A43B1/14

Foam article with enhanced properties

A foam article, such as a cushioning element for an article of footwear, apparel or sporting equipment is provided that comprises a foam component, such as a midsole, having a number of beneficial physical characteristics. The cushioning element is a low-density foamed component with a surface skin that encases the remaining foam volume. The cushioning element has a number of foam volumes, arranged to achieve a more consistent foam component. Additionally, the cushioning element includes a series of concentric ridges extending radially outwardly from injection gate vestige locations, and a number of striation bands near the perimeter of the cushioning element. The location of the gate vestiges can be beneficially arranged to produce intersecting flow boundaries that are located away from key strain areas of the cushioning element. The cushioning element is more environmentally-friendly, requiring less energy to produce while still providing acceptable energy return and low density.

Foam article with enhanced properties

A foam article, such as a cushioning element for an article of footwear, apparel or sporting equipment is provided that comprises a foam component, such as a midsole, having a number of beneficial physical characteristics. The cushioning element is a low-density foamed component with a surface skin that encases the remaining foam volume. The cushioning element has a number of foam volumes, arranged to achieve a more consistent foam component. Additionally, the cushioning element includes a series of concentric ridges extending radially outwardly from injection gate vestige locations, and a number of striation bands near the perimeter of the cushioning element. The location of the gate vestiges can be beneficially arranged to produce intersecting flow boundaries that are located away from key strain areas of the cushioning element. The cushioning element is more environmentally-friendly, requiring less energy to produce while still providing acceptable energy return and low density.

Adjustable Clog
20230210218 · 2023-07-06 ·

An adjustable clog with a unique strap system is described. The sole assembly for the clog has an interior sole wing situated near a heel of the sole assembly, and an exterior sole wing on an opposite side of the sole assembly from the interior sole wing, near the heel of the sole assembly, wherein the interior sole wing and the exterior sole wing consist of webbing strap and rubber that extend above the sole assembly. The clog also includes an upper, where the upper is affixed to the sole assembly. A wing hook strap is affixed to the interior sole wing on the first end of the wing hook strap and to the paracord loop on a second end of the wing hook strap, wherein the wing hook strap includes a first G-hook that hooks into one of the first plurality of hook pockets. A heel strap connected to the interior sole wing on the first end of the heel strap and the exterior sole wing on a second end of the heel strap through the mechanical ring, said heel strap includes a second G-hook that hooks into one of the second plurality of hook pockets.

Adjustable Clog
20230210218 · 2023-07-06 ·

An adjustable clog with a unique strap system is described. The sole assembly for the clog has an interior sole wing situated near a heel of the sole assembly, and an exterior sole wing on an opposite side of the sole assembly from the interior sole wing, near the heel of the sole assembly, wherein the interior sole wing and the exterior sole wing consist of webbing strap and rubber that extend above the sole assembly. The clog also includes an upper, where the upper is affixed to the sole assembly. A wing hook strap is affixed to the interior sole wing on the first end of the wing hook strap and to the paracord loop on a second end of the wing hook strap, wherein the wing hook strap includes a first G-hook that hooks into one of the first plurality of hook pockets. A heel strap connected to the interior sole wing on the first end of the heel strap and the exterior sole wing on a second end of the heel strap through the mechanical ring, said heel strap includes a second G-hook that hooks into one of the second plurality of hook pockets.

Multilayer composite material and method for manufacturing

The invention relates to a structural multilayer composite comprising a layer of leather in contact with at least one monolayer comprising parallel aligned fibers and a matrix material. The composite may further comprise film layer(s) that may be breathable and/or waterproof. The structural multilayer composite material is suitable for use in clothing and outdoor gear and apparel.

Multilayer composite material and method for manufacturing

The invention relates to a structural multilayer composite comprising a layer of leather in contact with at least one monolayer comprising parallel aligned fibers and a matrix material. The composite may further comprise film layer(s) that may be breathable and/or waterproof. The structural multilayer composite material is suitable for use in clothing and outdoor gear and apparel.

ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH COFFEE GRINDS
20220410517 · 2022-12-29 ·

A method for fabrication of one or more components of an article of footwear is provided. In one example, the method includes fabricating a mixture of polyurethane (PU) precursors and coffee grounds of a first size using a two-step mixing, and then injection molding one or more components of the article of footwear using the mixture, the one or more components of the article of footwear formed of a coffee grounds-PU composite material.

ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH COFFEE GRINDS
20220410517 · 2022-12-29 ·

A method for fabrication of one or more components of an article of footwear is provided. In one example, the method includes fabricating a mixture of polyurethane (PU) precursors and coffee grounds of a first size using a two-step mixing, and then injection molding one or more components of the article of footwear using the mixture, the one or more components of the article of footwear formed of a coffee grounds-PU composite material.

Article of footwear with upper and sole structure having substantially equal coefficients of friction
11533962 · 2022-12-27 · ·

An article of footwear comprises an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a side portion that has a first material composition at an exterior surface of the side portion. The exterior surface has a first coefficient of friction. The sole structure has a second material composition at an exterior surface of the sole structure that underlies the side portion of the upper. The exterior surface of the sole structure has a second coefficient of friction. The first coefficient of friction is substantially equal to the second coefficient of friction.

Article of footwear with upper and sole structure having substantially equal coefficients of friction
11533962 · 2022-12-27 · ·

An article of footwear comprises an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a side portion that has a first material composition at an exterior surface of the side portion. The exterior surface has a first coefficient of friction. The sole structure has a second material composition at an exterior surface of the sole structure that underlies the side portion of the upper. The exterior surface of the sole structure has a second coefficient of friction. The first coefficient of friction is substantially equal to the second coefficient of friction.