U.S. patent application number 13/791612 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for multicolor sole system.
The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, INC.. Invention is credited to Mark C. Miner, Emily B. Schaefer.
Application Number | 20140250720 13/791612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50686097 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140250720 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miner; Mark C. ; et
al. |
September 11, 2014 |
Multicolor Sole System
Abstract
A multicolor sole system includes a midsole member, a bladder
member and an outsole member. The midsole member, the bladder
member and the outsole member have a first color in the forefoot
portion of the sole system and a second color in the heel portion
of the sole system. The midsole member includes two outer coatings
corresponding to the two colors, the bladder member includes two
dyes corresponding to the two colors and the outsole member is made
of two different colored materials corresponding to the two
colors.
Inventors: |
Miner; Mark C.; (Portland,
OR) ; Schaefer; Emily B.; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, INC. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50686097 |
Appl. No.: |
13/791612 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/20 20130101;
A43B 13/181 20130101; A43B 13/189 20130101; A43B 1/0027 20130101;
A43B 13/127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/29 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/20 20060101
A43B013/20 |
Claims
1. A sole system for an article of footwear, comprising: a bladder
member including an outer barrier layer and an interior cavity, the
interior cavity being filled with fluid; an outsole member
including an outer surface for contacting a ground surface and an
inner surface in contact with the bladder member; the bladder
member including a first bladder portion of the outer barrier layer
and a second bladder portion of the outer barrier layer; the
outsole member including a first outsole portion and a second
outsole portion; wherein the first bladder portion includes a first
dye corresponding to a first color and wherein the second bladder
portion includes a second dye corresponding to a second color that
is substantially different from the first color; and wherein the
first outsole portion is made of a rubber material having the first
color and wherein the second outsole portion is made of a rubber
material having the second color.
2. The sole system according to claim 1, wherein the outer barrier
layer of the bladder member comprises a thermoplastic material.
3. The sole system according to claim 1, wherein the first bladder
portion and the first outsole portion are disposed in a forefoot
portion of the sole system.
4. The sole system according to claim 3, wherein the second bladder
portion and the second outsole portion are disposed in a heel
portion of the sole system.
5. The sole system according to claim 1, wherein an intermediate
bladder portion of the outer barrier layer of the bladder member is
disposed between the first bladder portion and the second bladder
portion and wherein the intermediate bladder portion includes a
third color that is substantially different from the first color
and the second color.
6. The sole system according to claim 5, wherein an intermediate
outsole portion of the outsole member is disposed between the first
outsole portion and the second outsole portion and wherein the
intermediate outsole portion is made of a material having the third
color.
7. A sole system for an article of footwear, comprising: a bladder
member including an outer barrier layer and an interior cavity, the
interior cavity being filled with fluid; a midsole member adapted
to confront the bladder member, wherein the midsole member is
disposed further from a ground contacting surface of the sole
system than the bladder member; the bladder member including a
first bladder portion of the outer barrier layer and a second
bladder portion of the outer barrier layer; the midsole member
including a first midsole portion and a second midsole portion;
wherein the first bladder portion includes a first dye
corresponding to a first color and wherein the second bladder
portion includes a second dye corresponding to a second color that
is different from the first color; and wherein the first midsole
portion includes an outer coating layer having the first color and
wherein the second midsole portion includes an outer coating layer
having the second color.
8. The sole system according to claim 7, wherein the outer coating
layer is a coating of paint.
9. The sole system according to claim 7, wherein the bladder member
includes an insert member that can be assembled with the bladder
member.
10. The sole system according to claim 9, wherein the insert member
has a color corresponding to a portion of the bladder member.
11. The sole system according to claim 7, wherein the sole system
includes an outsole member and wherein the outsole member includes
a first outsole portion having the first color and a second outsole
portion having the second color.
12. The sole system according to claim 11, wherein the first
midsole portion is disposed vertically over the first bladder
portion.
13. The sole system according to claim 12, wherein the first
bladder portion is disposed vertically over the first outsole
portion.
14. A sole system for an article of footwear, comprising: a bladder
member including an outer barrier layer and an interior cavity, the
interior cavity being filled with fluid; a midsole member including
an inner surface in contact with a first surface of the bladder
member; an outsole member including an outer surface for contacting
a ground surface and an inner surface in contact with a second
surface of the bladder member; wherein the bladder member includes
at least one dye that provides color for the bladder member;
wherein the midsole member includes at least one coating layer that
provides color for the midsole member; and wherein at least a
portion of the bladder member, at least a portion of the midsole
member and at least a portion of the outsole member have matching
colors.
