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NikePatent applicationMaterials & manufacturingInterest 3/10

Nike patents new way to make shoe soles using molds and suction

Nike describes a method for creating cushioning elements for footwear by pressing a sheet of material into a mold cavity. The process uses a tool to push the material in and then applies negative pressure, or suction, to pull the material into the shape before joining a second sheet to it.

Why it mattersThis filing details a specific manufacturing technique that could help Nike produce shoe soles with consistent shapes and cushioning properties.

In the filing’s own words

A method of forming a cushioning element. The method including placing a first sheet adjacent to an outer surface of a first mold portion, the first mold portion including a first mold cavity. The method including pressing a portion of the first sheet into the first mold portion and into the first mold cavity with a forming tool, wherein at least a portion of the forming tool is extended into the first mold cavity. The method including applying negative pressure to the first mold cavity to draw the portion of the first sheet into the first mold cavity, and joining a second sheet to the first sheet to form the cushioning element.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method of forming a cushioning element, the method comprising: placing a first sheet adjacent to an outer surface of a first mold portion, the first mold portion including a first mold cavity; pressing a portion of the first sheet into the first mold portion and into the first mold cavity with a forming tool, wherein at least a portion of the forming tool is extended into the first mold cavity; applying negative pressure to the first mold cavity to draw the portion of the first sheet into the first mold cavity; joining a second sheet to the first sheet to form the cushioning element.

Facts

Company
Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
Official title
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR INCLUDING A SOLE STRUCTURE
Publication number
US20260272113A1
Application number
19672158
Filed
May 8, 2026
Published
Sep 17, 2026
Inventors
6
Claims
20

Classified under

A43B 13/206 Human necessitiesA43B 7/144 Human necessitiesA43B 13/186 Human necessitiesA43B 13/187 Human necessitiesA43B 13/20 Human necessitiesB29C 51/08 Operations & transport
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.