Cushion Patents (Class 36/28)
  • Patent number: 11910869
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include a midsole with a lower surface having a first recessed portion and an outsole coupled to the lower surface of the midsole, with the outsole having an upper surface with a second recessed portion. A first bladder element and a second bladder element can be provided in a stacked arrangement between the midsole and outsole, with an upper portion of the first bladder element that contacts the lower surface of the midsole and extends at least partially into the first recessed portion and a lower portion of the second bladder element that contacts the upper surface of the outsole and extends at least partially into the second recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Fiona Lesecq
  • Patent number: 11903442
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a foam element having a top surface and a bottom surface. The foam element includes a recess (i) formed in one of the top surface or the bottom surface, (ii) extending from a first end in a forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end in a mid-foot region of the sole structure, (iii) having a first edge extending between the first end and the second end and disposed proximate to a peripheral region of the sole structure, and (iv) a second edge extending between the first end and the second end and disposed at an interior region of the sole structure. A cushioning arrangement is disposed within the recess and includes an outer surface that is substantially flush with the one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the foam element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick S Frank, Dolores S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11896079
    Abstract: A footwear sole obtained by molding a single polymeric material, the footwear sole includes a lower surface to contact the ground, and an upper surface to support an insole and, on the upper surface, at least one elastically deformable cushioning element. The cushioning element includes an elongated element cantileverly protruding from the upper surface, and a plurality of tabs extending from the upper surface that are arranged around the elongated element, thereby defining a dome. In an undeformed configuration of the cushioning element the tabs are upright, and there is a gap between the tabs and the elongated element, and in a deformed configuration of the cushioning element the tabs are each bent towards the elongated element and in abutment against it. The switching from the undeformed to the deformed causes the area of the bearing surface provided to the insole by each cushioning element to gradually increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Moretti Polegato, Livio Poloni
  • Patent number: 11877620
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a chassis and a cushioning arrangement. The chassis includes a recess formed between a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. The cushioning arrangement includes a first cushioning element protruding from the first surface and including a first plurality of lobes and a second cushioning element protruding from the second surface and including a second plurality of lobes contacting the first plurality of lobes. At least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element may include a fluid-filled bladder. A first side of each cushioning element includes a substantially planar base and a second side of each cushioning element includes the lobes formed on an opposite side from the base. The base of each cushioning element is attached to a respective one of the surfaces of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Zachary M. Elder, Jordyn Klumpp, Eric Y. Lee, Fiona L Lesecq, Damian R. Manspeaker, Roger Paul Murphy, Sebastian Tesche
  • Patent number: 11864631
    Abstract: A force dissipating device in a footwear appliance includes an actuator responsive to a displacement force from a shoe sole surface, and an elastic field of resilient, compressible material. The elastic field is elongated in a direction aligned with the displacement force, and an inclined surface is attached to the actuator and disposed against the elastic field. The actuator is adapted for movement parallel to the elastic field, while the inclined surface is oriented to compress the elastic field in a direction defined by the inclined surface. The inclined surface is oriented at an angle to compress the elastic field in a direction substantially perpendicular to vertical actuator displacement, thus providing a constant region of opposed, compressive force that is generally constant, rather than increasing with displacement distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Christopher A. Brown, James J. Muller, Julia A. Dunn, Alexander R. Alvarez, Kyle R. Mudge, Rachael Naoum
  • Patent number: 11849803
    Abstract: An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11805842
    Abstract: Presented are footwear sole structures with split midsole designs having peripheral walls for lateral stability, footwear fabricated with such sole structures, and methods for making/using such footwear and/or sole structures. A sole structure for an article of footwear includes mating first and second midsole sections each having a respective midsole sidewall that extends between and adjoins respective upper and lower midsole surfaces. The first midsole section's lower surface has a first waveform geometry, such as an anteroposterior-undulating curviform wave, and the second midsole section's upper surface has a complementary, mirrored waveform geometry that seats therein and intermeshes with the first waveform geometry. The second midsole section includes one or more peripheral walls that extend upward from the second sidewall; inboard surfaces of the peripheral wall(s) abut outboard surfaces the first sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Klein, Kort W. Neumann, IV, Bryan K. Youngs
