JP2013534836A - Multiple response footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments herein relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly, to components such as performance footwear midsole and methods of manufacturing the midsole. In various embodiments, a multi-response midsole and / or footwear portion is provided that includes a plurality of response characteristic regions strategically arranged with a mixed transition zone therebetween. Such a mixed transition zone facilitates softer foot movements, improves manufacturing and production techniques, and makes the foot, ankle and / or during exercise such as running, hiking, walking and other impact generating activities Helps prevent leg injury.
[Selection] Figure 1A

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 345,978, filed May 18, 2010, entitled “Multiple Response Characteristics Footwear”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Incorporated into the book.

(Technical field)
Embodiments herein relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to components such as performance footwear midsole and methods of manufacturing the midsole.

  Athletic shoe sole assemblies generally include an insole that enhances comfort, a resilient midsole formed from a polymer foam material, and an outsole that contacts the ground to provide both abrasion resistance and traction. It has a laminated structure including. Midsole provides cushioning and helps control foot movement.

  The midsole can be formed of a single layer polymer foam that extends the entire length and width of the footwear. Except for the difference in thickness between the footwear heel region and the forefoot region, such a single midsole has substantially uniform characteristics. In order to change the properties of the midsole, some conventional midsoles contain polymer foams that are two-stage or multi-stage density or durometer. For example, the lateral side of the midsole may be formed of a single foam material, and the medial side of the midsole may be formed of a second foam material that is difficult to compress and has a high density.

  In general, foam layers are cut and placed and glued together using vertical or diagonal seams. This results in undesirable lever action during the foot strike as the foot weight moves beyond the abrupt transition points between the foam densities or durometers. An abrupt transition from a stiff foam to a soft foam (or vice versa) can result in an unstable foot strike, such as the foot turning too rapidly. In addition, this manufacturing method requires the use of adhesives containing volatile organic compounds (VOC), which can have undesirable environmental and health effects for footwear manufacturers and wearers. In addition, the use of adhesive seams creates places where physical damage can occur and the layers of the midsole may become separated in use.

  The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are illustrated by way of example and are not intended to limit the form of the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the example of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing method of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing method of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows another manufacturing method of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows another manufacturing method of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows another manufacturing method of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment. It is a figure which shows another manufacturing method of the multiple response characteristic midsole which concerns on various embodiment.

  In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the description and are shown for the purpose of illustrating possible embodiments. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

  To assist in understanding the embodiments, various operations may be described as a plurality of individual operations, but the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Absent.

  Perspective-based descriptions such as up / down, front / back, top / bottom, etc. may be used. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to limit the application of the disclosed embodiments.

  The terms “coupled” and “connected” may be used with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in certain embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. However, “coupled” does not mean that two or more elements are in direct contact with each other, but may mean that they cooperate or interact with each other.

  For illustrative purposes, the expression “A / B” or the expression “A and / or B” means (A), (B) or (A and B). For illustrative purposes, expressions of the form “at least one of A, B, and C” are (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B and C). For illustrative purposes, an expression of the form (A) B means (B) or (AB), that is, A is an optional element.

  This description may use the term “embodiment” or “embodiments” to refer to one or more identical or different embodiments, respectively. Further, terms such as “comprising”, “including”, “having” and the like are synonymous when used in connection with an embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate softer foot movement, improve manufacturing and production techniques, and exercise legs, ankles and / or legs, such as running, hiking, walking and other impact generating activities Intended for performance footwear that has parts to prevent injury. In various embodiments, a multi-response midsole and / or footwear portion is provided comprising a plurality of response characteristic regions strategically arranged with blended transition zones therebetween.

