ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING A STROBEL

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an upper, a strobel secured to a lower extent of the upper, and a midsole secured to the strobel. The strobel defines an aperture extending transversely across a longitudinal midline of the midsole and over a foot-facing surface of the midsole. The strobel includes a medial portion extending from a medial outer edge of the strobel at a medial side of the strobel to a medial inner edge of the strobel at a medial extent of the aperture, a lateral portion extending from a lateral outer edge of the strobel at a lateral side of the strobel to a lateral inner edge of the strobel at a lateral extent of the aperture. The aperture has a maximum transverse width greater than a sum of transverse widths of the medial portion and the lateral portion at the maximum transverse width of the aperture.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising: a footwear upper; a strobel secured to a lower extent of the footwear upper; and a midsole secured to the strobel; wherein the midsole is further secured to an exterior of the footwear upper outward of the strobel at a medial side of the footwear upper and at a lateral side of the footwear upper; wherein the strobel defines an aperture extending transversely across a longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the aperture extends over a foot-facing surface of the midsole; wherein the strobel includes a medial portion extending from a medial outer edge of the strobel at a medial side of the strobel to a medial inner edge of the strobel at a medial extent of the aperture, and a lateral portion extending from a lateral outer edge of the strobel at a lateral side of the strobel to a lateral inner edge of the strobel at a lateral extent of the aperture; and wherein the aperture has a maximum transverse width that is greater than a sum of a transverse width of the medial portion and a transverse width of the lateral portion at the maximum transverse width of the aperture.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, characterized by an absence of adhesive on the midsole at the aperture.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the strobel entirely surrounds the aperture.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the aperture extends in each of a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the aperture extends only in a forefoot region of the article of footwear or only in a forefoot region and a midfoot region of the article of footwear.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein: the aperture is a first aperture, the medial portion of the strobel is a first medial portion, and the lateral portion of the strobel is a first lateral portion; the strobel defines a second aperture extending transversely across the longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the second aperture extends over the foot-facing surface of the midsole; wherein the strobel includes a second medial portion extending from the medial outer edge of the strobel at the medial side of the strobel to a medial inner edge of the strobel at a medial extent of the second aperture, and a second lateral portion extending from the lateral outer edge of the strobel at the lateral side of the strobel to a lateral inner edge of the strobel at a lateral extent of the second aperture; the strobel extends transversely between and separates the first aperture and the second aperture; and the second aperture has a maximum transverse width that is greater than a sum of a transverse width of the second medial portion and a transverse width of the second lateral portion at the maximum transverse width of the second aperture.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the aperture extends only in a heel region of the article of footwear.

8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the footwear upper defines a foot-receiving cavity and the foot-facing surface of the midsole is exposed to the foot-receiving cavity at the aperture.

9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lower extent of the footwear upper is stitched to the strobel with stitches that extend through the strobel and the footwear upper.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising: adhesive on a ground-facing side of the strobel and on the foot-facing surface of the midsole at the strobel and securing the strobel to the midsole.

11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the adhesive on the foot-facing surface of the midsole extends between the midsole and the exterior of the footwear upper outward of the strobel at the medial side of the midsole and at the lateral side of the strobel.

12. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper is greater than or equal to a bonding margin of the midsole to the strobel at the medial portion and/or at the lateral portion.

13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper is greater than or equal to the transverse width of the medial portion of the strobel and/or the transverse width of the lateral portion of the strobel.

14. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the strobel is configured as a strip extending along the lower extent of the footwear upper at a medial side, a lateral side, a front, and a rear of the aperture without extending across the aperture.

15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein a maximum width of the strip is less than or equal to a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper.

16. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the strobel includes at least one of a woven or non-woven textile, an elastomer, or foam backed with a textile layer.

17. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the strobel extends along an entire periphery of the footwear upper at the lower extent of the footwear upper.

18. An article of footwear comprising: a footwear upper; a strobel secured to a lower extent of the footwear upper; and a midsole secured to the strobel; wherein the strobel defines an aperture extending transversely across a longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the aperture extends over a foot-facing surface of the midsole; and wherein the strobel is configured as a strip extending along the lower extent of the footwear upper at a medial side, a lateral side, a front, and a rear of the aperture without extending across the aperture.

19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the strip is configured as a closed shape surrounding the aperture.

20. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the aperture has a maximum transverse width that is greater than a maximum transverse width of the strip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration in plan view of an article of footwear.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 taken at lines 2-2 in FIG. 1.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a close-up fragmentary view of a portion of FIG. 2.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of an alternative example of an article of footwear.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a close-up fragmentary view of a portion of the article of footwear of FIG. 4.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of an alternative example of an article of footwear.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an alternative example of an article of footwear.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an alternative example of an article of footwear.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a close-up fragmentary view of a portion of the article of footwear of FIG. 8.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a close-up fragmentary view of a portion of an alternative article of footwear.

[0014] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration in plan view of a strobel included in the articles of footwear of FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration in plan view of an alternative example of a strobel.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration in plan view of an alternative example of a strobel.

[0017] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration in plan view of an alternative example of a strobel.