15. The sole system according to claim 14, wherein the dye is
bonded to the outer barrier layer of the bladder member.
16. The sole system according to claim 14, wherein the midsole
member comprises a core portion covered by an outer coating layer
and wherein the core portion and the outer coating layer have
substantially different colors.
17. The sole system according to claim 14, wherein at least two
different colors are visible along the sole system.
18. The sole system according to claim 17, wherein at least three
different colors are visible along the sole system.
19. The sole system according to claim 14, wherein the color of the
sole system varies from a forefoot portion of the sole system to a
heel portion of the sole system.
20. The sole system according to claim 19, wherein the color of the
sole system changes gradually from the forefoot portion to the heel
portion.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present embodiments relate generally to articles of
footwear, and in particular to articles of footwear with sole
systems.
[0002] Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements:
an upper and a sole system. The upper is often formed from a
plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet
layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched
or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the
footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More
particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep
and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the
foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also
incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as
well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void
within the upper.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, a sole system for an article of footwear
includes a bladder member including an outer barrier layer and an
interior cavity, the interior cavity being filled with fluid. The
sole system also includes an outsole member including an outer
surface for contacting a ground surface and an inner surface in
contact with the bladder member. The bladder member includes a
first bladder portion of the outer barrier layer and a second
bladder portion of the outer barrier layer and the outsole member
includes a first outsole portion and a second outsole portion. The
first bladder portion includes a first dye corresponding to a first
color and the second bladder portion includes a second dye
corresponding to a second color that is substantially different
from the first color. The first outsole portion is made of a rubber
material having the first color and the second outsole portion is
made of a rubber material having the second color.
[0004] In another aspect, a sole system for an article of footwear
includes a bladder member including an outer barrier layer and an
interior cavity, the interior cavity being filled with fluid. The
sole system also includes a midsole member adapted to confront the
bladder member, where the midsole member is disposed further from a
ground contacting surface of the sole system than the bladder
member. The bladder member includes a first bladder portion of the
outer barrier layer and a second bladder portion of the outer
barrier layer. The midsole member includes a first midsole portion
and a second midsole portion. The first bladder portion includes a
first dye corresponding to a first color and the second bladder
portion includes a second dye corresponding to a second color that
is different from the first color. The first midsole portion
includes an outer coating layer having the first color and the
second midsole portion includes an outer coating layer having the
second color.
[0005] In another aspect, a sole system for an article of footwear
includes a bladder member including an outer barrier layer and an
interior cavity, the interior cavity being filled with fluid, a
midsole member including an inner surface in contact with a first
surface of the bladder member and an outsole member including an
outer surface for contacting a ground surface and an inner surface
in contact with a second surface of the bladder member. The bladder
member includes at least one dye that provides color for the
bladder member. The midsole member includes at least one coating
layer that provides color for the midsole member. In addition, at
least a portion of the bladder member, at least a portion of the
midsole member and at least a portion of the outsole member have
matching colors.
[0006] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this
description and this summary, be within the scope of the
embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The embodiments can be better understood with reference to
the following drawings and description. The components in the
figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed
upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in
the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
sole system;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded isometric view of an
embodiment of a sole system;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a sole
system;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of a sole
system;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
top surface of a bladder member of a sole system including an
insert;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
bottom surface of a bladder member of a sole system including an
insert;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
bladder member;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
midsole member and a bladder member;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
sole system including an enlarged cut-away view of a portion of the
sole system;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
process for dyeing a bladder member;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a
sole system;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of a
sole system;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a
sole system; and
[0021] FIG. 14 is a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of a
sole system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate schematic isometric views of an
embodiment of a sole system 100. For purposes of illustration, sole
system 100 is shown in isolation from other components of an
article of footwear. However, it will be understood that sole
system 100 may be utilized as the sole of various different kinds
of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer
shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training
shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes as well as
other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments sole system 100
may be configured for use with various kinds of non-sports related
footwear, including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high
heeled footwear, loafers as well as other kinds of footwear.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, for purposes of reference, sole system
100 may be divided into forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12 and
heel portion 14. Forefoot portion 10 may be generally associated
with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the
phalanges. Midfoot portion 12 may be generally associated with the
arch of a foot. Likewise, heel portion 14 may be generally
associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone.
