Midsole for an article of footwear formed from preforms and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

A midsole and a method of manufacturing it includes placing first and second preforms into a midsole recess of a mold, with first and second portions of the mold defining a first overflow chamber connected to the first recess; closing the mold by positioning the first and second portions in contact with one another; heating the mold for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature such that the first and second preforms melt and bond together to form a midsole, with a portion of each of the first and second preforms flowing into the first overflow chamber to form a first overflow portion; removing the midsole from the mold; allowing the midsole to expand; and cutting away the first overflow portion.

Claims

1. A footwear midsole including a first midsole portion and a second midsole portion joined at a separation line, the first midsole portion having an exposed lower surface overhanging a projection recess formed in the second midsole portion, the footwear midsole being formed by the steps of: placing a first preform into contact with a second preform within a midsole recess in a mold, wherein the midsole recess includes a first recess formed in a first portion of the mold and a second recess formed in a second portion of the mold cooperating to define the midsole recess, wherein the first portion of the mold and the second portion of the mold further cooperate to define a first overflow chamber and a first channel connecting the first overflow chamber to the midsole recess, the first portion of the mold having a projection extending inwardly into the first recess about an upper peripheral edge thereof, an uppermost surface of the projection defining a lowermost surface of the first channel; closing the mold by positioning the first portion of the mold and the second portion of the mold in contact with one another; heating the mold for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature such that the first preform and the second preform melt and bond together to form within the midsole recess a midsole component including the first midsole portion formed from the first preform, the second midsole portion formed from the second preform, and the separation line, wherein a portion of a material of each of the first preform and the second preform flows over the projection through the first channel and into the first overflow chamber to form a first overflow portion, the projection forming the projection recess in the second midsole portion positioned just below the separation line; removing the midsole component from the mold; allowing the midsole component to expand; and cutting away the first overflow portion from the midsole component to form the footwear midsole, wherein the first overflow portion is cut away so as to leave material of the first midsole portion overhanging and forming an uppermost surface over the projection recess at the separation line.

2. The footwear midsole of claim 1, wherein the first preform and the second preform are formed of ethylvinylacetate.

3. The footwear midsole of claim 1, wherein a color of the first preform is different than a color of the second preform.

4. The footwear midsole of claim 1, wherein a physical property of the first preform is different than a physical property of the second preform.

5. The footwear midsole of claim 1, wherein a resiliency of the first preform is different than a resiliency of the second preform.

6. The footwear midsole of claim 1, wherein a stiffness of the first preform is different than a stiffness of the second preform.

7. The footwear midsole of claim 1, wherein the exposed lower surface of the first midsole portion overhanging the projection recess has a maximum width of approximately 1 mm.

8. The footwear midsole of claim 1, wherein the projection recess has a maximum height of approximately 2.5 mm.

9. The footwear midsole of claim 1, wherein the separation line angles upwardly to an upper surface of the footwear midsole such that the first midsole portion is located only in a heel portion of the footwear midsole.

10. The footwear midsole of claim 1, wherein the separation line extends around an entire perimeter of the footwear midsole.

11. A footwear midsole including a first midsole portion and a second midsole portion joined at a separation line, the first midsole portion having an exposed lower surface overhanging a projection recess formed in the second midsole portion, the footwear midsole being formed by the steps of: placing a first preform and a second preform in a midsole recess of a mold and closing the mold, wherein the midsole recess includes a first recess formed in a first portion of the mold and a second recess formed in a second portion of the mold, the first portion of the mold having a projection extending inwardly into the first recess about an upper peripheral edge of the first recess, wherein when the mold is closed: (a) the first preform and the second preform are located in the midsole recess and in contact with one another, and (b) the first portion of the mold and the second portion of the mold further define a first overflow chamber and a first channel connecting the first overflow chamber to the midsole recess, wherein an uppermost surface of the projection defines a lowermost surface of the first channel; heating the mold to melt and bond the first preform and the second preform together within the midsole recess thereby forming a midsole component including the first midsole portion formed from the first preform, the second midsole portion formed from the second preform, and the separation line, wherein a portion of a material of each of the first preform and the second preform flows over the projection through the first channel and into the first overflow chamber to form a first overflow portion, the projection forming the projection recess in the second preform positioned just below the separation line; removing the midsole component from the mold; allowing the midsole component to expand; and cutting away the first overflow portion from the midsole component to form the footwear midsole.

