NIKE, Inc.
FOAMABLE AND FOAMED TEXTILES, THE PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND ARTICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME

Abstract:

A textile component includes a yarn which includes a thermoplastic material. A blowing agent with at least activation condition is included into the textile, either by inclusion in the yarn or impregnating in the textile after forming an un-foamed textile. Upon triggering the activation condition of the blowing agent, the blowing agent introduces a plurality of cavities, i.e. cells, into the thermoplastic material. The textile then comprises a multicellular foam area of the textile wherein the multicellular foamed area comprises a multicellular foam surrounding a core yarn. The textile, in either its un-foamed or foamed condition, can be incorporated into a variety of articles, such as an article of footwear.