Abstract: An improved sole structure for article of footwear is disclosed herein. The sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole coupled to the midsole. The midsole includes a plurality of grooves disposed both centrally and on the sides of the bottom surface. The outsole includes a plurality of outboard plates, aligned on the sides of the outsole, and a plurality of inboard plates, centrally aligned on the outsole. A plurality of hinges couple the plurality of outboard plates to the plurality of inboard plates such that each of the plates are able to pivot independent of the other plates. The outsole further includes a series of slots and openings aligned with the plurality of grooves of the midsole. The combination of the independent pivotal plates of the outsole, the grooves of the midsole, and flexure of the midsole provide a dynamic and multi-directional flexing sole structure.

Abstract: An improved sole structure for article of footwear is disclosed herein. The sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole coupled to the midsole. The midsole includes a plurality of grooves disposed both centrally and on the sides of the bottom surface. The outsole includes a plurality of outboard plates, aligned on the sides of the outsole, and a plurality of inboard plates, centrally aligned on the outsole. A plurality of hinges couple the plurality of outboard plates to the plurality of inboard plates such that each of the plates are able to pivot independent of the other plates. The outsole further includes a series of slots and openings aligned with the plurality of grooves of the midsole. The combination of the independent pivotal plates of the outsole, the grooves of the midsole, and flexure of the midsole provide a dynamic and multi-directional flexing sole structure.

Abstract: A first portion of a midsole formed of a first material has a recess in a top surface thereof, and a first aperture positioned within the recess and extending therethrough. The first portion is placed in a recess in a bottom plate of a second mold assembly. A middle plate with a second aperture extending therethrough is placed in contact with the bottom plate. A second material is inserted through the second aperture such that it fills the recess and the first aperture in the first portion to form a second portion of the midsole. A top plate of the second mold assembly is positioned in contact with the middle plate so as to close the second mold assembly. The second mold assembly is subjected to heat and pressure such that the second portion cures and bonds to the first portion of the midsole.

Abstract: A method of forming a midsole includes the steps of placing a first mold member and a second mold member in contact with one another, injecting a first material into the first mold member to form first and second portions of a midsole preform, positioning the first and second portions in a third mold member of a second mold assembly; placing a second material in the third mold member; placing the third mold member and a fourth mold member in contact with one another, subjecting the second material and the first and second portions to heat to form a midsole preform, placing the midsole preform in a fifth mold member, placing the fifth mold member and a sixth mold member in contact with one another; and subjecting the midsole preform to heat and pressure to form a midsole.

Abstract: A first portion of a midsole formed of a first material has a recess in a top surface thereof, and a first aperture positioned within the recess and extending therethrough. The first portion is placed in a recess in a bottom plate of a second mold assembly. A middle plate with a second aperture extending therethrough is placed in contact with the bottom plate. A second material is inserted through the second aperture such that it fills the recess and the first aperture in the first portion to form a second portion of the midsole. A top plate of the second mold assembly is positioned in contact with the middle plate so as to close the second mold assembly. The second mold assembly is subjected to heat and pressure such that the second portion cures and bonds to the first portion of the midsole.

Abstract: A method of forming a midsole includes the steps of placing a first mold member and a second mold member in contact with one another, injecting a first material into the first mold member to form first and second portions of a midsole preform, positioning the first and second portions in a third mold member of a second mold assembly; placing a second material in the third mold member; placing the third mold member and a fourth mold member in contact with one another, subjecting the second material and the first and second portions to heat to form a midsole preform, placing the midsole preform in a fifth mold member, placing the fifth mold member and a sixth mold member in contact with one another; and subjecting the midsole preform to heat and pressure to form a midsole.

Abstract: A method of forming a midsole includes the steps of placing a first mold member and a second mold member in contact with one another, injecting a first material into the first mold member to form first and second portions of a midsole preform, positioning the first and second portions in a third mold member of a second mold assembly; placing a second material in the third mold member; placing the third mold member and a fourth mold member in contact with one another, subjecting the second material and the first and second portions to heat to form a midsole preform, placing the midsole preform in a fifth mold member, placing the fifth mold member and a sixth mold member in contact with one another; and subjecting the midsole preform to heat and pressure to form a midsole.

Abstract: A method of forming a midsole includes the steps of placing a first mold member and a second mold member in contact with one another, injecting a first material into the first mold member to form first and second portions of a midsole preform, positioning the first and second portions in a third mold member of a second mold assembly; placing a second material in the third mold member; placing the third mold member and a fourth mold member in contact with one another, subjecting the second material and the first and second portions to heat to form a midsole preform, placing the midsole preform in a fifth mold member, placing the fifth mold member and a sixth mold member in contact with one another; and subjecting the midsole preform to heat and pressure to form a midsole.