KR20130031282A - Multiple response property footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments herein relate generally to the field of shoes, and more particularly to components of high-performance shoes such as midsoles and methods of making midsoles. In various embodiments, in various embodiments, multiple reaction characteristic midsoles and / or shoe portions are provided that may include strategically arranged multiple reaction characteristic regions with mixed transition zones disposed therebetween. This mixed transition zone allows for smoother foot motion, improves manufacturing and production techniques, and prevents foot, ankle and / or leg injuries during sports such as running, hiking, walking and other shock-producing activities. have.

Description

{MULTIPLE RESPONSE PROPERTY FOOTWEAR}

This application is incorporated by reference in its entirety, and is a priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 345,978, filed May 18, 2010, entitled "MULTIPLE RESPONSE PROPERTY FOOTWEAR". Insist.

Embodiments herein relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to components of high-performance shoes such as midsoles and methods of making midsoles.

The sole assembly of the sneaker takes a laminated configuration that includes an insole that enhances comfort, an elastic midsole formed from a polymeric foam material, and an outsole that contacts the ground to provide both wear resistance and traction. . The midsole imposes cushioning and helps control foot movements.

The midsole may be formed from a single layer polymeric foam extending throughout the length and width of the shoe. Except for the thickness difference between the heel and forefoot regions of the shoe, this integral midsole has a substantially uniform characteristic. Some conventional midsoles include dual or multiple density or multiple durometer polymer foams to vary the properties of the midsole. For example, the lateral side of the midsole may be formed from the first foam material and the medial side of the midsole may be formed from a less compressible and dense second foam material.

In general, the foam layers are bonded to each other using vertical or angled seams after being cut and placed. This results in an undesirable leverage effect as the foot's weight is transferred during the footstrike above the density of the foam or the point of rapid transition between durometers. Sudden transitions from rigid foams to soft foams (or vice versa) result in instability of landings such as speeding pronation.

The present manufacturing method also requires the use of adhesives that may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have undesirable effects on the environment and health for both the manufacturer and the wearer. In addition, the use of adhesive bonds creates potential physical damage, and the midsole may detach over time.

The embodiments will be readily understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are shown by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.
1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F illustrate examples of multiple response characteristic midsoles in accordance with various embodiments.
2A and 2B illustrate a method of making multiple reaction characteristic midsoles in accordance with various embodiments.
3A and 3B illustrate another method of making multiple reaction characteristic midsoles in accordance with various embodiments.
4 illustrates another method of making a multiple reaction characteristic midsole in accordance with various embodiments.
5 illustrates another method of making a multiple reaction characteristic midsole in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are shown as example embodiments that may form and be practiced a part of this specification. Of course, other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention and structural or logical changes may be made. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the embodiments is defined by the appended claims and equivalents.

Various tasks may be described as a number of separate tasks to assist in understanding the embodiments, but the order of description should not be interpreted as meaning that these tasks are order dependent.

This description may use descriptions based on perspectives such as up / down, front / back and top / bottom. This description is merely used to facilitate the discussion and is not intended to limit the application of the disclosed embodiments.

The terms "bonding" and "linking" may be used with their variations. Of course, these terms are not intended to be synonymous with each other. More precisely, in certain embodiments a "connection" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct contact with each other physically or electrically. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, "combination" may mean that two or more elements cooperate or interact with each other even though they are not in direct physical contact.

For purposes of explanation, the phrase "A / B" form or "A and / or B" form means (A), (B) or (A and B). For purposes of explanation, phrases of the form "at least one of A, B, and C" are (A), (B), (C) or (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or Means (A, B, and C). For the purposes of explanation, "(A) B" means (B) or (AB), ie A is an optional element.

This description may use the term “embodiments” or “embodiments”, which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. In addition, the terms "comprising", "including", "having" and the like are synonymous when used in connection with the embodiments.

Embodiments of the present disclosure allow for smoother foot motion, improve manufacturing and production techniques, and injure the foot, ankle and / or leg during exercise, such as running, climbing, walking and other impact generating activities. It relates to a high-performance shoe having a part that can help to prevent it. In various embodiments, multiple response characteristic midsoles and / or shoe portions are provided that may include strategically arranged multiple response characteristic regions with a mixed transition zone disposed therebetween.