DESCRIPTION

[0018] Some articles of footwear include a strobel secured to a lower perimeter of a footwear upper. Traditionally, a strobel is a relatively inelastic textile material that is stiffer than the underlying midsole. As such, the presence of such a strobel between the wearers foot and the midsole may diminish the cushioning response of the sole structure or at least diminish the proprioceptive feel of the resilient deformation of the midsole during dynamic loading. The present disclosure provides an article of footwear that has a strobel with an aperture disposed so that much of the foot-facing surface of the midsole is not covered by the strobel and may be exposed in a foot-receiving cavity of the upper. The cushioning response of the midsole is thus not diminished by the presence of a strobel at the aperture, therefore potentially providing better cushioning and proprioceptive feel to the wearer.

[0019] In an example of an article of footwear disclosed herein, the article of footwear includes a footwear upper, a strobel secured to a lower extent of the footwear upper, and a midsole secured to both the strobel and to an exterior of the footwear upper outward of the strobel at the medial side of the midsole and at the lateral side of the strobel. The strobel defines an aperture extending transversely across a longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the aperture extends over a foot-facing surface of the midsole.

[0020] The strobel includes a medial portion extending from a medial outer edge of the strobel at a medial side of the strobel to a medial inner edge of the strobel at a medial extent of the aperture. The strobel also includes a lateral portion extending from a lateral outer edge of the strobel at a lateral side of the strobel to a lateral inner edge of the strobel at a lateral extent of the aperture. The aperture has a maximum transverse width that is greater than a sum of a transverse width of the medial portion and a transverse width of the lateral portion at the maximum transverse width of the aperture. Stated differently, the aperture is wider than the combined width of the medial and lateral portions. As such, a large extent of the foot-facing surface of the midsole is not covered by the strobel. By securing the midsole not only to the strobel but also to the exterior of the footwear upper, bonding of the midsole to the strobel is not relied upon as the sole securement of the midsole. This may enable the strobel to have a smaller width than otherwise, thereby increasing the relative size of the aperture.

[0021] In an aspect, a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper may be greater than or equal to a bonding margin of the midsole to the strobel at the medial portion and/or at the lateral portion.

[0022] In an aspect, a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper may be greater than or equal to the transverse width of the medial portion of the strobel and/or the transverse width of the lateral portion of the strobel.

[0023] In an aspect, the article of footwear may be characterized by an absence of adhesive on the midsole at the aperture.

[0024] In an example, the strobel may entirely surround the aperture. In other words, besides being at a lateral extent and medial extent of the aperture, the strobel may bound the aperture forward and rearward of the aperture.

[0025] In an example, the aperture may extend in each of a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear.

[0026] In an example, the strobel may be configured as a strip extending along the lower extent of the footwear upper at a medial side, a lateral side, a front, and a rear of the aperture without extending across the aperture.

[0027] In an aspect, a maximum width of the strip may be less than or equal to a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper.

[0028] In another example, the aperture may extend only in a forefoot region of the article of footwear or only in a forefoot region and a midfoot region of the article of footwear. In still another example, the aperture may extend only in a heel region of the article of footwear.

[0029] In an implementation, the strobel may include more than one aperture. For example, the aperture may be a first aperture, the medial portion of the strobel may be a first medial portion, and the lateral portion of the strobel may be a first lateral portion. The strobel may define a second aperture that extends transversely across the longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the second aperture also extends over the foot-facing surface of the midsole. The strobel may include a second medial portion extending from the medial outer edge of the strobel at the medial side of the strobel to a medial inner edge of the strobel at a medial extent of the second aperture, and a second lateral portion extending from the lateral outer edge of the strobel at the lateral side of the strobel to a lateral inner edge of the strobel at a lateral extent of the second aperture. The strobel may extend transversely between and separate the first aperture and the second aperture. The second aperture may have a maximum transverse width that is greater than a sum of a transverse width of the second medial portion and a transverse width of the second lateral portion at the maximum transverse width of the second aperture.

[0030] In an implementation, the footwear upper may define a foot-receiving cavity and the foot-facing surface of the midsole may be exposed to the foot-receiving cavity at the aperture. Alternatively, a sockliner or insole may be disposed over the aperture, covering the midsole at the aperture. In either example, the aperture is not covered by the strobel.

[0031] In an example, the lower extent of the footwear upper may be stitched to the strobel with stitches that extend through the strobel and the footwear upper.

[0032] In an implementation, adhesive may be on a ground-facing side of the strobel and on the foot-facing surface of the midsole at the strobel and may secure the strobel to the midsole. In an example, the midsole may be further secured to an exterior of the footwear upper outward of the strobel at the medial side of the footwear upper and at the lateral side of the footwear upper. In a nonlimiting example, securement of the exterior of the footwear upper to the midsole may be by adhesive, such as by the adhesive on the foot-facing surface of the midsole that secures the midsole to the strobel further extending between the midsole and the exterior of the footwear upper.

[0033] In an aspect, the strobel may include at least one of a woven or non-woven textile, an elastomer, or foam backed with a textile layer. In another aspect, the foot-facing surface of the midsole may comprise foam. By not covering the midsole at the aperture with a strobel that includes any such materials, the compression and energy return characteristics of the foam midsole may be better transferred to the wearers foot disposed over the aperture.

