional post cleat 126 is placed at Area 5B to accommodate each of the different radii of rotation of the centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3.

In FIG. 5C, the medial side blade cleat 124e of the outer annual cleat group 156 is shown with the radii of rotation of the pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3overlaid. Here, the radii of rotation of the pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3have a relatively high degree of tangential alignment such that the medial blade cleat 124e is oriented to align the inner and outer surfaces 138, 140 with each of the radii of rotation of the pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3. Thus, the medial blade cleat 124e is configured to move in the rotational directions corresponding to the first, second, and third centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the blade cleats 124e-124f of the forefoot plate 102 are positioned at areas of the forefoot plate 102 where the radii of rotation of at least two of the pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3are aligned. For instance, in addition to the blade cleats 124c, 124e discussed with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5C, FIG. 5 shows the first blade cleat 124a of the inner annular cleat group 154 located where the radii of rotation for the first and third pivot centroids C_P1, C_P3are aligned while the second blade cleat 124b of the inner annular cleat group 154 is located where the radii of rotation for the second and third pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2are aligned. The fourth blade cleat 124d of the inner annular cleat group 154 and the lateral blade cleat 124f of the outer annular cleat group 156 are each positioned at areas with relatively high degrees of alignment between the radii of rotation of all three of the pivot centroids C_P1, C_P2, C_P3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heel plate 104 includes a plurality of the blade cleats 124 each oriented along the same rotational direction about the pivot zone Z_Pas the blade cleats 124a-124f of the forefoot plate 102. In the illustrated example, the heel plate 104 includes two pairs of the blade cleats 124, with a first pair aligned longitudinally along the lateral side 18 of the longitudinal axis A₁₀and a second pair aligned longitudinally along the medial side 16 of the longitudinal axis A₁₀. Here, all of the blade cleats 124 of the heel plate 104 include the first ends 134 facing towards the lateral side 18 of the sole structure 100. The blade cleats 124 on the medial side 16 of the longitudinal axis A₁₀are oriented such that the second end 136 faces the medial side 16 and is closer to the anterior end 12 than the first end 134. Similarly, the blade cleats 124 on the lateral side 18 of the longitudinal axis A₁₀are oriented such that the first end 134 faces the lateral side 18 and is closer to the anterior end 12 than the second end 136.

As provided above, all of the blade cleats 124-124f of the forefoot plate 102 and the heel plate 104 are oriented in the same rotational direction (i.e., clockwise, counterclockwise) such that the inner surfaces 138 and the outer surfaces 140 are substantially tangential to concentric radii of rotation about the pivot zone Z_P. Thus, the tapered, elongate, and bent shapes of the blade cleats 124 allow the sole structure 100 to rotate about the pivot zone Z_Pwith a minimized torsional force while the inner surfaces 138 and the outer surfaces 140 of the blade cleats 124 are configured to provide increased traction in lateral and longitudinal directions of the sole structure 100.

With particular reference to FIGS. 6-8, an article of footwear 10a is provided and includes a sole structure 100a and the upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100a. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10a, 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.

In the example of the sole structure 100a shown in FIGS. 6-8, a forefoot plate 102a includes an inner annular cleat group 154a and an outer annular cleat group 156a that are similar to the inner annular cleat group 154 and the outer annular cleat group 156 discussed previously. However, in this example, the radii R_154a, R_154b, R_156a, R_156bof the annular zones Z₁₅₄, Z₁₅₆have been reduced such that the inner and outer annular cleat groups 154a, 156a are more tightly grouped around the pivot zone Z_P. For example, the post cleat 126 and the first, second, and third blade cleats 124a-124c are offset inwardly from the peripheral edge 110 of the sole structure 100. Furthermore, the blade cleats 124e, 124f of the outer annular cleat group 156a are each positioned on an anterior side of the MTP axis A_MTP(i.e., in the toe portion 20_T).

By reducing the respective radii of the cleat groups 154a, 154b, a torsional force required to rotate or twist the cleat groups 154a, 154b about the pivot zone Z_Pthrough the ground surface is reduced relative to a torsional force associated with the sole structure 100 discussed previously. However, while the torsional forces associated with the sole structure 100a are reduced, the rotational configuration of the traction elements 124, 126 provides translational (e.g., lateral, longitudinal) traction forces comparable to the forces provided by the sole structure 100, as the inner and outer surfaces 138, 140 of the blade cleats 124 cooperate to engage the ground surface in different translational directions.

