Method for the manufacture of a plastic component, plastic component, midsole and shoe

US12122114B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• adidas AG · DE

Inventors

• Tru Huu Minh Le · Erlangen, DE
• Amir Fathi · Bayreuth, DE
• Christopher Edward Holmes · Herzogenaurach, DE
• Andreas Seefried · Veitsbronn, DE
• Norbert Reuber · Rothenfels, DE
• Constantin Kemmer · Herzogenaurach, DE
• Victor Romanov · Wertheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 29, 2022
• Grant date: Oct 22, 2024
• Expiry date: Oct 29, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/504
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention relates to an enhanced method for the manufacture of a plastic component (135), in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, the method comprising: opening a mold (100) by a predetermined amount into a loading position, wherein the mold comprises at least two mold parts (110, 112) and wherein the amount by which the mold is opened influences an available loading volume of the mold, loading a material comprising expanded particles (130) into the loading volume, closing the mold into a closed position, wherein during closing of the mold the mold parts are moved together over different distances (140) in different areas of the mold, compressing the expanded particles by closing the mold and fusing at least the surfaces of the expanded particles to mold the plastic component.