Closure Patents (Class 36/50.1)
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Patent number: 12171307Abstract: A lace-receiving assembly includes a substrate, a first sheet, and a lace guide. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first sheet includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The third surface is bonded to the first surface to define a channel extending between the substrate and the first sheet. The lace guide is disposed within the channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2022Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Katelyn Ricciardi, Piero Fenato, Kevin W. Hoffer, Daniel A. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Peter Lam, Jeffrey C. Spanks
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Patent number: 12171306Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure, and a lacing system. The lacing system includes a housing disposed on a tongue of the upper, a lateral side flap and a medial side flap that extend from the sole structure along lateral and medial sides of the upper, respectively, toward the tongue, a plurality of lateral lace retainers disposed along an upper end of the lateral side flap, a plurality of medial lace retainers disposed along an upper end of the medial side flap, and a lace that extends from the housing through the pluralities of lateral and medial lace retainers in a crisscrossing manner across the tongue.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: PUMA SEInventors: Arnaud Redon, Markus Bock, Romain Girard
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Patent number: 12161184Abstract: A footwear assembly, such as a cycling show, includes a plantar shell, a dorsal shell, and a closure mechanism. The plantar shell that at least partially defines an interior area sized to receive a wearer's foot and is shaped to conform to a bottom surface contour of the wearer's foot. The dorsal shell shaped to conform to an upper surface contour of the wearer's foot and includes a region positioned to apply a compressive force to a portion of the wearer's foot. The closure mechanism configured to couple the dorsal shell to the plantar shell to apply the compressive force to the portion of the wearer's foot to at least partially prevent movement of the wearer's foot relative to the plantar shell.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Drake Labs, Inc.Inventors: Stephan Drake, Robert John Horacek, Raymond Alfred Horacek
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Patent number: 12156573Abstract: A fastening system for an object (e.g., a wearable such as footwear) is disclosed that includes a buckle assembly and a strap for adjusting tension. The buckle assembly includes a base and a slider engaged with the base. The strap includes an array of teeth to engage with a pawl formed on the base. The fastening system is configurable between an engaged condition and a released condition based on the positioning of the slider relative to the base.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2023Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: ZIPZON, LLCInventor: Mark S. Soderberg
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Patent number: 12127632Abstract: A shoe may include a sole and an upper. The upper may have a medial side and a lateral side that each have an edge positioned on opposing side of the shoe's tongue. The upper's medial side and/or the upper's lateral side may include stiffened regions and flexible regions with each stiffened region being disposed between two flexible regions so that the stiffened regions are moveable relative to one another upon tensioning of the medial and lateral sides of the upper. The opposing edges of the upper's medial and lateral sides may be substantially linear or straight prior to tensioning of the upper's medial and lateral sides and may be substantially uneven or nonlinear subsequent to tensioning of the upper's medial and lateral sides due to relative movement of the stiffened regions.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Kristopher Lovett, Clark Morgan
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Patent number: 12114733Abstract: The present invention generally relates to golf shoes having a lace tightening system. The shoe includes an upper, midsole, and outsole. The upper includes various lace guides that are separated by gaps. The lace is threaded through these guides and the lace can be tightened or loosened by a rotary dial mounted on the shoe. The lace tightening system can be used to close the instep region around the foot to secure the shoe and provide a comfortable fit using a power shroud, and the power shroud may have fiber-reinforced composite strips. The midsole provides cushioning to the shoe. The outsole preferably contains multiple traction members to provide good stability and ground contact. The shoes of this invention help provide the golfer with stability and balance.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Jean-Marie Bidal, Paul O. Teeter
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Patent number: 12102190Abstract: An eyelet for an article of footwear includes an eyelet body configured to slidably couple a first string to a second string. The eyelet body defines a first arc-shaped aperture and an opposing, second arc-shaped aperture. The first arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the first string, and the second arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the second string. The eyelet may be disposed over (but not necessarily attached to) an upper of an article of footwear.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2022Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Blake Rhulen, Carl L. Madore
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Patent number: 12096824Abstract: An article of footwear includes a fitting system with an upper member that is supported by the upper and a strand guide that is supported by the sole structure. The strand guide is flexible and flexes in concert with the sole structure. The strand guide has a guide surface. The fitting system further includes a tensioning system with a flexible strand that is configured to bias the upper member toward the strand guide. The flexible strand has a first section coupled to the upper member and a second section extending through the sole structure. The second section abuts the guide surface. The second section is configured to slide across the guide surface as a result of flexure of the strand guide. The first section and the upper member are configured to move relative to the sole structure as a result of sliding of the second section across the guide surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2023Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Zachary M. Elder, Dervin A. James, Elizabeth A. Kilgore