  • Patent number: 11744322
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sole (1) of a shoe, particularly of an athletic shoe, wherein the sole (1) has an extension in a longitudinal direction (L) and an extension in a vertical direction (V) perpendicular thereto, wherein a number of recesses (2) is introduced into the sole (1), wherein the recesses (2) extend in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) and perpendicular to the vertical direction (V) and permeate the sole (1) at least in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignees: PUMA SE, MASSACHUETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Matthias Hartmann, Reinhold Sussmann, Federico Casalegno, Hunmin Koh, Yihyun Lim, Yasaman Tahouni, Will Walker
  • Patent number: 11744324
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear having a sole structure effective to increase traction on a support surface. The article of footwear includes a sole structure comprising a first sole structure and a second sole structure. The article of footwear includes a forefoot region, midfoot region, and hindfoot region. The first sole structure is disposed in the forefoot and hindfoot regions. The second sole structure is disposed in the midfoot region. An extension of the second sole structure that extends through the forefoot region is substantially covered by the first sole structure. A plurality of lugs extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the first sole structure. At least one lug extends downwardly from the extension of the second sole structure through the first sole structure. The first sole structure and the second sole structure have different durometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Glancy, Matthew Cougle, Kris deGrano, Ryan Olkowski
  • Patent number: 11737509
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side than the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region. A first cushioning element is attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and a second cushioning element is attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the heel region, the second cushioning element being separated from the first cushioning element by a first gap formed in a mid-foot region. One or more fluid-filled bladders are each at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and have a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Windra Fahmi, Erin Gleason, Jin Hong, Liao Kuang-Nan, Jaroslav J. Lupinek, Chloe Scott, Stuart D. Pollock
  • Patent number: 11696618
    Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having an elevated plate structure incorporated in the sole structure and optionally including a fluid-filled chamber. The elevated plate structure can include an upper plate and a plurality of legs extending downward toward the outsole. End portions of the legs can engage an upper region of the outsole. The elevated plate structure can form a cage region that can optionally include a fluid-filled chamber substantially disposed therein. The elevated plate structure can further include a lower plate disposed at an upper region of the outsole, which can form a lower portion of the cage region. Portions of the legs can be integrated with impact-attenuating members in the heel region in various configurations and can provide features for the impact-attenuating members, such as support, impact-attenuation and adjustable impact-attenuation features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: DeVonne DeVoe, Lee D. Peyton
  • Patent number: 11678720
    Abstract: A shock absorption shoe, having a sole and at least one shock absorption module each having an outer shell, an inner core, an air cushion cylinder and a bottom cover, and each being connected to an air tube. The inner core is sleeved into a cavity of the outer shell from the top. A position limiting structure is provided between the inner core and the cavity. The air cushion cylinder is sleeved within the cavity. The bottom cover covers the bottom of the cavity. The shoe has a bottom layer, a middle layer and a top layer; the middle layer contains at least one mounting hole for mounting the at least one shock absorption module. The air tube is in an air tube groove on the middle layer, and one end of which is connected to the air cushion cylinder while another end is connected with a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventor: Lahui Tang
  • Patent number: 11672304
    Abstract: Provided is a shoe sole, wherein ventilation grooves recessed in the thickness direction of the shoe sole are formed in the upper surface part, the shoe sole has a forefoot portion that has an air intake port formed in at least one of a medial side wall and a lateral side wall in the side wall part to be in communication with the ventilation grooves and draw air from outside into the ventilation grooves, the shoe sole has a midfoot portion that has an air outlet port formed in at least one of the medial side wall and the lateral side wall to be in communication with the air intake port through the ventilation grooves and discharge air in the ventilation groove to the outside, and at least a part of the ventilation grooves constitutes an air intake groove extending obliquely rearward from the air intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: ASICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanori Sakamoto, Kenta Moriyasu, Ayu Bessho, Takayuki Ueda, Kenta Nakaya, Masaki Nakahara
