Reebok International Limited

Jeff Acheson

Matthew J Montross

Dan Buonomo

Mark Busse

David J Lacorazza

A method of making a midsole for an article of footwear includes forming a plurality of foam layers, arranging the plurality of foam layers in a mold to form the midsole, piercing the plurality of foam layers with pins, and introducing heat with the pins to bond the plurality of layers together.

Layered foam sole for an article of footwear

Articles of footwear and soles. The article of footwear may include an upper, a midsole with a midsole core and a midsole rim, and an outsole. The midsole core may be manufactured from a plurality of portions that are arranged in a particular order before being placed in a mold. The plurality of portions may be arranged so that the portions at least partially overlap each other. The plurality of portions may be arranged in longitudinal strips. The plurality of portions may be arranged in lateral portions. The plurality of portions may be adhered to each other before being placed in the mold. The mold may apply heat and pressure for a predetermined amount of time to form the midsole.

Article of footwear having a midsole with multiple portions and method of making the same

An article of footwear having a fluid system including an inflatable bladder, an inflation mechanism, and a valve for facilitating air movement through the fluid system. In one embodiment, the valve is an outlet valve between the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder that includes an umbrella valve. In another embodiment, the valve is an outlet valve between the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder wherein a seating of the outlet valve forms a portion of the inflatable bladder and a portion of an inflation chamber of the inflation mechanism. The seating includes a flange for preventing blocked air flow to the valve. In another embodiment, the valve includes an umbrella valve and an inlet filter for keeping particulates from compromising the umbrella valve.

Inflation mechanism and outlet valve for an article of footwear incorporating an inflatable bladder

The present invention is generally directed to a sole for an article of footwear. The sole generally defining a heel region, a forefoot region and an arch region that is disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole has a foot support extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, with a shank plate coupled to a lower surface of the foot support. The sole further includes a lateral heel piece and a medial heel piece, such that at least one of the medial or lateral heel pieces includes a plurality of tubes. A heel outsole is coupled to at least one of said medial or lateral heel pieces.

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Brookline, MA, United States of America

Jeff Acheson