Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture (and a method for forming such an article) having at least a portion prepared using high coefficient friction material as an interface for human contact using, but not limited to, polymeric materials. The articles may be incorporated into any product or any portion of a product where non-slip properties are required during human contact and usage. Preferably, a thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic urethane with very durable but soft properties is accurately texturized to achieve optimum frictional properties for a given application. The textures are carefully calculated for the desired friction characteristics. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles made with the interface that are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, environmental benefits and functional advantages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: A flexible shock absorbing component providing cushioning for surfaces, especially wall and floor surfaces, is described. The shock absorbing component includes two sheets of thermoplastic, each sheet with inwardly facing, opposing, resiliently compressible indentations extending into a cavity between the two sheets. The shock absorbing component also includes a layer of particulate matter applied to and adhered to the outer surface of one of the sheets, to provide wear and weather resistance. A moderator may also be attached to the outer surface of the sheet.

Abstract: A flexible shock absorbing component providing cushioning for surfaces, especially wall and floor surfaces, is described. The shock absorbing component includes two sheets of thermoplastic, each sheet with inwardly facing, opposing, resiliently compressible indentations extending into a cavity between the two sheets. The shock absorbing component also includes a layer of particulate matter applied to and adhered to the outer surface of one of the sheets, to provide wear and weather resistance. A moderator may also be attached to the outer surface of the sheet.

Abstract: A flexible shock absorbing component providing cushioning for surfaces, especially wall and floor surfaces, is described. The shock absorbing component includes two sheets of thermoplastic, each sheet with inwardly facing, opposing, resiliently compressible indentations extending into a cavity between the two sheets. The shock absorbing component also includes a layer of particulate matter applied to and adhered to the outer surface of one of the sheets, to provide wear and weather resistance. A moderator may also be attached to the outer surface of the sheet.

Abstract: Footwear, particularly an athletic or sport shoe, having a sole with a visible, replaceable cushioning cassette, and method for modifying impact response capacity or color pattern by removing and replacing the cushioning cassette. The invention also provides footwear, comprising a sole; and an upper connected to the sole, the sole comprising an outsole; and a midsole, the midsole comprising a midsole section wherein walls of a periphery of cells form in the midsole section at least one cavity for receiving a cushioning cassette, which, when within the cavity, is visible through clear material of the sole when viewed from outside of the footwear.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a sole, an upper, and a lace-binding system comprising a plurality of replaceable eyelet extenders. Replacing eyelet extenders, or components thereof, with others of a different color facilitates switching footwear from one color pattern to another. Replacing eyelet extenders, or components thereof, with others of a different length, flexibility, or elasticity facilitates modifying flexibility between eyelets and lace.

Abstract: A high polymer resin material is configured into a shoe sole component having a plurality of inwardly extending indentations in one or both of the top and bottom members of the component. The indentations extend into the interval between the members and adjacent to the opposite member to provide support members for the sole component. The sole component can be constructed by molding upper and lower sole component halves wherein the molds are configured to provide indentations in the top and bottom members. The upper and lower sole component halves are then joined to complete the sole component.

Abstract: A shock absorbing component having a pair of surfaces with a plurality of inwardly extending indentations in the top and bottom surfaces. The indentations extend between the surfaces to provide support members for the shock absorbing component. At least some of the indentations are hemispherical. The surfaces may be formed of mesh material to allow the passage of gas or fluid therethrough. One or more inserts may be placed in the indentations. The shock absorbing component can be constructed by molding upper and lower shock absorbing component halves wherein the molds are configured to provide indentations in the top and bottom surfaces. The upper and lower halves are then joined to complete the shock absorbing component.

Abstract: A process for making a cushioning component from a pair of sheets of flexible thermoplastic resin in which the sheets are placed against a pair of molds having hemispherical protrusions for forming opposing hemispherical indentations in the sheets. The indentations in the first sheet abut those of the second sheet when the sheets are joined to complete the cushioning component. During the process, inserts may be positioned on the protrusions before the sheets are placed in the molds, and the inserts then may be adhered to the indentations during molding.