With particular reference to FIGS. 9-11, an article of footwear 10b is provided and includes a sole structure 100b and the upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100b. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10b, 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 sole structure 100b of FIGS. 9-11 is substantially similar to the sole structure 100 discussed above and includes an inner annular cleat group 154b and an outer annular cleat group 156b arranged around annular zones Z_154b, Z_156b. As with the sole structure 100 discussed above, the inner annular cleat group 154b is arranged along an annular zone Z₁₅₄such that the traction elements 124b-124d, 160a-160b of the inner annular cleat group 154b are adjacent to the peripheral edge 110 of the forefoot plate 102b and the traction elements 124f, 160c of the outer annular cleat group 156b are positioned on a posterior side of the MTP axis A_MTP(i.e., in the ball portion 20_B).

The sole structure 100b of the present example includes a plurality of bi-directional traction elements 160a-160c in addition to the unidirectional traction elements 124b-124d, 124f For example, where the sole structure 100 discussed above includes the post cleat 126, the first blade cleat 124a of inner annular cleat group 154, and the medial blade cleat 124e of the outer annular cleat group 156, the sole structure 100b of the present example includes bi-directional traction elements 160a-160c incorporated into the annular cleat groups 154b, 156b. Generally, the bi-directional traction elements 160a-160c are formed as symmetrical wing cleats 160a-160c configured to allow bi-directional movement along a lengthwise direction of the traction element 160a-160c. The bi-directional traction elements 160a-160c and the unidirectional traction elements 124b-124d, 124f may be collectively referred to as directional traction elements.

With reference to FIG. 9, each of the wing cleats 160a-160c includes height extending from a proximal end 162 at the bottom surface 108 of the sole structure 100 to a distal end 164 spaced apart from the bottom surface 108 of the sole structure 100. Thus, the proximal end 162 forms a base of the wing cleat 160a-160c and the distal end 164 forms a tip of the wing cleat 160a-160c.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9-11, a length of each of the wing cleats 160a-160c extends from a first end 166 to a second end 168 disposed at an opposite end of the wing cleat 160a-160c from the first end 166. Each wing cleat 160a-160c further includes a pair of side surfaces 170, 172 formed on opposite sides of the wing cleat 160a-160c and extending from the first end 166 to the second end 168. Accordingly, a width of each wing cleat 160a-160c is defined by a distance between the side surfaces 170, 172. As shown, the width of each of the wing cleats 160a-160c tapers along the length from an intermediate portion towards each end 166, 168. In other words, a width of the each wing cleat 160a-160c is greater in a central portion than at the first end 166 and second end 168 such that the wing cleat 160 is configured to slice through a ground surface material (e.g., soil) in a direction towards either end 166, 168.

In the illustrated example, each of the first side surface 170 and the second side surface 172 may be multi-faceted such that the wing cleats 160a-160c each bend along a direction from the first end 166 to the second end 168. For instance, the first side surface 170 may include a first plurality of facets 174 arranged in series from the first end 166 to the second end 168. The facets 174 of the first side surface 170 are angled towards each other and cooperate to form a cupped or concave first side surface 170, which may be referred to as an inner surface 170 of the wing cleat 160a-160c. Conversely, the second surface 172 may include a second plurality of facets 176 arranged in series from the first end 166 to the second end 168 on the opposite side of the wing cleat 160a-160c from the first side surface 170. The facets 176 of the second side surface 172 are angled away from each other and cooperate to provide the second side surface 172 with a convex shape. Thus, the second side surface 172 may be referred to as an outer surface 172. In the illustrated example, the inner side surface 170 and the outer side surface 172 each include three of the facets 174, 176 such that each wing cleat 160a-160c may be described as including first and second end segments extending from an intermediate segment. However, in other examples, a facet resolution of the inner surface 170 and/or the outer surface 172 may be increased such that the surfaces 170, 172 include a greater number of facets 174, 176 or are fully arcuate.

