Cushioning member for article of footwear and related methods
US11529783B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2019 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08J2375/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of forming a polymeric foam material is provided and includes providing a precursor material having a first thickness, the precursor material being an open-cell foam material and applying a uniaxial compressive force to the precursor material to compress the precursor material to a second thickness, the compressive force causing a cell structure of the precursor material to collapse. The method also includes heating the precursor material at a molding temperature for a first time period while the compressive force is applied, the first time period being sufficient to heat the precursor material to a softening temperature, removing the compressive force from the precursor material, and maintaining the cell structure of the precursor material in a collapsed state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.