A method for attaching an adhesive to a shoe sole which has a top surface includes the steps of: (A) capturing a shape of the top surface of the shoe sole and generating a preset pattern using a sampling device, the preset pattern having a contour corresponding to the shape of the top surface and an area similar to that of the top surface; (B) preparing a mold according to the preset pattern; (C) coating the adhesive on the mold and allowing the adhesive to stand for a while; (D) cooling the mold to a degumming temperature; (E) pressing the mold against the shoe sole with a surface thereof having the adhesive facing the top surface so as to attach the adhesive thereto; and (F) moving the mold away from the shoe sole to separate the mold from the adhesive.

A method for attaching an adhesive to a shoe sole which has a top surface includes the steps of: (A) capturing a shape of the top surface of the shoe sole and generating a preset pattern using a sampling device, the preset pattern having a contour corresponding to the shape of the top surface and an area similar to that of the top surface; (B) preparing a mold according to the preset pattern; (C) coating the adhesive on the mold and allowing the adhesive to stand for a while; (D) cooling the mold to a degumming temperature; (E) pressing the mold against the shoe sole with a surface thereof having the adhesive facing the top surface so as to attach the adhesive thereto; and (F) moving the mold away from the shoe sole to separate the mold from the adhesive.

The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable articles, or bladders for inflatable articles, that is time-efficient, simple, inexpensive and permits the uninterrupted manufacture of numerous and even customized article or bladder configurations and sizes, without expensive configuration-specific, metal tooling. The method includes the steps of applying a barrier material to a side of a first film, providing a second film with the first film so that the barrier material is disposed between the first and second films, adhering the first film to the second film so that the films are sealed together in areas except where the barrier material has been applied to form at least one inflatable compartment and sealed peripheral edge, and cutting along the sealed peripheral edge to form an inflatable article or bladder for use in an article of manufacture. The barrier material may be a paint, ink, paper or surface treatment that effectively prevents the first film from adhering to the second. The inflatable article or bladder of the present invention may be used as or in athletic equipment, for example, including footwear.

The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable articles, or bladders for inflatable articles, that is time-efficient, simple, inexpensive and permits the uninterrupted manufacture of numerous and even customized article or bladder configurations and sizes, without expensive configuration-specific, metal tooling. The method includes the steps of applying a barrier material to a side of a first film, providing a second film with the first film so that the barrier material is disposed between the first and second films, adhering the first film to the second film so that the films are sealed together in areas except where the barrier material has been applied to form at least one inflatable compartment and sealed peripheral edge, and cutting along the sealed peripheral edge to form an inflatable article or bladder for use in an article of manufacture. The barrier material may be a paint, ink, paper or surface treatment that effectively prevents the first film from adhering to the second. The inflatable article or bladder of the present invention may be used as or in athletic equipment, for example, including footwear.

Manufacturing of a shoe is enhanced by creating 3-D models of shoe parts. For example, a laser beam may be projected onto a shoe-part surface, such that a projected laser line appears on the shoe part. An image of the projected laser line may be analyzed to determine coordinate information, which may be converted into geometric coordinate values usable to create a 3-D model of the shoe part. Once a 3-D model is known and is converted to a coordinate system recognized by shoe-manufacturing tools, certain manufacturing steps may be automated.

Manufacturing of a shoe is enhanced by creating 3-D models of shoe parts. For example, a laser beam may be projected onto a shoe-part surface, such that a projected laser line appears on the shoe part. An image of the projected laser line may be analyzed to determine coordinate information, which may be converted into geometric coordinate values usable to create a 3-D model of the shoe part. Once a 3-D model is known and is converted to a coordinate system recognized by shoe-manufacturing tools, certain manufacturing steps may be automated.

A sole structure includes an outsole defining an inner outsole surface and an outer outsole surface opposite the inner outer surface. The inner outsole surface is spaced apart from the outer outsole surface along a first direction. The sole structure further includes a midsole disposed on the outsole and a footwear plate is directly coupled to the midsole. The footwear plate includes a composite material and includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion is connected to the first plate portion, and a third plate portion is connected to the second plate portion. The second plate portion is connected between the first plate portion and the third plate portion. The second plate portion is obliquely angled relative to the first plate portion and the third plate portion so that the first plate portion is spaced apart from the third plate portion along the first direction.

A sole structure includes an outsole defining an inner outsole surface and an outer outsole surface opposite the inner outer surface. The inner outsole surface is spaced apart from the outer outsole surface along a first direction. The sole structure further includes a midsole disposed on the outsole and a footwear plate is directly coupled to the midsole. The footwear plate includes a composite material and includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion is connected to the first plate portion, and a third plate portion is connected to the second plate portion. The second plate portion is connected between the first plate portion and the third plate portion. The second plate portion is obliquely angled relative to the first plate portion and the third plate portion so that the first plate portion is spaced apart from the third plate portion along the first direction.

Aspects hereof relate to a method for coupling a cemented upper to a sole of an article of footwear. Pairs of clamps secure a sole at a forefoot region and a heel region to prevent movement of a location of the sole upon application of a perimeter deforming force. Perimeter deforming implements apply such force to a bottom surface of the secured sole causing the perimeter of the top surface of the sole to splay open outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the sole. While the top surface of the perimeter is splayed, a cemented upper is caused to contact the top surface of the sole in a longitudinal direction from the heel end to the toe end. Once in place, the force on the bottom surface of the secured sole and the clamps is released leaving the top surface of the sole properly adhered to the upper.

Aspects hereof relate to a method for coupling a cemented upper to a sole of an article of footwear. Pairs of clamps secure a sole at a forefoot region and a heel region to prevent movement of a location of the sole upon application of a perimeter deforming force. Perimeter deforming implements apply such force to a bottom surface of the secured sole causing the perimeter of the top surface of the sole to splay open outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the sole. While the top surface of the perimeter is splayed, a cemented upper is caused to contact the top surface of the sole in a longitudinal direction from the heel end to the toe end. Once in place, the force on the bottom surface of the secured sole and the clamps is released leaving the top surface of the sole properly adhered to the upper.