18520141. DIRECT BOTTOMED ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A FILM MOLD simplified abstract (NIKE, Inc.)

From WikiPatents
Jump to navigation Jump to search

DIRECT BOTTOMED ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A FILM MOLD

Organization Name

NIKE, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Steven Edmund Jan Cornelis Ploem of Portland OR (US)

DIRECT BOTTOMED ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A FILM MOLD - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18520141 titled 'DIRECT BOTTOMED ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A FILM MOLD

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method of manufacturing an article of footwear where the upper is directly attached to the sole in a mold. The sole has a film extending up the sidewalls to a film edge prior to the sidewall and upper joining.

  • The film is positioned over a mold cavity and secured, then heated and drawn into the mold cavity under vacuum to form a liner.
  • A foam composition is injected into the lined mold cavity, expanding and mechanically engaging with the upper to allow for direct attachment of the sole.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied to the manufacturing of various types of footwear, such as sneakers, boots, or sandals.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of securely attaching the sole to the upper of an article of footwear, providing a durable and long-lasting bond.

Benefits

The direct attachment of the sole to the upper results in a more durable and reliable construction of the footwear, enhancing its overall quality and longevity.

Potential Commercial Applications

This technology could be utilized by footwear manufacturers looking to improve the quality and durability of their products, potentially leading to increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of adhesives or stitching to attach the sole to the upper of footwear, which may not provide the same level of durability and longevity as the direct attachment method described in the patent application.

Unanswered Questions

How does the direct attachment method affect the flexibility and comfort of the footwear?

The article does not provide information on how the direct attachment method may impact the flexibility and comfort of the footwear. This could be an important factor for consumers when choosing footwear.

Are there any environmental benefits to using this manufacturing method?

The article does not mention any potential environmental benefits of using this manufacturing method. It would be interesting to know if this method reduces waste or energy consumption compared to traditional footwear manufacturing processes.


Original Abstract Submitted

An article of footwear has an upper that is direct attached with the sole in a article of footwear mold. The sole has a film extending up sidewalls of the sole to a film edge that is prior to the sidewall and the upper joining. Method of manufacture of the article of footwear includes steps of positioning a film over a mold cavity and then securing the film to the mold. The film is heated and then drawn into the mold cavity under a vacuum. The film forms a liner of the mold cavity. A foam composition is injected into the lined mold cavity. As the foam composition expands, the foam composition interacts with and mechanically engages with the upper that is poisoned at the mold cavity to allow for the mechanical engagement that results in the direct attach of the sole to the upper.