Cushion Patents (Class 36/28)
  • Patent number: 12290135
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a cushion member and a chassis. The cushion member extends from a forefoot region to a heel region of the sole structure. The cushion member includes a first series of lobes alternating with a first series of recesses along a length of the cushion member. The first series of lobes and the first series of recesses extend along one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure. The chassis is disposed between the cushion member and the upper and includes a series of first supports alternating with a second series of recesses. The supports of the series of first supports are aligned and in contact with respective lobes of the first series of lobes and the second series of recesses are aligned with the first series of recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Cassidy R. Levy, Evan Perkins, Emily Simmons, Philip Woodman
  • Patent number: 12279667
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for transforming footwear. A footwear system includes one or more portions configured in a first profile. The footwear system includes one or more sensors configured to generate a value based on a surface in contact with at least one of the one or more portions. The footwear system includes an actuator configured to change, responsive to determining that the value satisfies a profile configuration condition, a configuration of the one or more portions from the first profile to a second profile in accordance with the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Inventors: Stella Ryan, Jeffery Ryan
  • Patent number: 12262787
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a recess defining a first opening in the peripheral surface. The sole structure for an article of footwear also includes an insert disposed within the recess and including a first material having a first gloss unit value and a second material disposed on an outer surface of the first material and having a second gloss unit value. The second material is at least partially disposed within the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jones, Michael F. Joubert, Chun-Wei Kuo, Yong S. Lee, Thea Moshofsky, Randall S. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 12250987
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a midsole. The midsole may include a cushion and a chassis. The cushion extends from a forefoot region to a heel region of the sole structure. The chassis is disposed between a top side of the cushion and the upper. An outsole is mounted to a bottom surface of the midsole. The outsole includes a first outsole portion, a second outsole portion and a third outsole portion. The first outsole portion, the second outsole portion and the third outsole portion are spaced apart from each other so as to provide flexibility to the sole structure. The first outsole portion, the second outsole portion and the third outsole portion may be formed of a first material and a second material. The second material is more durable relative to the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Zachary M. Elder, Cassidy R. Levy, Evan Perkins, Emily Simmons, Philip Woodman
  • Patent number: 12250990
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure within the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure within the heel region, a third segment extending from one of the first segment and the second segment and terminating at a distal end intermediate the first segment and the second segment, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first segment and the second segment. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Wesley K. Chan, Zachary M. Elder, Elizabeth Langvin, Lee D. Peyton
  • Patent number: 12250988
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an upper cushion extending from a first end to a second end, a lower cushion having a first segment attached to the upper cushion adjacent to the first end and including a tray extending towards the second end of the upper cushion, and at least one bladder disposed between the tray of the lower cushion and the upper cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo S. Chang, Fabricio Da Costa Pereira Machado
  • Patent number: 12245656
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes a midsole, a cushion disposed in the midsole and including an inner portion, and an outsole including a first surface defining a ground-contacting surface and an upper surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-contacting surface and opposing the cushion, the outsole including a protrusion that extends in a direction away from the midsole to a greater extent than any other portion of the outsole and being aligned with the inner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Kosenick
  • Patent number: 12239183
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a cushioning element having a top surface, a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the cushioning element from the top surface, a ramp surface spaced apart from the bottom surface in a heel region of the cushioning element, a heel pocket extending through the cushioning element from the top surface to the ramp surface, and a plurality of pillars extending from the ramp surface and surrounding the pocket. The sole structure additionally includes a plurality of cushioning particles disposed within the pocket, an outsole attached to the cushioning element and enclosing a first end of the pocket, and an upper barrier layer attached to the top surface of the cushioning element and covering a second end of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Brian Linkfield
  • Patent number: 12207699
    Abstract: A plurality of fluid-filled chambers may be incorporated into sole structures of articles of footwear. The chambers may be configured to be substantially diamond-shaped. The chambers may lie within cavities formed by a lower surface of the midsole and may extend into apertures in the outsole. The apertures in the outsole may be aligned with the cavities of the midsole. The chambers may be bounded by bounding regions between and at the perimeter of the chambers. The bounding regions may be formed of a polymer foam material of the midsole. The chambers may additionally be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Dekovic, Bradley S. Long, Brian E. Santa Maria, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Danielle L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 12161186
