Multi-density sole elements, and systems and methods for manufacturing same

摘要

The invention relates to sole elements for articles of footwear, and systems and methods for manufacturing same. One embodiment of the invention includes a method of manufacturing a sole element for an article of footwear including the steps of forming a sole element preform, inserting the sole element preform into a press mold cavity, and press-forming the sole element preform within the press mold cavity to form a unitary finished sole element comprising a first region having a first density and hardness and a second region having a second density and hardness different from the first density and hardness.

主权项

1. A method of manufacturing a sole element for an article of footwear, the method comprising the steps of:
forming a sole element preform; inserting the sole element preform into a press mold cavity; and press-forming the sole element preform within the press mold cavity to form a unitary finished sole element comprising:
a first perimeter region comprising a first maximum density;a second perimeter region comprising a second maximum density;a third perimeter region comprising a third maximum density; anda central region comprising a fourth maximum density extending between at least a portion of the first perimeter region, second perimeter region, and third perimeter region,wherein each of the first perimeter region, second perimeter region, third perimeter region, and central region comprises a unitary construction, andwherein there are smoothly transitioning density profiles between each of the first perimeter region, the second perimeter region, and the third perimeter region.