Article of footwear having a midsole with multiple portions and method of making the same

Abstract

Articles of footwear and soles are disclosed. The article of footwear may include an upper, a midsole with a midsole core and a midsole rim, and an outsole. The midsole core may be manufactured from a plurality of portions that are arranged in a particular order before being placed in a mold. The plurality of portions may be arranged so that the portions at least partially overlap each other. The plurality of portions may be arranged in longitudinal strips. The plurality of portions may be arranged in lateral portions. The plurality of portions may be adhered to each other before being placed in the mold. The mold may apply heat and pressure for a predetermined amount of time to form the midsole.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An article of footwear comprising:
 an outsole;   a midsole pre-molded from a plurality of portions comprising polyether block amide, the midsole being adhered to the outsole; and   a rim that is adhered to the midsole.   
     
     
         2 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of portions include:
 a first layer that extends from a heel of the midsole to an arch of the midsole;   a second layer that extends from a heel of the midsole to a midportion of the midsole;   a third layer that extends from a heel of the midsole to a ball of the foot of the midsole; and   a fourth layer that extends from a heel of the midsole to a toe of the midsole,   wherein the layers are arranged so that the layers at least partially overlap the other layers.   
     
     
         3 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of portions include:
 a forefoot portion that extends from a toe of the midsole to a front of an arch of the midsole;   a midfoot portion that extends from the front of the arch of the midsole to a rear of the arch of the midsole; and   a heel portion that extends from the rear of the arch of the midsole to the heel of the midsole,   wherein the portions are arranged with each other in a single layer,   wherein the forefoot portion is arranged next to the midfoot portion, and   wherein the midfoot portion is also arranged next to the heel portion.   
     
     
         4 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of portions include:
 a plurality of longitudinal strips that extend from a forefoot end to a heel end of the midsole,   wherein the sides the plurality of longitudinal strips are arranged next to one another in a width wide direction of the midsole.   
     
     
         5 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the polyether block amide is PEBAX®. 
     
     
         6 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein a thermoplastic polyurethane film is adhered between the outsole and the midsole. 
     
     
         7 . The article of footwear of  claim 6 , wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane film encompasses a forefoot portion between the outsole and the midsole. 
     
     
         8 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the midsole has a lip that encompasses the outer perimeter of the outsole. 
     
     
         9 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein a film is adhered between the rim and the outer perimeter of the midsole.