A reinforcing element, suited in particular for shoes, bags or orthopedic applications, comprises a support layer, and a reinforcing layer. The support layer is formed such that it protrudes at least in parts laterally beyond the reinforcing layer to form an edge region. A method for producing such a reinforcing element.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a three-dimensional shaped article, comprising the following steps: a) unfolding the three-dimensional profile of the three-dimensional shaped article with a curved surface via a computer-aided design software; b) dividing the unfolded three-dimensional profile obtained in step a) into several elemental layers via the computer-aided design software; c) cutting a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin based composite sheet to have the same or similar shape and size with the elemental layers; d) stacking the cut composite sheets in order of size to obtain a stack; and g) forming the stack obtained in step d), followed by demoulding and optionally trimming to obtain the three-dimensional shaped article. With the method of the present invention, a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin based composite sheet can be processed into a three-dimensional shaped article with uneven thickness and a high degree of curvature. The resulting three-dimensional shaped article features a light weight, good impact resistance and compression resistance.

An article of footwear includes a sole and an upper at least partially formed of a textile element. The textile element includes a yarn matrix having a plurality of interlocked strands oriented in predetermined directions. A structural element may be captured within the matrix at selected locations. In operation, the matrix is stitched onto a temporary substrate. The substrate is removed and the article coupled to a sole structure to form the article of footwear.

A last for forming an upper of an article of footwear includes a first portion including a lateral side and a medial side that opposes the lateral side, and a second portion connected with and extending upward and transversely outward in an angled manner away from the first portion such that a terminal end of the second portion is distanced from the first portion. An exterior surface of the last can include a plurality of three dimensional structural surface components disposed over at least 50% of the exterior surface of the last.

A method of forming an upper for an article of footwear includes providing a first material layer over a shoe last, providing a second material layer over the first material layer such that the first and second material layers adhere to each other at an interface between the first and second material layers, where one or both of the first material layer and second material layer is provided by spray forming a polymer material onto the last. The material layers are removed from the last and turned inside out such that the first material layer includes an exposed surface that forms an exterior surface of the upper.

A medical shoe having a plurality of outsole projections is provided. The medical shoe may include a sole assembly configured to support a foot, and a frame surrounding the sole assembly. The sole assembly may include a midsole portion forming a substantially planar surface for supporting the foot and an outsole portion including the plurality of outsole projections extending from the midsole portion. The frame may include a plurality of through holes corresponding to the plurality of outsole projections. The plurality of outsole projections may extend through the plurality of through holes so as to form a ground contacting surface. The plurality of outsole projections may also be provided in a symmetrical pattern. The sole assembly may be secured to the frame by a self-locking fit between the sole assembly and the frame.

A method of forming an upper for an article of footwear includes providing a first material layer over a shoe last, providing a second material layer over the first material layer such that the first and second material layers adhere to each other at an interface between the first and second material layers, where one or both of the first material layer and second material layer is provided by spray forming a polymer material onto the last. The material layers are removed from the last and turned inside out such that the first material layer includes an exposed surface that forms an exterior surface of the upper.

The present disclosure relates to a shoe shaper or pair of shoe shapers that may be worn by a user while wearing a pair of shoes. In particular, each wearable shoe shaper is a complex contoured sheet configured to fit over a user's foot in a front portion of the shoe. Each wearable shoe shaper includes one or more features related to performance and or comfort.

A powder application apparatus for an at least partially meltable powder to be applied onto a feeding element for producing reinforcing elements comprises a powder container. In the area of an outlet of the powder container a template for defining a basic shape of a reinforcing element to be produced is provided. Further, a closing device for opening and closing the outlet is provided. For producing reinforcing elements having different stiffness, barrier elements in particular connected with the template are provided. The barrier elements reduce the powder supply to the feeding element such that a reinforcing element with areas of different material thickness are created. A method for producing such a reinforcing element.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear articles and a method for fabricating a footwear article. The footwear article comprises an upper and a sole that is comprised of a graphene-containing polymer composition and having one or more layers affixed to the upper. The method for fabricating the footwear article comprises forming a sole on an upper. The sole comprises a graphene-containing polymer composition and one or more layers affixed to the upper.