Methods of using a foot device are disclosed herein. The foot device includes a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate portion and first and second legs extending from the arcuate portion. Each leg has an end and a relief area disposed adjacent the respective end. A method of using the foot device comprises engaging the arcuate portion with a heel of a foot to form a first point of contact; positioning the relief area of the first leg proximate a fifth metatarsal head of the foot such that the fifth metatarsal head drops to form a second point of contact; and positioning the relief area of the second leg proximate a first metatarsal head of the foot such that the first metatarsal head drops to form a third point of contact, wherein the first, second, and third points of contact form a triangle-shaped contact surface.

Aspects hereof relate to a multi-part mold assembly for use in manufacturing articles. The mold assembly provides for contouring, shaping and cutting materials to form articles via a continuous single processing operation. The mold assembly includes an upper mold portion with a three-dimensional contouring/shaping portion and a first cutting edge, a lower mold portion with a three-dimensional contouring/shaping portion and a second cutting edge, and a base portion into which the lower mold portion may retract during use. Upon application of a first force, the upper and lower mold portions cooperate to contour/shape a material from which an article is to be formed. Upon application of a second force greater than the first, the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge interact to shear the material that extends beyond the respective cutting edges. The result is an article that is contoured, shaped and cut/trimmed utilizing a single processing operation.

Aspects hereof relate to a multi-part mold assembly for use in manufacturing articles. The mold assembly provides for contouring, shaping and cutting materials to form articles via a continuous single processing operation. The mold assembly includes an upper mold portion with a three-dimensional contouring/shaping portion and a first cutting edge, a lower mold portion with a three-dimensional contouring/shaping portion and a second cutting edge, and a base portion into which the lower mold portion may retract during use. Upon application of a first force, the upper and lower mold portions cooperate to contour/shape a material from which an article is to be formed. Upon application of a second force greater than the first, the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge interact to shear the material that extends beyond the respective cutting edges. The result is an article that is contoured, shaped and cut/trimmed utilizing a single processing operation.

Provided is a shoe sole member formed by at least two types of polymer compositions, a first composition and a second polymer composition, including: a first part formed by the first polymer composition; a second part formed by the second polymer composition; and a third part formed by a mixture of the first polymer composition and the second polymer composition between the first part and the second part.

Provided is a shoe sole member formed by at least two types of polymer compositions, a first composition and a second polymer composition, including: a first part formed by the first polymer composition; a second part formed by the second polymer composition; and a third part formed by a mixture of the first polymer composition and the second polymer composition between the first part and the second part.

A vibration damping material suitable for use in a wearable garment, comprising a sheet of a flexible material with a first and a second side, both comprising a plurality of protrusions arranged in a predetermined pattern, wherein the protrusions on the first and/or second side of the sheet are arranged to be equidistant from adjacent protrusions, wherein the protrusions are distributed in a substantially uniform pattern throughout the first and/or second side of the sheet of flexible material, wherein the protrusions on the first side of the sheet are arranged to be offset with respect to the protrusions on the second side of the sheet of flexible material. A wearable garment comprising such a vibration damping material is also disclosed.

A vibration damping material suitable for use in a wearable garment, comprising a sheet of a flexible material with a first and a second side, both comprising a plurality of protrusions arranged in a predetermined pattern, wherein the protrusions on the first and/or second side of the sheet are arranged to be equidistant from adjacent protrusions, wherein the protrusions are distributed in a substantially uniform pattern throughout the first and/or second side of the sheet of flexible material, wherein the protrusions on the first side of the sheet are arranged to be offset with respect to the protrusions on the second side of the sheet of flexible material. A wearable garment comprising such a vibration damping material is also disclosed.

An insole for ergonomic shoes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including: a plurality of first polygonal grooves that are formed to be arranged in polygonal shapes on a lower surface of the insole; a first wall portion forming a rim of the first polygonal groove; and a second polygonal groove that is disposed in a pressure distribution portion, which is a part of an inner and lower surface of the insole, and is formed of a rim including a second wall portion having a height lower than a height of the first wall portion.

Molded parts for automobile interiors can be made from expanded thermoplastic polyurethane beads. Processes can be used to produce the molded parts from thermoplastic polyurethane.