[0034] In any of the examples discussed herein, the strobel may extend along an entire periphery of the footwear upper at the lower extent of the footwear upper.

[0035] In another example, an article of footwear includes a footwear upper, a strobel secured to a lower extent of the footwear upper, and a midsole secured to the strobel. The strobel may define an aperture extending transversely across a longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the aperture extends over a foot-facing surface of the midsole. The strobel may include a medial portion extending from a medial outer edge of the strobel at a medial side of the strobel to a medial inner edge of the strobel at a medial extent of the aperture, and a lateral portion extending from a lateral outer edge of the strobel at a lateral side of the strobel to a lateral inner edge of the strobel at a lateral extent of the aperture. The aperture may have a maximum transverse width that is greater than a sum of a transverse width of the medial portion and a transverse width of the lateral portion at the maximum transverse width of the aperture. Adhesive may be on a ground-facing side of the strobel and on the foot-facing surface of the midsole at the strobel, securing the strobel to the midsole. Adhesive may also secure the midsole to an exterior of the footwear upper outward of the strobel at the medial side of the footwear upper and at the lateral side of the footwear upper. In contrast, there may be an absence of adhesive on the foot-facing surface of the midsole at the aperture.

[0036] In another example of an article of footwear disclosed herein, the article of footwear includes a footwear upper, a strobel secured to a lower extent of the footwear upper, and a midsole secured to the strobel. The strobel defines an aperture extending transversely across a longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the aperture extends over a foot-facing surface of the midsole. The strobel is configured as a strip extending along the lower extent of the footwear upper at a medial side, a lateral side, a front, and a rear of the aperture without extending across the aperture.

[0037] In an aspect, the strip may be configured as a closed shape surrounding the aperture. A width of the strip may be constant. The aperture may have a maximum transverse width that is greater than a maximum transverse width of the strip.

[0038] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration in plan view of an article of footwear 10. The article of footwear 10 includes a sole structure 12 that includes a midsole 14. In the examples herein, the midsole 14 is a foam midsole. However, within the scope if the disclosure, the midsole 14 may include one or more fluid-filled bladders, plates, etc. In the example shown, the midsole 14 includes a ground contact surface 15 that rests on a ground plane GP when the article of footwear 10 is in an upright, use position shown in FIG. 2. In other examples, a separate outsole may be secured to the midsole 14 to establish the ground contact surface, such as outsole 17 in FIG. 10.

[0040] The article of footwear 10 also includes a footwear upper 16 and a strobel 18 secured to a lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16, as shown in FIG. 2. In any of the examples of strobels discussed herein, the strobel may extend along an entire periphery 21 of the footwear upper 16 at the lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16. In the example of FIG. 1, the lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16 overlays and is stitched to the strobel 18 with stitches 19 that extend through the strobel 18 and the footwear upper 16.

[0041] The article of footwear 10 includes a forefoot region 22, a midfoot region 24, and a heel region 26. The forefoot region 22, the midfoot region 24, and the heel region 26 may also be used to reference regions of the sole structure 12, including the midsole 14, as well as to reference regions of the footwear upper 16 and the strobel 18.

[0042] The forefoot region 22 generally includes the portion of the article of footwear 10 and components thereof that corresponds with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges of the human foot (interchangeably referred to herein as the metatarsal-phalangeal joints or MPJ joints).

[0043] The midfoot region 24 generally includes the portion of the article of footwear 10 and components thereof corresponding with an arch area of the human foot, including the navicular joint.

[0044] The heel region 26 generally includes the portion of the article of footwear 10 and components thereof correspond with rear portions of a human foot, including the calcaneus bone, when the human foot of a size corresponding with the sole structure 12 and article of footwear 10 is supported on the sole structure 12. The midfoot region 24 is disposed between the forefoot region 22 and the heel region 26 in the longitudinal direction of the article of footwear 10.

[0045] Various example features and aspects of the article of footwear 10 and components thereof may be disclosed or explained herein with reference to a longitudinal direction and/or with respect to a longitudinal length. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction is determined as a direction along a line LM extending from a rearmost heel location in the heel region 26 to the forwardmost toe location in the forefoot region 22 of the article of footwear 10. This line LM may be referred to as a longitudinal midline or a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 10 and of the sole structure 12. A transverse direction of the article of footwear 10 and of the sole structure 12 is a direction along a line extending from a medial side 28 to a lateral side 30 of the article of footwear 10 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e., perpendicular to the line LM).

[0046] The strobel 18 may include at least one of a woven or non-woven textile, an elastomer, or foam backed with a textile layer. The midsole 14, or at least a portion of the midsole 14 at the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14, may comprise foam. As such, the strobel 18 may be relatively inelastic in comparison to the midsole 14 and less resiliently deformable than the midsole 14.

[0047] The strobel 18 defines an aperture 34 extending transversely across the longitudinal midline LM of the midsole 14 such that the aperture 34 extends over the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14. The footwear upper 16 defines a foot-receiving cavity 31 and an ankle opening 33 providing access for a wearers foot to be received into the foot-receiving cavity 31. In the example shown, the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 is exposed to the foot-receiving cavity 31 at the aperture 34.

