Sole structure with alternating spring and damping layers

摘要

A sole structure may include multiple macrolayers. Each of those macrolayers may include a spring plate and a layer of damping material. Macrolayers may be bonded or otherwise fixed relative to one another and provide constrained layer damping in response to impact forces occurring as a result of activity of a wearer of an article of footwear incorporating the sole structure.

主权项

1. A sole structure comprising:
a first spring plate having a medial span and a lateral span, a first medial outer edge extending upwardly from a periphery of a medial side of the medial span of the first spring plate such that it extends above an upper surface of the first spring plate and a first lateral outer edge extending upwardly from a periphery of a lateral side of the lateral span of the first spring plate such that it extends above an upper surface of the first spring plate; a second spring plate having a medial span and a lateral span, a second medial outer edge extending upwardly from a periphery of a medial side of the medial span of the second spring plate such that it extends above an upper surface of the medial span of the second spring plate and a second lateral outer edge extending upwardly from a periphery of a lateral side of the lateral span of the second spring plate such that it extends above an upper surface of the lateral span of the second spring plate; and a damping material layer having a first portion located laterally between the first and second medial outer edges and a second portion spaced from the first portion and located laterally between the first and second lateral outer edges, wherein a lower surface of a portion of the first spring plate that is positioned between the medial and lateral spans and the upwardly extending lateral and medial edges of the first spring plate contacts an upper surface of a portion of the second spring plate that is positioned between the medial and lateral spans and the upwardly extending lateral and medial edges of the second spring plate.