Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and an opposite ground-facing surface. The outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component. A matrix structure extends from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area. The matrix structure defines one or more sets of adjacent open cells, the set(s) including at least three open cells that are substantially aligned in the forefoot support area along a line extending in a forward medial-to-rear lateral direction.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, and wherein a rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located within one of: an arch support area or a forward heel support area of the ground-engaging component (and/or at these areas of an overall sole structure); and (b) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim and into or at least partially across the open space.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim (across the open space) is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component; (b) an inner perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an inner perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein a first open space is defined between the outer perimeter boundary rim and the inner perimeter boundary rim, and wherein a second open space is defined between a lateral side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim and a medial side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim; and (c) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim to the inner perimeter boundary rim and across the first open space.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component; and (b) an inner perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an inner perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein an open space is defined between a lateral side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim and a medial side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, and wherein a rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located within one of: an arch support area or a forward heel support area of the ground-engaging component (and/or at these areas of an overall sole structure); and (b) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim and into or at least partially across the open space.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component; (b) an inner perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an inner perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein a first open space is defined between the outer perimeter boundary rim and the inner perimeter boundary rim, and wherein a second open space is defined between a lateral side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim and a medial side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim; and (c) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim to the inner perimeter boundary rim and across the first open space.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim (across the open space) is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.