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These were filed in 2004 and were granted last week: Article of footwear with variable support structure
Quote:
An article of footwear having a variable support structure includes a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure. At least one reservoir of magneto-rheological fluid is positioned in at least one of the upper and the sole structure. A magnet assembly is positioned proximate each reservoir, and a magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly transforms the magneto-rheological fluid from a fluid state to a near-solid state.
Inventors: Ungari; Joseph L. (Hillsboro, OR)
Assignee: Nike, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. At least one recess is formed in the sole assembly, and a retractable protrusion is positioned in each recess. The protrusion is configured to be contained substantially within an exterior surface of the sole assembly in a retracted position and to extend substantially beyond the exterior surface in an extended position. The footwear includes at least one reservoir containing a fluid, with each reservoir having a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are in fluid communication with one another, the first chamber is positioned inwardly of the second chamber, and the second chamber is positioned proximate a retractable protrusion.
Inventors: Ungari; Joseph L. (Hillsboro, OR)
Assignee: Nike, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)
This one has just been granted as well: Custom fit system with adjustable last and method for custom fitting athletic shoes
Quote:
A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.
"shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes"
l would like to see all of that happen in a matter of minutes,
That equipment would take up quite a bit of room of their very valuable floor space in the retail store, l wonder what price would be attached to this footwear and the service
Here is another patents that Nike have just been granted: MIDSOLE ELEMENT FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Quote:
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a midsole element that defines a void, and the void may extend substantially vertically through a central area of the midsole element. The void may also extend between an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsole element to define an interior surface. A plurality of bores are also defined in the midsole element. The bores may extend substantially horizontally through the midsole element, and the bores may extend between an exterior surface of the midsole element and the void.
Nike have just been granted these patents: System for modifying properties of an article of footwear
Quote:
A system for modifying properties of an article of footwear is disclosed, wherein the article of footwear includes a removable foot-supporting member that includes a frame portion that defines an aperture, one of a plurality of insert portions that are received by the aperture, and a restraining member attached to an upper surface of the frame portion. By removing the insert portion, which has a specific physical characteristic, and replacing it with an alternate insert portion, which has a different physical characteristic, properties of the article of footwear are modified. The restraining member is attached to the upper surface of the frame portion, but not to the upper surface of the insert portion. The restraining member prevents upward movement of the insert portions and stretches to accommodate insert portions having various dimensions.
Article of footwear with a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure
Quote:
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
System for modifying properties of an article of footwear
Quote:
A system for modifying properties of an article of footwear is disclosed, wherein the article of footwear includes a removable foot-supporting member that includes a frame portion that defines an aperture, one of a plurality of insert portions that are received by the aperture, and a restraining member attached to an upper surface of the frame portion. By removing the insert portion, which has a specific physical characteristic, and replacing it with an alternate insert portion, which has a different physical characteristic, properties of the article of footwear are modified. The restraining member is attached to the upper surface of the frame portion, but not to the upper surface of the insert portion. The restraining member prevents upward movement of the insert portions and stretches to accommodate insert portions having various dimensions.
Another Nike patent just granted: Article of footwear with a pivoting sole element
Quote:
An article of footwear is disclosed that has a sole structure with a sole element and a coupling. The sole element is spaced from a remainder of the footwear to define a space between a portion of the sole element and the remainder of the footwear. The coupling extends upward from the sole element to join the sole element with the remainder of the footwear. The coupling is spaced from the periphery of the sole element, and the coupling is the only attachment point between the sole element and the remainder of the footwear. In operation, the coupling permits the sole element to pivot in relation to the remainder of the footwear.
Nike have just been granted this patent: Footwear sole component with an insert
Quote:
A sole component for footwear combining the desirable response characteristics of a fluid filled chamber and an elastomeric material is disclosed. The chamber can be formed as a single bladder chamber in contact with an elastomeric midsole or as a single chamber by a sealing a void in elastomeric material. Alternately, an insert having the shape of the bladder, and potentially formed from foam, may be positioned within the chamber. The interface between the chamber and elastomeric material is sloped and gradual so that the shape of the chamber and its placement in a midsole determine the combination of response characteristics in the sole component. The chamber has a relatively simple shape with one axis of symmetry with a rounded portion and a narrow portion.
