US Patent 7493708 Article of footwear with plate dividing a support column

An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole secured to the upper, and a support assembly secured to the midsole. The support assembly includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a plurality of elastomeric support columns secured to the top plate and the bottom plate. The bottom plate extends through at least one of the support columns such that at least a portion of the respective support column extends outwardly from the bottom plate. An outsole is secured to the bottom plate.