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the strobel 18 includes a medial portion 18A extending from a medial outer edge 36 of the strobel 18 at the medial side 28 of the strobel 18 to a medial inner edge 38 of the strobel 18 at a medial extent 34A of the aperture 34.

[0049] The strobel 18 also includes a lateral portion 18B extending from a lateral outer edge 40 of the strobel 18 at the lateral side 30 of the strobel 18 to a lateral inner edge 42 of the strobel 18 at a lateral extent 34B of the aperture 34.

[0050] In an example, the strobel 18 entirely surrounds the aperture 34 (e.g., outwardly surrounding the aperture 34) in the X-Y plane, where the Z plane is in a direction from a proximal side 44 of the strobel 18 to a distal side 46 of the strobel 18 (also referred to as a ground-facing side) shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In other words, the strobel 18 extends along both sides of as well as forward and rearward of the aperture 34 and bounds the aperture 34 where the medial extent 34A and the lateral extent 34B meet at the longitudinal midline LM. The strobel 18 therefore bounds the aperture at the medial and lateral sides of the aperture 34 as well as forward and rearward of the aperture 34 as best shown in FIG. 11.

[0051] As best shown in FIG. 11, the strobel 18 forms a closed shape around the aperture 34. The strobel 18 is configured as a strip and extends along the lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16 at the medial side 28 (e.g., at the medial outer edge 36), at the lateral side 30 (e.g., at the lateral outer edge 40), at the front (e.g., near the front 35 of the aperture 34 shown in FIG. 11), and at the rear (e.g., near the rear 37 of the aperture 34 shown in FIG. 11) without extending across the aperture 34. As shown in FIG. 11, the strip of the strobel 18 is configured as a continuous, closed shape surrounding the aperture 34. The width of the strip (e.g., the width of the strobel 18) may be constant. For example, a transverse width WM of the medial portion 18A may be equal to a transverse width WL of the lateral portion 18B and the strobel 18 may maintain the same width as it extends completely around the aperture 34. The aperture 34 has a maximum transverse width W that is greater than a maximum transverse width of the strip, e.g., greater than the constant width of the strobel 18 shown as transverse width WM and equal transverse width WL.

[0052] As best shown in FIG. 2, the maximum transverse width W of the aperture 34 is greater than a sum of the transverse width WM of the medial portion 18Aand the transverse width WL of the lateral portion 18B at the maximum transverse width W of the aperture 34. Stated differently, the aperture 34 is wider than the combined widths WM and WL of the medial and lateral portions 18A and 18B, respectively. As such, a large extent of the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 is not covered by the strobel 18. More specifically, in the example shown, a large extent of the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 is exposed in the foot-receiving cavity 31 at the aperture 34.

[0053] With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, adhesive 50 may be on the ground-facing side 46 of the strobel 18 and on the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 at the strobel 18 and may secure the strobel 18 to the midsole 14. As used herein, adhesive includes any adhesive material such as but not limited to double-sided adhesive tape, glue, cement, or any other bonding material. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, adhesive 50 is disposed between and contacts the ground-facing side 46 of the strobel 18 at the medial portion 18A and the lateral portion 18B of the strobel 18 and foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 below the medial portion 18A and the lateral portion 18B.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the midsole 14 is further secured to an exterior 52 of the footwear upper 16 outward of the strobel 18 at the medial side 28 of the footwear upper 16 and at the lateral side 30 of the footwear upper 16 as well as forward of and rearward of the strobel 18 (e.g., along the entire lower periphery of the footwear upper 16). In FIG. 2, the midsole 14 may be secured to the footwear upper 16 by the adhesive 50 extending upward onto the footwear upper 16 or by other means not necessarily utilizing adhesive, such as by mechanical bonding.

[0055] In contrast, FIG. 4 shows an example of an article of footwear 10A like the article of footwear 10 except that the adhesive 50 continues from the strobel portions 18A and 18B onto the exterior 52 of the footwear upper 16, as best shown in the FIG. 5. By securing the exterior 52 of the footwear upper 16 directly to the midsole 14 with adhesive 50 or otherwise, the connection of the midsole 14 to the strobel portions 18A and 18B is not solely relied upon to maintain the midsole 14 to the other components of the article of footwear 10. As such, the widths WM and WL of the respective medial portion 18A and lateral portion 18B may be smaller in the article of footwear 10A than if the midsole 14 was secured at those portions alone. Reducing the width WM and WL in this manner may in turn enable enlarging the width W of the aperture 34 and the corresponding width of the exposed portion of the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 with the associated benefits of better cushioning underfoot. In both the example of FIG. 2 and that of FIG. 4, by not covering the midsole 14 at the aperture 34 with the strobel 18, the compression and energy return characteristics of the midsole 14 are better transferred to the portion of the wearers foot disposed over the aperture 34.

