CPC A43B 13/20 (2013.01) [A43B 3/0063 (2013.01); A43B 13/12 (2013.01); A43B 13/127 (2013.01); A43B 13/206 (2013.01); B29D 35/122 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. An article of footwear comprising:
a midsole assembly including a fluid-filled bladder element; and
a rim extending along a peripheral region of the fluid-filled bladder element without extending transversely across the fluid-filled bladder element from a medial side of the fluid-filled bladder element to a lateral side of the fluid-filled bladder element;
wherein the fluid-filled bladder element has a convex upper surface at an upper extent of the fluid-filled bladder element; wherein the rim has a concave lower surface that is secured to the convex upper surface of the fluid-filled bladder element;
wherein the fluid-filled bladder element has a base portion, a peak, an outward-facing surface extending from the base portion to the peak, and an inward-facing surface extending from the base portion to the peak and meeting the outward-facing surface at the peak; and
wherein the fluid-filled bladder element tapers from the base portion to the peak such that the outward-facing surface slopes inwardly from the base portion to the peak in the absence of at least a threshold loading force.
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