NIKE, Inc.
Composite materials, methods of making, methods of use, and articles incorporating the composite materials

Abstract:

The present disclosure provides for articles including a structure having one or more channels that allow water to contact a water-swellable material. Absorption of water by the water-swellable material causes the topography of the outward-facing surface (10) of the structure to be altered, which can improve traction (95). The structure described herein can be used to make and/or be incorporated into various types of articles or components of articles. The article can be an article of footwear (100, 1, 75), a component of an article of footwear (100, 1, 75), an article of apparel, a component of an article of apparel, an article of sporting equipment, or a component of an article of sporting equipment.