Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear is disclosed. The upper can include a plurality of layers, such as an inner layer, a middle knit layer, and an outer layer. Each of the plurality of layers can provide different functionalities to the upper. The combination of the inner layer, middle knit layer, and the outer layer can be effective at transferring a load from the underfoot region to a position above the biteline.
Abstract: This disclosure is directed to articles of footwear with adjustable dimensions. More specifically, the articles of footwear disclosed herein include sole structures with adjustable dimensions. In some instances, an article of footwear includes one or more removable insert members configured for adjusting the dimensions of a foot-receiving cavity of the article of footwear. Additionally or alternatively, a sole structure can include one or more flexible portions that can move between compressed and expanded states to accommodate feet of various dimensions. To accommodate the adjustable dimensions of the sole structures, an upper of the article of footwear can be stretchable.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 6, 2021
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2024
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Ami M. Davis, Daniel J. Gearhardt, Michelle Haines, George S. Kim, Ryan J. Maddox, Austin J. Orand, Richard S. Ramsay, Sarah E. Sowers, Peter P. Williams, II, Patrick D. Boyd
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.
Abstract: In an example, a lacing engine apparatus can include a housing and a drivetrain. The housing can be securable within a footwear article. The drivetrain can include a motor, a sun gear, a planet gear, a rotating ring gear, and a spool. The spool can be secured to the ring gear and can be rotatable therewith. The spool can be configured to control a lace of the footwear article and can be configured to wind the lace as the ring gear rotates in a first direction.
Abstract: Stitching is applied to a shoe or shoe component and then printed. The stitching may be formed from a continuous thread. After printing, a portion of the continuous thread may have a different color or appearance from other portion(s) of the continuous thread.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 17, 2020
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2024
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Kassio Figur, Bruce J. Kilgore, Christina M. Wood
Abstract: An article of footwear and related method includes a midsole, an upper secured with respect to the midsole, and a lace extending through the upper. A motorized lacing system positioned within the midsole, configured to engage with the lace to increase and decrease tension on the lace. The motorized lacing system includes a motor, including a motor shaft, a spool, coupled to the motor shaft, configured to spool and unspool the lace based on the turning of the motor shaft, a processor circuit, and an optical encoder. The optical encoder comprises a three-dimensional encoder defining a major axis and having a surface having a first plurality of segments positioned between a second plurality of segments, and an optical sensor, positioned within optical range of the cylindrical encoder, configured to output a signal to the processor circuit indicative of a detected one of a first and second plurality of segments.