  In various embodiments, multiple response characteristic regions (and differences between them) can be characterized as having various characteristics such as density, durometer, specific gravity, and other footwear design characteristics. In various embodiments, the mixed transition zone between adjacent response characteristic regions can improve various biomechanical properties including, but not limited to, shock cushioning, supportability, stability, and more flexible foot strike motion become. As used herein, the term “mixed transition zone” and any variations generally refer to the bonding, mixing and / or mixing of materials (eg, foams) having different response characteristics (eg, density or durometer). You may point to that. Thus, there is no clear, well-defined straight or planar path between materials with different response characteristics, but rather a gradual transition from one defined material / characteristic to another.

  In some embodiments, the transition zone is mixed in the midsole to avoid lever action that normally occurs when materials with different response characteristics are bonded together, for example using vertical or inclined seams. Useful. For example, if a high density or high durometer material is placed directly on a low density or low durometer foam without using a mixed transition zone, it is not desirable when the foot moves over a sharp transition between density May experience rapid and sudden pronation. In contrast, the mixed transition within the multiple response midsole disclosed herein provides a gradual transition between parts with different material response characteristics to ensure a more flexible foot strike motion. To help. In addition, since there is no conventional adhesive seam, it is possible to arrange material regions with different response characteristics in a desired structure while enhancing the strength and integrity of the midsole. Further, the midsole embodiment uses an adhesive-free process that effectively eliminates the presence of VOCs in the adhesive typically used to bond different materials in conventional midsole. Can do.

  FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a midsole having a mixed transition between regions of different material response characteristics (eg, density or durometer), according to various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, materials with different response characteristics are strategically placed in a posted configuration that is useful, for example, in athletic shoes, to help control pronation speed. The midsole 100a has different responses arranged from the inside to the side, for example with a high density or high durometer material placed in the medial arch area and transitioning to a low density or soft material towards the side of the midsole. A characteristic region may be provided. In one embodiment, the first response characteristic material 10 may be disposed within the inner arch region, and the second response characteristic material 12 may be disposed immediately adjacent (eg, the side surface) of the first response characteristic material 10. A mixing transition 16 may be disposed between the first response characteristic material and the second response characteristic material. In some embodiments, a third response characteristic material 14 may be disposed adjacent to the second response characteristic material 12, and the third response characteristic material 14 may substantially include the remainder of the midsole 100a. . A mixed transition region 18 may be disposed between the second response characteristic material and the third response characteristic material.

  In various embodiments, different materials with different response characteristics may be mixed and mixed over specific distances within the transition zones 16, 18 instead of having transitional adhesive seams. In various embodiments, these mixed transition zones 16, 18 help to avoid lever action that is common with the abrupt transitions between materials found in adhesive seams and between different responsive materials. It can also help enhance fluid connections and movement. In one embodiment, the first response characteristic material 10 is a high density or high durometer and the second response characteristic material 12 is smaller than the first response characteristic material 10 but greater than the third response characteristic material 14 or It may be a durometer. Such a configuration can provide support and stability to a user who profuses, for example, during stride. As shown, shock absorption for walking, jogging, comfort, cross training, etc. in running shoes, hiking boots, or trail shoes, etc. by strategically arranging different material response characteristics to provide a mixed transition zone A midsole that is useful in providing a combination of flexibility and stability can be provided.

  FIG. 1B illustrates another example of a multiple response characteristic midsole with a mixed transition according to various embodiments. In the illustrated example, the first response characteristic material 10 is disposed on the side of the midfoot region of the midsole 100b, which is typically on the opposite side of the medial arch region and the arch region near the side edge of the foot. In various embodiments, the second responsive material 12 substantially surrounds the first responsive material 10 and the remainder of the midsole includes the third responsive material 14. In the illustrated embodiment, mixed transition zones 16, 18 are disposed between the different responsive material 10, 12, 14, and contribute to the soft movement, strength and mechanics of the midsole 100b. For example, as described above, the first response characteristic material 10 has a higher density or durometer than the second response characteristic material 12, and the second response characteristic material 12 has a higher density or durometer than the third response characteristic material 14. You may have. In some embodiments, this configuration provides lateral stability. This may be useful, for example, for rocky or undulating terrain, or for users who are prone to overturning or unrolling, and in various embodiments, this configuration provides flexibility in the heel and forefoot portions of the midsole. Strengthen comfort, cushioning and comfort. As shown, the strategic placement of different material response characteristics to provide a mixed transition zone provides a combination of shock absorption, flexibility and stability for jogging or running shoes, hiking boots, trail shoes, etc. A midsole that is useful to do can be provided.