In addition, sole system 100 may include lateral side 16 and medial
side 18. In particular, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may be
opposing sides of sole system 100. Furthermore, both lateral side
16 and medial side 18 may extend through forefoot portion 10,
midfoot portion 12 and heel portion 14.
[0024] It will be understood that forefoot portion 10, midfoot
portion 12 and heel portion 14 are only intended for purposes of
description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of
sole system 100. Likewise, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 are
intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather
than precisely demarcating sole system 100 into two halves.
[0025] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are
employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the
illustrated embodiments. The term "longitudinal" as used throughout
this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction
extending a length of a sole system. In some cases, the
longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel
portion of the sole system. Also, the term "lateral" as used
throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a
direction extending along a width of a sole system. In other words,
the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a
lateral side of the sole system. Furthermore, the term "vertical"
as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims
refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral and
longitudinal direction. For example, in cases where a sole system
is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may
extend from the ground surface upward. In addition, the term
"proximal" refers to a portion of a sole system that is closer to a
portion of a foot when an article of footwear is worn. Likewise,
the term "distal" refers to a portion of the sole system that is
further from a portion of a foot when an article of footwear is
worn. It will be understood that each of these directional
adjectives may be used in describing individual components of a
sole system, such as an outsole member, a midsole member, a bladder
member as well as possibly other components of a sole system.
[0026] Sole system 100 may provide a variety of functions for an
associated article of footwear. In some embodiments, sole system
100 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In
addition to providing traction, sole system 100 may attenuate
ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the
ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The
configuration of sole system 100 may vary significantly in
different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or
non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of
sole system 100 can be configured according to one or more types of
ground surfaces on which sole system 100 may be used. Examples of
ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf,
synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces.
[0027] When part of an article of footwear, sole system 100 may be
secured to an upper and may extend between the foot and the ground
when the article of footwear is worn. In different embodiments,
sole system 100 may include different components. For example, sole
system 100 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In
some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. The
following discusses some components of an exemplary embodiment of
sole system 100.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic side view of sole system 100.
Although FIG. 3 illustrates a lateral side 16 of sole system 100,
it will be understood that in some embodiments medial side 18 may
be substantially similar to lateral side 16. FIG. 4 illustrates a
bottom view of sole system 100.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, embodiments of sole
system 100 may include multiple components that facilitate features
including traction, cushioning, support, energy return as well as
possibly other features. In some embodiments, sole system 100 may
include at least three separate components or members: an outsole
member 140, a bladder member 160 and a midsole member 180.
[0030] In some embodiments, outsole member 140 includes an inner
surface 142 and an outer surface 144. Outer surface 144 may be a
ground contacting surface, i.e., may be configured to contact the
ground when an article of footwear is in use. To facilitate
traction, in some embodiments outsole member 140 can include a
plurality of traction elements 146. Plurality of traction elements
146 may comprise raised features that are integrally formed with,
or otherwise attached to, outer surface 144. In embodiments,
plurality of traction elements 146 may be configured as any number
of traction elements and may be arranged in any pattern or
configuration.
[0031] Other embodiments of outsole member 140 may or may not
include traction elements. In other embodiments, for example,
outsole member 140 could have a substantially flat or smooth ground
contacting surface. In still other embodiments, outsole member 140
could include other surface features and/or textures to enhance
traction with a ground surface. Moreover, in some other
embodiments, outsole member 140 could be configured with additional
traction enhancing features, such as individual cleat members,
which can be configured to penetrate into a ground surface (such as
grass, dirt, turf, etc.).
[0032] Some embodiments of outsole member 140 could include
provisions to enhance flexibility. In some embodiments, outsole
member 140 could include plurality of slots 149, which may act to
enhance flexibility. In some cases, portions of an underlying
bladder member 160 (discussed below) may be visible through
plurality of slots 149.
[0033] Bladder member 160 may comprise an outer barrier layer 162
that bounds an interior cavity 164 (see FIG. 9). In some
embodiments, interior cavity 164 can be filled with a fluid,
including a liquid or gas, and outer barrier layer 162 may be
substantially impermeable to the fluid. As one example, interior
cavity 164 may be filled with air and outer barrier layer 162 may
be substantially impermeable to air. With this configuration,
bladder member 160 acts as a cushioning element to increase the
comfort, support and possibly energy return characteristics of sole
system 100.
