NIKE, Inc. (20240253300). METHODS OF MANUFACTURING ARTICLES UTILIZING FOAM PARTICLES simplified abstract

METHODS OF MANUFACTURING ARTICLES UTILIZING FOAM PARTICLES

Organization Name

NIKE, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Jay Constantinou of Beaverton OR (US)

Harleigh Doremus of Portland OR (US)

Luis Folgar of Beaverton OR (US)

Brandon Kvamme of Beaverton OR (US)

Denis Schiller of Vancouver WA (US)

Krissy Yetman of Portland OR (US)

METHODS OF MANUFACTURING ARTICLES UTILIZING FOAM PARTICLES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240253300 titled 'METHODS OF MANUFACTURING ARTICLES UTILIZING FOAM PARTICLES

The abstract describes methods for manufacturing articles of footwear using additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. By increasing the temperature of the foam particles with actinic radiation, a portion of the particles comprising thermoplastic elastomers can be fused together. This process can be repeated multiple times to create sub-regions with varying degrees of fusion, resulting in different properties such as density, resilience, and flexural modulus.

• Utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles
• Increasing temperature of foam particles with actinic radiation
• Fusing foam particles comprising thermoplastic elastomers
• Creating sub-regions with different properties through varying degrees of fusion
• Resulting in articles of footwear with unique characteristics

Potential Applications: - Customized footwear production - Enhanced comfort and performance in athletic shoes - Lightweight and durable shoe manufacturing

Problems Solved: - Traditional footwear manufacturing limitations - Lack of customization options for consumers - Inefficient production processes

Benefits: - Improved comfort and fit for users - Increased durability and performance of footwear - Sustainable manufacturing practices

Commercial Applications: Title: Innovative Additive Manufacturing Methods for Footwear Production This technology can revolutionize the footwear industry by offering customizable, high-performance shoes for various applications. Market implications include increased consumer satisfaction, reduced production costs, and enhanced brand competitiveness.

Prior Art: Researchers can explore prior studies on additive manufacturing in the footwear industry, advancements in foam material technology, and innovative production methods for shoes.

Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on the latest developments in additive manufacturing techniques, foam material properties, and footwear design innovations to enhance the manufacturing process and product quality.

Questions about Additive Manufacturing Methods for Footwear Production: 1. How does the fusion of foam particles with thermoplastic elastomers improve the properties of footwear? 2. What are the potential environmental benefits of utilizing additive manufacturing in shoe production?

Original Abstract Submitted

methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. in various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. in some aspects, the additive manufacturing methods comprise increasing the temperature of a plurality of foam particles with actinic radiation under conditions effective to fuse a portion of the plurality of foam particles comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers. increasing the temperature of the foam particles can be carried out for one or multiple iterations. the disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that exhibit differing degrees of fusion between the foam particles, thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. this abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.