Sole-attaching Means Patents (Class 36/12)
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Patent number: 11766087Abstract: A footwear article is provided herein. The footwear article may include a sole coupled to a cord structure. The cord structure may include interconnected bights in a vamp cord and a rand cord forming a loop line extending along at least a portion of the footwear article.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Fuerst Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Aveni, John Tawney, Rory Fuerst
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Patent number: 11596197Abstract: Provided in the present disclosure is an outsole including a sheet body which includes a substrate sheet and an injection molded article fixed to the substrate sheet, and a shoe that has the injection molded article having a certain melt viscosity and thereby being excellent in grip performance and long-term durability.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: ASICS CORPORATIONInventors: Yusuke Nishiura, Junichiro Tateishi
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Patent number: 11284672Abstract: A method of forming and shaping a waterproof and moisture permeable shoe upper includes disposing a shoe upper and a waterproof and moisture permeable film on a shoe last, wherein at least one of the shoe upper and the waterproof and moisture permeable film includes microwave treatable material, and heating the shoe last with the shoe upper and the waterproof and moisture permeable film thereon by microwave, so that the shoe upper and the waterproof and moisture permeable film are combined by the microwave treatable material and shaped to form the waterproof and moisture permeable shoe upper after cooling.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: SHENG LONG MATERIAL TECH. LTD. (WS)Inventor: Chin-Hsun Hsiao
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Patent number: 11160326Abstract: Footwear including a sole and an upper, wherein the sole includes a bottom surface, suitable for contacting the ground during use, and a sidewall that extends from the bottom surface and is placed at the outer periphery of the sole, wherein the upper is removable attachable to the sole whereby obtaining the footwear. The present invention further discloses a method for assembling the footwear.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: VIBRAM S.P.A.Inventor: Marco Bramani
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Patent number: 10804440Abstract: An adhesive layer is disclosed and may include a plurality of short chain molecules, each of the plurality of the short chain molecules including a first end and a second end such that the distance between the first end and second end is less than 100 nm and such that first end is configured to attach to a first surface and the second end is configured to attach to a second surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Lumileds Holding B.V.Inventors: Venkata Ananth Tamma, Kentaro Shimizu, Vernon K Wong
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Patent number: 10716354Abstract: In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a midsole while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the midsole. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a plate while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the plate. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a unitary braided component that includes a first layer and a second layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.Inventors: Craig Santos, John Acevedo, Thomas White
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Patent number: 10285470Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear defines a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slope at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Erez Morag, Blake Rhulen, Daniel T. Mackey, Ty A. Ransom, Martine I. V. Mientjes
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Patent number: 10206450Abstract: A customizable flip flop includes a colored sole: a quick release fastener; a “thong” formed as a post having a bottom portion fixedly secured to the sole, and an upper portion formed with a receptacle to releasably secure the fastener thereto; and first and second straps. A first end of each strap is secured to a respective side at the rear of the sole. A second end of each strap comprises a ring that is received upon the shaft of the fastener, to releasably secure the straps' second ends to the post. Between each of its ends, the straps may be formed as a tube. Prior to securing the rings of each strap to the post, a plurality of colored plastic loops or rubber bands are received on each strap/tube, to customize coloring of the straps as desired, and to provide added comfort to the top of the wearer's foot.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Inventor: Pavel Krastev
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Patent number: 10130142Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is attached to the sole structure. The upper includes a forefoot region that is configured to receive a plurality of toes of a foot. The upper includes a first zone having a first elasticity, a second zone having a second elasticity, and a third zone having a third elasticity. The third zone is disposed between the first zone and the second zone. The third elasticity is greater than the first elasticity and the second elasticity. The third zone is configured to bias the first zone and the second zone toward each other. The third zone is biased generally toward the sole structure and configured to be received in a space located between two of the plurality of toes of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Adrian Meir
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Patent number: 9572399Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slope at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Erez Morag, Blake Rhulen, Daniel T. Mackey, Ty A. Ransom, Martine I. V. Mientjes
