Patents by Inventor Gordon A. Valiant
Gordon A. Valiant has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11412812Abstract: A pair of sole plates for a complementary pair of articles of footwear may generally include a first article with a first sole plate and a second article with a second sole plate, where the first sole plate is asymmetrical with respect to the second sole plate. The first sole plate includes a first groove that extends along a first lateral side of the first sole plate, and the second sole plate includes a second groove that extends along a second medial side of the second sole plate. The asymmetry of first sole plate with respect to second sole plate may improve performance, flexibility, and agility during running and in particular, during athletic events along a curved track.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Leslie Barnes, Thomas G. Bell, Dustin Hatfield, John Hurd, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Gordon A. Valiant, Jay T. Worobets
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Publication number: 20200359740Abstract: A pair of sole plates for a complementary pair of articles of footwear may generally include a first article with a first sole plate and a second article with a second sole plate, where the first sole plate is asymmetrical with respect to the second sole plate. The first sole plate includes a first groove that extends along a first lateral side of the first sole plate, and the second sole plate includes a second groove that extends along a second medial side of the second sole plate. The asymmetry of first sole plate with respect to second sole plate may improve performance, flexibility, and agility during running and in particular, during athletic events along a curved track.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Leslie Barnes, Thomas G. Bell, Dustin Hatfield, John Hurd, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Gordon A. Valiant, Jay T. Worobets
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Patent number: 10750817Abstract: A pair of sole plates for a complementary pair of articles of footwear may generally include a first article with a first sole plate and a second article with a second sole plate, where the first sole plate is asymmetrical with respect to the second sole plate. The first sole plate includes a first groove that extends along a first lateral side of the first sole plate, and the second sole plate includes a second groove that extends along a second medial side of the second sole plate. The asymmetry of first sole plate with respect to second sole plate may improve performance, flexibility, and agility during running and in particular, during athletic events along a curved track.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Leslie Barnes, Thomas G. Bell, Dustin Hatfield, John Hurd, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Gordon A. Valiant, Jay T. Worobets
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Publication number: 20170196305Abstract: A pair of sole plates for a complementary pair of articles of footwear may generally include a first article with a first sole plate and a second article with a second sole plate, where the first sole plate is asymmetrical with respect to the second sole plate. The first sole plate includes a first groove that extends along a first lateral side of the first sole plate, and the second sole plate includes a second groove that extends along a second medial side of the second sole plate. The asymmetry of first sole plate with respect to second sole plate may improve performance, flexibility, and agility during running and in particular, during athletic events along a curved track.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2016Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventors: Leslie Barnes, Thomas G. Bell, Dustin Hatfield, John Hurd, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Gordon A. Valiant, Jay T. Worobets
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Patent number: 7013583Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, Kevin W. Hoffer, Sergio G. Lozano, Michael Martindale, Gordon A. Valiant
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Patent number: 6964120Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure that includes one or more support elements formed of a resilient, compressible material is disclosed. The lower surface of a support element located in the back-lateral corner of the sole structure includes a downward bevel in the lateral-to-medial direction and back-to-front direction. In addition to the downward bevel on the lower surface of the support element, a base plate and outsole include corresponding bevels. Cooperatively, the bevels reduce the rate of pronation in a foot of a wearer.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Mark Cartier, Sergio G. Lozano, Tony A. Bignell, Gordon A. Valiant
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Publication number: 20040221483Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure that includes one or more support elements formed of a resilient, compressible material is disclosed. The lower surface of a support element located in the back-lateral corner of the sole structure includes a downward bevel in the lateral-to-medial direction and back-to-front direction. In addition to the downward bevel on the lower surface of the support element, a base plate and outsole include corresponding bevels. Cooperatively, the bevels reduce the rate of pronation in a foot of a wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2001Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Mark Cartier, Sergio G. Lozano, Tony A. Bignell, Gordon A. Valiant
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Publication number: 20040123495Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, Kevin W. Hoffer, Sergio G. Lozano, Michael Martindale, Gordon A. Valiant
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Patent number: 6684532Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, Kevin W. Hoffer, Sergio G. Lozano, Michael Martindale, Gordon A. Valiant
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Publication number: 20030093920Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, Kevin W. Hoffer, Sergio G. Lozano, Michael Martindale, Gordon A. Valiant