12. The footwear midsole of claim 11, wherein the first preform and the second preform are formed of ethylvinylacetate.

13. The footwear midsole of claim 11, wherein a color of the first preform is different than a color of the second preform.

14. The footwear midsole of claim 11, wherein a physical property of the first preform is different than a physical property of the second preform.

15. The footwear midsole of claim 11, wherein a resiliency of the first preform is different than a resiliency of the second preform.

16. The footwear midsole of claim 11, wherein a stiffness of the first preform is different than a stiffness of the second preform.

17. The footwear midsole of claim 11, wherein the exposed lower surface of the first midsole portion overhanging the projection recess has a maximum width of approximately 1 mm.

18. The footwear midsole of claim 11, wherein the projection recess has a maximum height of approximately 2.5 mm.

19. The footwear midsole of claim 11, wherein the separation line angles upwardly to an upper surface of the footwear midsole such that the first midsole portion is located only in a heel portion of the footwear midsole.

20. The footwear midsole of claim 11, wherein the separation line extends around an entire perimeter of the footwear midsole.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a midsole of an article of footwear formed from two different preforms.

(2) FIG. 2 is a section view of first and second portions of a mold used to make the midsole of FIG. 1, shown in an open condition.

(3) FIG. 3 is a plan view of the first portion of the mold of FIG. 2.

(4) FIG. 4 is a section view of the first and second portions of the mold of FIG. 2, shown with a first preform and a second preform positioned in the mold prior to the mold being closed.

(5) FIG. 5 is a section view of the mold of FIG. 2 shown in a closed condition with the midsole formed from the preforms after the heating step.

(6) FIG. 6 is a section view of the midsole of FIG. 1 after being removed from the mold and having a first overflow portion.

(7) FIG. 7 is a section view of midsole of FIG. 1 after being removed from the mold and having the first overflow portion cut away.

(8) FIG. 8 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a midsole formed of three different preforms.

(9) FIG. 9 is a plan view of a first portion of the mold use to make the midsole of FIG. 8.

(10) FIG. 10 is a section view of the mold used to make the midsole of FIG. 8, shown with a first preform and a third preform positioned in the mold prior to the mold being closed.

(11) FIG. 11 is a section view of the mold of FIG. 10 shown in a closed condition with the midsole formed from the preforms and second and third overflow portions, after the heating step.

(12) FIG. 12 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a midsole of an article of footwear formed from two different preforms.

(13) FIG. 13 is an elevation view of another alternative embodiment of a midsole of an article of footwear formed from two different preforms.

(14) FIG. 14 is a section view of a mold, shown partially broken away and in use making the midsole of FIG. 12.

(15) FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a portion of the midsole of FIG. 12.

(16) FIG. 16 is an elevation view of a portion of yet another alternative embodiment of a midsole of an article of footwear formed from two different preforms.

(17) The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale, should be understood to provide a representation of particular embodiments of the invention, and are merely conceptual in nature and illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the mold used to form a midsole formed of different preforms and related methods of manufacture depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Molds used for forming midsoles as disclosed herein would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(18) A midsole 10 for an article of footwear is depicted in FIG. 1 as including a first portion 12 formed of a first material, and a second portion 14 formed of a second material. Midsole 10 serves to provide shock-attenuation and energy-absorption for an article of footwear. Midsole 10 can be used for any of various articles of casual footwear having configurations suitable, for example, for walking or lounging. Midsole 10 may also be included as part of a wide range of athletic footwear styles, including shoes that are suitable for soccer, running, basketball, baseball, cross-training, football, rugby, tennis, and volleyball, for example. An individual skilled in the relevant art will appreciate, therefore, that the concepts disclosed herein with regard to midsole 10 may be applied to a wide variety of footwear styles, in addition to the specific styles discussed herein and depicted in the accompanying figures.

