FOAMED ARTICLES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME

    公开(公告)号:EP4331826A3

    公开(公告)日:2024-04-10

    申请号:EP24151006.4

    申请日:2022-01-05

    摘要: Foamed articles (265; 319) including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods (300) of making the foamed articles (265; 319), and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear (100; 130; 160), apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles (265; 319) are provided. In one aspect, a method (300) for making a foamed article (265; 319) comprises placing (304) an article (214; 216; 218; 405; 406; 407) comprising a foamable material (210; 502; 620a; 620b) and carbon dioxide (240; 246; 604; 614) in a vessel (234; 602), maintaining the vessel (234; 602) at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide (240; 246; 604; 614) is a liquid and carbon dioxide (240; 246; 604; 614) is soluble in the foamable material (210; 502; 620a; 620b), optionally exposing (306) the infused article (255; 256) to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting (310) the article (255; 256) to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide (240; 246; 604; 614) phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material (210; 502; 620a; 620b) into a foamed material (506; 620c) and forming the foamed article (265; 319).