  FIG. 1C illustrates another example of a multiple response characteristic midsole with a mixed transition according to various embodiments. In this example, the first response characteristic material 10 is disposed, for example, in a substantially horseshoe-shaped pattern on the side and inside of the midfoot and heel of the midsole 100c. In various embodiments, the second responsive material 12 substantially surrounds the first responsive material 10 and the third responsive material 14 includes the remainder of the midsole. In various embodiments, mixed transition zones 16, 18 are disposed between different responsive materials, contributing to the soft movement, strength and mechanics of the midsole. For example, the first response characteristic material 10 may have a higher density or durometer than the second response characteristic material 12 and the third response characteristic material 14, which provides stability to the side and rear regions of the foot. . This is useful, for example, in rocky or undulating terrain, while enhancing pronation / prolapse prevention and improving midsole center and forefoot area flexibility, cushioning and comfort To do. As shown, the strategic placement of different material response characteristics to provide a mixed transition zone can provide a midsole that is useful for providing stability to, for example, hiking boots or trail shoes. .

  FIG. 1D shows yet another multiple response characteristic midsole 100d with a mixed transition according to various embodiments. As shown in the figure, the strategic arrangement of different response characteristic material regions includes the first response property material 10 in the heel region, the second response property material 12 in the midfoot region, and the third response property in the toe region. Placing material 14 and forming mixed transition zones 16, 18 between different responsive material regions may be included. Such embodiments may be useful, for example, in sandals that use high density or high durometer material as the first responsive material to improve impact absorption, support and durability of the heel area. The second response characteristic material 12 may have a density or durometer that is less than the first response characteristic and may be arranged to provide additional support and cushioning in the midfoot region. Finally, the third responsive material 14 may be arranged to have the lowest density of the three responsive materials and enhance the comfort and flexibility of the forefoot region.

  FIG. 1E illustrates yet another multiple response characteristic midsole with a mixed transition according to various embodiments. As shown in the figure, different response characteristic material regions are arranged or stacked in the vertical direction from the bottom to the top in the midsole 100e. In some embodiments, a layer of the second response characteristic material 12 may be sandwiched between the first response characteristic material 10 and the third response characteristic material 14. In some embodiments, a first mixed transition portion 16 is disposed between the first response characteristic layer 10 and the second response characteristic layer 12, and the first response characteristic layer 12 is interposed between the second response characteristic layer 12 and the third response characteristic layer 14. Two mixed transition zones 18 may be arranged. In one embodiment, the low response or low durometer (eg, softer) third response material 14 is used as an upper layer to provide comfort, while the second response material 12 and the first response material Response characteristics may be selected such that 10 is a high density or high durometer and provides, for example, durability, support and resilience. Such an embodiment may be particularly useful in comfort shoes, work shoes, and the like.

  FIG. 1F illustrates another example of a multiple response characteristic midsole with a mixed transition according to various embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 100f includes a plurality of response characteristic materials arranged to enhance lateral stability. In the illustrated example, lateral stability bars of the first response characteristic material 10 are arranged on the inside and side edges of the midsole. In various embodiments, the central portion of the midsole may include a third response characteristic material 14 and the second response characteristic material 12 may be disposed therebetween. In various embodiments, a mixing transition 16 is disposed between the first response characteristic material 10 and the second response characteristic material 12 and a second mixing transition between the second response characteristic material 12 and the third response characteristic material 14. The part 18 may be arranged. In various embodiments, such an arrangement provides cushioning (eg, when the third response material 14 is a low density or low durometer foam) and stability (eg, the first response material 10 is high). The density or high durometer foam).

