The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 06, 2018
Filed:
Oct. 22, 2013
Nike, Inc., Beaverton, OR (US);
Patrick Conall Regan, Taichung, TW;
Dong Woo Lee, Busan, KR;
Geun Rok Park, Busan, KR;
Dong Youp Yang, Kimhae, KR;
Yong Joo Chon, Busan, KR;
Byung Gi Kim, Busan, KR;
Sang Gyu Lee, Kimhae, KR;
Jong Cher Seo, Busan, KR;
NIKE, INC., Beaverton, OR (US);
Abstract
Foam items may be buffed using particles such as particulate sodium bicarbonate in accordance with the present invention. Foam items may be, for example, expanded EVA foam items pre-formed into an intermediate size and shape. A skin layer may be formed during the expansion of the foam item to form an expanded foam item which may be entirely or partially removed by buffing the item using particles projected with selected buffing parameters. The buffing parameters may be varied based upon the thickness of at least a portion of the skin layer and/or the desired degree of moldability for the foam item after buffing. Particulate sodium bicarbonate or other types of particles used for buffing may be recycled and reused for further buffing of foam items.