[0034] In some embodiments, a bladder member can be configured with
one or more internal structures. Such internal structures may be
enclosed within an outer barrier layer. Such structures may enhance
material properties of a bladder member, for example by increasing
the strength of the bladder member, by increasing the cushioning
properties and/or by helping maintain a predetermined geometry for
the bladder member. Exemplary internal structures include, but are
not limited to: structures comprising fibers, structures comprising
plastics, as well as possibly other kinds of structures.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, some embodiments of bladder member
160 can include internal support structure 168 (seen in FIG. 3).
Internal support structure 168 may extend through the length of
bladder member 160. In some cases, internal support structure 168
may comprise a first set of column-like structures 170 and a second
set of column-like structures 172, which are connected by a
substantially sold intermediate portion 174 of internal support
structure 168. Moreover, first set of column-like structures 170,
intermediate portion 174 and second set of column-like structures
172 may be associated with forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12
and heel portion 14 of bladder member 160 (and of sole system 100),
respectively.
[0036] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate schematic isometric views of two
sides of bladder member 160. FIG. 7 illustrates another isometric
view of bladder member 160. Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, bladder
member 160 may include a first surface 176 and a second surface
178, which are connected by a sidewall surface 179. In some
embodiments, first surface 176 and second surface 178 may be
configured with various surface features. For example, in some
embodiments, first surface 176 and second surface 178 can include
forefoot recesses 510. In some embodiments, forefoot recesses 510
may correspond to portions of material that have been joined
together to create, or otherwise accommodate, first set of
column-like structures 170 (seen in FIG. 3). In a similar manner,
first surface 176 and second surface 178 may include heel recesses
512. In some embodiments, heel recesses 512 may correspond to
portions of material that have been joined together to create, or
otherwise accommodate, second set of column-like structures
172.
[0037] Some embodiments may also include provisions for reinforcing
selected portions of bladder member 160. As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6,
bladder member 160 may be configured to receive a first heel insert
member 520 and a second heel insert member 522. Specifically, first
heel insert member 520 may be configured with ridge shaped
protrusions 530 that fit into heel recesses 512 on first surface
176. Likewise, second heel insert member 522 may be configured with
ridge shaped protrusions 532 that fit into heel recesses 512 on
second surface 178. Each insert can further include a smooth
outwardly facing surface along first surface 176 and second surface
178. In particular, first heel insert member 520 includes a smooth
outer facing surface 560 (shown in FIG. 8) and second insert member
522 includes a smooth outer facing surface 562 (shown in FIG. 7).
This may increase stability at heel portion 14 and may also allow
for variations in heel stiffness or other characteristics.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, midsole member 180 may
include an inner surface 182 (see FIG. 8) and an outer surface 184.
In some embodiments, outer surface 184 may confront an insole. In
other embodiments, outer surface 184 may be associated with an
insert and/or portions of an upper.
[0039] The material properties or characteristics of midsole member
180 may vary. In some cases, midsole member 180 may be
substantially compressible. In other cases, however, midsole member
180 could be substantially incompressible. Moreover, in different
embodiments, the material properties of midsole member 180 may be
selected to achieve desired support and cushioning for a foot.
[0040] As seen in FIGS. 1-4, outsole member 140, bladder member 160
and midsole member 180 may be assembled in a stacked configuration
to form sole system 100. In particular, inner surface 142 of
outsole member 140 may confront second surface 178 of bladder
member 160. Also, inner surface 182 of midsole member 180 may
confront first surface 176 of bladder member 160. Thus, as seen in
the figures, bladder member 160 may be disposed between outsole
member 140 and midsole member 180. Moreover, each member is stacked
so that outsole member 140 is disposed distally to bladder member
160, while both outsole member 140 and bladder member 160 are
disposed distally to midsole member 180.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic isometric view of midsole
member 180 and bladder member 160. Referring to FIG. 7, in some
embodiments, midsole member 180 may be shaped to fit with first
surface 176 of bladder member 160 in a manner that prevents
unwanted sliding or other movement between midsole member 180 and
bladder member 160. In some embodiments, inner surface 182 of
midsole member 180 may be shaped to fit with surface features of
first surface 176 of bladder member 160. For example, inner surface
182 may include a raised central portion 702 as well as forefoot
ridges 704, which may fit within a corresponding central recess 706
and forefoot recesses 510, respectively, of bladder member 160.