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Patent number: 12064011Abstract: A footwear article includes a hinged portion in a heel region that may be biased in various positions to increase or decrease a size of a foot-insertion opening. The hinged portion may be arranged in a first position, in which the hinged portion is more upright and is in position to cup a wearer's heel or Achilles region when the footwear article is worn. In addition, the hinged portion may be rotated downward or rearwardly (e.g., away from the foot-insertion opening) to a second position, which may increase a size of the foot-insertion opening and/or may change an angle along which a foot can pass through the foot-insertion opening when the footwear article is being donned or doffed. One or more elastic members may be attached to the hinged portion and to some other portion of the footwear article to bias the hinged portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Ami M. Davis, Richard S. Ramsay
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Patent number: 12053058Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotary closure including a housing part with an axis to which a rotary knob is attached in order to actuate a tensioning roller for a tensioning element for the rotary closure in order to wind or release the tensioning element. Further, a first gear is connected to the rotary knob and has internal toothing and a second gear is rotationally connected to the tensioning roller and has internal toothing. Additionally, a drive pinion that is coupled to the gears is provided between said first and second gears, and the drive pinion has a mounting that is configured to be radially moved relative to the drive axis in order to selectively couple the pinion to and release the pinion from the internal toothing of the respective first and second gears.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: PUMA SEInventor: Roland Jungkind
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Patent number: 12042015Abstract: An article of footwear providing easy donning and doffing through a heel region. A heel cup is pivotably coupled with the footwear to articulate between an open configuration allowing easier access to a foot-receiving cavity and a closed configuration enclosing a heel region of the footwear. A tensioning strap extends from a first side of the footwear around the heel cup to an opposite second side of the footwear when the heel cup is in the closed configuration. The heel strap is effective to structurally secure the heel cup in the closed configuration. One or more tensioning strands may extend from the tensioning strap. The tensioning strands may be effective to convert force provided through the tensioning strap across a forefoot portion to generate a forefoot securing force through a lacing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2022Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Brett Drake
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Patent number: 12004595Abstract: The Slipper Sneaker basically describes itself. This shoe is fashion inspired and simply out performs old fashion house shoes and other slip-on shoes. The shoe's benefits include a secure fit when climbing steps, a sturdy sole for neighborhood trips, a knitted cuff for an added comfortable fit, and an arch support for the enthused wearer, and sweat absorbent cotton for our toes. The Slipper Sneakers are the ultimate blend for lounging around the house in flannel pajamas or in sporty muscle tops and jersey bottoms.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Inventor: Boyce Lamarr Blanchard
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Patent number: 11969047Abstract: An article of footwear may include a knitted component that at least partially forms an upper. The knitted component may include a first knit layer and a second knit layer, the first knit layer being separable from the second knit layer such that a pocket is located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. A cable may be located at least partially within the channel. A cable guide may additionally be located at least partially within the channel, where the cable guide includes at least one curved surface for contacting the cable. The cable may extend around the at least one curved surface such that the cable changes directions within the channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Meir, James Molyneux
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Patent number: 11930891Abstract: Various example garments, footwear articles and bags may include a closable circumference or waist or foot opening. The circumference closing system may utilize at least one constrict-able tubular length to releasably retain a selected size of the closable circumference or opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Amer Sports Canada Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. C. Fayle, Gordon J. Betenia
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Patent number: 11903863Abstract: A splint and a method for operating a splint are disclosed. The splint includes a plurality of plates, at least one rope, and at least one fastening drive device. The plurality of plates include a first plate. The rope is in movable connection with the plurality of plates. The fastening drive device is on the first plate, and is connected to the rope and configured to drive the rope under control, so as to allow the rope to be tightened or loosened under drive of the fastening drive device to drive the plurality of plates to move relatively close to each other or relatively away from each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhihong Du, Wenbo Li
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Patent number: 11889900Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
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Patent number: 11857029Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive or magnetic sensor configured to sense changes in a body's proximity to the sensor in footwear. Characteristics of the sensed proximity can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot or about the footwear.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