(19) For purposes of reference in the following description, midsole 10 may be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region 16, a midfoot region 18, and a heel region 20. Regions 16-20 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of midsole 10. Rather, regions 16-20 are intended to represent general areas of midsole 10 that provide a frame of reference during the following discussion. Although regions 16-20 apply generally to midsole 10, references to regions 16-20 also may apply specifically to first portion 12, second portion 14, or individual components or portions of midsole 10.

(20) For purposes of reference, midsole 10 includes a medial side 22 and an opposite lateral side 24. Lateral side 24 is positioned to extend along a lateral side of the foot (i.e., the outside) and generally passes through each of regions 16-20. Similarly, medial side 22 is positioned to extend along an opposite medial side of the foot (i.e., the inside) and generally passes through each of regions 16-20.

(21) The materials used to form first portion 12 and second portion 14 of midsole 10 may include any of the conventional polymer foams that are utilized in footwear midsoles, including ethylvinylacetate (“EVA”) and polyurethane (“PU”) foam. Other suitable materials for first portion 12 and second portion 14 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

(22) In certain embodiments, first portion 12 is formed of a material having a first color, while second portion 14 is formed of a material formed of a second color that is different than the first color. First and second portions 12, 14 may also have different physical properties.

(23) In the illustrated embodiment, second portion 14 is positioned beneath first portion 12 and extends from the rear edge of heel region 20 to midfoot region 18 along medial side 22 of midsole 10, and to forefoot region 16 along lateral side 24. It is to be appreciated that second portion 14 can be positioned at any desired location along midsole 10.

(24) A mold assembly 26 used to form midsole 10 is seen in FIGS. 2-5, and includes a first portion 28 and a second portion 30. In the illustrated embodiment, first portion 28, which is positioned beneath second portion 30, forms a bottom surface and a portion of the medial and lateral sides of midsole 10, while second portion 30 forms a top surface and a complimentary portion of the medial and lateral sides of midsole 10. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, first and second portions 28, 30 can have a different positional relationship with respect to one another.

(25) First portion 28 includes a substantially foot-shaped first recess 32 formed therein, and second portion 30 includes a substantially foot-shaped second recess 34 formed therein. First recess 32 and second recess 34 combine to form a midsole recess 36 when mold assembly 26 is closed, as seen in FIG. 5.

(26) First portion 28 includes a first lower overflow recess 38 and a first lower channel 40 connecting the first lower overflow recess 38 to the first recess 32. Second portion 30 includes a first upper overflow recess 42 and a first upper channel 44 connecting first upper overflow recess 42 to second recess 34.

(27) When mold assembly 26 is closed, as seen in FIG. 5, the first lower and upper channels 40, 44 combine to define a first channel 46. First lower overflow recess 38 and first upper overflow recess 42 combine to define a first overflow chamber 48, with first channel 46 connecting first overflow chamber 48 to midsole recess 36.

(28) In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, first channel 46 and first overflow chamber 48 extend around heel region 20 of first recess 32, along medial side 22 to midfoot region 18, and along lateral side 24 to forefoot region 16. This can be best seen in FIG. 3, which shows first lower channel 40, which forms part of first channel 46, and first lower overflow recess 38, which forms part of first overflow chamber 48. It is to be appreciated that first channel 46 could extend only around heel region 20, or extend to any desired point along first recess 32.

(29) As seen in FIG. 5, first channel 46 has a height A that is less than a height B of first overflow chamber 48. In a preferred embodiment, height A of first channel 46 is approximately 1 mm. In a preferred embodiment, height B of first overflow chamber 48 is approximately 5 mm. Additionally, in certain preferred embodiments, first channel 46 and first overflow chamber extend outwardly from first recess 32 approximately 5 mm.