[0042] The dimensions of one or more components can vary from one
embodiment to another. In some embodiments, one or more members of
sole system 100 could be full length members. In an exemplary
embodiment, outsole member 140, bladder member 160 and midsole
member 180 may be full length members that extend from heel portion
14 to forefoot portion 10 of sole system 100. In other embodiments,
one or more members of sole system 100 could be partial length
members. As an example, in an alternative embodiment, bladder
member 160 may only extend through heel portion 14 and midfoot
portion 12 of sole system 100, and may be absent from forefoot
portion 10 of sole system 100.
[0043] In different embodiments, the material composition of each
member can vary. Outsole member 140 could be made of any material
known in the art for making outsoles. Exemplary materials include,
but are not limited to: natural rubber, synthetic rubber,
polyurethane, dual density polyurethane, leather, synthetic
leather, latex, as well as possibly other materials. One exemplary
material is peroxide cured rubber.
[0044] Midsole member 180 may likewise be made of any material
known in the art for making midsoles. Exemplary materials include
any of the materials described above for outsoles, as well as
possibly other materials including various kinds of foam materials.
One exemplary material for making a midsole member 180 is a foam
material such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.
[0045] Bladder member 160 could be made of any material or
combination of materials. Materials that may be useful for forming
one or more layers of a bladder can vary. In some cases, bladder
member 160 may be made of a rigid to semi-rigid material. In other
cases, bladder member 160 may be made of a substantially flexible
material. Bladder member 160 may be made of various materials in
different embodiments. In some embodiments, bladder member 160 can
be made of a substantially flexible and resilient material that is
configured to deform under fluid forces. In some cases, bladder
member 160 can be made of a plastic material. Examples of plastic
materials that may be used include high density polyvinyl-chloride
(PVC), polyethylene, thermoplastic materials, elastomeric materials
as well as any other types of plastic materials including
combinations of various materials. In embodiments where
thermoplastic polymers are used for a bladder, a variety of
thermoplastic polymer materials may be utilized for the bladder,
including polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and
polyether polyurethane. Another suitable material for a bladder is
a film formed from alternating layers of thermoplastic polyurethane
and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al, hereby incorporated
by reference. A bladder may also be formed from a flexible
microlayer membrane that includes alternating layers of a gas
barrier material and an elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al., both hereby
incorporated by reference. In addition, numerous thermoplastic
urethanes may be utilized, such as PELLETHANE, a product of the Dow
Chemical Company; ELASTOLLAN, a product of the BASF Corporation;
and ESTANE, a product of the B.F. Goodrich Company, all of which
are either ester or ether based. Still other thermoplastic
urethanes based on polyesters, polyethers, polycaprolactone, and
polycarbonate macrogels may be employed, and various nitrogen
blocking materials may also be utilized. Additional suitable
materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945
to Rudy, hereby incorporated by reference. Further suitable
materials include thermoplastic films containing a crystalline
material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,936,029 and 5,042,176 to
Rudy, hereby incorporated by reference, and polyurethane including
a polyester polyol, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,013,340;
6,203,868; and 6,321,465 to Bonk et al., also hereby incorporated
by reference. In one embodiment, bladder member 160 may comprise
one or more layers of thermoplastic-urethane (TPU).
[0046] Materials used for one or more insert members could vary. In
some embodiments, insert members (including first heel insert
member 522 and/or second heel insert member 524) could be made of
any materials known in the art for use in making inserts including,
but not limited to: rubbers, plastics, foams, as well as possibly
other materials. An exemplary material is ethylene-vinyl-acetate
(EVA) foam.
[0047] Embodiments can provide multi-colored sole systems. In
particular, a sole system can have a multi-colored design, pattern
or visual appearance in which different portions of the sole system
have different colors. Moreover, in some embodiments, the sole
system may be colored such that a gradual transition occurs between
two different portions having two different colors.
[0048] For purposes of illustration, the figures make use of
different kinds of shading (or stippling) to indicate exemplary
variations in color across sole system 100. Thus, for example,
portions or regions of similar shading/stippling may be associated
with a common color. Likewise, portions or regions with different
shading/stippling may be associated with different colors.
[0049] In different embodiments, each member can have one or more
colors. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, each
component has two or more colors. In particular, sole system 100 is
provided with an overall color scheme in which each portion has a
first color 101 along forefoot portion 10 and a second color 103
along heel portion 14. First color 101 may be substantially
different from second color 103. As one possible example, first
color 101 may be blue and second color 103 may be yellow.
