NIKE had 22 patents in 3D printing during Q4 2023. NIKE Inc has filed patents for methods of making foamed articles, such as components for footwear, by infusing thermoplastic polymer with inert gas to partially foam the article. Another patent involves decorating foam particles used in manufacturing articles like footwear, apparel, and sporting equipment using various methods such as coating, embossing, or debossing. These patents aim to enhance the manufacturing processes and aesthetics of NIKE products. GlobalData’s report on NIKE gives a 360-degreee view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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NIKE grant share with 3D printing as a theme is 68% in Q4 2023. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Recent Patents
Application: Method of making foams using partial molds (Patent ID: US20230382024A1)
The patent filed by NIKE Inc. describes a method for making a closed-cell foamed article, such as a component for footwear, using unfoamed thermoplastic polymer. The process involves heating the unfoamed article to soften it, infusing it with inert gas at a specific pressure, and then reducing the pressure to partially foam the article. A partial mold is used to limit foam expansion in certain directions, allowing for controlled shaping of the final product. The method also includes steps for removing the partial mold and further foaming the article if desired.
Additionally, the patent outlines variations in the method, such as using a repeating pattern of interconnected polymeric members, transferring the unfoamed article to a partial mold after cooling, and adjusting pressure and temperature to achieve the desired foaming effect. The partial mold can be designed in various shapes, such as a midsole for footwear, and may include multiple sections that separate during the foam expansion process. Overall, the method provides a detailed and controlled approach to producing foamed articles with specific properties and shapes, particularly suitable for footwear components.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