  In the above embodiment, three different response characteristics materials / regions are shown in each example, but any number, eg, two, three, four, five, six or even more One skilled in the art will appreciate that the response characteristic region can be used. Such different response characteristic regions can be arranged in a number of strategic configurations. For example, when more softness or cushioning is needed, or when the user is injured or when cushioning is needed for other reasons, the midsole's forefoot area, heel layer, or upper layer For example, a low density or low durometer material may be used. In another example, high density or high durometer materials are included in any area where stiff support or additional stability or durability is required, such as the arch area, midfoot area, heel area, or lower part of the midsole. Also good. In some embodiments, the unique structure of the midsole may be customized to suit individual user needs, foot strike patterns or running styles. In other embodiments, the shoes can respond to specific needs of specific users or specific terrain conditions due to the mixed transition of the midsole.

  In this specification, the response characteristic regions are referred to as low, medium, and high (eg, in relation to material response characteristics that are density or durometer), but those skilled in the art will recognize that these terms are relative. I will admit. In one embodiment, if the material response characteristic is a durometer, the low, medium and high indicators may correspond to Asker C 55, 60, 65 or may correspond to Asker C 55, 65, 75. . In other embodiments, materials with larger or smaller response characteristics may be used depending on the desired application.

  In embodiments, changing the material hardness of the midsole can change activity in various lower limb muscles, such as rectus femoris, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius, anterior tibialis. For example, when running on a dense midsole, the anterior tibial muscle works with a significantly greater force before the heel strike and with less force after the heel strike than when running on an intermediate midsole. In addition, using shoes with a dense midsole reduces energy wasted at the metatarsophalangeal joint, which helps improve jumping function and efficiency of foot movement. Thus, in various embodiments, the response in specific areas and / or other portions of the footwear midsole varies for a variety of reasons.

  1G and 1H show multiple response characteristic portions of footwear according to various embodiments. The multi-response material includes not only the midsole, but also the heel cup 70 and / or the upper 80 portion, for example. For example, the midsole 100g extends upward around the heel cup region 70 to provide better heel stability and heel protection. As shown, the strategic placement of the different response characteristic material regions includes placing the first response property material 10 in the heel region of the midsole and the second response property material 12 in the footbed region of the midsole. Arranging the third responsive material 14 in the cup region and forming mixed transition zones 16, 18 between the different responsive material regions. In some embodiments, all or one of the toe or upper 80, such as a tip, instep, tongue, ankle collar, or all or part of an insole or outsole (not shown). A plurality of response characteristic materials may be spread so as to surround the portion.

  In other embodiments, the midsole material may be spread around and / or on the instep to provide additional protection and stability, for example through the midfoot region. In yet other embodiments, a midsole material may extend around and / or over the forefoot region, for example to provide toe protection. In some embodiments, the midsole material may extend around the entire foot, for example forming part or all of a footwear upper in a boot or shoe, providing additional ankle support or foot protection. In some embodiments, a portion of the midsole material that extends beyond the midsole may include a less dense material, such as a softer responsive material.

  In other embodiments, a method of manufacturing a multi-response midsole and other footwear portions is provided. Conventional multi-response midsoles are typically manufactured by stock-fitting or gluing individual material components before or after final molding. This leaves clear lines and almost solid boundaries between materials with different response characteristics. This boundary is often delineated by adhesive seams. In contrast, the disclosed method allows different response characteristic material regions to have mixed transition zones, making the midsole response characteristic change perceived by the foot smoother and more gradual.

  In various embodiments, different response characteristics may be achieved by various materials suitable for making a midsole. In some embodiments, polymer foam pellets may be arranged so that different response characteristics are intermingled in the transition zone shown in the example of FIGS. 1A-1H as a result of pellet compression. In some embodiments, the polymer foam pellets may be ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) pellets. EVA is a polymer that approaches elastomeric materials in terms of softness and flexibility, and is manufactured like other thermoplastics. This material has good transparency, gloss, barrier properties, low temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. In other embodiments, the midsole is made of one or more other types of materials, such as rubberized EVA, polyurethane, and / or any other midsole / footwear component known to those skilled in the art. May be included.