    Abstract: An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 12161187
    Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a chamber having (i) an arcuate segment extending from a first transition to a second transition, (ii) a first plurality of elongate segments extending in a first direction from the first transition to a first terminal end, and (iii) a second plurality of elongate segments spaced apart from the first plurality of elongate segments and extending in the first direction from the second transition to a second terminal end. The bladder also includes a web area connecting the arcuate segment, the first plurality of elongate segments, and the second plurality of elongate segments and extending to a terminal edge spaced apart from each of the first terminal end and the second terminal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Craig Fredrick, Ryan Nyberg, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 12137769
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a bladder having an inner chamber and a peripheral chamber completely surrounding the inner chamber. The inner chamber defines a first interior void having a tensile element received therein and providing the inner chamber with a constant thickness. The inner chamber may be arcuate and curve continuously from a first end of the bladder to a second end of the bladder. The peripheral chamber extends from and completely surrounds the inner chamber, and has a variable thickness that is greater than the constant thickness of the first inner chamber. The inner chamber and the peripheral chamber are in fluid communication with each other, and the peripheral chamber includes a plurality of deformation zones configured to deform to accommodate a pressure increase within the inner chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Inventor: Aaron K. Seid
  • Patent number: 12133571
    Abstract: Provided in the present invention is a shoe that can be of high quality and easily produced, by forming an outsole with a thermoplastic elastomer showing specific complex viscosities at 140° C. and 180° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: ASICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Yamade
  • Patent number: 12089689
    Abstract: A footwear can include an outsole, a cupsole, a midsole, and an upper. The cupsole can include an inner surface and a lateral wall that forms a first receptacle. The cupsole can be composed of a first flexible material. The midsole can be arranged within the first receptacle of the cupsole. The midsole can be composed of a second flexible material. The midsole can include a top surface and a bottom surface. A portion of the lateral wall of the cupsole can extend beyond the top surface of the midsole when the midsole is arranged within the first receptacle of the cupsole and form a second receptacle. The upper can include a bottom plate coupled to the top surface of the midsole. A bottom portion of the upper can include the bottom plate of the upper and be arranged within the second receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Athletic Propulsion Labs LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Goldston, Adam Goldston, Ryan Goldston, Cody Harris
  • Patent number: 12082646
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include a sole and an upper connected to the sole. The sole may include a first solid component and a second solid component. The sole may further include an additively manufactured mesh component that is arranged between the first solid component and the second solid component. The mesh component may be connected to each of the first solid component and the second solid component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Zachary C. Coonrod, Berin Skye B, Keith A. Blume, Derek Andrew Luther, Ladan Salari-Sharif, Iain Martin Hannah, Jacques M. Perrault, Christian Manuel Arias Delgado, Dustin Kendrick
  • Patent number: 12070098
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole including a first cushioning layer, a second cushioning layer, and a third cushioning layer. The first cushioning layer has a central portion, and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion. The first cushioning layer, the second cushioning layer, and the third cushioning layer are stacked with the second cushioning layer directly overlying the peripheral portion of the first cushioning layer, and the third cushioning layer overlying the second cushioning layer and directly overlying the central portion of the first cushioning layer. The first cushioning layer has a domed lower surface extending away from the second cushioning layer and the third cushioning layer and substantially centered under the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Case, Zachary M. Elder, Lee D. Peyton
  • Patent number: 12064002
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a first ground facing surface. A primary sole part has a first foot facing surface and a second ground facing surface. The first foot facing surface includes a plurality of openings. Each opening defines a volume extending in a vertical direction from the first foot facing surface towards the second ground facing surface, which has a closed end. A secondary sole part has a second foot facing surface and a third ground facing surface. The secondary sole part is arranged between the upper and the primary sole part and extends into the plurality of volumes and/or openings in the first foot facing surface of the primary sole part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: ECCO Sko A/S
    Inventor: Frank Jensen
  • Patent number: 12059053