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Patent number: 9565895Abstract: An article of footwear has a molded outsole which contains a resilient midsole located in the cavity of the outsole and a footbed cover which has a stretch material layer affixed to the outsole and provides a stretch zone. The stretch zone allows the footbed cover to work in conjunction with the resilient midsole to absorb shock upon heel strike or other compression of the midsole to increase comfort. Preferably, the midsole has sections of different hardness in the heel area and the forefoot area.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: C & J CLARK INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDInventor: Richard Byrne
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Patent number: 9486037Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber. The chamber may be bonded to other portions of the sole to secure the chamber within the sole. A surface of the chamber may also be angled to form a corresponding bevel in a lower surface of the sole structure, potentially in a rear-lateral area of the sole structure. A plate may also extend under a portion of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, Bryan N. Farris, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Steven F. Smith, Paul VanDomelen
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Patent number: 9107474Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Olivier Henrichot, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta
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Patent number: 9044058Abstract: An article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The method includes folding the article of footwear from a flat configuration and attaching top and bottom lateral edges to form the article of footwear. A kit of parts containing an article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a set of instructions is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Michael R. Friton
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Patent number: 8943707Abstract: An assembly insole impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor, with a structure including a membrane impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor and arranged in an upward region, and a supporting layer arranged below the membrane, made of a material resistant to hydrolysis and vapor-permeable or diffusely perforated, and capable of acting as a support for the foot, as a manufacturing base for the shoe, as an element for protecting the membrane against the penetration of blunt objects, and of withstanding the stresses induced in the shoe during use. The membrane and the supporting layer are mutually joined so as to make, as a whole, the assembly insole impermeable to the passage of water and not compromise the vapor permeability of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
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Patent number: 8839530Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A lasting element is secured to the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge. The lasting element includes a barrier and a tensile member located within the barrier, the tensile member being secured to opposite sides of the barrier. In addition, a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to at least one of the upper and the lasting element.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Smith, Tiffany A. Beers, Joshua P. Heard, Taryn M. Hensley, Klaas P. Hazenberg
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Publication number: 20140259741Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing an upper and an insole of the article of footwear, connecting the upper to the insole to provide a combined upper and insole having a foot-receiving chamber and a footbed-receiving opening, providing a unitary combined sole and footbed of the article of footwear, the unitary combined sole and footbed including at least a portion of a sole having an upper surface, a first portion of a footbed connected to the portion of the sole, and a second portion of the footbed connected to the first portion of the footbed, the second portion of the footbed having a lower surface detached from the upper surface of the portion of the sole, passing the second portion of the footbed through the footbed-receiving opening and into the foot-receiving chamber, and securing the insole to the portion of the sole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Chengkou KUE
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Publication number: 20140230271Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein the invention comprises: a shoe upper; a bottom sole for blocking the lower part of the shoe upper; and a sole cover which is extended from the lower part of the upper of the shoe, and enhance the circumference of a sole, wherein an edge of the bottom sole and a lower edge of the sole cover are connected along a lower edge of the upper of the shoe by backstitching, the sole is attached to a lower side of the bottom sole, the sole cover is turned inside out to face the sole such that the sole cover is attached to enclose an outer surface and a lower edge of the sole, and a window is attached to a lower side of the sole including the end of the sole cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventor: Jong-guk LEE
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Patent number: 8806688Abstract: Footwear includes an upper, a sole, and a thread. The upper has upper holes around the upper peripheral. The sole has a lip portion on the sole peripheral lip portion has sole holes around the sole peripheral. The thread attaches the upper and the sole through the upper holes and the sole holes, and forms a set of stitches. A ripple is formed between two sets of stitches and the thread is embedded in the lip portion between the ripples. Each stitch goes through a first upper hole and enters the sole hole of the lip portion, such that the thread forms an angled stitch on the lip portion. The thread then goes through a second upper hole and exits from a third upper hole, such that the thread forms a horizontal stitch on the inside of the footwear.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Pediped Infant Footwear LLCInventors: Angela Edgeworth, Brian Edgeworth
