Patents Examined by Sharon M Prange
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Patent number: 11564441Abstract: A shoe including a sole and an upper. The upper is coupled to the sole. The upper includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the outer layer is in direct contact with the inner layer. The outer layer is a hot melt thermoplastic material, and the inner layer is a material different from that of the outer layer. At least a portion of the outer layer is adhered to the inner layer, and the inner layer including a portion not covered by the outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2019Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: COLE HAAN LLCInventors: Scott Patt, James Jackman Chan, Jeffrey Mokos
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Patent number: 11559105Abstract: An energizing safety shoe is capable of offering the user a high degree of protection in the case of accidents, in accordance with the current standards, together with a higher level of comfort perceived by the user thanks to a specific configuration of the multi-layer sole capable of respecting the ergonomics of the user in accordance with the biomechanics of walking.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: U-INVEST S.R.L.Inventor: Pier Franco Uzzeni
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Patent number: 11553756Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can include a set of apertures that is formed along various surfaces of the sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a customized cushioning sole system, forming generally circular patterns throughout the sole member. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Shane S. Kohatsu, Christopher S. Cook, Bret Schoolmeester
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Patent number: 11553755Abstract: A sole structure for a shoe that can secure cushioning properties and obtain a ground surface information is disclosed. The sole structure includes a first midsole having a plurality of first protrusions on a foot-sole-contact side, an outsole having a plurality of second protrusions on a ground surface side, and a second midsole disposed at a part of a region between the first midsole and the outsole and having a lower compressive rigidity than the first midsole. At least a part of the plurality of first protrusions of the first midsole is located at a position corresponding vertically to at least a part of the plurality of second protrusions of the outsole.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: MIZUNO CORPORATIONInventors: Kentaro Yahata, Hiroshi Inohara, Shogo Matsui, Shin Hirai
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Patent number: 11533963Abstract: A device for holding backless footwear on a person's foot includes an elongated seamless elastic strap, the strap extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end. First and second attachment mechanisms are disposed on the first and second ends of the strap, respectively. The strap can be attached to backless footwear having first and second portions on respective first and second lateral sides thereof by folding the first end of the strap around the first portion of the footwear and securing the first end to the strap between the first and second ends thereof by way of the first attachment mechanism, and by folding the second end of the strap around the second portion of the footwear and securing the second end to the strap between the first and second ends thereof by way of the second attachment mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Ghroov LLCInventors: Blake Gray, Courtney Voden
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Patent number: 11523656Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole body having a proximal surface and a distal surface. Proprioceptive elements may extend in the hole in the midsole body, and translate toward the proximal surface in the holes upon a force directed along a central axis of the hole at a distal end of the proprioceptive elements. In various embodiments, the holes may angle relative to vertical from the proximal surface to the distal surface, the holes may be defined by perforations and the proprioceptive elements may be integral portions of the midsole body, or the midsole body may have a plurality of annular holes at the proximal surface, and a plurality of annular recesses in the distal surface, and a plurality of proprioceptive elements, each centered in a different annular hole of the plurality of annular holes. Methods of manufacturing articles of footwear are described.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yuchung K. Chen, Oliver McLachlan, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith
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Patent number: 11510458Abstract: Sole structures, fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices include one or more pumps (e.g., foot activated pumps) that facilitate movement of fluid within the sole structure/article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure (e.g., foot support pressure) in one or more fluid filled bladders included in the overall system.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Devin Bailly, Elizabeth Langvin, Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer
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Patent number: 11510459Abstract: An article of footwear includes a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and an outsole extending from the medial side portion to the lateral side portion and configured to contact a ground surface. The outsole may include a first portion having a first traction surface configured for engaging the ground surface, the first traction surface disposed on the medial side portion and including one or more first traction elements. The outsole may further include a second portion having a second traction surface configured for engaging the ground surface, the second portion disposed on the medial side portion and extending in a superior direction from the first portion, the second traction surface including one or more second traction elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Derek Houng, Benjamin Nethongkome
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Patent number: 11497272Abstract: Golf shoes having improved outsole constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The outsole includes a first set of arc pathways extending along the outsole in one direction. A second set of arc pathways extend along the outsole in a second direction. When the first and second arc pathways are superposed over each other, four-sided tile pieces are formed, and these tiles contain protruding traction members. In one embodiment, the tiles comprise a first protruding traction member, an opposing second protruding traction member, and a non-protruding segment disposed between the first and second traction members. Different traction zones containing different traction members are provided on the outsole. These zones provide improved multi-surface traction. In one embodiment of the outsole, there is no channeling and no trenching of the golf course turf. There is less damage to the golf course for a given amount of traction.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Jean-Marie Bidal, John F. Swigart, Robert S. Bento
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Patent number: 11490689Abstract: Golf shoes having improved outsole constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The outsole includes a first set of arc pathways extending along the outsole in one direction. A second set of arc pathways extend along the outsole in a second direction. When the first and second arc pathways are superposed over each other, four-sided tile pieces are formed, and these tiles contain protruding traction members. In one embodiment, the tiles comprise a first protruding traction member, an opposing second protruding traction member, and a non-protruding segment disposed between the first and second traction members. Different traction zones containing different traction members are provided on the outsole. These zones provide improved multi-surface traction. In one embodiment of the outsole, there is no channeling and no trenching of the golf course turf. There is less damage to the golf course for a given amount of traction.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Jean-Marie Bidal
