Patent ID: 6589630
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: A43B,B32B,C08L,Y10T

Abstract:
A performance-enhancing shoe component, comprising:(a) a first layer shaped for placement within a shoe, the layer having upper and lower surfaces, the first layer comprising a cured mix of: (i) 1,4-polybutadiene having a cis content of at least about 90%, the amount of the 1,4-polybutadiene ranging from greater than about 46 to about 95 weight percent, and (ii) rubber selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber and polyisoprene, the amount of the rubber ranging from less than about 54 to about 5 weight percent; wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the 1,4-polybutadiene and the rubber; the layer is substantially free of fillers and non-energy-returning rubbers which reduce energy return; the first layer provides at least 47% energy return, and the upper surface has surface texture to increase the energy return of the layer.