Articles and methods of making articles including a coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in creating durable, aesthetically pleasing coatings for articles such as footwear and sporting equipment that can withstand flexing and bending while maintaining color and preventing water and UV light exposure.

Innovation Solution

A cured coating composed of a matrix of crosslinked polymers, optionally including colorants, that is elastomeric and bonds well to various polymeric and non-polymeric materials, including foamed and solid polymeric materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coating is applied to provide color and protection, then aesthetic appeal and durability are improved, but the coating may crack or peel when the underlying material flexes or bends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating durabilityVSAvoidcoating flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the coating by using elastomeric polymers with specific glass transition temperatures below -50°C, ensuring the coating remains flexible at low temperatures and can accommodate substrate deformation without cracking or peeling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite coating system combining elastomeric polymers with colorants and crosslinking agents, where the elastomeric base provides flexibility and the crosslinked network provides durability and adhesion, resolving the contradiction between coating strength and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional coating methods are used, then application is simple, but the coating lacks adhesion to foamed and solid polymeric materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating application simplicityVSAvoidcoating adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the coating composition by incorporating specific elastomeric polymers and crosslinking agents that create strong chemical bonds with diverse substrates including foamed and solid polymeric materials, maintaining simple application procedures while dramatically improving adhesion reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a universal coating composition that can adhere to multiple different substrate types (foamed polymers, solid polymers, various colors and textures) through a single formulation, eliminating the need for substrate-specific coating variations while maintaining strong adhesion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the coating is made rigid for durability, then protection is improved, but the coating cannot withstand flexing and bending of the article

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from water and UVVSAvoidcoating integrity under deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal and mechanical parameters of the coating by selecting elastomeric polymers with glass transition temperatures below -50°C, ensuring the coating remains in a rubbery, flexible state at service temperatures while maintaining durability through crosslinking, thus protecting against water and UV without sacrificing deformation tolerance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a crosslinking mechanism where the coating composition is applied in a uncrosslinked state for easy application, then crosslinked in situ to form a durable network, effectively creating a protective layer that transitions from application-friendly to permanently durable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The coating provides excellent durability and flexibility, effectively trapping colorants and preventing water and UV light from affecting the underlying materials, while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

crosslinking a coating composition comprising uncrosslinked polymers... where the uncrosslinked polymers are crosslinked to form the matrix of crosslinked polymers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The matrix of crosslinked polymers can be elastomeric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

preventing water and UV light from affecting the underlying materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250185753A1Articles and methods of making articles including a coating

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 NIKE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to articles that include a cured coating that includes a matrix of crosslinked polymers and optionally a colorant (e.g., pigment particles or dye or both). The cured coating can include a matrix of crosslinked polymers. The cured coating is a product of crosslinking a coating composition comprising uncrosslinked polymers (e.g., a dispersion of uncrosslinked polymers in a carrier to form the matrix of crosslinked polymers), wherein the uncrosslinked polymers are crosslinked to form the matrix of crosslinked polymers. The matrix of crosslinked polymers can be elastomeric. The present disclosure is also directed to articles including these bladders, methods of forming these bladders, and methods of making articles including these bladders, where the bladders include the cured coating.