(30) As seen in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the cross-section of first channel 46 is substantially rectangular, while the cross-section of first overflow chamber 48 is substantially circular. It is to be appreciated that both first channel 46 and first overflow chamber 48 can have any desired shape, and that first overflow chamber 48 need not necessarily be larger than first channel 46. In other embodiments, first overflow chamber 48 could be connected directly to first recess 32 without a need for first channel 46 to connect first overflow chamber 48 to first recess 32.

(31) To form midsole 10 in mold assembly 26, a first preform 50 and a second preform 52 are seated or placed in first recess 32 of first portion 28. In certain embodiments, first and second preforms 50, 52 are formed of EVA. In the illustrated embodiment, second preform 52 is seated beneath first preform 50. Second preform extends from a rear edge of heel portion 20 to midfoot region 18 on medial side 22 and to forefoot region 16 on lateral side 24.

(32) A release agent may be applied to the exposed surface of first and second preforms 50, 52 and/or the surfaces of first recess 32 and second recess 34 in order to facilitate the separation of midsole 10 from mold assembly 26 after its formation. The release agent may be a spray release agent or any other suitable release agent. Suitable materials for the release agent include, for example, siloxane and water. Other suitable release agents will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

(33) Mold assembly 26 is then closed, as seen in FIG. 5, so that first portion 28 of mold assembly 26 is in contact with second portion 30 of mold assembly 26, with first and second preforms 50, 52 seated within midsole recess 36. First portion 28 and second portion 30 may be hinged together, or they may be separate elements that are suitably aligned and placed in contact with one another.

(34) Mold assembly 26 with first preform 50 and second preform 52 contained therein is then heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. In certain embodiments, mold assembly 26 at this point is heated to a temperature of between about 125° C. and about 135° C. In more preferred embodiments, mold assembly 26 is heated to a temperature of about 130° C.

(35) In certain embodiments, mold assembly is heated for between about 5 and about 8 minutes, thereby causing first and second preforms 50, 52 to partially melt and bond together to form midsole 10, with a portion of first and second preforms 50, 52 flowing through first channel 46 into first overflow chamber 48 to form a first overflow portion 54.

(36) After this heating step is complete, mold assembly 26 is opened, and midsole 10, formed of first portion 12 and second portion 14 with first overflow portion 54 extending outwardly from an exterior surface of midsole 10, is removed from mold assembly 26. As seen in FIG. 6, when midsole 10 is removed from mold assembly 10, it expands to some degree. In certain embodiments, midsole 10 may expand to approximately 163% of its original size.

(37) After midsole 10 has expanded and stabilized, first overflow portion 54 is then cut away from the periphery of midsole 10, as shown in FIG. 7.

(38) Providing first overflow chamber 48 and first channel 46 reduces the negative aesthetic effects of bleeding that can result from bonding first and second preforms 50, 52 together. As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, after cutting away first overflow portion 54, there is a more distinct line defining the boundary between first portion 12 and second portion 14.

(39) Although, as noted above, first preform 50 and second preform 52 may both be formed of EVA, they may have different colors, as well as different physical properties such as resiliency, stiffness, and other parameters. Providing different colors and physical properties for first and second preforms 50, 52 and, therefore, first and second portions 12, 14, allows midsole 10 to be customized or optimized to provide particular aesthetic and/or performance characteristics.

(40) For example, in certain embodiments, first portion 12 has a hardness of approximately 48 Asker C, while second portion 14 has a hardness of approximately 54 Asker C.

(41) Another embodiment of a midsole 10′ is shown in FIG. 8, in which second portion 14′ is positioned only in heel region 20 of midsole 10′ beneath first portion 12′, and a third portion 56 is positioned in forefoot region 16 of midsole 10′ beneath first portion 12′. Midsole 10′ is formed in substantially the same manner as midsole 10.

(42) As seen in FIG. 10, which illustrates a section view of a forefoot region 16 of mold assembly 26′ used to form midsole 10′, a third preform 58, which forms third portion 56, is positioned beneath first preform 50′ in mold assembly 26′.

