Footwear bladder with controlled flex tensile member
US6385864B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B13/20
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A bladder for a sole assembly of a shoe with three dimensional controlled flex connecting/tensile members extending between the top and bottom outer layers of bladder. The connecting/tensile members are formed during molding of the bladder and comprise top and bottom portions that come together at a juncture. Since the outer perimeter and the internal connecting/tensile members are formed at the same time and of the same material, bonding problems between layers is eliminated and manufacturing is simplified. The connecting/tensile members are formed with a predetermined flex point in at least a portion of each member to reduce random fatigue stress concentrations. Broadly, there are two configurations: one in which the tensile member is constructed to collapse upon compressive loading, and one in which the tensile member is constructed to bend or fold upon compressive loading in a predetermined location. The shape, relative size, length and barrier material thickness are manipulated to assist in finely tuning the cushioning properties of the final bladder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.