US Patent 12102171 Supporting member for footwear activity economy

A supporting member in a sole for an article of footwear including at least a vertical sub-member extending in both a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction that extends along a toe region to a heel region of the sole. Located within or adjacent to a cushioning member, the vertical sub-member has a curvature along the longitudinal direction wherein the curvature is configured to reduce flexion of the cushioning element and/or improve the durability of the supporting member. The supporting member further includes a horizontal sub-member extending from a sidewall of the vertical sub-member in a latitudinal direction of the sole and being angled away from the vertical sub-member and at least a portion of the vertical sub-member being coextensive with the vertical sub-member.