Cushion Patents (Class 36/28)
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Patent number: 11147342Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Timothy P. Hopkins
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Patent number: 11096447Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Margarita L. Cortez, Zachary M. Elder, Lee D. Peyton, Hector R. Quinonez
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Patent number: 11093989Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, Shane S. Kohatsu, Bret Schoolmeester, Daniel T. Rowe
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Patent number: 11071344Abstract: An article of footwear includes a motorized tensioning system, sensors, and a gesture control system. Based on information received from one or more sensors the gesture control system may detect a prompting gesture and enters an armed mode for receiving further instructions. In the armed mode the system may detect a variety of different control gestures that correspond to different tensioning commands.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany B. Henrichot, Steven H. Walker
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Patent number: 11071349Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Nick S Frank, Dolores S. Thompson
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Patent number: 11064765Abstract: An air pad assembly for shoes includes a rear air pad and a front air pad which communicates with the rear air pad. The front air pad includes a release valve and an inlet. A first tube is connected between the inlet of the front air pad and a first one-way valve of the rear air pad. When the rear air pad is compressed, air in the rear air pad flows into the front air pad. The air in the front air pad releases from the release valve gradually so as to prevent the front air pad from being overly inflated to compress the wearer's foot between the front end of the vamp and the front air pad.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Inventor: Chih-Fang Lo
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Patent number: 11051582Abstract: 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 fluid-filled segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure within the heel region, a second fluid-filled segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure within the heel region, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Case, Zachary M. Elder, Nathan A. Jacobsen, Roger Paul Murphy, Lee D. Peyton
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Patent number: 11039660Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and a nest formed as a bag filled with one or more gasses located between the first plate and the second plate. The shoe may further include one or more springs located in cavities in the gas filled nest for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. Pods may be located within the openings in the center of the springs, and the pods may be filled with one or more gasses. The pods may protrude from a bottom or a top surface of the nest. Spring sandwiches including one or more springs positioned between plates may be constructed and placed in various portions of a shoe. The shoe may also include piping with lights.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Athletic Propulsion Labs LLCInventors: Mark Goldston, Adam Goldston, Ryan Goldston
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Patent number: 11039661Abstract: Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system. Such systems may include: a foot support bladder, a pump, and a fluid reservoir. Two or more fluid transfer lines may be provided to connect these components, and these fluid lines are equipped with fluid flow control device(s) and/or check valves to enable selective movement of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the foot support bladder. Such systems enable one to set and maintain two or more foot support pressures in the foot support bladder.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Timothy P. Hopkins
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Patent number: 11039655Abstract: A breathable shoe, including an outsole arranged below a structural insert that is at least partially breathable, and below an upper. The outsole is at least partially breathable, including at least one sheet-like breathable element defined by a plurality of granules made of expanded material and having a uniform size, arranged in a substantially ordered manner and between which there are voids that form one or more channels through the breathable element that are permeable to air and/or vapor.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2016Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: GEOX S.P.A.Inventors: Mario Polegato Moretti, Livio Poloni, Mirco Bergamin
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Patent number: 10993503Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the modulation of appearance or material properties within items of apparel or equipment. Also provided herein are design articles having alterable designs.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Inventors: Nicole Justis Truitt, Benjamin David Sullivan, Zeyad Moussa, Daniel Kincade
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Patent number: 10986891Abstract: A shoe includes a sole and an upper secured to the sole. The sole has an outsole, a molded chassis, a forefoot cushion, and a heel cushion. The medial midfoot region of the outsole is devoid of the outsole such that the chassis member is visible as viewed in a bottom plan view. The molded chassis has a forefoot opening and a heel opening, with both the forefoot opening and the heel opening being through openings extending through the molded chassis. The forefoot opening is in one or more of the toe region and the ball region of the sole, and the heel opening is in the heel region of the sole. The forefoot cushion is in the forefoot opening, and the heel cushion is in the heel opening. The molded chassis is coupled to the outsole and coupled to the upper.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: COLE HAAN LLCInventors: Jeffrey Mokos, Caroline Swierszczyk, Brett Brown, Mathew Chapdelaine, Scott Patt