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Patent number: 11490677Abstract: Golf shoes having improved outsole constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The outsole includes a first set of arc pathways extending along the outsole in one direction. A second set of arc pathways extend along the outsole in a second direction. When the first and second arc pathways are superposed over each other, four-sided tile pieces are formed, and these tiles contain protruding traction members. In one embodiment, the tiles comprise a first protruding traction member, an opposing second protruding traction member, and a non-protruding segment disposed between the first and second traction members. Different traction zones containing different traction members are provided on the outsole. These zones provide improved multi-surface traction. In one embodiment of the outsole, there is no channeling and no trenching of the golf course turf. There is less damage to the golf course for a given amount of traction.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Jean-Marie Bidal, John F. Swigart
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Patent number: 11484098Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to apparatuses and methods that employ a press pad for forming shoe parts, or subassemblies, for example a sole subassembly. The adaptive pad may conform to a topography of a pattern of recesses of a shoe part and provide sufficient rigidity to facilitate formation of a bond during pressing of the one or more shoe parts to form the sole subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Derek Kuo, Yen Lin Lee, Dawei Wang, Hugo Lin
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Patent number: 11484091Abstract: The present invention is related to a water-resistant shoe and a method of making the water-resistant shoe. In most embodiments the shoe comprises an outsole, an insole, an upper, and a bootie product comprised of a bootie, a bootie liner, a strobel and a gasket. In many embodiments water-resistant materials such as tape or glue are used to cover all seams and joints. In some embodiments the different pieces are tested for water-resistance before combining and in others the final shoe is tested for water-resistance. The present shoe and method provide a comfortable yet water-resistant shoe.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Inventors: James E. Issler, Thomas McClaskie
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Patent number: 11478039Abstract: A footwear construction includes a sole assembly including a first midsole platform, a second midsole platform below the first midsole platform, a spring plate disposed between the first and second midsole platforms, and an outsole layer disposed below and joined directly with at least one of the plate, the first and the second midsole platforms. The outsole layer can be substantially the only layer below the plate in the forefoot region of the footwear so an underfoot force engaging the outsole layer is transmitted directly to the plate, which also can have an upward curving, multi-radii transition portion extending from a lowermost portion to a forward most portion of the plate so as to roll a wearer's foot forward into a next stride in a gait cycle of the wearer. The plate can define an aperture. A mounting cap can extend through the aperture and can receive a traction spike.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Saucony, Inc.Inventors: Andrea A. Paulson, Christopher J. Mahoney
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Patent number: 11470909Abstract: A shoe cover comprises a shoe cover upper comprised of non-woven fabric; a shoe cover opening formed in the shoe cover upper; a shoe cover sole integrated with the shoe cover upper; a first sealing part extending from the top edge to the bottom surface of the shoe cover sole towards the front end of the shoe cover upper; a second sealing part extending from the top edge to the bottom surface of the shoe cover sole towards a rear end of the shoe cover upper; an elastic ring provided within a first accommodating space of the shoe cover upper proximate the shoe cover opening; an elastic strip provided on the shoe cover sole and extending along a front-rear direction; and a plurality of anti-slip strips disposed on the outer bottom surface of the shoe cover sole and comprised of an isotactic polypropylene polymer and/or an isotactic polypropylene derivative.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2021Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: SUZHOU ADDISON NONWOVEN PRODUCT CO., LTD.Inventors: Jau-Ming Su, Huan Wang, Xiurong He
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Patent number: 11457688Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may include a medial side, a lateral side, and a throat area between the medial side and the lateral side. An inner component may form an inner surface of the upper, where the inner component includes an inner throat region in the throat area, where a tensile strand of the inner component forms a loop in the inner throat region, and where the loop includes an opening for receiving a fastening element. An outer shroud may form the outer surface of the upper, where the outer shroud at least partially covers the inner throat region of the inner component such that the loop is located in a pocket formed between the inner component and the outer shroud.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Simon J. Baines, Lauren K. Tyndall
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Patent number: 11452329Abstract: An orthopedic shoe appliance includes a pad for providing support for midfoot arches, the second metatarsal, and the third metatarsal of a foot, wherein the pad does not provide substantial support under a heel of the foot or under the first metatarsal, the fourth metatarsal, and the fifth metatarsal. A method for manufacturing an orthopedic appliance includes obtaining a pad; and shaping the pad to provide support for midfoot arches, the second metatarsal, and the third metatarsal of a foot, but not provide substantial support under a heel of the foot or under the first metatarsal, the fourth metatarsal, and the fifth metatarsal.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Cluffy, LLCInventor: James Clough
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Patent number: 11452338Abstract: An article of footwear formed from a flat pattern. The article of footwear has a reduced seam construction to reduce manufacturing operations. A toe-end seam extending from a throat on a medial side of the article of footwear provides a seaming option. An acute-angle indentation on a lateral side of the throat allows the article of footwear to conform to a wearer's traditional foot. A heel-end seam having adjacent inner surfaces of medial and lateral portions of the upper may also be included to convert the flat pattern upper to a dimensional article of footwear that conforms to the wearer's traditional foot.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Matthew Kilgore, Sara Kilgore
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Patent number: 11445781Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Austin Orand, Haley Toelle
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Patent number: 11439201Abstract: A pair of shoes may be asymmetric between one another in various respects. For example, the left shoe may include a left-shoe wrapping panel non-releasably coupled to a left-shoe medial side and extending towards a left-shoe lateral side while the right shoe may include a wrapping panel non-releasably coupled to a right-shoe lateral side and extending towards a right-shoe medial side. The left-shoe wrapping panel may releasably couple to the left-shoe lateral side and the right-shoe wrapping panel may releasably couple to the right-shoe medial side. The left shoe and the right shoe may respectively include a left-shoe heel strap and a right-shoe heel strap. The left-shoe heel strap and a right-shoe heel strap each respectively wrap around, at least in part, a heel region of the left shoe and the right shoe.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2018Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Tobie D. Hatfield