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Patent number: 11839264Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having an enclosure including an adjustment region extending from a first edge to a second edge formed on an opposite side of the adjustment region from the first edge. The upper further includes a cable tensioning guide attached to the enclosure adjacent to the first edge of the adjustment region. The cable tensioning guide includes a first conduit and a second conduit. A cable of the upper includes a tensioning element having a first tensioning segment extending across the adjustment region from the first conduit and a second tensioning segment extending across the adjustment region from the second conduit. The cable further includes a control element having a first control segment connected to the first tensioning segment at the first conduit, and a second control segment connected to the second tensioning segment at the second conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Tobie D. Hatfield, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Andrew A. Owings, Brandon J. Wilen
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Patent number: 11825912Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11812825Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear (100) and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11805854Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fastening a shoe (1), having an upper part (2) and a sole (3) connected thereto, a rotary closure (4) for fastening the shoe (1) on the wearer's foot by means of at least one tensioning element (5), the rotary closure (4) having a rotatably arranged tensioning roller (6), and the tensioning roller (6) being driven by means of an electric motor (7), and a switching element (8), which is connected to control means (9), wherein the switching element (8) and the control means (9) can actuate the electric motor (7), wherein the operation of fastening the shoe (1) takes place by virtue of the person using the shoe (1) using a finger (15) to actuate the switching element (8).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: PUMA SEInventor: Markus Bock
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Patent number: 11805857Abstract: A closure mechanism for an article of footwear comprising a tongue, adjustable lace, toggle, and a tether is provided. The adjustable lace operatively connects the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall along a throat opening, the tongue extends between the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall within the throat opening, the toggle is coupled to and movable along the adjustable lace and fixedly attached to the tongue, and the tether is operatively coupled to each of the tongue and the toggle. The closure mechanism provides ease of use with a single motion, one-handed, transition from an open position to a tightened position by exerting a traction force in a predetermined direction on the adjustable lace, and from a tightened position to an open position by exerting a traction force in the predetermined direction on the tether. This disclosure may be particularly beneficial to wearers having limited dexterity or mobility.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Ben S. Yun
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Patent number: 11785992Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a sock having a first knitted strap extending from a lateral aspect of a collar of the sock, and a second knitted strap extending from a medial aspect of the collar of the sock. Each of the first knitted strap and the second knitted strap is knit with a plurality of courses extending from a first longitudinal edge to a second longitudinal edge of the respective knitted strap where at least a portion of the courses are formed using an elastomeric yarn. Use of an elastomeric yarn extending widthwise across each knitted strap causes the longitudinal edges of the knitted strap to curl toward a respective longitudinal midline along the technical back of the knitted strap which, in turn produces a tubular-like shape for each of the first knitted strap and second knitted strap.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Amir H. Morgan, Ronen Yehuda
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Patent number: 11771176Abstract: A shoe may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may include a shell and first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints. Each of the sets may have one or more tensile restraints extending over and/or through a corresponding portion of the shell. The shell may be engaged with the sole structure and define an interior void configured to receive insertion of a user's foot. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints may be configured so that, upon securing of one or more structures to tighten the upper and connect the sets of tensile restraints, two linear axes of tension with anchors located in the forefoot and heel region extend diagonally across the article from one side to the other.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Sam Amis, Michael S. Amos, John Hurd, James Molyneux
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Patent number: 11766095Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor, and the sensor is configured to sense changes in a foot proximity to the sensor in footwear. Information about the sensed proximity can be used to determine a foot velocity characteristic, which in turn can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot, about an activity, or about the footwear.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
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Patent number: 11758967Abstract: A bicycle helmet system comprising a helmet and a chin bar is disclosed. The chin bar is removably coupled to the helmet and wrapped circumferentially around a portion of the helmet. The chin bar may include a rear buckle configured to tighten the chin bar around the helmet. The chin bar may also include two side buckles that engage with side recesses on the helmet when the chin bar is removably coupled to the helmet. The chin bar may also include two alignment protrusions positioned to engage with alignment recesses on the helmet when the chin bar is removably coupled to the helmet.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Erin Kyle Ellison, Eamon Briggs, Benjamin Warren Penner
