US 9,114,580 B2 · Articles prepared using recycled materials and methods of preparation thereof

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.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A method of preparing an article of manufacture comprising:

combining a recycled polymeric granulated material with a binder material such that the binder material at least substantially coats individual granules of the recycled polymeric granulated material;
and
shaping the combined recycled polymeric granulated material and binder material to form at least a portion of the article such that the granulated material remains in a granular form, wherein:
the recycled polymeric granulated material includes granules having a diameter ranging from 1 mm to 12 mm;
the article of manufacture comprises an outer wear surface that is a portion of a shoe;
and
the granules impart a chunky appearance to the outer wear surface.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Articles prepared using recycled materials and methods of preparation thereof

Life of this patent

Articles prepared using recycled materials and methods of preparation thereof

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18