CN-122028827-A - Cushioning element and related method

Abstract

The cushioning element may include a texture layer and a second layer disposed over the texture layer. The texture layer includes a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from a surface of the texture layer. The second layer may include a plurality of recesses, each configured to receive a respective protrusion of the texture layer. When a load pressure is applied to the upper surface of the second layer (e.g., by the user's foot), the protrusions of the texture layer form a surface texture on the upper surface of the second layer. The cushioning element may be used to form a portion of apparel, accessories, athletic equipment, and/or articles of footwear, and may be configured to conform to a particular foot anatomy of a user, and/or may be customized to support a user's foot while performing athletic activities.

Inventors

• Christopher Jia Yin orchid
• Mana Koyck
• Franklin Grant Kovac
• Colin Robert Philminger

Assignees

• 加拿大露露柠檬运动用品有限公司

Dates

Publication Date

20260512

Application Date

20241011

Priority Date

20231012

Claims (20)

1. 1. An insole for an article of footwear, the insole comprising: a texture layer comprising a first surface and a plurality of protrusions extending upward from the first surface, and A second layer disposed over the textured layer, the second layer comprising a lower surface that directly contacts the first surface of the textured layer, wherein the second layer further comprises an upper surface opposite the lower surface, the upper surface configured to directly or indirectly contact a user's foot during wear; Wherein the second layer is configured to deform upon application of a loading pressure to the footbed to form a surface texture on an upper surface of the second layer corresponding to one or more of the plurality of protrusions of the first surface of the texture layer.
2. 2. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the second layer comprises a plurality of recesses extending from the lower surface of the second layer to or toward the upper surface, each recess of the plurality of recesses respectively receiving a respective protrusion of the plurality of protrusions to couple the second layer and the texture layer together.
3. 3. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein the second layer is configured to retain a surface texture formed on the upper surface for at least five seconds after the load pressure is removed.
4. 4. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein said textured layer comprises a bottom surface opposite said first surface, and wherein said bottom surface is non-textured.
5. 5. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of said second layer is non-textured when said cushioning element is not under pressure.
6. 6. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein a lower surface of said second layer is non-textured.
7. 7. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein said second layer comprises a fabric.
8. 8. The cushioning element of claim 7, wherein said fabric comprises an elastic fabric.
9. 9. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein said second layer comprises a foam material.
10. 10. The cushioning element of claim 9, wherein the foam comprises a slow rebound foam.
11. 11. Cushioning element according to claim 9, characterized in that the foam has a compression set between 40-65% or below 20%.
12. 12. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections are configured to maintain a shape under the load pressure.
13. 13. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections are configured to be deformable under the load pressure.
14. 14. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein said texture layer has a durometer reading in the range of about 45 to about 75, or about 50 to about 70, or about 55 to about 65 Asker C.
15. 15. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein said second layer has a durometer reading in the range of about 5 to about 45, or about 10 to about 40, or about 15 to about 35 Asker C.
16. 16. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein the difference between the durometer reading of the texture layer and the durometer reading of the second layer is at least 10Asker C.
17. 17. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein the textured insole is configured as an integral part of an insole of an article of footwear.
18. 18. The cushioning element of claim 1, wherein the textured insole is configured as an integral part of the sole structure of the article of footwear.
19. 19. An article of footwear comprising the textured insole of claim 1.
20. 20. A method of making a textured insole, the method comprising: providing a textured layer comprising a first surface and a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from the first surface; providing a second layer comprising a lower surface and an upper surface opposite the lower surface, and Combining the texture layer with the second layer such that the second layer is positioned over the texture layer and the lower surface of the second layer is in direct contact with the first surface of the texture layer; wherein in the textured insole, an upper surface of the second layer is configured to directly or indirectly contact a user's foot during wear, and the second layer is configured to deform upon application of load pressure to the second layer, thereby forming a surface texture on the upper surface of the second layer corresponding to one or more of the plurality of protrusions of the first surface.

Description

Cushioning element and related method Cross reference The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/589875 entitled "textured insole for footwear," filed on 10 and 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, such materials are only incorporated in the event that there is no conflict between the materials involved and the claims and drawings described herein. In the event of any such conflict, including any conflict in terms, the present disclosure controls. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to cushioning elements and related methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to cushioning elements that may be incorporated into insoles of articles of footwear, articles of apparel, athletic equipment, accessories, or other goods, and which have a surface texture after use. Background The insole of the article of footwear is intended to support the foot of the user and provide cushioning. The specific characteristics of the insole may have a significant impact on the overall comfort and performance of the article of footwear. In addition, the insole may also act to prevent or cause injury. This is particularly true for footwear worn during sports (e.g., running, walking, yoga, etc.). Similarly, articles of apparel, athletic equipment, and accessories may also include cushioning elements to achieve the desired performance and/or comfort for the user. Disclosure of Invention The cushioning element of the present disclosure may include a texture layer and a second layer. The texture layer may include a first surface and a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from the first surface. The second layer may be disposed over the texture layer and may include a lower surface that directly contacts the first surface of the texture layer. The second layer may also include an upper surface opposite the lower surface. The second layer is configured to deform upon application of a load pressure to the cushioning element to form a surface texture on an upper surface of the second layer corresponding to one or more of the plurality of protrusions of the first surface of the texture layer. Articles comprising such cushioning elements are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Such articles may include articles of apparel, articles of footwear, accessories, and/or articles of athletic equipment. Methods of making such cushioning elements and/or articles incorporating such cushioning elements are also disclosed. The method may include bonding a textured layer to a second layer, where the textured layer includes a first surface having a plurality of protrusions extending upward from the first surface. When the texture layer is combined with the second layer, the second layer is disposed over the texture layer such that a lower surface of the second layer directly contacts the first surface of the texture layer. The second layer is configured to deform upon application of a load pressure to the second layer, thereby forming a surface texture on an upper surface of the second layer corresponding to one or more of the plurality of protrusions of the first surface, the upper surface of the second layer being opposite the lower surface of the second layer. Drawings FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a textured layer and a second layer of a cushioning element according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a partial assembly view of the cushioning element of fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a first schematic cross-sectional view of a cushioning element according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a second schematic cross-sectional view of a cushioning element according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a third schematic cross-sectional view of a cushioning element according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a fourth schematic cross-sectional view of a cushioning element according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a fifth schematic cross-sectional view of a cushioning element prior to being subjected to load pressure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a sixth schematic cross-sectional view of a cushioning element according to aspects of the present disclosure, after being subjected to a load pressure. Fig. 9 is a top view of a first example footbed including cushioning elements in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a top view of a second example footbed including cushioning elements in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a top view of a third example footbed including cushioning elements in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a partial assembly view of the third example insole of FIG. 11. Fig. 13 is a top view of a fourth example insole according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a top view of a portion of an illustrative insole showing a texture in