Furthermore, first color 101 transitions to second color 103
approximately in midfoot portion 12. In one exemplary embodiment,
the color along sole system 100 may gradually change from blue
(associated with forefoot portion 10) to green (associated with
midfoot portion 12) to yellow (associated with heel portion
14).
[0050] Although the embodiments depict a particular color scheme,
it will be understood that other embodiments could utilize any
other color scheme. As another example, a sole system could include
any number of different portions having different colors. Moreover,
the colored regions may include any patterns, graphics or other
designs.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, the overall multicolor
scheme for sole system 100 may be achieved by coloring each member
of sole system 100 in a corresponding manner. In some embodiments,
each member may include at least two different colored portions.
Outsole member 140 may include a first outsole portion 141 and a
second outsole portion 143 having first color 101 and second color
103, respectively. In some embodiments, first outsole portion 141
and second outsole portion 143 may likewise be associated with
forefoot portion 10 and heel portion 14, respectively, of sole
system 100. Bladder member 160 may include a first bladder portion
161 and a second bladder portion 163 having first color 101 and
second color 103, respectively. In some embodiments, first bladder
portion 161 and second bladder portion 163 of bladder member 160
may be associated with forefoot portion 10 and heel portion 14,
respectively, of sole system 100. Midsole member 180 may include a
first midsole portion 181 and a second midsole portion 183 having
first color 101 and the second floor, respectively. In some
embodiments, first midsole portion 181 and second midsole portion
183 may be associated with forefoot portion 10 and heel portion 14,
respectively, of sole system 100.
[0052] For purposes of illustration and clarity, first color 101
and second color 103 are only labeled on bladder member 160 in the
figures. However, as described above, both outsole member 140 and
midsole member 180 also have portions with first color 101 and
second color 103, which are indicated with different
shading/stippling.
[0053] Furthermore, each member may include a portion that provides
a transition between first color 101 and second color 103. In some
embodiments, a third outsole portion 145 of outsole member 140
extends between first outsole portion 141 and second outsole
portion 143 and may comprise one or more colors (including a range
or gradient of colors) that smoothly transition between first color
101 and second color 103. In a similar manner, a third bladder
portion 165 of bladder member 160 extends between first bladder
portion 161 and second bladder portion 163 and may comprise one or
more colors that smoothly transition between first color 101 and
second color 103. In a similar manner, a third midsole portion 185
of midsole member 180 extends between first midsole portion 181 and
second midsole portion 183 and may comprise one or more colors that
smoothly transition between first color 101 and second color 103.
In some embodiments, third outsole portion 145, third bladder
portion 165 and third midsole portion 185 comprise a blend of first
color 101 and second color 103.
[0054] Embodiments may use different coloring provisions to provide
colors on different components or members of sole system 100. For
example, some components or members of sole system 100 may use dyes
that are bonded to the surface of a substrate material. Other
components or members may include coatings, films or other coloring
layers that cover over a substrate material to provide coloring
(e.g., paints, colored films, colored resins, etc.). Still other
embodiments can use materials having a predetermined color.
[0055] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic isometric view of an
embodiment of sole member 100, including an enlarged cut-away view
of a portion of sole system 100. Referring now to FIG. 9, each of
outsole member 140, bladder member 160 and midsole member 180 may
be associated with a different kind of coloring provision. As
previously discussed, outsole member 140 may comprise a
substantially monolithic piece of material (such as rubber). In
some embodiments, the color of outsole member 140 may be determined
by the color of the material used in forming outsole member 140. In
some embodiments, a clear material such as clear rubber, may be
mixed with a colorant during the molding process to create a
colored rubber outsole. Therefore, in some embodiments, the color
of each portion of outsole member 140 may be determined during the
molding or formation process. In such embodiments, no additional
coatings, films or surface layers may be added to outsole member
140 following the molding or formation process in order to provide
color.
[0056] Bladder member 160, as discussed above, may be colored using
one or more dyes. In some embodiments, dyes used to color bladder
member 160 may bond directly to outer barrier layer 162. Details of
possible methods for dyeing bladder member 160 are discussed in
further detail below.
[0057] In some embodiments, to provide coloring to midsole member
180, an outer coating layer incorporating a pigment or other
colorant can be used. In this exemplary embodiment, midsole member
180 is shown as having an inner core 902 and an outer coating layer
904 that provides the desired color. In some embodiments, for
example, inner core 902 could comprise a foam material, while outer
coating layer 904 may be a coating of paint.