  While the above examples have described embodiments with three different response characteristic materials, some embodiments of the midsole may include only two different response characteristic materials, while other embodiments include four One skilled in the art will appreciate that five, six, or even more responsive material may be included. In addition, three materials may be distributed around the midsole if specific response characteristics are desired. For example, more or less midsole may comprise a higher density or durometer foam than the illustrated example. In addition, in some embodiments, lower or higher density or durometer materials may be incorporated under the metatarsal bone to form, for example, a crash pad.

  In various embodiments, a multi-response midsole with mixed transition regions is formed in a number of ways using known midsole forming techniques such as preform and compression molding, injection molding, pellet pour, etc. can do. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the midsole can be formed by placing foam pellets of different response characteristics in a specially designed jig. As illustrated, a jig 200 having one or more sections is placed in the midsole mold 50. EVA or other midsole forming pellets may be poured into the compartments 20, 21 of the jig 200 and into the space 22 formed between the jig 200 and the mold 50. As shown, the jig with two different sections allows the midsole to be formed using pellets 24, 26, 28 with three different response characteristics, but with more or fewer sections. Other jig structures having are conceivable.

  In various embodiments, the pellets 24, 26, 28 with different response characteristics may be color coded for visual differentiation and placement within the appropriate compartments 20, 21, 22 of the jig 200. In some embodiments, after the pellets 24, 26, 28 are properly positioned, the jig 200 is removed by lifting vertically to ensure that the pellets 24, 26, 28 mix during the midsole formation process, Or you may make it give the possibility of mixing at least. Subsequently, the pellets 24, 26, 28 strategically placed in the mold may undergo a preform process. The preform process involves the application of heat and temperature to activate the blowing agent in, for example, EVA to induce the intended properties. During the preform process, mixing transition zones are formed by contact of different pellets, which allows a slight flow or movement of different response material between strategic response zone. A blocker or preform is then compression molded to bring the midsole to the final dimensions.

  In various embodiments, the mixed transition zone formed during the preform and molding process mechanically bonds regions of different response characteristics without the use of adhesives. In addition, in some embodiments, there is no coarse, inflexible line / seam between conventional multiple density midsole, so the foot naturally prolapses during a running or walking motion, making it smoother and gentler It feels. In some embodiments, different colors may be selected for the different response characteristic pellets 24, 26, 28, which allows visual discrimination of the mixed transition zone and the final mid The sole has a unique appearance.

  3A and 3B show side and top views of an example of another method of forming a midsole according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the cage 300 is inserted into the mold 50. The cage 300 is configured to separate pellets with different response characteristics. In various embodiments, the cage 300 may surround the second response characteristic pellet 36 and separate the second response characteristic pellet 36 from the first response characteristic pellet 34 and the third response characteristic pellet 38. In some embodiments, the cage 300 may have an overall shape, such as the jig 200 of the above-described embodiments, and may form one or more compartments for different response characteristic pellets. In some embodiments, the cage is configured to melt during the preforming stage, which allows the cage material to be integrated with the midsole and become part of the midsole. In various embodiments, the melting of the cage 300 causes the different responsive pellets 34, 36, 38 to mix at the cage boundary and form a mixed transition zone between the different responsive material regions. As with the previous embodiment, the blocker or preform is then compression molded to bring the midsole to the final dimensions.

  FIG. 4 illustrates an example of another method of forming a midsole according to various embodiments. A large number of pellets, each with the desired response characteristics, are lightly molded prior to the preforming step to form one or more premolds 44, 46, 48 of materials that achieve the desired response characteristics. Subsequently, one or more different pre-molds 44, 46, 48 are placed in the mold 50 in the desired configuration. In some embodiments, the pellet / material is adjacent during the preform process if the pre-mold does not significantly change the pellet properties and the pellets with similar responsive properties are temporarily retained in the desired configuration in the mold. Flow into the responsive material to form a mixed transition zone.