  • Patent number: 11666117
    Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a first chamber having a first segment extending along a first side of the bladder and a second segment formed on an opposite side of the bladder from the first segment. The bladder further includes a second chamber at least partially surrounded by the first chamber and disposed between the first segment and the second segment. A manifold is in direct fluid communication with each of the first segment of the first chamber, the second segment of the first chamber, and the second chamber. A web area connects each of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the manifold. The bladder may include a first series of ports formed in the first segment of the first chamber and a second series of ports formed in the second segment of the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Kristina Gerig
  • Patent number: 11659890
    Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure including a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid is described, along with a method of making the article. The chamber may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer. The tensile member may include a first tensile member layer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layer bonded to the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile member layer to the second tensile member layer. The second tensile member layer may include a first section and a second section separate from the first section. In addition, a portion of the second chamber barrier layer may extend toward the first tensile member layer between the first section and the second section, the portion being joined to the first tensile member layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Levi J. Patton
  • Patent number: 11639041
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are a process for producing an anti-gravity balance massage type buffer convection airbag and an airbag cushion. The production process comprises the steps of preparing materials, laminating, preparing an upper cushion body, preparing a lower cushion body, laminating the upper cushion body and the lower cushion body, and shaping to obtain a finished product. The production process and the airbag cushion can produce anti-gravity and buffer convection effects while increasing the force area, and have the effects of balance and massage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Dongguan Jiashuan Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peilin Cai
  • Patent number: 11633010
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an outsole defining a ground-contacting surface, a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a plate attached to the midsole and defining a recess extending in a direction away from the outsole and toward the upper, the recess including a first retainer. The sole structure further includes a first cushion having a first portion received within the recess, the first portion engaging the first retainer to maintain a desired position of the first cushion relative to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Bowman, Lee Gibson, Joël Ryp Greenspan, Dylan Petrenka
  • Patent number: 11607002
    Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe having an upper, a sole portion, and at least one pocket coupled to a rear portion of the upper and encapsulating a compressed medium that biases a topline of the shoe toward an uncollapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: FAST IP, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Cheney
  • Patent number: 11607010
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure within the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure within the heel region, a third segment extending from one of the first segment and the second segment and terminating at a distal end intermediate the first segment and the second segment, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first segment and the second segment. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Wesley K. Chan, Zachary M. Elder, Elizabeth Langvin, Lee D. Peyton
  • Patent number: 11553755
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: MIZUNO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro Yahata, Hiroshi Inohara, Shogo Matsui, Shin Hirai
  • Patent number: 11547177
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole connected to the upper, and an outsole connected to the midsole. The midsole includes a platform extending along a perimeter portion of the midsole and a lattice structure integrally formed with the platform, the lattice structure including a network of laths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Guyan, Kevin Fallon, Jason Berns
  • Patent number: 11523657
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). The fluid flow control system includes: (a) a manifold body defining an internal chamber; (b) at least a first port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; (c) at least a first valve (including a first valve activator) controlling fluid flow through the first port; and (d) a movable cam at least partially within the internal chamber. Valve activator surface(s) on the cam interact with the valve activator(s) to selectively open and close valve(s) based on cam positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer
  • Patent number: 11517075