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Patent number: 10980314Abstract: A sole structure may include chambers and a transfer channel containing an electrorheological fluid. Electrodes may be positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the electrorheological fluid in the transfer channel. The sole structure may further include a controller including a processor and memory. At least one of the processor and memory may store instructions executable by the processor to perform operations that include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-inhibiting levels at which flow of the electrorheological fluid the through the transfer channel is blocked, and that further include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-enabling levels permitting flow of the electrorheological fluid through the transfer channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Raymond L. Nicoli, Rolando Pausal
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Patent number: 10952489Abstract: A sports shoe includes an upper wherein a majority by weight of the upper is made from a thermoplastic base material and a sole wherein a majority by weight of the sole is made from the same thermoplastic base material. The sole and the upper are individually fabricated and joined to each other. The thermoplastic base material includes at least one of the following materials: thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, polyamide PA, polyethylene terephthalate PET, or polybutylene terephthalate PBT.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: adidas AGInventors: Marco Kormann, Christopher Edward Holmes, Brian Hoying, Adam Martin Brundage
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Patent number: 10945489Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first plate, a fluid-filled bladder supported on the first plate, and a second plate supported on the fluid-filled bladder with the fluid-filled bladder disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate ascends rearward of the fluid-filled bladder and the second plate descends rearward of the fluid-filled bladder with a posterior portion of the first plate above a posterior portion of the second plate rearward of the fluid-filled bladder. A method of manufacturing footwear sole structures includes assembling sole structures for plural ranges of footwear sizes, each of the sole structures including a fluid-filled bladder with a predetermined inflation pressure that is different for at least two of the plural ranges.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bryan P. Conrad, Ross Klein, Troy C. Lindner, Bryan R. Picco, Jeffrey George Rasmussen, Bryan K. Youngs
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Patent number: 10925348Abstract: An insulating shoe insert including a core layer formed of a cellular material, and a top layer and a bottom layer bonded to opposing sides of the core layer, respectively, the top layer and the bottom layer being configured as thin sheets of aromatic polyamide material such that the top layer and bottom layer cooperate with the core layer to create a heat transfer resistance sufficient to resist transfer of heat through the core layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Inventors: Leanne Gregg, Russell Bryan Gregg
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Patent number: 10897958Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Lee D. Peyton, DeVonne DeVoe
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Patent number: 10888137Abstract: Sole for footwear that includes configurations that improve the cushioning in a user's tread with respect to known soles, comprising a lower layer and a side wall, the lower layer comprising a front part, a middle part and a rear part; in at least one portion of the front or rear part of the lower layer there are at least two protrusions, each arranged and extended transversely to the longitudinal axis of the sole and each of them comprising a first segment in contact with the lower tread and a second segment; between the side ends of each protrusion and the side wall there is a first separation that allows the full bending of each protrusion, the second segment being inclined with respect to the first segment; between two adjacent protrusions there is a second separation so that the second segment rests at least partly on the adjacent protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Inventor: Jose M. Izquieta Anaut
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Patent number: 10881167Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe midsole structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The shoe midsole has unique hollow particle units that may be additively manufactured without any support structure. Each of the hollow particle units has a specific thickness and a hollow interior. A housing layer of each of the hollow particle units has a plurality of openings, a plurality of planar annular portions surrounding each of the openings, and a plurality of curved portions connecting adjacent planar annular portions. The plurality of openings are disposed in pair on the housing layer symmetrically with respect to the geometric centroid of the hollow particle units. A plurality of hollow particle units are arranged into a multi-laminate structure in the shoe midsole. Some hollow particle units are bent when a compression force or a shearing force is applied during use.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Inventor: Jeng-Ywan Jeng
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Patent number: 10856611Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Karen S. Dimoff, Emily Farina, Joel Ryp Greenspan, Stefan E. Guest, Derek Haight, Olivier Henrichot, Helene Hutchinson, Geng Luo, Krissy Yetman