    Abstract: A strobel for an article of footwear may include a casing having a peripheral flange and defining a cavity. The strobel may also include at least one cushioning member disposed in the cavity. An exterior surface of the casing facing away from the cavity may be a foot contact surface of the strobel and the peripheral flange may be configured for connection to a lower perimeter of a footwear upper of an article of footwear. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes securing a peripheral flange of the casing to a lower perimeter of an upper, the upper and the strobel defining a foot-receiving void of the article of footwear, the strobel having at least one cushioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Koosha Aslani, Juliana Flores Baza
  • Patent number: 12048347
    Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe having an upper, a sole portion, and at least one pocket coupled to a rear portion of the upper and encapsulating a compressed medium that biases a topline of the shoe toward an uncollapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: FAST IP, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Cheney
  • Patent number: 12022912
    Abstract: A footwear component that includes a sole including a recessed area and a support member positioned in the recessed area, where the support member includes a main support, a front support that extends at least partially over a front end of the main support, and a rear support that extends at least partially below a rear end of the main support. A cushion member is positioned between the front support and the main support or the rear support and the main support, where the cushion member is configured to control movement of the front support or the rear support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Deckers Outdoor Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Diard, Stephen Liu, Vincent Bouillard, Christophe Aubonnet
  • Patent number: 11963579
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 11957203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fatigue-reducing safety shoe. The shoe according to the present invention is able to offer the user a high degree of protection in case of accidental events, in accordance with current regulations, together with a higher level of comfort perceived by the user due to a specific configuration of the multilayer sole capable of respecting the ergonomics of the user according to the biomechanics of the walk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: U-INVEST S.R.L.
    Inventor: Pier Franco Uzzeni
  • Patent number: 11950654
    Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may have a barrier, a stacked tensile member, and a fluid. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that is sealed to define an interior void. The stacked tensile member may be located within the interior void and includes a first tensile element and a second tensile element that are joined to each other. Additionally, opposite sides of the stacked tensile member are joined to the barrier. The fluid is located within the interior void and may be pressurized to place an outward force upon the barrier and induce tension in the stacked tensile member. In some configurations, each of the tensile elements may be a spacer textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Swigart, Amy E. Gishifu
  • Patent number: 11910869
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include a midsole with a lower surface having a first recessed portion and an outsole coupled to the lower surface of the midsole, with the outsole having an upper surface with a second recessed portion. A first bladder element and a second bladder element can be provided in a stacked arrangement between the midsole and outsole, with an upper portion of the first bladder element that contacts the lower surface of the midsole and extends at least partially into the first recessed portion and a lower portion of the second bladder element that contacts the upper surface of the outsole and extends at least partially into the second recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Fiona Lesecq
  • Patent number: 11903442
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a foam element having a top surface and a bottom surface. The foam element includes a recess (i) formed in one of the top surface or the bottom surface, (ii) extending from a first end in a forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end in a mid-foot region of the sole structure, (iii) having a first edge extending between the first end and the second end and disposed proximate to a peripheral region of the sole structure, and (iv) a second edge extending between the first end and the second end and disposed at an interior region of the sole structure. A cushioning arrangement is disposed within the recess and includes an outer surface that is substantially flush with the one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the foam element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick S Frank, Dolores S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11896079
    Abstract: A footwear sole obtained by molding a single polymeric material, the footwear sole includes a lower surface to contact the ground, and an upper surface to support an insole and, on the upper surface, at least one elastically deformable cushioning element. The cushioning element includes an elongated element cantileverly protruding from the upper surface, and a plurality of tabs extending from the upper surface that are arranged around the elongated element, thereby defining a dome. In an undeformed configuration of the cushioning element the tabs are upright, and there is a gap between the tabs and the elongated element, and in a deformed configuration of the cushioning element the tabs are each bent towards the elongated element and in abutment against it. The switching from the undeformed to the deformed causes the area of the bearing surface provided to the insole by each cushioning element to gradually increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Moretti Polegato, Livio Poloni
  • Patent number: 11877620