In various embodiments, multiple response characteristic regions (and differences between those regions) can be characterized as having various characteristics such as density, durometer, specific gravity, and other shoe design characteristics. In various embodiments, a variety of biomechanical improvements can be made, including improved cushioning, support, stability, and smoother foot motion, due to the mixed transition zones located between adjacent reaction characteristic regions, the improvements being It is not limited. As used herein, the term mixed transition zone, and all variations thereof, generally refers to one-sided material / characteristics instead of the presence of linear or planar paths with distinct and sharp outlines between materials with different reaction characteristics. Refers to interlocking, intermingling and / or mixing materials (such as foams) having different reaction properties (such as density or durometer) such that there is a gradual transition to the other material / physical property.

In some embodiments, mixing the transition zones in the midsole may help to prevent the lever effect that often occurs when materials with different reaction characteristics are bonded to each other, such as by vertical or angled joints. For example, where a high density or high durometer material is placed in direct contact with a low density or low durometer material without a mixed transition zone, it may be undesirably fast and abruptly inverted when the foot is moved over a sharp transition between densities. In contrast, the mixed transition portion of the multiple reaction characteristic midsole disclosed herein can provide a gradual transition between parts with different reaction characteristics of the material, which can help to ensure that the landing operation is smooth. In addition, the strength and integrity of the midsole is enhanced because there is no conventional adhesive bond, while the different reaction characteristic regions may be arranged in any desired configuration. Embodiments of the midsole may also use a glueless process that effectively removes VOCs present in adhesives commonly used to bond different materials in conventional midsoles.

1A illustrates an example of a midsole with mixed transitions between different (eg, multiple) material response characteristics (eg, density or durometer) regions in accordance with various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, materials with different reaction characteristics have been strategically placed in a posted configuration that may be useful, for example, in sneakers, to help control the speed of the spine. The midsole 100a may include, for example, different reaction characteristic regions arranged from the inner side to the outer side in a configuration in which a high density or high durometer material is disposed in the inner arch region and transitioned to a low density or soft material toward the outside of the midsole. have. In one embodiment, the first reaction characteristic material 10 may be disposed in the middle long region and the second reaction characteristic material 12 may be disposed immediately adjacent to (eg next to) the first reaction characteristic material 10. Can be. Mixed transition portion 16 may be disposed between the first and second reaction characteristic materials. In some embodiments, the third reaction characteristic material 14 may be disposed adjacent to the second reaction characteristic material 12 and may generally include the remainder of the midsole 100a. Hybrid transition region 18 may be disposed between the second and third reaction characteristic materials.

In various embodiments, different materials with different reaction properties may be blended and mixed over a distance within the transition zones 16, 18 instead of having conventional adhesive bonds. In various embodiments, the mixed transition zones 16 and 18 may help to prevent the leverage effects that often occur in the presence of abrupt transitions between materials as seen in adhesive bonds, and smooth connections between different reaction properties. And help to improve mobility. In one embodiment, the first reaction characteristic material 10 may have a high density or durometer, and the second reaction characteristic material 12 is lower than the first reaction characteristic material 10 but has a third reaction characteristic material ( 14 may have a higher density and durometer. Such a configuration may provide support and stability, for example, for a user who is over-pronate while walking. As shown, the strategic alignment of the different material reaction properties and the resulting mixed transition zones are intended for running, hiking, or walking shoes, such as walking, jogging, comfort, shock absorption, stretch and stability combinations for cross-training. A midsole may be provided that may be useful for providing.

