Methods of bladder molding at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear
US12162235B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/505
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods for manufacturing at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear that include thermo-forming a pattern on the upper. The methods may include disposing a skin for forming an upper over and inflatable bladder and disposing a mold insert between the skin and a surface of a mold cavity. The mold insert may include a mold pattern including surface features formed in the mold insert. The inflatable bladder may be inflated such that the skin is pressed against the mold insert within a heated mold cavity to form a pattern on an exterior surface of the skin and cause the skin to take on the shape of at least a portion of an upper. In some embodiments, the surface features may be disposed in a gradient pattern configured to provide varying degrees of one or more characteristics to different areas of an upper.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.