A bladder for an article of footwear extends from an anterior end to a posterior end and includes a first chamber disposed in an interior region of the bladder and a second chamber at least partially surrounding the first chamber. The first chamber includes a first interior void having a first pressure and the second chamber includes a second interior void having a second pressure. In some implementations, the second chamber includes a plurality of lobes arranged in series and each having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. Each lobe has a greater thickness at the intermediate portion than at the first end and the second end, such that each lobe tapers from the intermediate portion to the first end and the second end.

Energy dampening and/or dispersing systems may include a gel member having a top surface and a bottom surface, an aerated gel member having a top surface and a bottom surface, and the top surface of the aerated gel member secured to the bottom surface of the gel member. In some embodiments, the energy dampening and/or dispersing systems may include a support structure secured to the gel member, and a cover extending over the top surface of the support structure and the bottom surface of the aerated gel member. The energy dampening and/or dispersing systems may be operable in ballistic garments, footwear, sporting goods, and vehicles.

An upper for an article of footwear includes a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot. The first material includes an outer surface. The upper also includes a first edge at least partially circumscribing the void at an uppermost extremity of the upper and a second edge disposed at a lowermost extremity of the upper. The upper further includes a first biasing member (i) disposed at the outer surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the first edge and the second edge. The first biasing member is operable to exert a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge away from the second edge.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

An adjustment element for an article of footwear includes a bladder having a barrier layer defining an interior void and a compressible component disposed within the interior void and including a lattice structure defining a plurality of reliefs formed in the lattice structure, the compressible component operable between an expanded state when the interior void includes a first pressure and a contracted state when the interior void includes a second pressure.

Footwear upper components include a fabric element having a first thermoplastic polyurethane component and a bladder component that defines a sealed interior chamber for containing a fluid. The bladder component includes an outer perimeter seam that extends at least partially around the sealed interior chamber, and at least a portion of this outer perimeter seam is engaged with the first thermoplastic polyurethane component of the fabric element. The outer perimeter seam seals two thermoplastic sheets together to form the bladder component. At least a portion of a major exterior surface of one thermoplastic sheet that defines the sealed interior chamber may be bonded to the thermoplastic polyurethane component of the fabric element in an adhesive free manner, and/or the portion of the outer perimeter seam that is bonded to the first thermoplastic polyurethane component of the fabric element may be bonded in an adhesive free manner.

A bladder for an article of footwear extends from an anterior end to a posterior end and includes a first chamber disposed in an interior region of the bladder and a second chamber at least partially surrounding the first chamber. The first chamber includes a first interior void having a first pressure and the second chamber includes a second interior void having a second pressure. In some implementations, the second chamber includes a plurality of lobes arranged in series and each having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. Each lobe has a greater thickness at the intermediate portion than at the first end and the second end, such that each lobe tapers from the intermediate portion to the first end and the second end.

An upper for an article of footwear includes a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot. The first material includes an outer surface. The upper also includes a first edge at least partially circumscribing the void at an uppermost extremity of the upper and a second edge disposed at a lowermost extremity of the upper. The upper further includes a first biasing member (i) disposed at the outer surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the first edge and the second edge. The first biasing member is operable to exert a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge away from the second edge.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

A bladder for an article of footwear includes a first chamber having a first segment extending along a first side of the bladder and a second segment formed on an opposite side of the bladder from the first segment. The bladder further includes a second chamber at least partially surrounded by the first chamber and disposed between the first segment and the second segment. A manifold is in direct fluid communication with each of the first segment of the first chamber, the second segment of the first chamber, and the second chamber. A web area connects each of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the manifold. The bladder may include a first series of ports formed in the first segment of the first chamber and a second series of ports formed in the second segment of the first chamber.