    Abstract: A shoe sole member formed by a foam includes cells having a certain size and being excellent in transparency in order to provide a shoe sole member being lightweight and excellent cushioning properties while having transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: ASICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuro Tanabe, Junichiro Tateishi
  • Patent number: 11470908
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to three-dimensionally printed articles for use in footwear and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a closed-cell foam. The closed-cell foam may have a gradient in and/or may be a single integrated material. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a sensor. The use of such arrangements can, according to certain embodiments, allow for the production of improved articles of footwear and/or customized articles of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Kornit Digital Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Travis Alexander Busbee
  • Patent number: 11457693
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a midsole, an upper disposed above the midsole, and an outsole disposed below the midsole. The midsole includes a lattice structure having an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side is a user-facing side and the lower side is a ground-facing side. A first platform is integrally formed into the upper side of the lattice structure. A second platform is integrally formed into the lower side of the lattice structure. The lattice structure extends from the first platform to the second platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Guyan
  • Patent number: 11445784
    Abstract: A force absorbing device for a footwear appliance includes a shoe upper and a shoe sole having a planar sole surface, such that forces between the shoe upper and planar sole surface in ground contact are absorbed by force mitigation structures disposed in the shoe sole. A footwear article includes a split-sole system that redefines a shoe sole as coplanar surfaces having a force mitigating interface for receiving sudden forces and effectively mitigating these forces by storing kinetic energy and releasing it over time. An elastic field in the force mitigation structure is defined by a resilient material adapted to deform in response to the received force. Frictional engagement between the upper and lower sole may also be augmented by surface characteristics such as dimples, voids and lubricants, in addition to interference engagement with an elastic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Christopher A. Brown, James J. Muller, Winton Parker, Allysa Grant, Tristin J. Carlton, Nicholas Workman, Michael Doyle, Jessica Shelsky, Jessica K. Y. Cheu, Lorenzo Dube, Pedro D. Oporto, Olivia G. Steen, Andrew R. Vickery
  • Patent number: 11432613
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a load cell module configured to be insertedly disposed in shoes and a weight management service system using the same. The load cell module comprises: a main case (10) including a load cell accommodating space (11) projected upwardly at one side thereof and a circuit and battery accommodating space (12), which are formed therein; a load cell (20) accommodated in the load cell accommodating space (11); a main PCB (30) including a tilt sensor (31) and a transmission and reception unit (32), the main PCB being accommodated in the circuit and battery accommodating space 12; and a battery (40) accommodated in the circuit and battery accommodating space 12, whereby the load cell module is detachably mounted to a heel part (H) of a midsole (M) of a shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Si Hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 11425962
    Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a cushioning component defining an enclosed, fluid-filled chamber. The cushioning component has a top wall, a bottom wall, a medial side wall at a medial side of the article of footwear, and a lateral side wall at a lateral side of the article of footwear. The cushioning component includes a unitary outsole having a bottom portion, a medial side portion, and a lateral side portion. The bottom portion is bonded to the bottom wall, the medial side portion is bonded to the medial side wall, and the lateral side portion is bonded to the lateral side wall. A method of manufacturing includes disposing the first and second polymer sheets and the outsole in a mold assembly and thermally bonding the outsole to the second polymer sheet, and the first and second polymer sheets to one another to form a chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Brandon H. Workman
  • Patent number: 11382390
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper. The article of footwear also includes a cable lock disposed within the sole structure adjacent to a bottom surface of the sole structure. The article of footwear includes a first cable having a first section extending from the cable lock to a first anchor point on the upper and a second section extending from the cable lock to a second anchor point on the upper. The article of footwear further includes a second cable having a first section extending from the cable lock to a grip and a second section extending from the cable lock to the grip, whereby the cable lock is operable to retract the first section and the second section of the first cable when the first section and the second section of the second cable are extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: George Chiou, Ross Klein, Tate E. Kuerbis, Max Liu, Austin J. Orand, Nuryani K. Sulistyo, Harry Y. Sun