1B illustrates another example of multiple response characteristic midsoles with mixed transitions, in accordance with various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reaction characteristic material 10 may be disposed on either side of the midfoot region of the midsole 100b, for example, generally in the medial and middle lateral regions of the foot and near the lateral center region. have. In various embodiments, the second reaction characteristic material 12 may generally surround the first reaction characteristic material 10, and the remaining portion of the midsole may include the third reaction characteristic material 14. In the illustrated embodiment, mixed transition zones 16, 18 may be disposed between different reaction characteristics 10, 12, 14 and may contribute to the fluid motion, strength, and dynamics of midsole 100b. For example, as described above, the first reaction characteristic material 10 may have a higher density or durometer than the second reaction characteristic material 12, and the second reaction characteristic material may be higher than the third reaction characteristic material 14. The density or durometer may be high. In some embodiments, the present configuration may provide lateral safety that may be useful, for example, on rocky or rugged terrain, or for users who are prone to excess spin or excessive abduction. In various embodiments, the present configurations may also provide improved elasticity, cushioning, and comfort in the heel and forefoot portions of the midsole. As shown, the strategic alignment of the different material reaction properties and the resulting mixed transition zones can be useful to provide a combination of shock absorption, elasticity and stability, for example for jogging or running shoes, hiking or walking shoes.

1C illustrates another example of multiple response characteristic midsoles with mixed transitions, in accordance with various embodiments. In this example, the first reaction characteristic material 10 may be disposed on the inside and outside and heel of the midfoot 100c, for example, in a generally horseshoe-like pattern. In various embodiments, the second reaction characteristic material 12 may generally surround the first reaction characteristic material 10, and the third reaction characteristic material 14 may include the remainder of the midsole. In various embodiments, the mixed transition zones 16, 18 may be disposed between different reaction characteristic materials and may contribute to fluid motion, strength and dynamics of the midsole. For example, the first reaction characteristic material 10 may have a higher density or durometer than the second reaction characteristic material 12 and the third reaction characteristic material 14, which may provide stability to the side and rear regions of the foot. . While this may be useful for rocky or rugged terrain, for example, it may provide improved mid / abduction prevention, improved elasticity, and cushioning and comfort to the midfoot and forefoot regions of the midsole. As shown, the strategic alignment of the different reaction properties and the resulting mixed transition zones can provide midsoles that can be useful for providing stability, for example, for hiking boots or walking shoes.

1D illustrates another multiple response characteristic midsole 100d with a mixed transition in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, the strategic placement of the different reaction characteristic zones results in a first reaction characteristic material 10 in the heel region, a second reaction characteristic material 12 in the midfoot region, and a third reaction characteristic material (in the toe region). 14) and the formation of mixed transition zones 16 and 18 between different reaction characteristic regions. Such an embodiment may be useful for sandals, for example, where a high density or durometer material may be used as the first reaction characteristic material 10 to improve shock absorption, support, and durability in the heel region. The second reaction characteristic material 12 may have a lower density or durometer than the first reaction characteristic material, and may be arranged to provide additional support and buffer to the midfoot region. Finally, the third reaction characteristic material 14 may be the lowest in density among the three reaction characteristic materials and may be disposed to provide improved comfort and elasticity in the forefoot region.

1E illustrates another reaction characteristic midsole with a mixed transition in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, different reaction characteristic regions may be arranged or stacked vertically inside the midsole 100e from bottom to top. In some embodiments, the second reaction characteristic layer 12 may be interposed between the first reaction characteristic member 10 and the third reaction characteristic member 14. In some embodiments, the first mixed transition portion 16 may be interposed between the first reaction characteristic layer 10 and the second reaction characteristic layer 12, and the second mixed transition zone 18 is the second reaction. May be disposed between the characteristic layer 12 and the third reactive characteristic layer 14. In one embodiment, a third reactive characteristic material 14 having a lower density or durometer (e.g. softer) is used as the top layer to provide comfort, while the second and second materials are provided, for example, to provide durability, support and elasticity. 1 The reaction characteristic materials 12 and 10 may be selected to have a reaction characteristic such that the density or durometer is higher. Such an embodiment may be particularly useful for comfort shoes, work shoes, and the like.