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Patent number: 6055746Abstract: An athletic shoe has a sole with a rearfoot strike zone segmented from the remaining heel area by a line of flexion which permits articulation of the strike zone during initial heel strike of a runner. The line of flexion is located to delimit a rearfoot strike zone reflecting the heel to toe running style of the majority of the running population. In addition to allowing articulation of the rearfoot strike zone about the line of flexion, the sole incorporates cushioning elements, including a resilient gas filled bladder, to provide differential cushioning characteristics in different parts of the heel, to attenuate force applications and shock associated with heel strike, without degrading footwear stability during subsequent phases of the running cycle. The line of flexion may be formed by various means including a deep groove, a line of relatively flexible midsole material, and a relatively flexible portion of a segmented fluid bladder.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Lyden, Gordon A. Valiant, Robert J. Lucas, Michael T. Donaghu, David M. Forland, Joel L. Passke, Thomas McGuirk, Lester Q. Lee
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Patent number: 5661864Abstract: An improved last, and article of footwear derived therefrom, for providing improved function, fit, and comfort for use in various athletic activities, and in particular for running. The last has dimensions defined by a plurality of cross-sectional contours extending from proximate a proximal end of the heel portion to proximate a distal end of the forefoot portion. The last dimensions are in accordance with or proportional to the plurality of cross-sectional contours shown in FIGS. 13-97. The last is characterized by a natural shape to the top of the cone or island and an enlarged toe box.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Gordon A. Valiant, Stephen Michael Vincent, Perry W. Auger
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Patent number: 5625964Abstract: An athletic shoe has a sole with a rearfoot strike zone segmented from the remaining heel area by a line of flexion which permits articulation of the strike zone during initial heel strike of a runner. The line of flexion is located to delimit a rearfoot strike zone reflecting the heel to toe running style of the majority of the running population. In addition to allowing articulation of the rearfoot strike zone about the line of flexion, the sole incorporates cushioning elements, including a resilient gas filled bladder, to provide differential cushioning characteristics in different parts of the heel, to attenuate force applications and shock associated with heel strike, without degrading footwear stability during subsequent phases of the running cycle. The line of flexion may be formed by various ways including a deep groove, a line of relatively flexible midsole material, and a relatively flexible portion of a segmented fluid bladder.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Lyden, Gordon A. Valiant, Robert J. Lucas, Michael T. Donaghu, David M. Forland, Joel L. Passke, Thomas McGuirk, Lester Q. Lee
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Patent number: 5425184Abstract: An athletic shoe has a sole with a rearfoot strike zone segmented from the remaining heel area by a line of flexion which permits articulation of the strike zone during initial heel strike of a runner. The line of flexion is located to delimit a rearfoot strike zone reflecting the heel to toe running style of the majority of the running population. In addition to allowing articulation of the rearfoot strike zone about the line of flexion, the sole incorporates cushioning elements, including a resilient gas filled bladder, to provide differential cushioning characteristics in different parts of the heel, to attenuate force applications and shock associated with heel strike, without degrading footwear stability during subsequent phases of the running cycle. The line of flexion may be formed by various means including a deep groove, a line of relatively flexible midsole material, and a relatively flexible portion of a segmented fluid bladder.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Lyden, Gordon A. Valiant, Robert J. Lucas, Michael T. Donaghu, David M. Forland, Joel I. Passke, Thomas McGuirk, Lester Q. Lee
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Patent number: 5353523Abstract: The invention is directed to a midsole for a shoe including one or more foam columns disposed between an upper and a lower plate. One or more elastomeric foam elements are disposed between the upper and lower plates. The foam elements are made of a material such as microcellular polyurethane-elastomer based on a polyester-alcohol and naphthalene-diisocyanate (NDI). In one embodiment, the foam, elements have the shape of hollow cylindrical columns, and may include grooves formed on the exterior surface. One or more elastic rings are disposed about the columns and are removably disposable in the grooves, allowing the stiffness of the columns to be adjusted. In a further embodiment, inflatable gas bladders are disposed in the hollow regions.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1993Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Thomas McMahon, John C. Tawney, Gordon Valiant
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Patent number: 5343639Abstract: The invention is directed to a midsole for a shoe including one or more foam columns disposed between an upper and a lower plate. One or more elastomeric foam elements are disposed between the upper and lower plates. The foam elements are made of a material such as microcellular polyurethane-elastomer based on a polyester-alcohol and naphthalene-disocyanate (NDI). In one embodiment, the foam elements have the shape of hollow cylindrical columns, and may include grooves formed on the exterior surface. One or more elastic rings are disposed about the columns and are removably disposable in the grooves, allowing the stiffness of the columns to be adjusted. In a further embodiment, inflatable gas bladders are disposed in the hollow regions.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1993Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Thomas McMahon, John C. Tawney, Gordon Valiant
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Patent number: 5313718Abstract: There is disclosed an athletic shoe having grooves in a ground engaging surface of a sole formed concentrically about a pivot point in the ball portion and having traction projections in the form of bristles or columns embedded in the bottom of the grooves. Free ends of the traction projections protrude from the ground engaging surface whereby forces on the free ends of the traction projections perpendicular to the grooves, as when a player is accelerating, causes the projections to bend against the side walls of the grooves which thus support the projections against further bending with the free ends of the projections protruding from the outsole to provide traction. Forces on the free ends of the projections tangentially to the grooves, as when a player pivots, cause the projections to bend into or lay down in the grooves and thus offer little or no traction.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1993Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. McMahon, Gordon A. Valiant