Customization of inner sole board
US9808046B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2045/1698
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inner sole board having varying regions of flexibility is provided for use in an article of footwear. The inner sole board may include different materials along its length at different locations that vary its flexibility. An inner sole board is manufactured in an injection molding process requiring only one mold. The process includes a first step of providing a mold, a second step of providing an injection molding assembly, a third step of preparing an injection molding assembly and mold, a fourth step of injecting material into the mold, and a fifth step of establishing the dimensions of a first portion. During the injection molding process, the flow rate of at least one material may be controlled by a nozzle gate to control the shape and size of the flex zone it creates. In this manner, the inner sole board may be customized for a specific sport or individual.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.