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Patent number: 11751631Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting tension on retention member to hold multiple objects together. Examples include using retention apparatus to obtain optimal fit and use of a human wearable item such as article of footwear. Sensors may be used to sense changes in movement of the article of footwear, of the person wearing it, or of a third object such as a vehicle carrying the person. A retention member may surround at least a portion of the objects, and an actuator may be included that automatically rotates a rotating member such as a gear or pulley that may be coupled to the retention member. The rotating member may be configured to automatically adjust tension on the retention member many times per second based on control signals from control logic responsive to the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Cincinnati Automation & Mechatronics LLCInventors: Roger Neil Rovekamp, Jr., Keith Sawmiller
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Patent number: 11707114Abstract: An article of footwear facilitates relatively easy donning and removal, and secure adjustment. The article of footwear comprises a sole structure, an upper secured to the sole structure, and a plurality of tensioning cables having proximal ends fixed to at least one of the upper or the sole structure and extending out of the upper. A strap has a proximal end connected to distal ends of the plurality of tensioning cables, and has a distal end releasably securable to the upper to tighten the tensioning cables. A webbed spacer is secured to the plurality of tensioning cables. The webbed spacer extends between adjacent ones of the plurality of tensioning cables, and the adjacent ones of the plurality of tensioning cables spaced apart from one another by the webbed spacer.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Jeffrey C. Spanks
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Patent number: 11707105Abstract: An article of footwear with a knitted component including an upper and an integral knit ankle cuff is provided. The upper and the ankle cuff are formed as a one-piece knit element. The knit element forms a portion of an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper, with the interior surface forming a void for receiving a foot. The ankle cuff is formed of unitary knit construction with the upper as a one-piece knit element and extends above a throat area of the upper. The ankle cuff includes malleolus zones on medial and lateral sides to correspond with the ankle bones of a wearer. The knit component further incorporates features to assist with providing entry for a foot of a wear, providing comfort to a wearer, and to assist with orientation of the upper of the article of footwear when being worn.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Denis Dekovic, John Droege, Windra Fahmi, Jeongwoo Lee, Daniel A. Podhajny, Karl Seamarks, Doug D. Wilken
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Patent number: 11707113Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure, a footwear upper, and a closure system. The sole structure may have a front sole portion and a rear sole portion pivotable relative to the front sole portion between a use position and an access position. The footwear upper may be fixed to the front sole portion and to the rear sole portion. The closure system may comprise an adjustment cord and a cord lock. The adjustment cord may be operatively secured to the footwear upper at an anchor location. The cord lock may be secured to the footwear upper and may be configured so that the adjustment cord slides through the cord lock when under tension to tighten the footwear upper in the use position, and the adjustment cord is repositionable relative to the cord lock to lock to the cord lock and retain tension in the adjustment cord.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Elizabeth Langvin, Haley L. Toelle
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Patent number: 11602196Abstract: Articles of footwear and methods of making articles of footwear including one or more continuous threads wound around anchor points. In some embodiments, thread lines of continuous thread(s) may extend tangential to an opening on a thread pattern or an upper. In some embodiments, thread lines of continuous thread(s) may define a portion of an upper and extend through a sole for an article of footwear. In some embodiments, thread patterns defined by the continuous thread(s) may be bonded to each other around a sheet to form an upper material for an upper.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: adidas AGInventors: Fionn Corcoran-Tadd, Ian Hennebery, Carl Arnese, Matteo Padovani, Benjamin Kleiman, Andrea Nieto Perilla, Fano Razafindrakoto, Berin Skye B, Jacques Perrault
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Patent number: 11571045Abstract: A tensioning system for use with an article of footwear includes a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly may include a first disc and a second disc connected by a central shaft. A tensioning element can be engaged around the central shaft. A ring element can be used to prevent the tensioning element from disengaging the pulley when there is slack in the tensioning element. The pulley assembly can include a guide portion that guides a tensioning member so as to restrict the entry angle of segments of the tensioning member.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Austin Orand, Timothy P. Hopkins
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Patent number: 11523654Abstract: A footwear article includes a hinged portion in a heel region that may be biased in various positions to increase or decrease a size of a foot-insertion opening. The hinged portion may be arranged in a first position, in which the hinged portion is more upright and is in position to cup a wearer's heel or Achilles region when the footwear article is worn. In addition, the hinged portion may be hingedly rotated downward or rearwardly (e.g., away from the foot-insertion opening) to a second position, which may increase a size of the foot-insertion opening and/or may change an angle along which a foot can pass through the foot-insertion opening when the footwear article is being donned or doffed. One or more elastic members may be attached to the hinged portion and to some other portion of the footwear article to bias the hinged portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Ami M. Davis, Richard S. Ramsay