  In various embodiments, the pre-molds 44, 46, 48 can be formed in various ways. In one example, pre-molding involves gradually and briefly heating foam pellets of specific response characteristics within individual molds so that the pellets adhere to each other to form the desired preform shape. In certain embodiments, the pellets may be heated to about 130 ° C. for about 4 minutes and then cooled prior to placement in the preform mold. In some embodiments, slight pressure may be applied to ensure that the preform is integrally formed. In some embodiments, responsive material pellets strategically placed in a mold may be held together using a binder. Similar to the cage embodiment described above where a cage material is selected that melts and integrates with the preform, the binder may be selected to mix with the multi-responsive material during the preform process.

  In one embodiment, for example, a high response characteristic pre-mold 44 is disposed at the inner arch position, and an intermediate response characteristic pre-mold is interposed between the low response characteristic pre-mold 48 and the high response characteristic pre-mold 44 disposed at the lateral position. Premolds 44, 46, 48 may be placed in the preform mold so that 46 is sandwiched. Subsequently, the pre-molds 44, 46, 48 can undergo a preform process and different response characteristic materials can be mixed to form a mixed transition zone. As with the previous embodiment, the blocker or preform is then compression molded to bring the midsole to the final dimensions.

  FIG. 5 illustrates yet another example of a midsole formation method according to various embodiments. Similar to the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 4, a single pre-mold 46 may be placed in the preform mold to control the placement of other free pellets 54, 58 having different response characteristics. For example, the pre-mold 46 may be made of pellets of second or intermediate response characteristics and placed in the preform mold to form one or more partitions in the preform mold. You may arrange | position the pellets 54 and 58 from which a response characteristic differs in the area | region adjacent to a premold. In the preform process, materials with different response characteristics mix to form a mixed transition zone. As with the previous embodiment, the blocker or preform is then compression molded to bring the midsole to the final dimensions.

  In various embodiments, different response characteristics are strategically placed in / on the midsole to achieve the desired effect of producing a multi-response midsole with a mixed transition between materials of different response characteristics Various response characteristic separation techniques can be used to achieve this. Further, various examples illustrated and described herein can be used in combination as needed (eg, using a jig with different pre-molds). Finally, while specific forms of midsoles with strategically arranged response characteristic regions have been described, various arrangements of different response characteristics are possible depending on the particular needs.

  In the above example, a method of manufacturing a midsole having three different response characteristics materials has been described, but in some embodiments, a midsole that includes only two different response characteristics materials, or four or five Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described method can be applied to produce a midsole that includes six, more, or more responsive material.

  While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide range of alternative and / or equivalent embodiments, or similar objectives, may be calculated without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be understood that the illustrated implementation can replace the illustrated and described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations and variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (29)