Optionally, each of the wing cleats 160a-160c may include a pair of chamfers 178 connecting the distal end 164 and with each of the first end 166 and the second end 168. When included, the chamfers 178 include a surface formed at an oblique angle relative to the distal end 164 and each of the first end 166 and the second end 168 of the wing cleat 160a-160c. The chamfers 178 provide the wing cleat 160a-160c with a shorter length at the distal end 164 of the wing cleat 160a-160c than at the base 162 of the wing cleat 160 such that the wing cleat 160 is configured to progressively engage the ground surface as the wing cleat 160a-160c is inserted into the ground surface.

In some examples, the wing cleats 160a-160c include caps 180 attached at the distal end 164 and, when present, the chamfers 178. Here, the caps 180 include a different material than the body of the wing cleats 160a-160c and are configured to tune an interface between the wing cleats 160a-160c and the ground surface. For instance, the caps 180 may include materials having a lower durometer or a higher coefficient of friction to provide the wing cleats 160a-160c with better traction on relatively hard ground surfaces. Alternatively, the caps 180 may include materials having a higher durometer than a material of the wing cleats 160a-160c to provide each of the wing cleats 160a-160c with a hard tip for engaging softer ground surfaces.

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

Clause 1: A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a first plurality of traction elements including a first series of directional traction elements arranged within a first annular zone in a first rotational direction around a pivot zone; and a second plurality of traction elements including a second series of directional traction elements arranged within a second annular zone concentric with and larger than the first annular zone, the second plurality of traction elements arranged in the first rotational direction around the pivot zone.

Clause 2: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein each of the directional traction elements is elongate and includes a length extending from a first end to a second end along the first rotational direction.

Clause 3: The sole structure of Clause 2, wherein each of the directional traction elements includes a chamfer formed adjacent to at least one of the first end and the second end.

Clause 4: The sole structure of Clause 2 or 3, wherein each of the directional traction elements includes a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface each extending along the first rotational direction.

Clause 5: The sole structure of Clause 4, wherein the inner surface converges with the outer surface along the first rotational direction.

Clause 6: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-5, further comprising a third plurality of directional traction elements disposed in a heel region, each of the directional traction elements of the third plurality of directional traction elements oriented in the first rotational direction.

Clause 7: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the first plurality of traction elements and the second plurality of traction elements are disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure.

Clause 8: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein the first plurality of traction elements further includes an omnidirectional traction element arranged within the first annular zone.

Clause 9: The sole structure of Clause 8, wherein the omnidirectional traction element is disposed on a medial side of the sole structure and at least one of the directional traction elements of the first series is disposed on a lateral side of the sole structure.

Clause 10: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein at least one of directional traction elements includes a unidirectional traction element and at least one of the directional traction elements includes a bidirectional traction element.

Clause 11: A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a first annular group of traction elements arranged in series along a first annular zone in a forefoot region, the first annular group including a first directional traction element on a lateral side of the sole structure and a second directional traction element on a medial side of the sole structure; and a second annular group of traction elements arranged in series along a second annular zone concentric with the first annular zone, the second annular group of traction elements including a third directional traction element on the lateral side of the sole structure and a fourth directional traction element on the medial side of the sole structure.

Clause 12: The sole structure of Clause 11, wherein each of the directional traction elements is elongate and includes a length extending from a first end to a second end along a first rotational direction around a pivot zone of the sole structure.

Clause 13: The sole structure of Clause 12, wherein each of the directional traction elements includes a chamfer formed adjacent to at least one of the first end and the second end.

Clause 14: The sole structure of Clause 12 or 13, wherein each of the directional traction elements includes a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface each extending along the first rotational direction.

Clause 15: The sole structure of Clause 14, wherein the inner surface converges with the outer surface along the first rotational direction.

Clause 16: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 11-15, further comprising a third group of directional traction elements disposed in a heel region, each of the directional traction elements of the third group of directional traction elements oriented in the first rotational direction.

Clause 17: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 11-16, wherein the first annular group and the second annular group are disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure.

Clause 18: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 11-17, wherein the first annular group of traction elements further includes an omnidirectional traction element arranged along the first annular zone.

Clause 19: The sole structure of Clause 18, wherein the omnidirectional traction element is disposed on a medial side of the sole structure.

Clause 20: The sole structure of any one of Clauses 11-19, wherein at least one of directional traction elements includes a unidirectional traction element and at least one of the directional traction elements includes a bidirectional traction element.

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.