[0058] Some embodiments may also include provisions for color
matching one or more insert members with a bladder member. For
example, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, first insert member 520 and
second insert member 522 may have a substantially similar color to
heel portion 14 of bladder member 160. In other embodiments,
however, first insert member 520 and/or second insert member 522
could have any other kind of coloring. By varying the coloring of
first insert member 520 and/or second insert member 522, the colors
of the interior portions of bladder member 160 could vary. For
example, in some embodiments, first insert member 520 and second
insert member 522 may be partially visible from within an interior
of bladder member 160. Thus, varying the colors of first insert
member 520 and/or second insert member 522 may result in variations
of the colors visible from within bladder member 160 (i.e., visible
through outer barrier layer 162).
[0059] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of a process for dyeing
a bladder member according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, a
bladder member 1002 includes a front portion 1010 and a rear
portion 1012. Rear portion 1012 has already been dyed by dipping
bladder member 1002 into a first dyeing vat 1020, filled with a
first dye 1032, for a predetermined period of time. Here, rear
portion 1012 is dyed a first color 1001. Following this, front
portion 1010 is dyed a second color 1003 by dipping front portion
1010 of bladder member 1002 into a second dyeing vat 1022, filled
with a second dye 1030, for a predetermined period of time.
[0060] Embodiments may use various different methods, processes and
systems for dyeing a bladder member or any other components of a
sole system. Embodiments can use any of the methods, processes,
systems and dyeing materials disclosed in the following documents:
Bracken et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,611,547, issued Nov. 3, 2009 and
titled "Airbag Dyeing Compositions and Processes," and Schoborg,
U.S. Patent Application Publication Number ______, now U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, filed Mar. 8, 2013 and titled "System
and Method for Coloring Articles" (Attorney Docket No. 51-3252),
the entirety of both documents being incorporated by reference
herein.
[0061] Using dyes to color portions of bladder member 160 may help
maintain the integrity of colored portions visible through openings
in outsole member 140, such as plurality of slots 149. In
particular, the coloring provided by dyes may be more wear
resistant than paints or other coating layers, especially at
portions of bladder member 160 exposed to a ground surface through
plurality of slots 149.
[0062] Various methods for forming an outsole member of varying
colors could be used. In some embodiments, an outsole member could
be formed by molding one or more pre-formed blanks. In order to
make an outsole member having two different colors, different
colored blanks could be used in forming the different parts. Also,
in some embodiments, two different colorants could be added to
molding materials during the molding process to form portions with
predetermined colors. Additionally, to form portions having a range
of colors, including a range of colors transitioning between two
portions of different colors, multiple smaller blanks could be
placed side by side, or stacked, to achieve the desired color
gradient.
[0063] To achieve different visual effects, an outsole member could
be made from materials having different transparencies. In some
embodiments, portions of an outsole member may be made from a
rubber that is substantially clear. In other embodiments, portions
of an outsole member may be made from a rubber that is
substantially translucent. In still other embodiments, portions of
an outsole member may be made from a rubber than is substantially
opaque. Moreover, both translucent and opaque portions can be
colored to achieve the desired multi-colored visual effects
described above.
[0064] Embodiments can have different colors schemes, including
colors schemes that gradually vary between two or more colors, as
well as color schemes that transition abruptly. FIGS. 11 and 12
illustrate schematic views of another embodiment of a sole system
1100, including an outsole member 1140, a bladder member 1160 and a
midsole member 1180. Here, each member has a first color 1101 at a
first portion 1102 of sole system 1100 and a second color 1103 at a
second portion 1104 of sole system 1100. However, in this
configuration there is an abrupt change in color at interface
region 1190 of sole system 1100, rather than a smooth transition.
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate schematic views of still another
embodiment of a sole system 1300, including an outsole member 1340,
a bladder member 1360 and a midsole member 1380. Here, each member
has a first color 1301 at a first portion 1302 of sole system 1300
and a second color 1303 at a second portion 1304 of sole system
1300. Additionally, there is a gradual color change, or gradient,
at transition region 1390. In particular, the color of each member
gradually changes from first color 1301 to second color 1303 in an
approximately continuous manner.
[0065] While various embodiments have been described, the
description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and
it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many
more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within
the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not
to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their
equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made
within the scope of the attached claims.
* * * * *