[0056] Furthermore, in some examples, such as the article of footwears 10, 10A, 10B, 110, 110A, 110B, etc., herein, there is an absence of adhesive on the midsole 14 at the aperture 34. The same is true with respect to the midsole 14 when used with any of the strobels 118, 218, or 318. There is an absence of adhesive on the midsole 14 at the respective apertures 134, 234, 334A, and 334B. Stated differently, as discussed with respect to the strobel 18, the adhesive 50 ends at the medial inner edge 38 and at the lateral inner edge 42 of the strobel 18 (corresponding with the medial extent 34A and the lateral extent 34B of the aperture 34, respectively) so that the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 at the aperture 34 is not covered by any adhesive 50 and is instead exposed to the foot-receiving cavity 31.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of an alternative example of an article of footwear 10B. The article of footwear 10B is the same as the article of footwear 10A except that a component 60, which may be a sockliner or an insole, is disposed over the aperture 34, covering the midsole 14 at the aperture 34. For example, the component 60 may rest on the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 at the aperture 34. In either example, the aperture 34 is not covered by the strobel 18 and the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 is not covered by adhesive.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an alternative example of an article of footwear 110. The article of footwear 110 is the same as the article of footwear 10 except that the lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16 abuts and/or extends along an outer perimeter of the strobel 18 (e.g., at the edges 36, 40) rather than overlaying the strobel 18. For example, the footwear upper 16 and the strobel 18 may abut without overlapping where they are stitched together with stitches 19, or there may be a slight space between the footwear upper 16 and the strobel 18 where they are stitched together with stitches 19. The midsole 14 is bonded to the lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16 to cover a lower portion of the stitches 19.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of another alternative example of an article of footwear 110A. Similar to the article of footwear 110, the lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16 abuts and/or extends along an outer perimeter of the strobel 18 rather than overlaying the strobel 18. As best shown in FIG. 9, the adhesive 50 further extends between the midsole 14 and the exterior 52 of the footwear upper 16 outward of the strobel 18. Stated differently, the midsole 14 extends upward onto and is bonded to the exterior 52 of the footwear upper 16. A bonding margin D1 of the midsole 14 to the exterior 52 of the footwear upper 16 may be greater than or equal to a bonding marginD2 of the midsole 14 to the strobel 18 at the medial portion 18A and/or at the lateral portion 18B (shown in FIG. 9). As used herein, a bonding margin D1 of the midsole 14 to the exterior 52 of the footwear upper 16 is a distance along the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 and along the exterior 52 of the lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16 covered by the adhesive 50 (e.g., covered by the adhesive 50) and measured at a cross-section perpendicular to the midsole 14. Similarly, the bonding margin D2 of the midsole 14 to the medial portion 18A or the lateral portion 18B of the strobel 18 is a distance along the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 and along the strobel 18 bonded to one another (e.g., covered by the adhesive 50) and measured at a cross-section perpendicular to the midsole 14.

[0060] The bonding margins D1 and D2 shown in FIG. 9 may be the same around the medial side, lateral side, front, and rear of the article of footwear 110A. For example, the bonding margin D2 shown with respect to the lateral portion 18B may be the same as the bonding margin of the midsole 14 to the strobel 18 at the medial portion 18A, and the bonding margin D1 may be constant around the entire lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16. The bonding margin D1 may be the greater than or equal to the transverse width WM of the medial portion 18A of the strobel 18 and/or greater than or equal to the transverse width WL of the lateral portion 18B of the strobel 18 shown in FIG. 11. A maximum width of the strobel 18 configured as a strip may be represented by the transverse width WM, which may be equal to the transverse width WL, and which may be less than or equal to the bonding margin D1 of the midsole 14 to the exterior of the footwear upper 16. Stated differently, by providing a sufficient bonding marginD1, the bonding margin D2 may be less than it would need to be to ensure securement of the midsole 14 if the midsole 14 were not also secured to the exterior of the footwear upper 16 outward of the strobel 18, and may in fact be minimized in order to maximize the transverse width Wof the aperture 34, providing maximum exposure of the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14 to the foot-receiving cavity 31 and to a foot therein.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another alternative example of an article of footwear 110B that is alike in all aspects to the article of footwear 110A except the midsole 14A is replaced by a midsole 14B and an outsole 17 is secured to the midsole 14B. The midsole 14B is alike in all aspects to the midsole 14A except a bottom portion of the midsole 14B is configured to receive the outsole 17 with the outsole 17 cupping the bottom portion of the midsole 14B. The outsole 17 may help to react and absorb applied forces, such as lateral forces, which may reduce in turn the transfer of such forces to the bonding margins D1 and D2, helping to protect the securement of the strobel 18 and the lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16 to the midsole 14B.

[0062] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration in plan view of the strobel 18 included in the article of footwear 10 of FIG. 1. As shown, the aperture 34 extend in each of the forefoot region 22, the midfoot region 24, and the heel region 26. The strobel 18 is shown as a continuous strip as described above, but could instead be two halves or multiple strip-like portions stitched or otherwise secured to one another to define the closed shape of the strobel 18 shown in FIG. 11. Such a strobel 18 may be used in articles of footwear configured for various activities. For example, footwear configured for running or walking is subjected to forces incurred mainly from forward motion as opposed to lateral forces that may be more frequently incurred in other activities, such as basketball. Accordingly, the strip-like strobel 18 with an aperture 34 extending in each of the forefoot region 22, midfoot region 24, and heel region 26 may be appropriate for footwear configured for running because the comfort of a greater exposure to the foot-facing surface 32 may outweigh a benefit of absorption of lateral forces by a relatively stiff strobel material extending fully across the foot-facing surface 32.

