US2007107257A1PendingUtilityA1

Multi-material molded shell for footwear

47
Assignee: COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR NORTH AMERPriority: Nov 11, 2005Filed: Nov 11, 2005Published: May 17, 2007
Est. expiryNov 11, 2025(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Daniel S. Laska
B29D 35/146A43B 1/0027A43B 5/002A43B 7/12
47
PatentIndex Score
0
Cited by
0
References
0
Claims

Abstract

A shell for a boot or other footwear includes a first section of molded of a first thermoplastic material and a second section molded of a second thermoplastic material and integrally bonded with the first section. The first and second thermoplastic materials preferably have different material properties, such as color, hardness, or density, to enhance the aesthetic and/or functional design of the footwear. Methods of making molded multi-material shells and footwear including such shells are also disclosed.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . A shell to which a sole and an upper of an article of footwear are attached, comprising: 
 a first section of a first molded thermoplastic material; and    a second section of a second molded thermoplastic material different from the first molded thermoplastic material, the second section being integrally joined with the first section along an interface therebetween to form a shell of unitary construction.    
     
     
         2 . The shell of  claim 1  in which the first and second thermoplastic materials are different colors.  
     
     
         3 . The shell of  claim 1  in which the first and second thermoplastic materials are different hardnesses.  
     
     
         4 . The shell of  claim 1  in which the first and second thermoplastic materials are different densities.  
     
     
         5 . The shell of  claim 1  in which the first section comprises a collar.  
     
     
         6 . The shell of  claim 1  in which the second section is over-molded around the first section.  
     
     
         7 . The shell of  claim 1 , in which the shell includes a flange to which the upper is attached.  
     
     
         8 . The shell of  claim 1 , in which the shell is waterproof.  
     
     
         9 . The shell of  claim 1 , in which: 
 the first thermoplastic material is a first TPU material having a first density; and    the second thermoplastic material is a second TPU material having a second density different from the first density.    
     
     
         10 . The shell of  claim 9 , in which the second density is greater than the first density.  
     
     
         11 . An article of footwear including the shell of  claim 1.

Join the waitlist — get patent alerts

Track US2007107257A1 — get alerts on status changes and closely related new filings.

We store only your email — no account needed. See our privacy policy.