Patent · US Expired

Article of footwear having a fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure

US7086179B2 · kind B2 · utility

160Cited by
166References
67Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 28, 2004
Grant dateAug 8, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 22, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA43B21/28
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.