1F illustrates another example of multiple response characteristic midsoles with mixed transitions, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown in the embodiment, the midsole 100f is arranged with multiple reaction characteristics to enhance lateral stability. In the example shown, lateral stabilizing bars comprised of the first reaction characteristic material 10 may be disposed at the inner and outer edges of the midsole. In various embodiments, the central portion of the midsole may include a third reaction characteristic material 14, and the second reaction characteristic material 12 may be disposed therebetween. In various embodiments, the mixed transition portion 16 may be disposed between the first reaction characteristic material 10 and the second reaction characteristic material 12 and the second mixed transition portion 18 is the second reaction characteristic material. It may be disposed between the (12) and the third reaction characteristic material (14). In various embodiments, such an arrangement may be advantageous in terms of buffering (e.g., the third reaction material 14 is a foam having a low density or a low durometer) and stability (e.g., the first reaction material 10 has a density or durometer High foam) can be balanced.

Although three different reaction characteristic materials / regions are shown in each example in the previous examples, those skilled in the art will recognize any number of reaction characteristic regions, such as two, three, four, five or six or more reaction characteristic regions. It will be appreciated that this can be used. These different reaction characteristic regions can be arranged in various strategic configurations. Low density or durometer materials can be used wherever additional flexibility or cushioning is needed, such as in the forefoot area of the midsole, the heel layer, or the upper layer, or when the user is injured or needs more cushioning for other reasons. Can be. In other embodiments, the high density or durometer material may be included in any area that requires firm support, additional stability, or additional durability, such as the mid-length region, midfoot region, heel region, or bottom of the midsole. In some embodiments, the specific configuration of the midsole can be customized to suit the needs of the individual user, landing pattern, and running style. In another embodiment, the midsole's mixed transition allows the shoe to meet the particular needs of a particular user or specific terrain conditions.

Although the region of reaction properties is referred to herein as low, medium, and high (in terms of density or durometer material reaction properties), those skilled in the art will appreciate that these terms are relative. In one embodiment where the material response characteristic is a durometer, the low, medium, and high identifiers may correspond to 55, 60, and 65 Asker C or 55, 65, and 75 Asker C. In other embodiments, materials with higher or lower reaction characteristics may be used to suit the desired application.

In an embodiment, by changing the hardness of the midsole material, the activity of the lower extremity muscles, such as the thigh muscles, the biceps femur, the medial gastrocnemius muscle, and the forearm bone can be changed. For example, when wearing a high-density midsole, the forearm muscle can exert significantly greater force before landing the heel and lower force after landing. In addition, the use of shoes with high-density midsole can reduce the energy dissipated in the metatarsal joints and help improve the leap performance and the economics of foot motion. Thus, in various embodiments, the response may vary in certain areas of the midsole and / or in other parts of the shoe for various reasons.

1G and 1H illustrate multiple reaction characteristic shoe articles according to various embodiments in which the multiple reaction characteristic material includes a midsole as well as, for example, the heel 70 and upper 80 portions. For example, midsole 100g may extend upward around heel area 70, thereby providing greater heel stability and / or protection. As shown, the strategic placement of the different reaction characteristic zones results in a first reaction characteristic material 10 in the heel region of the midsole, a second reaction characteristic material 12 in the sole region of the midsole, and a third reaction in the heel region. Arranging the characteristic material 14 and forming mixed transition zones 16 and 18 between different reaction characteristic material regions. In some embodiments, the multi-responsive feature may be all or part of a vamp or upper 80, such as a toe box, instep, tongue or ankle collar, or all or part of an insole or outsole (no traction). May be extended to cover the time).

In other embodiments, the midsole material may extend around the instep and / or over the instep, such as to provide better protection and stability over the midfoot area. In other embodiments, the midsole material may extend, for example, around the forefoot region and / or over the forefoot region to provide protection to the toe. In some embodiments, the midsole material may extend around the entire foot and form part or all of the shoe upper, for example in the case of boots or shoes that provide additional ankle support or foot protection. In some embodiments, the portion of the midsole material extending beyond the midsole may comprise a low density material, such as an extra soft reaction characteristic material.

In another embodiment, a method of making multiple shoe characteristic midsoles and other shoe portions is provided. Conventional multiple reaction characteristic midsoles are generally manufactured by stock-fitting or adhering the individual material components together before or after final molding. This leaves clear lines and generally thick boundary zones formed by adhesive bonds between different reaction properties. In contrast, using the disclosed method, mixed transition zones can be provided in different reaction characteristic regions, thereby allowing the midsole response characteristics detected by the foot to be changed in a smoother and more progressive manner.