[0063] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration in plan view of an alternative example of a strobel 118. The strobel 118 is the same material as the strobel 18 and may be used in place of the strobel 18 in any of the articles of footwear 10, 10A, 10B, 110, 110A, and 110B, etc. The strobel 118 is secured to the footwear upper 16 and the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B in the same manner as described with respect to the strobel 18 in any of the examples of the articles of footwear 10, 10A, 10B, 110, 110A, and 110B, etc. The strobel 118 defines an aperture 134 that extends only in the forefoot region 22 and the midfoot region 24 and not in the heel region 26. The aperture 134 could instead be slightly smaller so that it extends only in the forefoot region 22.

[0064] The strobel 118 includes a medial portion 118A extending from the medial outer edge 36 of the strobel 118 at the medial side 28 of the strobel 118 to the medial inner edge 138 of the strobel 118 at a medial extent 134A of the aperture 134.

[0065] The strobel 118 also includes a lateral portion 118B extending from the lateral outer edge 40 of the strobel 118 at the lateral side 30 of the strobel 118 to a lateral inner edge 142 of the strobel 118 at a lateral extent 134B of the aperture 134.

[0066] The aperture 134 may have a maximum transverse width W1 that is greater than a sum of a transverse width WM1 of the medial portion 118A and a transverse width WL1 of the lateral portion 118B at the maximum transverse widthW1 of the aperture 134.

[0067] It may be advantageous to utilize the strobel 118 in articles of footwear configured for activities in which proprioceptive feedback of the compression characteristics of the midsole 14 at the forefoot region 22 is of greater value than at the heel region 26, for example, as exposure of the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B at the foot-receiving cavity 31 will be limited to the forefoot region 22 and some of the midfoot region 24 given the smaller size of the aperture 134 in comparison to aperture 34. The strobel 118 would expose the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B at the aperture 134 and thus could provide direct cushioning feel and response of the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B at the aperture 134 to a wearer.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration in plan view of an alternative example of a strobel 218. The strobel 218 is the same material as the strobel 18 and may be used in place of the strobel 18 in any of the articles of footwear 10, 10A, 10B, 110, 110A, and 110B, etc. The strobel 218 is secured to the footwear upper 16 and the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B in the same manner as described with respect to the strobel 18 in any of the examples of the articles of footwear 10, 10A, 10B, 110, 110A, and 110B, etc. The strobel 218 defines an aperture 234 that extends only in the heel region 26 as shown and not in either of the forefoot region 22 or the midfoot region 24.

[0069] The strobel 218 includes a medial portion 218A extending from the medial outer edge 36 of the strobel 218 at the medial side 28 of the strobel 218 to a medial inner edge 238 of the strobel 218 at a medial extent 234A of the aperture 234.

[0070] The strobel 218 also includes a lateral portion 218B extending from the lateral outer edge 40 of the strobel 218 at the lateral side 30 of the strobel 218 to a lateral inner edge 242 of the strobel 218 at a lateral extent 234B of the aperture 134.

[0071] The aperture 234 may have a maximum transverse width W2 that is greater than a sum of a transverse width WM2 of the medial portion 218A and a transverse width WL2 of the lateral portion 218B at the maximum transverse width W2 of the aperture 234.

[0072] It may be advantageous to utilize the strobel 218 in articles of footwear configured for activities in which proprioceptive feedback of the compression characteristics of the midsole 14 at the heel region 26 is of greater value than at the forefoot region 22, for example, as exposure of the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B at the foot-receiving cavity 31 will be limited to the heel region 26 given the smaller size of the aperture 234. Additionally, by providing the strobel 218 extending transversely across and over the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B in the forefoot region 22, an article of footwear utilizing the strobel 218 may better absorb and react lateral forces in the forefoot region 22 as the material of the strobel 218 may be relatively less elastic and compliant than the material of the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B thereunder. For example, an article of footwear configured for basketball may benefit from the strobel 218.

[0073] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration in plan view of an alternative example of a strobel 318. The strobel 318 has more than one aperture. More specifically, the strobel 318 includes a first aperture 334A like aperture 134 described in FIG. 12 and a second aperture 334B like aperture 234 described in FIG. 13.

[0074] The strobel 318 includes a first medial portion 318A extending from the medial outer edge 36 of the strobel 318 at the medial side 28 of the strobel 318 to a first medial inner edge 338A of the strobel 318 at a medial extent 334C of the first aperture 334A.

[0075] The strobel 318 also includes a first lateral portion 318B extending from the lateral outer edge 40 of the strobel 318 at the lateral side 30 of the strobel 318 to a first lateral inner edge 342A of the strobel 318 at a lateral extent 334D of the first aperture 334A.

[0076] The first aperture 334A may have a maximum transverse widthW1 that is greater than a sum of a transverse width WM1 of the first medial portion 318A and a transverse width WL1 of the first lateral portion 318B at the maximum transverse width W1 of the first aperture 334A.