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Publication number: 20140223781Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe sole device comprising two superposed chassis articulated relative to one another. For preference, movement-absorbing means, which notably absorb pivoting movements of the chassis relative to one another are provided. The invention also covers a shoe having such a shoe sole device and an assembly rig for manufacturing such a shoe.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventor: Christian Colin
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Patent number: 8789292Abstract: Footwear assemblies including reinforced insole portions and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes an upper coupled to an insole. The insole includes a first surface opposite a second surface. The first surface is configured to face a user's foot when inserted in the upper. The upper at least partially wraps around and is stitched directly to the second surface of the insole. The footwear assembly further includes a midsole adjacent to the second surface of the insole, and an outsole adjacent to the midsole.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: LaCrosse Footware, Inc.Inventors: John W. Ludemann, Michael K. Buzon, Aaron Barker
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Patent number: 8745893Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper forming an interior portion for a foot, the interior portion including toe and heel cavities, is provided. The shoe further comprises a midsole having toe and heel ends and inner and outer sides. The midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion. Heel and toe outsole patches are respectively stitched onto the midsole. An insole is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion. A spacing between the heel and toe outsole patches extends from the inner to the outer side and occupies a position intermediate the toe and heel ends thereby permitting the shoe to fold about an axis running through the spacing. The shoe folds between an extended state, in which the shoe is worn, and a folded state in which a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Gavrieli Brands LLCInventors: Kfir Gavrieli, Dikla Gavrieli
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Patent number: 8720083Abstract: A waterproof vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper part that delimits a foot insertion region; a sole, made mainly of plastic material, provided with at least one region which is diffusely perforated with through holes in the direction of a walking surface; a vapor-permeable or perforated flat element, rigidly coupled to the lower part of the sole on which the tread of the sole is formed or rigidly coupled, the flat element adapted to limit the formation of hollows in the foot insertion region at the projection of the holes of the diffusely perforated region; and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane associated with the upper part and/or with the sole; the membrane being arranged above the flat element so as to be superimposed on the diffusely perforated region.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
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Patent number: 8677539Abstract: Footwear, and a process for manufacturing the same, the footwear having at least one lower portion of an upper joined by one or more seams to an upper portion that is lined internally with at least one waterproofing membrane, whose lower edge is fixed to the inner surface of the lower portion of the upper by a layer of adhesive arranged at least under the seams.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: OutDry Technologies CorporationInventors: Matteo Morlacchi, Maurizio Ostani
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Patent number: 8621765Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved welted footwear and related method of manufacture. The welted footwear and related method of manufacturing is directed to a molded foot support platform that provides a number of advantageous features.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc.Inventors: Kenton Donald Geer, David Ralph Swinnerton
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Patent number: 8590175Abstract: Methods for making footwear products include: (a) applying cement to a surface of an upper and/or midsole; (b) cooling the upper and/or midsole so that these parts will move relative to one another despite the cement's presence; and (c) placing the midsole in the upper. Additional methods include: (a) providing an upper having an interior chamber; (b) placing a prelast member including a midsole allowance part into the chamber; (c) removing the prelast member; and (d) placing a midsole in the chamber. The upper and/or midsole may have cement applied thereto and may be cooled before the insertion step, as described above. When sufficiently cooled, the cement will not immediately bind the parts contacting it, but it will allow relative movement of these parts. After the midsole is positioned in the upper, the assembly may be heated to activate the cement and fix the parts together.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Joseph Stockbridge, Peter Savage, Sean Michael McDowell, Sung Yuan Lee, Shih-Chang Huang, Tien Yuan Huang
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Patent number: 8549772Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a footwear construction and method of constructing footwear that may include an outsole having a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the outsole. The footwear construction may also include an upper coupled to the sidewall around the perimeter of the outsole, wherein the sidewall overlaps the upper by less than the critical distance for at least 60% of the perimeter of the outsole.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Roger John Crain
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Patent number: 8516719Abstract: At least one invention pertains to an article of footwear having a foot-receiving portion and a sole portion attached via at least one binding element. In one aspect, an article of footwear includes a foot-receiving portion configured to extend over a portion of a foot of a wearer, and the foot-receiving portion being configured to extend to medial and lateral side of the foot, and the foot-receiving portion including a binding element. A sole portion having a top surface for contacting the foot and a lower surface for a least a portion provided ground engagement. A plurality of apertures extending through the top surface and lower surface, the apertures are configured to receive the binding element therein to attach the foot-receiving portion to the sole portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Aveni