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Patent number: 10842225Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article includes applying a colored medium on a first polymeric sheet to establish an image on the first polymeric sheet. The method further comprises forming a fluid-filled bladder element at least partially from the first polymeric sheet, and assembling the fluid-filled bladder element in the article so that a first portion of the fluid-filled bladder element having the image is exposed to view, and a second portion of the fluid-filled bladder element is blocked from view by the article. An article comprises a fluid-filled bladder element at least partially formed from a first polymeric sheet, and a colored medium establishing an image on the first polymeric sheet. A first portion of the fluid-filled bladder element having the image is exposed to view, and a second portion of the fluid-filled bladder element is blocked from view by the article.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yihua Chang, Taryn Hensley, Dervin A. James, Danielle L. Taylor
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Patent number: 10791795Abstract: An article comprises a cushioning assembly that comprises a first bladder element forming a first fluid chamber. The cushioning assembly further comprises a second bladder element within the first bladder element. The second bladder element forms a second fluid chamber sealed from and within the first fluid chamber. At least one reinforcement element is operatively connected to and in contact with at least one of the first bladder element and the second bladder element. The at least one reinforcement element is configured to reinforce the cushioning assembly under a load applied to the first bladder element. A method of manufacturing an article with the cushioning assembly is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Zachary M. Elder, Benjamin J. Monfils
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Patent number: 10751594Abstract: A skate spinner comprises a platform configured for a user's foot to be placed thereon, and a support unit forming a lower part of the platform contacting a ground surface and having a curved protruded surface starting from a front end to a rear end thereof. The support unit includes plates each having a thickness equal to at least a thickness of an ice-skate blade and being aligned in a lateral direction of the skate spinner at a predetermined distance. An overall bottom surface of the plates contacting the ground surface has a spherical surface outline.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Inventor: Chang Ju Lee
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Patent number: 10750820Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole member connected to upper. The sole member includes a plurality of tubular structures. Each of the plurality of tubular structures is at least partially filled with a loose granular material.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.Inventor: Alan Guyan
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Patent number: 10743613Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear has a sole plate with a foot-facing surface. A piston is disposed on the sole plate at the foot-facing surface. The sole structure includes a cushioning system disposed on the sole plate. The cushioning system has a variable cushioning characteristic, such as hardness or viscosity. The piston deforms the cushioning system and the variable cushioning characteristic varies in response to dorsiflexion of the sole plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Austin Orand, Aaron B. Weast
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Patent number: 10743612Abstract: A midsole structure for a shoe not only maintains stability at the time of impacting the ground and improves cushioning property but also eliminates discomfort to a foot sole and improves ride feeling during running. The midsole structure (1) comprises at least two midsoles provided at a heel region of the shoe and having a hardness difference. On opposite sides of the heel region, an upper midsole (2) of a greater hardness has a thickness greater than a thickness of a lower midsole (3) of a smaller hardness. In a central part of the heel region, the lower midsole (3) of a smaller hardness has a thickness greater than a thickness of the upper midsole (2) of a greater hardness. Boundary surfaces (2B, 3A) between the upper midsole (2) and the lower midsole (3) do not appear on a top surface of the midsole structure (1) (that is, a foot sole contact surface (2A) of the upper midsole (2)).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Mizuno CorporationInventors: Kazunori Iuchi, Tatsuya Dazai, Yoshitaka Takahashi, Takeshi Takeshita
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Patent number: 10737048Abstract: Disclosed is a spring arrangement for elastically supporting a patient interface on a patient, wherein a spring body is provided, said spring body having a base structure, which is connected to the patient interface via connecting elements, wherein, starting from the base structure, inner walls and outer walls are arranged in an inclined state in relation to an axis extending in the spring direction, and wherein the walls, at least in part, form a honeycomb structure, and having a bearing surface, at least part of which extends parallel to the base structure, wherein the bearing surface is spaced apart from the base structure by at least two honeycomb structures.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: LOWENSTEIN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY S.A.Inventors: Arnold Frerichs, Joachim Gardein
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Patent number: 10709197Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear and a method of making the sole structure is disclosed. The sole structure can include an outsole and a midsole. The midsole includes a cavity with a protruding portion. A U-shaped or L-shaped transparent member is configured to cover the cavity so that the protruding portion remains visible from within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Craig K. Sills
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Patent number: 10702012Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.Inventor: Alan Guyan
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Patent number: 10694810Abstract: Articles of footwear including a midsole having a winding wrapped around at least a portion of the midsole. A midsole may include a core and a winding wrapped around the core to form a plurality of loops. Each loop of the winding may include a portion extending across a top surface of the core and a portion extending across a bottom surface of the core. The loops of the winding may protrude from the top surface of the core and/or the bottom surface of the core. Methods of making a midsole having a winding are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Reebok International LimitedInventors: Paul Davis, Frank Millette, Henry L. Hardigan, III, Oleg Kamenetsky, Dennis Gaboriault