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a chassis and a cushioning arrangement. The chassis includes a recess formed between a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. The cushioning arrangement includes a first cushioning element protruding from the first surface and including a first plurality of lobes and a second cushioning element protruding from the second surface and including a second plurality of lobes contacting the first plurality of lobes. At least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element may include a fluid-filled bladder. A first side of each cushioning element includes a substantially planar base and a second side of each cushioning element includes the lobes formed on an opposite side from the base. The base of each cushioning element is attached to a respective one of the surfaces of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Zachary M. Elder, Jordyn Klumpp, Eric Y. Lee, Fiona L Lesecq, Damian R. Manspeaker, Roger Paul Murphy, Sebastian Tesche
  • Patent number: 11864631
    Abstract: A force dissipating device in a footwear appliance includes an actuator responsive to a displacement force from a shoe sole surface, and an elastic field of resilient, compressible material. The elastic field is elongated in a direction aligned with the displacement force, and an inclined surface is attached to the actuator and disposed against the elastic field. The actuator is adapted for movement parallel to the elastic field, while the inclined surface is oriented to compress the elastic field in a direction defined by the inclined surface. The inclined surface is oriented at an angle to compress the elastic field in a direction substantially perpendicular to vertical actuator displacement, thus providing a constant region of opposed, compressive force that is generally constant, rather than increasing with displacement distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Christopher A. Brown, James J. Muller, Julia A. Dunn, Alexander R. Alvarez, Kyle R. Mudge, Rachael Naoum
  • Patent number: 11849803
    Abstract: An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11805842
    Abstract: Presented are footwear sole structures with split midsole designs having peripheral walls for lateral stability, footwear fabricated with such sole structures, and methods for making/using such footwear and/or sole structures. A sole structure for an article of footwear includes mating first and second midsole sections each having a respective midsole sidewall that extends between and adjoins respective upper and lower midsole surfaces. The first midsole section's lower surface has a first waveform geometry, such as an anteroposterior-undulating curviform wave, and the second midsole section's upper surface has a complementary, mirrored waveform geometry that seats therein and intermeshes with the first waveform geometry. The second midsole section includes one or more peripheral walls that extend upward from the second sidewall; inboard surfaces of the peripheral wall(s) abut outboard surfaces the first sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Klein, Kort W. Neumann, IV, Bryan K. Youngs
  • Patent number: 11744322
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sole (1) of a shoe, particularly of an athletic shoe, wherein the sole (1) has an extension in a longitudinal direction (L) and an extension in a vertical direction (V) perpendicular thereto, wherein a number of recesses (2) is introduced into the sole (1), wherein the recesses (2) extend in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) and perpendicular to the vertical direction (V) and permeate the sole (1) at least in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignees: PUMA SE, MASSACHUETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Matthias Hartmann, Reinhold Sussmann, Federico Casalegno, Hunmin Koh, Yihyun Lim, Yasaman Tahouni, Will Walker
  • Patent number: 11744324
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear having a sole structure effective to increase traction on a support surface. The article of footwear includes a sole structure comprising a first sole structure and a second sole structure. The article of footwear includes a forefoot region, midfoot region, and hindfoot region. The first sole structure is disposed in the forefoot and hindfoot regions. The second sole structure is disposed in the midfoot region. An extension of the second sole structure that extends through the forefoot region is substantially covered by the first sole structure. A plurality of lugs extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the first sole structure. At least one lug extends downwardly from the extension of the second sole structure through the first sole structure. The first sole structure and the second sole structure have different durometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Glancy, Matthew Cougle, Kris deGrano, Ryan Olkowski
  • Patent number: 11737509
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side than the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region. A first cushioning element is attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and a second cushioning element is attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the heel region, the second cushioning element being separated from the first cushioning element by a first gap formed in a mid-foot region. One or more fluid-filled bladders are each at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and have a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Windra Fahmi, Erin Gleason, Jin Hong, Liao Kuang-Nan, Jaroslav J. Lupinek, Chloe Scott, Stuart D. Pollock
  • Patent number: 11696618
    Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having an elevated plate structure incorporated in the sole structure and optionally including a fluid-filled chamber. The elevated plate structure can include an upper plate and a plurality of legs extending downward toward the outsole. End portions of the legs can engage an upper region of the outsole. The elevated plate structure can form a cage region that can optionally include a fluid-filled chamber substantially disposed therein. The elevated plate structure can further include a lower plate disposed at an upper region of the outsole, which can form a lower portion of the cage region. Portions of the legs can be integrated with impact-attenuating members in the heel region in various configurations and can provide features for the impact-attenuating members, such as support, impact-attenuation and adjustable impact-attenuation features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: DeVonne DeVoe, Lee D. Peyton
  • Patent number: 11678720
    Abstract: A shock absorption shoe, having a sole and at least one shock absorption module each having an outer shell, an inner core, an air cushion cylinder and a bottom cover, and each being connected to an air tube. The inner core is sleeved into a cavity of the outer shell from the top. A position limiting structure is provided between the inner core and the cavity. The air cushion cylinder is sleeved within the cavity. The bottom cover covers the bottom of the cavity. The shoe has a bottom layer, a middle layer and a top layer; the middle layer contains at least one mounting hole for mounting the at least one shock absorption module. The air tube is in an air tube groove on the middle layer, and one end of which is connected to the air cushion cylinder while another end is connected with a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventor: Lahui Tang
  • Patent number: 11672304
    Abstract: Provided is a shoe sole, wherein ventilation grooves recessed in the thickness direction of the shoe sole are formed in the upper surface part, the shoe sole has a forefoot portion that has an air intake port formed in at least one of a medial side wall and a lateral side wall in the side wall part to be in communication with the ventilation grooves and draw air from outside into the ventilation grooves, the shoe sole has a midfoot portion that has an air outlet port formed in at least one of the medial side wall and the lateral side wall to be in communication with the air intake port through the ventilation grooves and discharge air in the ventilation groove to the outside, and at least a part of the ventilation grooves constitutes an air intake groove extending obliquely rearward from the air intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: ASICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanori Sakamoto, Kenta Moriyasu, Ayu Bessho, Takayuki Ueda, Kenta Nakaya, Masaki Nakahara
  • Patent number: 11666117
    Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a first chamber having a first segment extending along a first side of the bladder and a second segment formed on an opposite side of the bladder from the first segment. The bladder further includes a second chamber at least partially surrounded by the first chamber and disposed between the first segment and the second segment. A manifold is in direct fluid communication with each of the first segment of the first chamber, the second segment of the first chamber, and the second chamber. A web area connects each of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the manifold. The bladder may include a first series of ports formed in the first segment of the first chamber and a second series of ports formed in the second segment of the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Kristina Gerig
  • Patent number: 11659890
    Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure including a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid is described, along with a method of making the article. The chamber may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer. The tensile member may include a first tensile member layer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layer bonded to the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile member layer to the second tensile member layer. The second tensile member layer may include a first section and a second section separate from the first section. In addition, a portion of the second chamber barrier layer may extend toward the first tensile member layer between the first section and the second section, the portion being joined to the first tensile member layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Levi J. Patton
  • Patent number: 11639041
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are a process for producing an anti-gravity balance massage type buffer convection airbag and an airbag cushion. The production process comprises the steps of preparing materials, laminating, preparing an upper cushion body, preparing a lower cushion body, laminating the upper cushion body and the lower cushion body, and shaping to obtain a finished product. The production process and the airbag cushion can produce anti-gravity and buffer convection effects while increasing the force area, and have the effects of balance and massage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Dongguan Jiashuan Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peilin Cai
  • Patent number: 11633010
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an outsole defining a ground-contacting surface, a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a plate attached to the midsole and defining a recess extending in a direction away from the outsole and toward the upper, the recess including a first retainer. The sole structure further includes a first cushion having a first portion received within the recess, the first portion engaging the first retainer to maintain a desired position of the first cushion relative to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Bowman, Lee Gibson, Joël Ryp Greenspan, Dylan Petrenka
  • Patent number: 11607002
    Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe having an upper, a sole portion, and at least one pocket coupled to a rear portion of the upper and encapsulating a compressed medium that biases a topline of the shoe toward an uncollapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: FAST IP, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Cheney
  • Patent number: 11607010
