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.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear, and in particular to articles of footwear with sole systems.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a sole system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a sole system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a sole system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of a sole system;

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;

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;

FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a bladder member;

FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a midsole member and a bladder member;

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;

FIG. 10 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a process for dyeing a bladder member;

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a sole system;

FIG. 12 is a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of a sole system;

FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a sole system; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of a sole system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.