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Patent number: 10674789Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having a first side with a first surface and a second side with a second surface. The first side has recesses extending toward the second side without extending to the second surface. A thickness of the midsole between the second side and a deepest extent of each of the recesses may be substantially uniform. Spacing of the recesses may correspond to a foot pressure map. The midsole may be a foam material that has a first density in a first portion along the first surface and a second density less than the first density in a second portion adjacent the first portion. A method of forming the midsole includes providing such recesses in the midsole such as by molding the midsole, and controlling a temperature of mold tools to achieve the first density in the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Scott C. Holt
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Patent number: 10674788Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a second series of projection extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a quantity of particulate matter disposed within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Nicholas R. Long, Aaron K. Seid
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Patent number: 10675828Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 10667573Abstract: The ventilative sole structure includes a sole, a first one-way valve, and a second one-way valve. The sole's heel portion includes a hollow chamber inside and a bottom piece beneath the chamber. The first one-way valve is configured on a circumferential wall of the chamber. The second one-way valve is configured between a tread portion of the sole and the chamber. When a user wears a shoe with the ventilative sole structure, air enters the chamber through the first one-way valve when the user raises his/her feet, and air is released from the chamber through the second one-way valve towards the tread portion when the user treads on the ground and compresses the chamber, thereby enhancing ventilation and removing odor of the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: DRKAO INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Ming-Chun Kao, Sheng-Chiang Kao
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Patent number: 10645994Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear has a first portion having a lower ground engaging surface, an upper surface, and a recess formed in the upper surface. A second portion is seated in the recess in the first portion and has an upper surface. The second portion is formed from a first foam material prepared by a reaction product of a composition having about 10 to about 100 phr of a hydrogenated copolymer and about 10 to about 90 phr of a copolymer of ethlylene and an alpha olefin, the alpha olefin having up to 20 carbon atoms. The first foam material has a hardness of 25 to 45 Asker C and a density of less than 0.18 g/cm3.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Daniel Despain, Kevin W. Hoffer, David Patrick Jones, Denis Schiller, Sui-Chieh Yu
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Patent number: 10624417Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Brandon H. Workman
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Patent number: 10617172Abstract: An article of footwear that is adjustable so as to optimize the pressure distribution and pressure equalization on the foot surfaces. The footwear is configured to adjust to a user's anatomy so as to optimize pressure distribution and equalization on the foot, where the footwear is capable of adjusting the pressure distribution on the foot substantially in real time.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Inventor: Sabi Cohen
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Patent number: 10602801Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable footwear system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear before and after the footwear is received on the foot. An extensor system is activated to open or close a cavity of the footwear between the upper and an insole. The extensor system can provide loosen the footwear to the foot.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: COMPUGLOBALHYPERMEGANET LLCInventor: Christopher Anthony Silva
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Patent number: 10595584Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable footwear system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear before and after the footwear is received on the foot. The footwear is, in its initial form, tightest on the inner cavity with an upper comprised of one or more elastic materials. An extensor system is activated to create a rigid infra-structure to open a cavity of the footwear between the upper and an insole. A decrease of pressure in the extensor system decreases the cavity volume and allows for the elastic upper to apply pressure to the foot.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Inventor: Christopher Anthony Silva
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Patent number: 10595588Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes one or more outsole portions. At least some of these outsole portions include a plurality of alternating upward-facing and downward-facing elongate channels. The channels may have a base and two sidewalls, with adjacent channels sharing a common sidewall. The bases of the downward-facing channels form an upper surface of the outsole portion and the bases of the upward-facing channels form a lower surface of the outsole portion. The sidewalls are arranged at non-perpendicular angles to the upper surface. A first outsole portion has a pressure-versus-strain curve having a local maximum at a “trip point” pressure value and a first strain value and wherein the pressure-versus-strain curve has a change in strain of at least approximately 10% before a second occurrence of the “trip point” pressure value is reached. An article of footwear having the sole structure attached to an upper is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Margarita L. Cortez, Fred G. Fagergren, Klaas P. Hazenberg, Eric S. Schindler, Camden D. Stanke
