Under Armour, Inc.
Cushioning for a sole structure of performance footwear

Abstract:

The present invention is directed toward cushioning for a sole structure for an article of footwear. The cushioning is three-dimensionally (3D) printed cushioning formed from a plurality of cells. Each cell in the plurality of cells includes a lattice of elongate structures that extend symmetrically around an offset axis. The elongate structures of adjacent cells in the plurality of cells connect so that the plurality of cells form a unitary structure and, as the elongate structures of each cell are compressed by a compressive force, the elongate structures of each cell create a lateral shear. As the compressive force is released, the elongate structures return to a rest position, exerting a restorative force on the insole and/or upper of an article of footwear in which the cushioning is included.