In various embodiments, different reaction characteristics may be achieved by various materials suitable for midsole manufacture. In some embodiments, polymer foam pellets can be arranged such that different reaction properties can be mixed in the transition zone as illustrated in the example shown in FIGS. 1A-1H by compression molding of the pellets. In some embodiments, the polymeric foam pellets may be ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) pellets. EVA is a polymer that is close to elastomeric materials in terms of flexibility and stretchability but can be processed like other thermoplastic plastics. This material is excellent in transparency, gloss, barrier property, low temperature toughness, stress crack resistance, hot melt adhesion waterproofing and UV radiation resistance. In other embodiments, the midsole may include one or more other types of materials, such as rubberized EVA, polyurethane, and / or any other midsole / shoe construction material known to those skilled in the art.

While the previous example shows an embodiment with three different reaction properties, those skilled in the art may recognize that some embodiments of the midsole may include only two different reaction properties, while other embodiments may include four, It will be appreciated that it may include five or six or more reaction properties. These materials can also be distributed throughout the midsole wherever specific reaction properties are needed. For example, some midsoles may include foams of higher density or durometer than in the illustrated example. Also, in some embodiments, materials with lower or higher densities or durometers may be incorporated under the metatarsal bones, for example to form crash pads.

In various embodiments, multiple reaction characteristic midsoles with mixed transition zones may be formed in a variety of ways using known midsole forming techniques such as, for example, preforming, compression molding, injection molding, pellet injection, and the like. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, foam pellets having different reaction characteristics may be arranged in a specially designed jig to form a midsole. As shown, a jig 200 with one or more compartments may be disposed within the midsole mold 50. EVA or other midsole forming pellets may be injected into the space 22 created between the jig 200 and the mold 50, including the compartments 20, 21 of the jig 200. As shown, a midsole can be formed using pellets 24, 26, 28 with three different reaction characteristics by using a jig with two different compartments, but a jig configuration with fewer or more compartments It is possible.

In various embodiments, different reaction characteristics of the pellets 24, 26, 28 may be color coded to facilitate visual confirmation and to be placed in the correct jig 200 compartments 20, 21, 22. In some embodiments, once the pellets 24, 26, 28 are correctly positioned, the jigs 200 are lifted and removed vertically to allow the pellets 24, 26, 28 to mix or at least mix during the midsole forming process. It can be done. The pellets 24, 26, 28 strategically placed in the mold may then undergo a preforming process, which may, for example, induce heat and temperature to activate blowing agents in the EVA so as to derive the desired properties. Adding. During the preforming process, mixing transition zones are formed due to the proximity between different pellets that allows different reaction characteristic materials to flow or move between the strategic reaction characteristic regions for some time. The blocker or preform is then compression molded to give the midsole the final dimensions.

In various embodiments, mixed transition zones are formed during the preforming and forming process so that different reaction characteristic regions can be mechanically combined without the use of adhesives. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the absence of rough, rigid lines / junctions between conventional multi-density midsoles allows the foot to spontaneously spin during running or walking operations, providing a smoother, more gradual touch. In some embodiments, different colors can be selected for different reaction characteristic pellets 24, 26, 28 so that the mixed transition zones can be visually distinguished, which can also give the final midsole a unique appearance.

3A and 3B illustrate side and top views of an example of another midsole forming method, in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, cage 300 may be configured to be inserted into mold 50 to separate different reaction characteristic pellets. In various embodiments, the cage 300 may enclose the second reaction characteristic pellet 36 to separate from the first reaction characteristic pellet 34 and the third reaction characteristic pellet 38. In some embodiments, cage 300 may be generally shaped like jig 200 of the previous embodiment to form one or more compartments for different reaction characteristic pellets. In some embodiments, the cage can be configured to melt during the preform forming step such that the cage material can be integrated with and become part of the midsole. In various embodiments, melting of cage 300 causes different reaction characteristic pellets 34, 36, 38 to mix at the cage boundary zone to form a mixed transition zone between the different reaction characteristic regions. As in the previous embodiment, the barrier or preform may then be compression molded to give the midsole the final dimensions.