A first foam material having a first material response characteristic;
A second foam material having a second material responsive characteristic and bonded to the first foam material at a first joining zone;
The multiple response characteristic midsole, wherein the first joining band includes a mixed transition between the first foam material and the second foam material. A third foam material having third material response characteristics;
The third foam material is coupled to the second foam material at a second joining band, the second joining band including a mixed transition between the third foam material and the second foam material. The multiple response characteristic midsole according to claim 1. A fourth foam material having a fourth material response characteristic;
The fourth foam material is coupled to the third foam material at a third joining band, and the third joining band includes a mixed transition between the fourth foam material and the third foam material. The multi-response characteristic midsole according to claim 2.   The multiple response characteristic midsole of claim 1, wherein the first and second material response characteristics are density or durometer.   The multi-response characteristic midsole of claim 1, wherein the midsole does not have a straight or flat seam between the first foam material and the second foam material.   The multi-response midsole of claim 1, wherein the first foam material is disposed in an arch region of a midsole, and the first foam material has a higher density or durometer than the second foam material. . Further comprising a third foam material;
The second foam material has a higher density or durometer than the third foam material, and the second foam material is disposed between the first foam material and the third foam material. Item 7. The multiple response characteristic midsole according to item 6.   The third foam material is coupled to the second foam material at a second joining band, the second joining band including a mixed transition between the second foam material and the third foam material. The multiple response characteristic midsole according to claim 7.   The first foam material is disposed in both an inner midfoot region and a side midfoot region of a midsole, and the first foam material has a higher density or durometer than the second foam material. The multiple response characteristic midsole according to 1. Further comprising a third foam material;
The second foam material has a higher density or durometer than the third foam material, and the second foam material has the first foam material and the third foam in both the inner midfoot region and the side midfoot region. The multi-response midsole of claim 8, wherein the multi-response midsole is disposed between materials.   The third foam material is coupled to the second foam material at a second joining band, the second joining band including a mixed transition between the second foam material and the third foam material. The multi-response characteristic midsole according to claim 10.   The first foam material is disposed in a heel region, an inner midfoot region, and a side midfoot region of a midsole, and the first foam material has a higher density or durometer than the second foam material. The multi-response characteristic midsole according to claim 1. Further comprising a third foam material;
The second foamed material has a higher density or durometer than the third foamed material, and the second foamed material and the first foamed material in the heel region, the inner midfoot region, and the side midfoot region, 13. The multi-response midsole of claim 12, wherein the multi-response midsole is disposed between third foam materials.   The third foam material is coupled to the second foam material at a second joining band, the second joining band including a mixed transition between the second foam material and the third foam material. The multiple response characteristic midsole according to claim 13.   The multi-response midsole of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second foam materials comprises ethylene vinyl acetate foam.   The multi-response midsole of claim 1, wherein the midsole does not include any adhesive.   The multi-response midsole according to claim 1, wherein the midsole does not contain a volatile organic compound. Placing a first foam material having a first density or durometer in a midsole mold;
A second foam material having a second density or durometer is disposed adjacent to the first foam material in a midsole mold, and the first foam material forms a first contact surface with the second foam material. ,
A method of manufacturing a multi-response midsole comprising: sufficiently heating the first and second foam materials to cause mixing of the first and second foam materials at the first contact surface. Further comprising disposing a third foam material having a third density or durometer adjacent to the first and second foam materials;
The third foam material forms a second contact surface with the first and / or second foam material and heats the first, second and third foam materials to provide the first and second contact surfaces. 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the mixing causes the first, second and / or third foam material to mix. Further comprising disposing a fourth foam material having a fourth density or durometer adjacent to the first, second and / or third foam materials;
The fourth foamed material forms a third contact surface with the first, second and / or third foamed material, heating the first, second, third and fourth foamed materials; 20. A method according to claim 19, characterized by causing mixing of the first, second, third and / or fourth foam materials at the first, second and third contact surfaces.   The method of claim 18, further comprising forming a first pre-molded portion of a midsole from a first foam pellet to form the first foam material.   The method of claim 21, further comprising forming a second pre-molded portion of a midsole from a second foam pellet to form the second foam material. Forming a first pre-molded portion of the midsole,
Placing the first foamed pellet in a pre-mold,
Heating the first foamed pellet to a temperature of about 130 ° C;
The method of claim 21, comprising cooling the first premolded part prior to placing the first premolded part in the midsole mold.   The method of claim 18, wherein the first density or durometer is greater than the second density or durometer.   The method of claim 18, further comprising pre-cutting the first foam material into a first desired shape.   26. The method of claim 25, further comprising pre-cutting the second foam material into a second desired shape.   The method of claim 18, further comprising disposing the first and / or second foam material in the midsole mold using a jig or cage.   28. The method of claim 27, wherein the cage is configured to dissolve or decompose when heated to a temperature of about 130 <0> C.   The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second foam materials comprises ethylene vinyl acetate.

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