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure within the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure within the heel region, a third segment extending from one of the first segment and the second segment and terminating at a distal end intermediate the first segment and the second segment, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first segment and the second segment. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Wesley K. Chan, Zachary M. Elder, Elizabeth Langvin, Lee D. Peyton
  • Patent number: 11553755
    Abstract: A sole structure for a shoe that can secure cushioning properties and obtain a ground surface information is disclosed. The sole structure includes a first midsole having a plurality of first protrusions on a foot-sole-contact side, an outsole having a plurality of second protrusions on a ground surface side, and a second midsole disposed at a part of a region between the first midsole and the outsole and having a lower compressive rigidity than the first midsole. At least a part of the plurality of first protrusions of the first midsole is located at a position corresponding vertically to at least a part of the plurality of second protrusions of the outsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: MIZUNO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro Yahata, Hiroshi Inohara, Shogo Matsui, Shin Hirai
  • Patent number: 11547177
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole connected to the upper, and an outsole connected to the midsole. The midsole includes a platform extending along a perimeter portion of the midsole and a lattice structure integrally formed with the platform, the lattice structure including a network of laths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Guyan, Kevin Fallon, Jason Berns
  • Patent number: 11523657
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). The fluid flow control system includes: (a) a manifold body defining an internal chamber; (b) at least a first port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; (c) at least a first valve (including a first valve activator) controlling fluid flow through the first port; and (d) a movable cam at least partially within the internal chamber. Valve activator surface(s) on the cam interact with the valve activator(s) to selectively open and close valve(s) based on cam positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer
  • Patent number: 11517075
    Abstract: A shoe sole member formed by a foam includes cells having a certain size and being excellent in transparency in order to provide a shoe sole member being lightweight and excellent cushioning properties while having transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: ASICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuro Tanabe, Junichiro Tateishi
  • Patent number: 11470908
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to three-dimensionally printed articles for use in footwear and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a closed-cell foam. The closed-cell foam may have a gradient in and/or may be a single integrated material. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a sensor. The use of such arrangements can, according to certain embodiments, allow for the production of improved articles of footwear and/or customized articles of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Kornit Digital Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Travis Alexander Busbee
  • Patent number: 11457693
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a midsole, an upper disposed above the midsole, and an outsole disposed below the midsole. The midsole includes a lattice structure having an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side is a user-facing side and the lower side is a ground-facing side. A first platform is integrally formed into the upper side of the lattice structure. A second platform is integrally formed into the lower side of the lattice structure. The lattice structure extends from the first platform to the second platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Guyan
  • Patent number: 11445784
    Abstract: A force absorbing device for a footwear appliance includes a shoe upper and a shoe sole having a planar sole surface, such that forces between the shoe upper and planar sole surface in ground contact are absorbed by force mitigation structures disposed in the shoe sole. A footwear article includes a split-sole system that redefines a shoe sole as coplanar surfaces having a force mitigating interface for receiving sudden forces and effectively mitigating these forces by storing kinetic energy and releasing it over time. An elastic field in the force mitigation structure is defined by a resilient material adapted to deform in response to the received force. Frictional engagement between the upper and lower sole may also be augmented by surface characteristics such as dimples, voids and lubricants, in addition to interference engagement with an elastic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Christopher A. Brown, James J. Muller, Winton Parker, Allysa Grant, Tristin J. Carlton, Nicholas Workman, Michael Doyle, Jessica Shelsky, Jessica K. Y. Cheu, Lorenzo Dube, Pedro D. Oporto, Olivia G. Steen, Andrew R. Vickery
  • Patent number: 11432613
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a load cell module configured to be insertedly disposed in shoes and a weight management service system using the same. The load cell module comprises: a main case (10) including a load cell accommodating space (11) projected upwardly at one side thereof and a circuit and battery accommodating space (12), which are formed therein; a load cell (20) accommodated in the load cell accommodating space (11); a main PCB (30) including a tilt sensor (31) and a transmission and reception unit (32), the main PCB being accommodated in the circuit and battery accommodating space 12; and a battery (40) accommodated in the circuit and battery accommodating space 12, whereby the load cell module is detachably mounted to a heel part (H) of a midsole (M) of a shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Si Hyun Choi