4 illustrates an example of another midsole forming method according to various embodiments. A certain amount of pellets, each with the required reaction properties, may be lightly molded prior to the preforming step to form one or more premolds 44, 46, 48 composed of a material that achieves the desired reaction properties. One or more different preliminary molds 44, 46, 48 may then be placed inside mold 50 in a desired configuration. In some embodiments, considering that the preliminary mold only serves to temporarily retain the pseudo-reaction properties in a preferred configuration for placement into the mold without significantly changing the properties of the pellets, the pellets / materials are still adjacent reaction properties. May flow into to form a mixed transition zone.

In various embodiments, the preforms 44, 46, 48 can be formed in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, a preliminary brief heating of each reaction mold foam pellet in each mold may be included in the premold such that the pellets adhere to each other to form the desired preform shape. In certain embodiments, the pellets may be heated at approximately 130 ° C. for about 4 minutes and then cooled prior to being placed in the preform mold. In some embodiments, some pressure may be added to ensure the integral formation of the preform. In some embodiments, a binder may be used to aggregate the reaction properties together to strategically place in the mold. Similar to the previous cage embodiment where the cage material is selected such that the cage material can be melted and integrated with the preform, the binder can also be selected to be mixed with multiple reaction properties during the preform process.

In one embodiment, for example, a high reaction property pre-mold 44 is disposed in the inner long center position and a heavy reaction between the low reaction property pre-mold 48 and the high reaction property pre-mold 44 which may be located in the outer position. The premolds 44, 46, 48 can be placed in the preformed mold so that the characteristic premold 46 is interposed. The premolds 44, 46, 48 can then be preformed to allow different reaction characteristics to be blended to form a mixed transition zone. As in the previous embodiment, the barrier or preform is then compression molded to give the midsole a final dimension.

5 illustrates another midsole forming method according to various embodiments. Similar to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 4, a single premold 46 may be placed inside the preform mold to control the placement of other loose pellets 54, 58 having different reaction characteristics. have. For example, the premold 46 may be made from a second or medium reaction pellet, and may be disposed inside the preform mold to form one or more partitions within the preform mold. Pellets 54 and 58 with different reaction characteristics can be placed in the region adjacent to the premold. In the preforming process different reaction properties are combined to form a mixed transition zone. As in the previous embodiment, the barrier or preform is then compression molded to give the midsole a final dimension.

In various embodiments, different reaction characteristic separation techniques are employed to strategically place different reaction characteristics into / on the midsole to achieve the desired effect of producing multiple reaction characteristic midsoles with mixed transitions between materials with different reaction characteristics. Can be used. In addition, the various examples shown and described herein may be used together as needed (eg, different preforms and jigs may be used together). Finally, although a particular type of midsole with a strategically arranged reaction characteristic region is shown, it is also possible to arrange different reaction characteristics in various ways as needed.

Although the previous example illustrates a method of making a midsole having three different reactive characteristic materials, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that in some embodiments, the method may include only two different reactive characteristic materials. It will be appreciated that it can be adapted for the production of midsoles, which may include five or six or more reactive characteristic materials.

Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments or implementations designed to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the illustrated and described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. You will see that you can. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments may be implemented in a wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents.

Claims (29)