[0077] The strobel 318 includes a second medial portion 318C extending from the medial outer edge 36 of the strobel 338 at the medial side 28 of the strobel 338 to a medial inner edge 338B of the strobel 338 at a medial extent 334E of the second aperture 334B, and a second lateral portion 318D extending from the lateral outer edge 40 of the strobel 338 at the lateral side 30 of the strobel 338 to a lateral inner edge 342B of the strobel 338 at a lateral extent 334F of the second aperture 334B. The strobel 318 extends transversely between and separates the first aperture 334A and the second aperture 334B as indicated at the portion 318E of the strobel 318 in the midfoot region 24. The portion 318E may help to reduce twisting of the sole structure in comparison to a strobel that does not extend across an underlying midsole from the medial side 28 to the lateral side 30 in the midfoot region 24 as shown, acting similar to and providing benefits similar to a shank in the midfoot region 24.

[0078] The second aperture 334B may have a maximum transverse widthW2 that is greater than a sum of a transverse width WM2 of the second medial portion 318C and a transverse width WL2 of the second lateral portion 318D at the maximum transverse width W2 of the second aperture 334B.

[0079] Accordingly, an article of footwear that has a strobel 18, 118, 218, or 318 with an aperture 34, 134, 234, 334A, or 334B disposed so that much of the foot-facing surface 32 of the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B is not covered by the strobel and is exposed in a foot-receiving cavity of the footwear upper may increase the cushioning response of the midsole transferred to the foot. Additionally, securing the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B to the exterior 52 of the lower extent 20 of the footwear upper 16 may enable use of a strobel 18 configured as a strip, with a bonding margin D1 of the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B to the footwear upper 16 greater than or equal to a bonding marginD2 of the midsole 14, 14A, or 14B to the strobel 18.

[0080] The following Clauses provide example configurations of an article of footwear disclosed herein.

[0081] Clause 1. An article of footwear comprising: a footwear upper; a strobel secured to a lower extent of the footwear upper; and a midsole secured to the strobel; wherein the midsole is further secured to an exterior of the footwear upper outward of the strobel at a medial side of the footwear upper and at a lateral side of the footwear upper; wherein the strobel defines an aperture extending transversely across a longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the aperture extends over a foot-facing surface of the midsole; wherein the strobel includes a medial portion extending from a medial outer edge of the strobel at a medial side of the strobel to a medial inner edge of the strobel at a medial extent of the aperture, and a lateral portion extending from a lateral outer edge of the strobel at a lateral side of the strobel to a lateral inner edge of the strobel at a lateral extent of the aperture; and wherein the aperture has a maximum transverse width that is greater than a sum of a transverse width of the medial portion and a transverse width of the lateral portion at the maximum transverse width of the aperture.

[0082] Clause 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, characterized by an absence of adhesive on the midsole at the aperture.

[0083] Clause 3. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the strobel entirely surrounds the aperture.

[0084] Clause 4. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the aperture extends in each of a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear.

[0085] Clause 5. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the aperture extends only in a forefoot region of the article of footwear or only in a forefoot region and a midfoot region of the article of footwear.

[0086] Clause 6. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein: the aperture is a first aperture, the medial portion of the strobel is a first medial portion, and the lateral portion of the strobel is a first lateral portion; the strobel defines a second aperture extending transversely across the longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the second aperture extends over the foot-facing surface of the midsole; wherein the strobel includes a second medial portion extending from the medial outer edge of the strobel at the medial side of the strobel to a medial inner edge of the strobel at a medial extent of the second aperture, and a second lateral portion extending from the lateral outer edge of the strobel at the lateral side of the strobel to a lateral inner edge of the strobel at a lateral extent of the second aperture; the strobel extends transversely between and separates the first aperture and the second aperture; and the second aperture has a maximum transverse width that is greater than a sum of a transverse width of the second medial portion and a transverse width of the second lateral portion at the maximum transverse width of the second aperture.

[0087] Clause 7. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the aperture extends only in a heel region of the article of footwear.

[0088] Clause 8. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the footwear upper defines a foot-receiving cavity and the foot-facing surface of the midsole is exposed to the foot-receiving cavity at the aperture.

[0089] Clause 9. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: a sockliner or an insole disposed over the aperture.

[0090] Clause 10. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lower extent of the footwear upper is stitched to the strobel with stitches that extend through the strobel and the footwear upper.

[0091] Clause 11. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: adhesive on a ground-facing side of the strobel and on the foot-facing surface of the midsole at the strobel and securing the strobel to the midsole.

[0092] Clause 12. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive on the foot-facing surface of the midsole extends between the midsole and the exterior of the footwear upper outward of the strobel at the medial side of the midsole and at the lateral side of the strobel.

[0093] Clause 13. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper is greater than or equal to a bonding margin of the midsole to the strobel at the medial portion and/or at the lateral portion.

[0094] Clause 14. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper is greater than or equal to the transverse width of the medial portion of the strobel and/or the transverse width of the lateral portion of the strobel.