  • Patent number: 11369164
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a unitary, open-celled structure. Specifically, the sole assembly includes a lattice structure having an interconnected network of struts and nodes that cooperate to define voids. The struts and nodes are configured to generate predetermined support and flexure properties within the network. The lattice may be configured as a conformal lattice, being contoured to receive accessories or complementary support structures. The sole assembly may further include an insert formed of compression material (e.g., foam). In operation, the lattice and foam insert cooperate to provide stability and cushioning to the article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Guyan
  • Patent number: 11350877
    Abstract: A smart shoe, smart shoe system, and a method of a smart shoe are disclosed. A smart shoe system may be used for monitoring patient activity. The smart shoe system may include a shoe having a plurality of pneumatic pressure sensors. The pressure sensors may be configured to detect pressure at a plurality of points in the sole of the shoe. The smart shoe may also include a microprocessor coupled to the pressure sensors and a GPS integrated circuit. The GPS integrated circuit may be used for correlating position of the smart shoe system to activity data generated by the plurality of pressure sensors. Additionally, the smart shoe system may include a flash memory storage for storing data generated by the microprocessor and pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Wenlong Zhang, Julie Vuong, Zhi Qiao, Prudhvi Chinimilli
  • Patent number: 11344081
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Risha Dupre, Emily Farina, Lysandre Follet, Stefan E. Guest, Helene Hutchinson, Geng Luo, Rachel M. Savage, Krissy Yetman
  • Patent number: 11344080
    Abstract: An article of footwear is provided and includes an upper including a footbed and a sole attached to the upper, where the sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole includes a heel portion, a lateral side and a medial side, and a first member and a second member attached to the first member. The first member of the midsole has a sidewall that extends about a periphery of the midsole. The second member of the midsole has a sidewall that extends along the medial side around the heel portion and along the lateral side of the first member. A first portion of the outsole is attached to the first member and a second portion of the outsole is attached to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Deckers Outdoor Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Hillyer, Zack Paris, Kyle Pulli
  • Patent number: 11330863
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole and a midsole. The outsole has upper and lower surfaces. The midsole has a midsole lower surface that contacts the upper surface of the outsole. The midsole has at least one cavity located in a heel or a forefoot portion, which cavity opens to a midsole upper surface. A cushion is located in the cavity. The cushion includes resilient balls located in a resilient matrix material. The balls have a first durometer and the matrix material has a second durometer that is different than the first durometer. The midsole has a lower cavity in the lower surface of the midsole, which lower cavity is aligned with an opening in the outsole. Balls are located in the lower cavity. A retainer keeps the balls in the lower cavity and provides a visual indication of the balls in the lower cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: TWISTED X, INC.
    Inventors: Prasad Reddy, Tuan Le
  • Patent number: 11317675
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole attached to the upper, and an outsole. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed. The outsole has a ground-engaging surface, an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, and a wall extending from the ground-engaging surface and surrounding the outsole. The article of footwear also includes a casing containing particulate matter and having a length that is greater than a length of the outsole. The casing includes a first fold at a predetermined location along its length. The casing is received within a cavity bounded by the wall of the outsole and between the bottom surface and the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Scott C. Holt, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Cassidy R. Levy, Nicholas R. Long, Matthew C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 11311076
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure secured to an underside of the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole; a ground contacting outsole surface; and a cushioning system disposed between the midsole and the ground contacting outsole surface. The cushioning system includes a plate comprising an upper plate and a lower plate provided in a spaced relationship. The upper plate and lower plate are integrally connected at a posterior portion of the sole structure. A midfoot fluid-filled chamber is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate within the midfoot region, and a forefoot fluid-filled chamber is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate within the forefoot region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikita Troufanov, Rosa Kim
  • Patent number: 11297898