Multi-response midsole,
A first foam material having a first material reaction characteristic,
A second foam material having a second material reaction characteristic,
The second foam material is bonded to the first foam material in the first bonding zone,
The first bond zone comprises a mixed transition between the first foam material and the second foam material. The method of claim 1, further comprising a third foam material having a third material reaction characteristic, wherein the third foam material is bonded to the second foam material in the second bonding zone, and the second bonding zone is the third foam material. And a mixed transition portion between the second foam material and the second foam material. The method of claim 2, further comprising a fourth foam material having a fourth material reaction characteristic, wherein the fourth foam material is bonded to the third foam material in the third bonding zone, and the third bonding zone is the fourth foam material. And a mixed transition portion between the foam material and the third foam material. The multiple reaction characteristic midsole of claim 1, wherein the first and second material reaction characteristics are density or durometer. The multi-responsive midsole of claim 1, wherein there is no linear or planar junction between the first foam material and the second foam material. The multi-responsive midsole of claim 1, wherein the first foam material is disposed in the long region of the midsole, and the first foam material comprises a foam having a higher density or durometer than the second foam material. The method of claim 6, further comprising a third foam material, wherein the second foam material comprises a foam having a higher density or durometer than the third foam material, and wherein the second foam material comprises the first foam material and the third foam Multiple reaction characteristic midsole placed between materials. 8. The multi-responsive midsole of claim 7, wherein the third foam material is bonded to the second foam material in the second bonding zone, the second bonding zone comprising a mixed transition between the second foam material and the third foam material. The method of claim 1, wherein the first foam material is disposed in both the inner midfoot region and the outer midfoot region of the midsole, and the first foam material comprises a foam having a higher density or durometer than the second foam material. Character midsole. The method of claim 8, further comprising a third foam material, wherein the second foam material comprises a foam having a higher density or durometer than the third foam material, and wherein the second foam material has both inner and outer midfoot regions. In the multiple reaction characteristic midsole disposed between the first and third foam materials. The multi-responsive midsole of claim 10, wherein the third foam material is bonded to the second foam material in the second bonding zone, the second bonding zone comprising a mixed transition between the second foam material and the third foam material. The foam material of claim 1, wherein the first foam material is disposed in the heel region of the midsole, the inner midfoot region, and the outer midfoot region, wherein the first foam material comprises a foam having a higher density or durometer than the second foam material. Multi-response characteristic midsole. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising a third foam material, wherein the second foam material comprises a foam having a higher density or durometer than the third foam material, wherein the second foam material comprises a heel region and an inner midfoot region. And a multiple reaction characteristic midsole disposed between the first and third foam materials in the outer midfoot region. The multi-responsive midsole of claim 13, wherein the third foam material is bonded to the second foam material in the second bonding zone, the second bonding zone comprising a mixed transition between the second foam material and the third foam material. The multi-reaction characteristic midsole of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second foam materials comprises ethylene vinyl acetate foam. The multi-responsive midsole of claim 1, comprising no adhesive at all. The multi-reaction characteristic midsole of claim 1, free of volatile organic compounds. Is a method of making multiple reaction characteristic midsoles,
Placing a first foam material having a first density or durometer in the midsole mold,
Disposing a second foam material having a second density or durometer in the midsole mold adjacent to the first foam material, the first foam material forming a first interface with the second foam material. Placing in the midsole mold,
Heating the first and second foam materials to a sufficient degree to mix the first and second foam materials at the first interface. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising disposing a third foam material having a third density or durometer adjacent to the first or second foam material, wherein the third foam material is first and / or second. Multiple reaction properties forming a second interface with the foam material and mixing of the first, second and / or third foam material at the first and second interfaces by heating of the first, second and third foam materials How to manufacture a midsole. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising disposing a fourth foam material having a fourth density or durometer adjacent to the first, second, and / or third foam material, wherein the fourth foam material comprises: a first foam material; And forming a third interface with the second and / or third foam material and heating the first, second, third and fourth foam materials to the first, second and third interfaces at the first, second and third interfaces. A process for producing multiple reaction characteristic midsoles, wherein the third and / or fourth foam materials are mixed. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising forming a first preformed portion of the midsole from the first foam pellets to form the first foam material. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising forming a second preformed portion of the midsole from the second foam pellet to form a second foam material. The method of claim 21, wherein forming the first preformed portion of the midsole is:
Placing the first foam pellets in the premold,
Heating the first foam pellets to a temperature of about 130 ° C.,
Cooling the first preformed portion prior to placing the first preformed portion in the midsole mold. The method of claim 18, wherein the first density or durometer is higher than the second density or durometer. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising precutting the first foam material into a first desired shape. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising precutting the second foam material into a second desired shape. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising disposing the first and / or second foam material in the mold cavity using a jig or a cage. The method of claim 27, wherein the cage is configured to melt or decompose when heated to a temperature of about 130 ° C. 29. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second foam materials comprises ethylene vinyl acetate.

Images