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Patent number: 11510462Abstract: A closure mechanism for an article of footwear includes a tongue, adjustable lace, toggle, and a tether. The adjustable lace operatively connects the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall along a throat opening, the tongue extends between the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall within the throat opening, the toggle is coupled to and movable along the adjustable lace and fixedly attached to the tongue, and the tether is operatively coupled to each of the tongue and the toggle. The closure mechanism provides ease of use with a single motion, one-handed, transition from an open position to a tightened position by exerting a traction force in a predetermined direction on the adjustable lace, and from a tightened position to an open position by exerting a traction force in the predetermined direction on the tether.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Ben S. Yun
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Patent number: 11510461Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus related to a homing mechanism within a drive mechanism of a lacing engine for an automated footwear platform are described. In an example, the homing apparatus can include an indexing wheel, a plurality of Geneva teeth and a stop tooth. The plurality of Geneva teeth can be distributed around a portion of a perimeter of the indexing wheel. Each Geneva tooth of the plurality of Geneva teeth can include side profiles conforming to a first side profile that generates a first force when engaged by an index tooth on a portion of the drive mechanism. The stop tooth can be located along the perimeter of the indexing wheel between two Geneva teeth. Additionally, the stop tooth can include side profiles conforming to a second side profile that generates a second force when engaged by the index tooth.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Summer L. Schneider, Jamie Kelso, Narissa Chang
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Patent number: 11497281Abstract: A cap for capping an upper surface of a shoe a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer has an outer surface that has a coefficient of friction that is greater than that of the upper surface of the shoe that the cap caps. The second layer is an adhesive layer. The third layer is a release layer that can be peeled off the adhesive layer to expose it, thereby enabling the adhesive layer to stick to the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Terraignota Ventures, LLCInventor: José Tadeo V. de Castro
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Patent number: 11478044Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole, and an upper that has a medial side portion extending from the medial side of the sole with a first distal end remote from the medial side. The upper has a lateral side portion extending from the lateral side of the sole with a second distal end remote from the lateral side. The upper may include a support member extending at least partially across the foot-receiving surface with a first end remote from the medial side. The medial and lateral side portions wrap at least partially around a foot with the first distal end securable proximal to the lateral side, and the second distal end separately securable proximal to the medial side. An article of footwear has cables with proximal ends fixed to one side of the upper and that extend through looped cables on an opposite side of the upper.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Paul J. Francis, Claudio Innocente
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Patent number: 11452339Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine are discussed. In this example, the lace guide is deformable to assist in facilitating automated lace tightening. The lace guide can include a middle section, a first extension and a second extension. In this example, the lace guide can be configured to define a first route for a lace cable, the first route including receiving the lace cable along the first incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable along the first outgoing lace axis. In this example, the lace guide can also deflect, in response to tension on the lace cable, resulting in defining a second route for the lace cable, the second route including receiving the lace cable along a second incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable along a second outgoing lace axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Summer L. Schneider, Narissa Chang, Daniel A. Johnson, Peter R. Savage, Travis J. Berrian, Fanny Yung Ho, Eric P. Avar, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Katelyn Ricciardi
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Patent number: 11425964Abstract: A shoe may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may include a shell and first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints. Each of the sets may have one or more tensile restraints extending over and/or through a corresponding portion of the shell. The shell may be engaged with the sole structure and define an interior void configured to receive insertion of a user's foot. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints may be configured so that, upon securing of one or more structures to tighten the upper and connect the sets of tensile restraints, two linear axes of tension with anchors located in the forefoot and heel region extend diagonally across the article from one side to the other.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Sam Amis, Michael S. Amos, John Hurd, James Molyneux
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Patent number: 11388956Abstract: An article of footwear may comprise an upper and a closure system. The closure system may include a strap, a tensioning cable, and a plurality of pulleys. The strap may have a fixed end fixed relative to the upper, a free end selectively securable to the upper in a fastened position, and an elastic portion between the fixed end and the free end. The closure system may include a tensioning cable anchored to the upper and secured to the strap. The closure system may also include a plurality of pulleys anchored to the upper and engaging the tensioning cable. The tensioning cable may be configured to tighten against the upper when the elastic portion of the strap stretches as the free end of the strap is pulled.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Risha Dupre, Austin Orand, Haley Toelle
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Patent number: 11388957Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer and a sole structure fixedly attached to the upper, the sole structure including a ground-contacting outer member and a removable midsole. The footwear may further include a motorized tensioning system including a power source, a control unit, a tensile member, and a motorized tightening device, the motorized tightening device being attached to an outer surface of the upper, and the tightening device being configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. In addition, the power source and the control unit of the tensioning system may be configured to be removably disposed in the removable midsole.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Rushbrook, Tiffany A. Beers