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Publication number: 20130205617Abstract: A present invention shaft arrangement for footwear comprises a shaft bottom having a water vapor permeable installation sole and having a shaft bottom functional layer laminate and a shaft region having an outer material ply and having a liner ply. The sole sided shaft end region is connected to the shaft bottom, and there is provided at least one suction element which extends from a region between the outer material ply and the liner ply of the shaft region into a region underneath the shaft bottom functional layer laminate in order that moisture be transported away from the region between the outer material ply and the liner ply of the shaft region into the region underneath the shaft bottom functional layer laminate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Mark Peikert, Stefan Trainer
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Patent number: 8505216Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to sole structure and the upper is formed from three layers: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is formed from a polymer material and molded to the first layer, but the second layer may alternately be molded to the third layer. The third layer is joined with at least one of the first layer and the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Susanne Amalie Wolf-Hochdoerffer
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Publication number: 20130192086Abstract: Port-injection footwear is provided. In one example, port-injection footwear is provided including a footwear-structure bag encompassing an injected foam. In some examples, the footwear-structure bag may form an integrated footwear component. The port-injection footwear further may include a foam barrier disposed adjacent to the footwear-structure bag to retain the injected foam within the bag during injection. An outsole may be directly coupled to the footwear-structure bag forming a base of the footwear article. In other examples, the port-injection footwear may include a footwear-structure bag having an injection port, an injected foam retained in the footwear-structure bag, where the injected foam was injected through the injection port, and a port cap positioned at the injection port of the footwear-structure bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: FUERST GROUP INC.Inventors: John Tawney, Carina Hamel, Rory Fuerst, JR.
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Publication number: 20130067769Abstract: The disclosure provides a footwear device, a footwear assembly, a method for making the footwear device, and a method for making the footwear assembly that can reduce manufacturing costs and complexities.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: New Miracle Trading LimitedInventor: Stephen HAMEL
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Patent number: 8336229Abstract: A footwear item comprises an upper adapted to receive a foot of a wearer. A midsole is molded directly to the upper and defines a shoulder about the upper. The midsole is adapted to be connected to an outsole and comprises a stitch line on the shoulder of the midsole. A method for assembling the item of footwear is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: Simon La Rochelle
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Patent number: 8286370Abstract: A waterproof vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper part that delimits a foot insertion region; a sole, made mainly of plastic material, provided with at least one region which is diffusely perforated with through holes in the direction of a walking surface; a vapor-permeable or perforated flat element, rigidly coupled to the lower part of the sole on which the tread of the sole is formed or rigidly coupled, the flat element adapted to limit the formation of hollows in the foot insertion region at the projection of the holes of the diffusely perforated region; and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane associated with the upper part and/or with the sole; the membrane being arranged above the flat element so as to be superimposed on the diffusely perforated region.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
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Patent number: 8281502Abstract: Shoe upper having a lower end of the upper, an outer material with a lower end (19) of the outer material, a waterproof functional layer (16), which has a lower end region of the functional layer with a functional layer zone (20) not covered by outer material, and a connecting band (17), which extends in the direction of the periphery of the upper, has a upper longitudinal side (23) of the connecting band, joined to the end (19) of the outer material, and a lower longitudinal side (25) of the connecting band, at least partially overlaps the functional layer zone (20) and consists of liquefiable sealing material or of material through which liquid sealing material (37; 41) can flow, the connecting band (17) having at points of curvature of the lower end (19) of the outer material an arcuate shape corresponding to the local radius of curvature, with different degrees of curvature of the two longitudinal sides (23, 25) of the connecting band, in such a way that, for an arc sector lying in the respective curvaturType: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventor: Franz Haimerl