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Patent number: 10595748Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing user feedback regarding compliance with a set of partial weight bearing (PWB) criteria are described. A computer system receives force data from a non-compressible force transmitter that is assigned to a user, and accesses the force data received from the non-compressible force transmitter to determine whether the user is within a predefined pressure compliance range. The pressure compliance range specifies a prescribed range of pressure that is to be applied during a PWB period. The computer system then receives a compliance data request from the user or the user's physician and communicates compliance data representing the user's compliance with the prescribed range of pressure during the PWB period to the user and/or the user's physician.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: The University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: Erik N. Kubiak, Kylee North, Tomasz Petelenz, Robert W. Hitchcock
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Patent number: 10582740Abstract: The disclosed method provides a way to manufacture a style of an article of footwear in bulk, while providing customization for heel stability for individual customers. Moreover, the disclosed method provides a way to customize articles of footwear for a customer on an ongoing basis, such that the heel stability of the articles of footwear is refined until a tailored fit is achieved for the same customer. Generally, the method may include providing a user/customer with an article of footwear, getting evaluation information about the stability of the article of footwear from a survey (e.g., asking the user to rate the stability of the article of footwear in a smartphone app), modifying the next article of footwear provided to the user/customer according to the evaluation information, and iterating through this process to give the user an article optimized for stability.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, Shane S. Kohatsu, Bret Schoolmeester, Daniel T. Rowe
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Patent number: 10575587Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: UNDER ARMOUR, INC.Inventor: Alan Guyan
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Patent number: 10575586Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole connected to the upper, and an outsole connected to the midsole. The midsole includes a lattice structure comprising a network of laths forming a plurality of cell units, the plurality of cell units arranged in a plurality of layers on the midsole. The midsole defines at least a first zone and a second zone wherein each cell unit in the first zone has a physical property that is substantially different from a cell unit in the second zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.Inventors: Alan Guyan, Jason Berns, Kevin Fallon
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Patent number: 10537151Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a customized cushioning sole system. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member. The sole member can include a column of apertures that are formed along the outer surface of the sole member.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Shane S. Kohatsu, Christopher S. Cook, Bret Schoolmeester
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Patent number: 10524536Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Dennis D. Bunnell, Bryan N. Farris, Austin Orand, Alison Sheets-Singer, Aaron B. Weast
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Patent number: 10512299Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with compliant components. The sole structure includes a sole plate, inner sole structure and lasting board. The inner sole structure is placed in between the sole plate and lasting board. The inner sole structure provides complaint components that protrude through the sole plate towards a ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Caleb W. Dyer
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Patent number: 10470519Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The sole includes a platform and a lattice. The platform includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The lattice extends from the second surface of the platform. The lattice includes a plurality of laths forming a plurality of complete cell units and a plurality of incomplete cell units. Each lath has a longitudinal structure with a longitudinal axis and two ends. Each complete cell unit is defined by a plurality of complete laths and no incomplete laths. Each of the complete laths extends between two vertices of the complete cell unit. Each incomplete cell unit is defined by at least one incomplete lath. Each incomplete lath extends from one vertices and terminates without extending to another vertices.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.Inventors: Alan Guyan, Jason Berns, Kevin Fallon
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Patent number: 10470520Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.Inventors: Alan Guyan, Jason Berns, Kevin Fallon
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Patent number: 10455895Abstract: A sole structure of an article of footwear includes a foam element and a non-foam element with different compressibilities. The foam element is positioned adjacent to the non-foam element. The non-foam element may define a plurality of apertures, with ends of at least a portion of the apertures being located adjacent to a lower area of the foam element. The non-foam element may also form a protrusion that may be located in a central area of the non-foam element and extends into the foam element. In addition, a portion of the non-foam element that forms a side of the sole structure may define an indentation.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Mario A. Lafortune