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Patent number: 11350701Abstract: Described is a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, wherein the shoe upper is laceless and comprises: (a.) a lateral portion; (b.) a medial portion; and (c.) at least an elastic intermediate portion between the lateral portion and the medial portion, wherein the stiffness of at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion is at least 2 times higher than the stiffness of the elastic intermediate portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: ADIDAS AGInventors: Fu Wen Lee, LuLu Chen, Sam Forester
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Patent number: 11324284Abstract: An article with an automatic tensioning system includes a lace guide assembly. The lace guide assembly includes a lower guide member and two upper guide members that include channels for routing a tensioning member. Straps of the upper are attached to the two upper guide members. As the tensioning member is pulled into a tensioning device, the two upper guide members are pulled toward the lower guide member. This pulls on the straps and acts to tighten the upper around a foot.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11298120Abstract: Methods and anchor devices for repairing soft tissue with a suture are provided. An anchor device comprises an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen extending from the proximal end, the first lumen having at least one face which is sloped relative to the central axis of the elongate body such that the cross-sectional area of the first lumen decreases in the proximal direction. The anchor device also comprises a suture locking wedge movably disposed at least partially within the first lumen.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: RESPONSIVE ARTHROSCOPY, LLCInventors: Brian Bowman, Jonathon Gold, Jacob Hustedt
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Patent number: 11291267Abstract: An improved article of footwear of the invention includes an upper, an adjustable closure system affixed to the upper, the closure system having a guide member having a first groove portion and a second groove portion, a fastening member positioned opposite the guide member and having at least two tensioning members, and removable cable assembly connecting the guide member and the fastening member, wherein the cable assembly extends sequentially through the first groove portion of the guide member, a first tensioning member of the fastening member, the second groove portion of the guide member, and a second tensioning member of the fastening member, a bottom secured to the upper, a stabilizing member positioned between the upper and the bottom, wherein the stabilizing member has a base portion and at least one of a lateral support portion and a medial support portion extending upwardly from opposing sides of the base portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Inventor: Laurence James
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Patent number: 11129445Abstract: Lacing systems for articles of apparel can include a first continuous lace element and a second continuous lace element, with each having a lace-receiving portion secured to the article of apparel, directly or indirectly, and a lacing portion that can engage with respective loop apertures of the lace-receiving portion to provide a closure mechanism. The articles of apparel can be articles of footwear and the lacing system can be provided to close an opening in an upper of the article of footwear.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, Haley L. Toelle, James Zormeir
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Patent number: 11129362Abstract: A protective article for a horse includes a protective member and a replaceable securing member. The protective member includes a body portion extending between a pair of opposing ends and dimensioned to be wrapped around and secured to a horse's body part, and further includes a first engagement member coupled to the body portion adjacent one end, and a second engagement member coupled to the body portion adjacent the other end. The replaceable securing member is adapted to be selectively engaged with the engagement members in a manner that urges the engagement members towards one another. The replaceable securing member includes a first securing assembly adapted to be manually reversibly secured to the first engagement member, and a second securing assembly adapted to be manually reversibly secured to the second engagement member, the first securing assembly securing to the first engagement member independently of the second securing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Inventor: Brett W. Mills
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Patent number: 11103028Abstract: An article includes a two layered braided upper assembly with an outer braided structure and an inner braided structure. The braided structures may have different braid patterns. The dual layered upper assembly can be manufactured using a braid machine with multiple rings of spools.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Bruce, Eun Kyung Lee
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Patent number: 11058183Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11026472Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper defining an interior void and a first cable movable in a tightening direction to move the upper into a tightened state and movable in a loosening direction to move the upper into a loosened state. The article of footwear also includes a tightening grip operable to be moved away from the upper in a first direction to move the first cable in the tightening direction and a cable lock operable in a locked state to restrict movement of the first cable in the loosening direction and operable in an unlocked state to permit movement of the first cable in the loosening direction. A release grip is operable to be moved away from the upper in a second direction to move the cable lock from the locked state to the unlocked state, whereby the release grip is separate from the tightening grip.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Caleb W. Dyer, Peter Lam, Austin Orand, Andrea M. Vinet, Peter Williams, Samantha Young