Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for analyzing a golf swing, and an associated apparatus for use in the method. More specifically, this disclosure relates generally to a method of analyzing a golf swing by impacting a deformable medium with a golf club head. In the method, a club head impacts the deformable medium, causing the deformable medium to change shape. The change in shape may then be correlated to the value of a swing profile characteristic. Alternatively, the deformable medium may include a sensor, such that the sensor senses a measurement that is correlated to a value of a swing profile characteristic. Also disclosed are a deformable medium and a kit for use in the method.
Abstract: An article of footwear with an interchangeable pod system is disclosed. The interchangeable pod system includes an outsole, a pod set, and a cleat set. The pods are attached to the outsole by means of the members of the cleat set. Variations in the types of pods and cleats used allow a wearer to reconfigure the article of footwear in order to maximize performance on a given surface in a given set of surface conditions as well as other parameters.
Abstract: A footwear customization kit is disclosed. The kit comprises a container including an article of footwear, a stand, a steaming bag and a set of instructions. The article of footwear includes a customizable portion that can be deformed when heated. The stand and the steaming bag can be used to heat the article of footwear in a steam environment.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 23, 2011
Date of Patent:
August 28, 2012
Assignee:
Nike, Inc.
Inventors:
Brian D. Baker, Alexandre Baudouin, William M. Dieter
Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner layer, a cover layer, and a cavity. The cavity includes a conduit connecting the cavity with an exterior of the golf ball. The cavity contains a matrix comprising particles of a first material bound together by a second material. The first material has a density greater than water and the second material is water soluble. Upon prolonged submersion in water, the matrix dissolves allowing the first material particles to exit the cavity. The removal of the mass of the first material particles lowers the density of the golf ball, allowing the golf ball to float to the surface of the water.
Abstract: A fluid-filled may include including an outer barrier, a tensile member, and a fluid. The tensile member may be located within barrier and formed from a textile element that includes a pair of spaced layers joined by a plurality of connecting members. A method of manufacturing the chamber may include locating a textile tensile member between two polymer elements. Pressure and heat are applied to the tensile member and the polymer elements in a first area and in a second area. The pressure is greater in the first area than in the second area. In addition, the polymer elements are bonded together around a periphery of the tensile member.
Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber may include utilizing one of a blowmolding and a thermoforming process to define a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall surface of the chamber. An aperture is defined through the first surface in a location where the first surface is spaced from the second surface. A pressurization apparatus is located adjacent to the first surface and around the aperture, and the pressurization apparatus is utilized to inject a fluid into the chamber through the aperture, compress the first surface against the second surface, and form a bond around the aperture and between the first surface and the second surface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 17, 2007
Date of Patent:
August 14, 2012
Assignee:
Nike, Inc.
Inventors:
Shaun J. Hensley, Stuart C. Forstrom, William A. Brunais
Abstract: A glove for receiving a hand has a dorsal side corresponding with a back area of the hand and an opposite palmar side corresponding with a palm area of the hand. An exterior surface of the palmar side may include a polymer foam material with a silicone coating. Although the chemical composition of the silicone coating may vary significantly, the silicone coating may be a cured silicone film layer with a Shore A durometer of less than or equal to 60.
Abstract: An implantable prosthesis system including a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent is disclosed. The types of prostheses which may include a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent include rods, fracture plates, screws, as well as other types of prostheses. Additionally, the structural composition of many types of prostheses may be modified to help induce bone ingrowth and allow for fusion with the implantable prosthesis.
Abstract: An article of footwear with an arch wrap is disclosed. The arch wrap is configured to provide support to a midfoot. The arch wrap can include a plurality of eyelets that are configured to receive a lace of a lacing system of the upper.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 29, 2008
Date of Patent:
July 31, 2012
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert M. Bruce, Aaron A. C. Cooper, Bo Lupo, Kurt J. Stockbridge
Abstract: An assembly for changing the pitch of fan blades rotatably attached to a hub includes a main drive shaft configured to rotate the hub. The main drive shaft is rotated by a first motor. A secondary drive shaft is coupled to the main drive shaft via a gearing system located within the hub. The secondary drive shaft is also driven by a second motor. When driven by the second motor, the secondary drive shaft manipulates the gearing system to alter the pitch of the fan blades.
Abstract: An article of footwear for water sports disclosed. The article includes straps that fasten an upper into place. The straps are configured to maintain a fastened position when water is splashed from below the article. The article further includes padded members to protect the instep and the front ankle of the foot.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 27, 2007
Date of Patent:
July 31, 2012
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Tom Luedecke, Sean M. McDowell, Julia Roether
Abstract: A method and a system for manually controlling a turbocharger is disclosed. The method includes steps for selecting a minimum boost pressure and a maximum boost pressure. The method also includes steps for selecting a pre-configured boost mode, including a predefined boost pressure minimum and a predefined boost pressure maximum.
Abstract: An article of footwear with a suspended stud assembly attached to a sole is disclosed. The suspended stud assembly includes a base portion attached to the sole of a shoe. A set of suspension arms connect a plurality of studs to the base portion. This arrangement allows the studs to move independently of the sole and of each other to provide greater traction capabilities to the article of footwear.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 29, 2009
Date of Patent:
July 17, 2012
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Brian D. Baker, Alexandre Baudouin, Erez Morag
Abstract: A ball glove having a palmar panel, a dorsal panel, and a webbing may have a palmar force attenuation system, a dorsal force attenuation system, or both. The palmar panel and dorsal panel may define a hand cavity having five finger voids. The webbing may be secured to the ball glove and may be positioned between finger voids for the thumb and index fingers. A palmar force attenuation system may include at least one chamber sealed to enclose a fluid. A majority of the palmar force attenuation system may be positioned between the front surface of the palmar panel and the hand void. The palmar force attenuation system may be L-shaped, and it may enclose a foam structure. A dorsal force attenuation system may include at least one chamber sealed to enclose a fluid and may be secured to the dorsal panel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 22, 2009
Date of Patent:
July 17, 2012
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Matthew A. Rhoades, Joe Watson, Mark McNamee, Barry Plocher
Abstract: A method of reducing channel utilization in a vehicle communication network is disclosed. The method includes a step of reducing the transmitting power of messages sent over the vehicle communication network when channel saturation occurs. The method also includes a step of increasing the transmitting period of messages sent over the vehicle communication network when channel saturation occurs. The method further includes steps of modifying the transmitting power and transmitting period of messages according to vehicle speed.
Abstract: A cooling system for variable cylinder engines is is designed to most efficiently cool engine during engine full displacement operation and to heat inactive cylinders and cool active cylinders during engine reduced displacement operation. By heating inactive cylinders, the fuel efficiency during reactivation is improved and the optimal operation of the catalytic converter may be maintained.
Abstract: An article of apparel, which may be a pair of water shorts, includes a first textile and a second textile. The first textile forms a majority of an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of the apparel, and the first textile exhibits at least thirty percent stretch prior to tensile failure. The second textile is located around a waistband portion of the apparel, and the second textile exhibits less than ten percent stretch prior to tensile failure.
Abstract: A method for producing articles of footwear with customized cleat arrangements is disclosed. The method includes a step of designing a customized cleat arrangement using a graphical interface system; a step of drilling holes into an outer plate according to the designed customized cleat arrangement; a step of inserting receiving members into the holes; a step of attaching the outer plate to an upper; and a step of associating a plurality of cleats with the receiving members.