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Patent number: 8245416Abstract: A waterproof and water vapor-permeable shoe, including a bottom shoe part with a sole perforated through from the tread toward a foot resting region, a top part surrounding the foot and including a vapor-permeable or perforated lining, a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane surrounding the foot, and a vapor-permeable or perforated upper. The outer bottom portion of the top shoe part, which is superimposed on the perforated area of the sole, is constituted by a portion of the membrane. A vapor-permeable or perforated protective element for the portion of the membrane is provided below the portion of the membrane and above the tread of the sole. A water sealing region provided between the portion of the membrane and the sole, around the perforated area of the sole, separates flaps of the upper from the perforated area of the sole.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
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Publication number: 20120198720Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: BRYAN N. FARRIS, OLIVIER HENRICHOT, JEFFREY C. PISCIOTTA
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Patent number: 8205358Abstract: Breathable and flexible footwear for infants and young children include an upper, a sole, and a thread. The upper having upper-holes around the upper peripheral. The sole having a lip portion on the sole peripheral, wherein the lip portion having sole-holes around the sole peripheral. The thread attaching the upper and the sole through the upper-holes and the sole-holes, and forming a set of stitches, wherein at least one ripple is formed between two sets of stitches, and wherein the thread is embedded in the lip portion and between the ripples. The set of stitches comprising the thread coming though a first upper-hole and entering the sole-hole of the lip portion, such that the thread forms an angled stitch on the lip portion, and wherein the thread then goes through a second upper-hole and exits from a third upper-hole, such that the thread forms a horizontal stitch on the inside of the footwear.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Pediped Infant Footwear, LLCInventors: Angela Edgeworth, Brian Edgeworth
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Patent number: 8171655Abstract: A footwear construction including an upper, a midsole including a midsole flange, and an outsole shell including an outsole flange. The flanges can project outwardly, away from the upper in the forefoot portion. The flanges can be joined with a direct attach bond and a lock stitch. The flanges can each terminate short of the heel portion. The lock stitch can terminate short of the heel portion, and can be visible above and below the joined flanges. The midsole can include a fully exposed and viewable portion in the heel portion of the footwear. The midsole can include a heel cup integrally formed with the midsole flange. A method for constructing the footwear includes direct attaching a midsole to an upper and an outsole including an outsole flange. The midsole can form with a midsole flange, and the midsole flange and outsole flange can be stitched together with a lock stitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Wolverine World Wide, Inc.Inventor: Mark M. Morgan
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Patent number: 8141271Abstract: A shoe construction wherein the upper is secured to the outsole by a stitch, and the upper folds inwardly in a first portion of the shoe and outwardly in a second portion of the shoe. The stitch allows an upper row of the stitching to be visible on the outside of the upper in one portion of the shoe but not visible on the outside of the upper in a different portion of the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Columbia Insurance CompanyInventors: Thomas E. McClaskie, Anup Kishore Mukherjee
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Patent number: 8132342Abstract: A sandal assembly includes a base that has top side, a bottom side, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a front edge and a rear edge. A foot strapping system to releasably secure a foot to the base includes a first tether that has a free first end and a free second end. Each of the first and second ends is removably extended into the top side of the base. The top side of the base includes a plurality of wells extending therein. Each of the wells receives one of the first and second ends. A first well of the plurality of wells is positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge and a second well of the plurality of wells is positioned adjacent to the second lateral edge.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Alma J. Moon
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Publication number: 20120011741Abstract: At least one invention pertains to an article of footwear having a foot-receiving portion and a sole portion attached via at least one binding element. In one aspect, an article of footwear includes a foot-receiving portion configured to extend over a portion of a foot of a wearer, and the foot-receiving portion being configured to extend to medial and lateral side of the foot, and the foot-receiving portion including a binding element. A sole portion having a top surface for contacting the foot and a lower surface for a least a portion provided ground engagement. A plurality of apertures extending through the top surface and lower surface, the apertures are configured to receive the binding element therein to attach the foot-receiving portion to the sole portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: Michael A. AVENI
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Patent number: 8051581Abstract: At least one invention pertains to an article of footwear having a foot-receiving portion and a sole portion attached via at least one binding element. In one aspect, an article of footwear includes a foot-receiving portion configured to extend over a portion of a foot of a wearer, and the foot-receiving portion being configured to extend to medial and lateral side of the foot, and the foot-receiving portion including a binding element. A sole portion having a top surface for contacting the foot and a lower surface for a least a portion provided ground engagement. A plurality of apertures extending through the top surface and lower surface, the apertures are configured to receive the binding element therein to attach the foot-receiving portion to the sole portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Aveni