(43) In mold assembly 26′, seen in FIGS. 9-11, first channel 46 and first overflow chamber 48 extend only around heel region 20 of midsole recess 36, as best seen in FIG. 9 where first lower channel 40′ and first lower overflow recess 38′ are shown. Mold assembly 26′ also includes a second channel 60 and a second overflow chamber 62 in a forefoot region 16 on lateral side 24, as seen in FIG. 11, which is formed by a second lower channel 64 and a second lower overflow recess 66 in first portion 28′ in combination with a second upper channel 68 and a second upper overflow recess 70 in second portion 14′, which are shown in FIG. 10. Second channel 60 and second overflow chamber 62 cooperate to produce a second overflow portion 72 on midsole 10′, which is cut away as described above.

(44) Further, as seen in FIG. 11, mold assembly 26′ includes a third channel 74 and a third overflow chamber 76 in a forefoot region 16 on medial side 24, which is formed by a third lower channel 78 and a third lower overflow recess 80 in first portion 12′ in combination with a third upper channel 82 and a third upper overflow recess 84 in second portion 14′, which are shown in FIG. 10. Third channel 74 and third overflow chamber 76 cooperate to produce a third overflow portion 86 on midsole 10′, which is cut away as described above.

(45) It is to be appreciated that the channels and corresponding overflow chambers can be positioned at any point along the recess in the mold assembly. For example, a single mating channel and overflow chamber could extend around the entire periphery of the recess in the mold assembly, or extend only around forefoot region 16, only in heel region 20, or at any other single desired location. In other embodiments, any number of channel/overflow chamber combinations can be positioned at any desired locations along the recess in the mold assembly.

(46) Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 12, in which the entirety of first portion 12 is positioned above second portion 14. It is to be appreciated that the shape and configuration of a color separation line 88 between first portion 12 and second portion 14 can affect the quality of the line. A smooth and continuous line 88 about the entire perimeter of midsole 10 can help to provide a high quality color separation line. Variations of the configuration of separation line 88 can potentially lead to bleeding. If separation line 88 varies upwardly or downwardly sharply, such as at the very tip of forefoot portion 16, for example, it can lead to bleeding. It is to be appreciated that the thickness of first portion 12 and second portion 14 affects the quality of midsole 10 as well. In certain embodiments, the thickness of first portion 12 and second portion 14 is at least approximately 7 mm. In other embodiments, the forefoot portion 16 of first portion 12, beyond approximately 70% of the length of midsole 10 measured from the rearmost edge of heel portion 20, can be as thin as approximately 4 mm.

(47) In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 13, separation line 88 may extend forwardly from heel portion 20 and then angle upwardly to the upper surface of midsole 10, such that first portion 12 extends only in heel portion 20. In certain embodiments, the angle of separation line 88 as it angles upwardly is approximately 45°. Angles significantly steeper or shallower than this can create manufacturing and quality issues.

(48) In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 14, first portion 28 of mold assembly 26 has a projection 90 that extends inwardly into first recess 32 about its upper and inner peripheral edge. Projection 90 forms a corresponding recess 92 in second preform 52 and ultimately second portion 14 of midsole 10. Recess 92 is positioned just below separation line 88 in midsole 10.

(49) In certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 15, the maximum width W of the upper surface of recess 92, which is the exposed lower surface of first portion 12, is approximately 1 mm. In certain embodiments, the maximum height H of recess 92 is approximately 2.5 mm.

(50) In certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 16, the maximum draft D, that is the taper of the exterior surface of molded midsole 10, is approximately 7 mm, as measured from bite line 94 of first portion 14 (where midsole 10 meets the upper) to the outermost edge of midsole 10, seen here as the rearmost edge of heel portion 20.

(51) It is to be appreciated that mold assembly 26 should not have any undercuts. Undercuts in second portion 30 of mold assembly 26 would hit and interfere with first preform 50 when mold assembly 26 is closed.

(52) Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps which perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.