[0095] Clause 15. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the strobel is configured as a strip extending along the lower extent of the footwear upper at a medial side, a lateral side, a front, and a rear of the aperture without extending across the aperture.

[0096] Clause 16. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a maximum width of the strip is less than or equal to a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper.

[0097] Clause 17. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the strobel includes at least one of a woven or non-woven textile, an elastomer, or foam backed with a textile layer.

[0098] Clause 18. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the foot-facing surface of the midsole comprises foam.

[0099] Clause 19. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the strobel extends along an entire periphery of the footwear upper at the lower extent of the footwear upper.

[0100] Clause 20. An article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses comprising: a footwear upper; a strobel secured to a lower extent of the footwear upper; and a midsole secured to the strobel; wherein the strobel defines an aperture extending transversely across a longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the aperture extends over a foot-facing surface of the midsole; and wherein the strobel is configured as a strip extending along the lower extent of the footwear upper at a medial side, a lateral side, a front, and a rear of the aperture without extending across the aperture.

[0101] Clause 21. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the strip is configured as a continuous closed shape surrounding the aperture.

[0102] Clause 22. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a width of the strip is constant.

[0103] Clause 23. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the aperture has a maximum transverse width that is greater than a maximum transverse width of the strip.

[0104] Clause 24. An article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses comprising: a footwear upper; a strobel secured to a lower extent of the footwear upper; and a midsole secured to the strobel; wherein the strobel defines an aperture extending transversely across a longitudinal midline of the midsole such that the aperture extends over a foot-facing surface of the midsole; wherein the strobel includes a medial portion extending from a medial outer edge of the strobel at a medial side of the strobel to a medial inner edge of the strobel at a medial extent of the aperture, and a lateral portion extending from a lateral outer edge of the strobel at a lateral side of the strobel to a lateral inner edge of the strobel at a lateral extent of the aperture; and wherein the aperture has a maximum transverse width that is greater than a sum of a transverse width of the medial portion and a transverse width of the lateral portion at the maximum transverse width of the aperture; adhesive on a ground-facing side of the strobel and on the foot-facing surface of the midsole at the strobel and securing the strobel to the midsole and to an exterior of the footwear upper outward of the strobel at the medial side of the footwear upper and at the lateral side of the footwear upper; and wherein the article of footwear is characterized by an absence of adhesive on the foot-facing surface of the midsole at the aperture.

[0105] Clause 25. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the footwear upper defines a foot-receiving cavity and the foot-facing surface of the midsole is exposed to the foot-receiving cavity at the aperture.

[0106] Clause 26. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the strobel includes at least one of a woven or non-woven textile, an elastomer, or foam backed with a textile layer.

[0107] Clause 27. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper is greater than or equal to a bonding margin of the midsole to the strobel at the medial portion and/or at the lateral portion.

[0108] Clause 28. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper is greater than or equal to the transverse width of the medial portion of the strobel and/or at the transverse width of the lateral portion of the strobel.

[0109] Clause 29. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the strobel is configured as a strip extending along the lower extent of the footwear upper at a medial side, a lateral side, a front, and a rear of the aperture without extending across the aperture.

[0110] Clause 30. The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a maximum width of the strip is less than or equal to a bonding margin of the midsole to the exterior of the footwear upper.

[0111] To assist and clarify the description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). Additionally, all references referred to are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0112] An article of footwear, a footwear article of manufacture, and footwear may be considered to be both a machine and a manufacture. Assembled, ready to wear footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), as well as discrete components of footwear articles (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper component, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready to wear footwear articles, are considered and alternatively referred to herein in either the singular or plural as article(s) of footwear or footwear.

[0113] A, an, the, at least one, and one or more are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about whether or not about actually appears before the numerical value. About indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by about is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then about as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range.

[0114] The terms "comprising", including, and having are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term any of is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including any one of the referenced items. The term any of is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including any one of the referenced claims.

[0115] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as above, below, upward, downward, top, bottom, etc., may be used descriptively relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

[0116] The term longitudinal refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of an article of footwear extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear. The term forward or anterior is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term rearward or posterior is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.

[0117] The term transverse refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of an article of footwear extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the article of footwear. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.

[0118] The term vertical refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole structure is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole structure. The term upward or upwards refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an upper. The term downward or downwards refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0119] The interior of an article of footwear, such as a shoe, refers to portions at the space that is occupied by a wearers foot when the article of footwear is worn. The inner side of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented toward the interior of the component or article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. The outer side or exterior of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented away from the interior of the article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. In some cases, other components may be between the inner side of a component and the interior in the assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components may be between an outer side of a component and the space external to the assembled article of footwear. Further, the terms inward and inwardly refer to the direction toward the interior of the component or article of footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms outward and outwardly refer to the direction toward the exterior of the component or article of footwear, such as the shoe. In addition, the term proximal refers to a direction that is nearer a center of a footwear component or is closer toward a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Likewise, the term distal refers to a relative position that is further away from a center of the footwear component or is further from a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0120] While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

[0121] While several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that an ordinarily skilled artisan would recognize as implied by, structurally and/or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise rendered obvious based upon the included content, and not as limited solely to those explicitly depicted and/or described embodiments.