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Publication number: 20110247238Abstract: Described herein is a plurality of athletic shoes including a sole portion comprising a toe end and a heel end having a medial side edge extending from a midline of the heel end to a midline of the toe end and a lateral side edge extending from a midline of the heel end to the midline of the toe end; an upper portion comprising a medial portion having a lower edge attached to the medial side edge of the sole portion and extending from the midline of the toe end to around the medial side; the medial portion comprising a heel end portion for contacting with at least a portion of a wearer's heel and having a forefoot portion for contacting with at least a portion of the wearer's forefoot; and a lateral portion having a lower edge securely attached to the lateral side edge of the sole portion and extending from the midline of the toe end along the lateral side to a point before the midline of the heel end; the lateral portion comprising a heel end portion for contacting with at least a portion of the wearer's heeType: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: SEVEN WELLS, LLCInventor: Colin Chestnut
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Publication number: 20110179677Abstract: An article of footwear that exhibits enhanced whole boot breathability and reduced wet pickup is provided. The footwear article includes an upper having an inferior and superior compartment; a mechanism for joining the superior and inferior compartments together; a protective cover; and an outer sole.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventors: Alexander W. Jessiman, Robert J. Wiener
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Publication number: 20110126428Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure extends longitudinally from a back edge to a front edge of the article of footwear and transversely from a medial side to a lateral side of the article of footwear. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-contacting layer. A first rib projects upward from the ground-contacting layer. The rib has side walls and an end wall. A channel is defined by the side walls and end wall. The channel opens downward through the ground-contacting layer and has a depth extending above the ground-contacting layer. The rib may have a multi-stage vertical stiffness profile. The sole structure may include a midsole attached to the outsole. An article of footwear having the sole structure attached to an upper is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Klaas Pieter Hazenberg, Eric S. Schindler
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Patent number: 7950091Abstract: A cleated article of footwear includes a chassis assembly having a sole plate having a plurality of bosses extending from a lower surface thereof. A heel counter extends upwardly from a heel portion of the sole plate. An outer assembly is secured to the chassis assembly and includes a sole portion and an upper secured to the sole portion. A plurality of cleats extends downwardly from a lower surface of the sole portion. Each of a plurality of apertures extends downwardly into a corresponding cleat and receives a boss.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Peter A. Hudson, Neil Crumbleholme, Matteo Tessaro
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Publication number: 20110088286Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a shoe having the steps of providing an upper, a sole, and a stitching; washing the upper for achieving a weathered appearance of the upper without subjecting the stitching and sole to the washing; and softening the sole. The method also comprises stitching the sole and the upper together with the stitching; working the sole to weather an appearance of the sole; drying the upper and sole together for disfiguring the upper and sole and for achieving a generally uniform weathered appearance; cyclically working the sole to match the appearance of the upper; and cyclically working the upper to match the appearance of the sole. The invention also includes the shoe.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventors: James E. Issler, Jonathan K. Lebo
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Publication number: 20110000101Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear having a direct attach sole component includes providing an upper and a receptacle shell that defines a receptacle adapted to receive a cushion insert. A molding insert is placed into the receptacle, and the upper is joined with the receptacle shell. A mold is closed about the receptacle shell and at least a portion of the upper to form a mold cavity corresponding to the direct attach sole component. Material is introduced into the mold cavity to form the direct attach sole component. The mold insert protects the shell from deformation during the molding process. The mold insert is removed and replaced with a cushioning insert after the molding process. The footwear can optionally include a partially transparent shell that supports a sole component that receives a cushion insert, such that the cushion insert and/or sole component are visible through the shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.Inventor: Kiyotaka Nakano
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Patent number: 7861438Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique fit and feel to the shoe wearer's foot. The shoe construction is a variation in what is typically called vulcanized shoe construction. Wherein the conventional vulcanized shoe construction bands of flexible material are permanently adhered or vulcanized to the shoe sole and to a portion of the upper adjacent the shoe sole, in the shoe construction of the invention upper sections of the bands are let loose by being unattached to the shoe upper. In addition, a toe cap of the shoe and a heel counter of the shoe are secured to the shoe sole, but are unattached to the shoe upper. This construction results in a shoe that not only has a unique appearance, but also has a unique feel to the shoe wearer's foot with the upper surrounding the foot being free floating along the sides of the foot as well as across the toes and heel of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Converse Inc.Inventor: Gary Paul Duclos