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The chamber includes subchambers laterally extending in a medial to lateral direction of the bladder. A bottom surface of the chamber may include at least one bond that laterally extends across the bottom surface of the chamber from one side edge to another side edge of the chamber in the medial to lateral direction. The bond may cooperate with an indentation in the bottom surface that separates one subchamber from an adjacent subchamber. A diameter of the subchambers may decrease in a direction from a heel region of the bladder to a forefoot region of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Dolan, Travis K. Ernst, Scott C. Holt, Lisa M. Hovey, Eric S. Schindler, Tamimu A. Shyllon
  • Patent number: 11297895
    Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate with a foot-facing surface with a recess disposed in the foot-facing surface. An insert plate is disposed in the recess. A length of the insert plate between anterior and posterior ends of the insert plate is less than a length of the recess. The insert plate flexes free of compressive loading by the sole plate when a forefoot portion of the sole assembly is dorsiflexed in a first portion of a flexion range, and operatively engages with the sole plate when the forefoot portion is dorsiflexed in a second portion of the flexion range that includes flex angles greater than in the first portion of the flexion range. The sole assembly is dorsiflexed, for example, when the forefoot portion is flexed in accordance with toes bending toward the top of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Bunnell, Bryan N. Farris, Austin Orand, Alison Sheets-Singer, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 11291268
    Abstract: A shoe, in particular a running shoe, may include an upper and a sole unit. The upper is attached to the sole unit such that in a midfoot region there is a gap between a lower side of the upper and a top side of the sole unit. The gap may extend from a lateral side of the shoe to a medial side of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Angus Wardlaw, Zachary Clinton Coonrod, James Tarrier, Heiko Schlarb, Paul Leonard Michael Smith, Warren Freeman
  • Patent number: 11291273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a shoe (1), in particular a sports shoe. In order to be able to produce the shoe economically and in the process to achieve a particularly good wearing comfort, the invention provides the steps of: a) Producing a shoe upper (2), wherein the shoe upper (2) has an upper region (3) that covers the upper region of the wearer's foot and a lower region (4) that encloses the sole of the wearer's foot; b) Producing a sole part (5), wherein the sole part (5) has a bottom region (6) and a lateral wall region (7), wherein the bottom region (6) and the wall region (7) delimit an upwardly open receiving space (8) for bulk material (9); c) Filling the receiving space (8) with a bulk material (9), wherein the bulk material consists at least in part, preferably entirely, of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE); d) Fastening the shoe upper (2) to the sole part (5) such that the lower region (4) of the shoe upper (2) comes to rest on the bulk material (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: PUMA SE
    Inventors: Matthias Hartmann, Romain Girard
  • Patent number: 11284666
    Abstract: A footwear cover that includes a sole portion that includes an inner layer and an outer layer that cooperate to define at least a first interior space therebetween, at least a first bladder member disposed in the first interior space, and an upper connected to the sole portion. The first bladder member defines a bladder interior that includes a non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein. The upper includes at least a first securement strap for securing the footwear cover in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: TATE TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Jenny T. Morgan, Gerard E. Morgan, III, Cody N. Gifford
  • Patent number: 11253025
    Abstract: A system and a method of asymmetric shock absorption and torsion cushioning for footwear. The asymmetric shock absorption system providing an upper plate attached to the upper section of the footwear and a lower plate attached to the lower section of the footwear. The upper plate may be in direct contact with or spaced apart from the lower plate. A flexible perimeter band extends around the entire perimeter of the sole of the footwear and permanently connects the upper section to the lower section of the footwear. The flexible perimeter band may have a low-profile and extend around only the perimeter of the upper and lower plates. The flexible perimeter band may wrap around one or more plate to provide for limited horizontal movement, e.g., lateral, longitudinal, or both lateral and longitudinal, between the upper section of the footwear and the lower section of the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Lee James Martin
  • Patent number: 11247425
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole including a polymeric bladder element enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity, a first outsole component secured to a bottom surface and to a side surface of the polymeric bladder element, and a second outsole component. The first outsole component includes a first base, and a wall integral with the first base. The second outsole component includes a second base secured to the first base, and a wall integral with the second base and secured to the outer surface of the wall of the first outsole component. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear includes thermoforming the bladder element and the first outsole component, and securing the second outsole component to the first outsole component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Frederick J. Dojan, Zachary M. Elder, Eric L. Fliss, Samuel Heinzman, Troy C. Lindner, Benjamin J. Monfils, Melanie N. Moteberg, Lee D. Peyton, Eric S. Schindler
