Patent ID: 6120880
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: A43B,B32B,C08L,Y10T

Abstract:
A performance-enhancing shoe component, comprising:a first layer shaped for placement within a shoe, said first layer having a ball portion, said first layer comprising a cured mix of:(i) 1,4-polybutadiene having a cis content of at least about 90%, the amount of said 1,4-polybutadiene ranging from greater than 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 said rubber ranging from less than 54 to about 5 weight percent;said ball portion of said first layer providing at least 47% energy return, said first layer having surface texturing that increases energy return;wherein said weight percentages are based on the total weight of said 1,4-polybutadiene and said rubber; andwherein said first layer is substantially free of fillers and non-energy-returning rubber which reduce energy return.