  • Patent number: 11219270
    Abstract: A dual-layered midsole for footwear includes an internal midsole layer and an external midsole layer, which are coupled to and separated by a Strobel board. The internal midsole layer may compress and expand with the movement of a wearer of an article of footwear including the dual-layered midsole, while the external midsole may provide stability and cushion for the wearer. Materials selected for the internal and external midsole layers may provide tuned viscoelastic properties to different areas of the midsole as a function of midsole layer thickness at each sole area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: LULULEMON ATHLETICA CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Mark Arthur Oleson, Michael Andrew Notrica, Christopher Ka-Yin Lam, Michael Steszyn, Peter Andrew Hudson
  • Patent number: 11215257
    Abstract: A shock absorbing system for impact energy dissipation employs removable unitary cells of compressible members in communication with a reservoir and containing a first working fluid. Resilient structural members may be placed intermediate the compressible members to deform responsive to compression to provide both energy dissipation and resilient recovery of the compression cylinders to their uncompressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Kevin McDonnell
  • Patent number: 11166523
    Abstract: Foot support systems for articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices include a compressor or other gas source used to control gas pressure provided in one or more pressure adjustable fluid-filled bladders used to support a wearer's foot. Additional features relate to fluid flow control systems and methods that include a plurality of valves to control an inflation configuration for supplying gas to the one or more adjustable fluid filled bladders or a deflation configuration for releasing gas from the one or more adjustable fluid filled bladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Levi J. Patton
  • Patent number: 11166524
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a bladder system with a first bladder enclosing a first sealed chamber retaining fluid, and a second bladder overlying and bonded to the first bladder and enclosing a second sealed chamber isolated from the first sealed chamber and retaining fluid. The first bladder establishes a ground-facing surface and the second bladder establishes a foot-facing surface of the bladder system. The first bladder includes first domed pods extending at the ground-facing surface and at an upper surface of the first bladder, the first sealed chamber filling the first domed pods. The second bladder includes second domed pods and annular ring pods, the second domed pods and the annular ring pods extending at the lower surface of the second bladder and at the foot-facing surface, the second sealed chamber filling the second domed pods and the annular ring pods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Case, Zachary M. Elder, Dervin A. James, Lee D. Peyton
  • Patent number: 11147342
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow regulator and/or valve that: (a) can operate as a stop valve to stop transfer of fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, (b) can open in a controlled manner to allow transfer of fluid from the second fluid container to the first fluid container, (c) can open to equalize pressure in the first and second fluid containers, and (d) can act as a check valve to enable flow of fluid from the first fluid container to the second fluid container when/if gas pressure in the first container exceeds that in the second container by a predetermined amount. Additional features relate to fluid flow control systems and methods, systems and methods for changing and controlling the crack pressure of a valve (e.g., a check valve), and/or systems and methods for matching foot support pressure features in two different sole structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Timothy P. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 11096447
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a midsole assembly that includes a fluid-filled bladder element having a substantially arc-shaped heel portion and having a lateral arm portion and a medial arm portion spaced from the lateral arm portion. Each of the arm portions extend from the heel portion. The bladder element is configured to be positioned with the heel portion in the heel region of midsole assembly, and the arm portions extending from the heel region to a forefoot region along a peripheral region. A method of manufacturing and a mold assembly for such an article of footwear are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Margarita L. Cortez, Zachary M. Elder, Lee D. Peyton, Hector R. Quinonez
  • Patent number: 11093989
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing articles of footwear that includes steps of providing articles to a customer, receiving evaluations of one or more structural characteristics of the articles and making new customized articles for the customer based on the evaluations of one or more structural characteristics. The method can be conducted as a cycle that is repeated each time the customer buys a new pair of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, Shane S. Kohatsu, Bret Schoolmeester, Daniel T. Rowe