Quote:
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a sole component for footwear incorporating a sealed, fluid containing chamber and resilient material to harness the benefits of both a pneumatic system and a mechanical system, i.e., provide a large deflection at high impact, controlled stiffness response, a smooth transition to maximum deflection and stability. The sole component of the present invention is specifically designed to optimally combine pneumatic and mechanical structures and properties. The sealed, fluid containing chamber can be made by sealing an appropriately shaped void in the resilient material, or forming a bladder of resilient barrier material.
Recognizing that resilient material, such as a foamed elastomer, and air systems each posses advantageous properties, the present invention focuses the design of cushioning systems combining the desirable properties of both types, while reducing the effect of their undesirable properties.
Foamed elastomers as a sole cushioning material possesses a very desirable material property: progressively increasing stiffness. When foamed elastomers are compressed the compression is smooth as its resistance to compression is linear or progressive. That is, as the compression load increases, foamed elastomers become or feel increasingly stiff. The high stiffness allows the foamed elastomers to provide a significant contribution to a cushioning system. The undesirable properties of foamed elastomers include limitations on deflection by foam density, quick compression set, and limited design options.
Gas filled chambers or bladders also possess very desirable properties such as high deflection at impact and a smooth transition to bottom-out. The soft feel of a gas filled bladder upon loading is the effect of high deflection, which demonstrates the high energy capacity of a pneumatic unit. Some difficulties of designing gas filled bladder systems include instability and the need to control the geometry of the bladder. Pressurized bladders by their very nature tend to take on a shape as close to a ball, or another round cross-section, as possible. Constraining this tendency can require complex manufacturing methods and added elements to the sole unit.
In the past these two types of structures were used together but were not specifically designed to work together to exhibit the best properties of each system while eliminating or minimizing the drawbacks.
This is now possible due to the specially designed single chamber, pear-shaped, or taper-shaped bladder that can be used in a variety of locations and configurations in a midsole. The tapered shape has at least one planar major surface and a contoured surface, which is contoured from side to side and front to back. This contoured surface, when used with a resilient material, such as a foamed elastomer, provides a smooth stiffness transition from the resilient material to the bladder and vice-versa. The single chamber tapered bladder can be used in a variety of locations and configurations in a midsole to provide desired response characteristics. Only one bladder shape is required to be stocked which will significantly reduce manufacturing costs.
The present invention provides the best of pneumatic and mechanical cushioning properties without high pressurization of the air bladder. The air bladder used in the present invention is simply sealed with air at ambient pressure or at a slightly elevated pressure, within 5 psi (gauge) of ambient, and does not require nitrogen or specialized gases. Since the bladder is pressurized to a very low pressure if at all, the air bladder of the present invention also does not require a special barrier material. Any available barrier material can be used to make the bladder, including recycled materials which presents another substantial cost advantage over conventional pressurized bladders. Against the prevailing norm of pressurization, the cushioning system of the present invention is engineered to provide sufficient cushioning with an air bladder sealed at ambient pressure.
The single chamber air bladder of the present invention can be formed by blow-molding or vacuum forming with the bladder sealed from ambient air at ambient pressure or at slightly elevated pressure. Because high pressurization is not required, the additional manufacturing steps of pressurizing and sealing a pressurized chamber are not required. Minimizing complexity in this way will also be less expensive resulting in a very cost-effective system that provides all of the benefits of more expensive specially designed pneumatic systems.
When a cushioning system is loaded, the desired response is one of large deflection at initial load or strike to absorb the shock of the greatest force, and a progressively increasing stiffness response to provide stability through the load. The overall stiffness is controlled primarily by the density or hardness of the resilient material--the foam density or hardness when a foamed elastomer is used. Because of the smoothly contoured transition areas of the foam material and air bladder interface, foam densities are even and high concentrations are eliminated. The gentle slopes and contours of the tapered air bladder provide gradual transitions between the foam material and air bladder responses. Thus, because of the shape of the air bladder, the response to a load can be controlled by its placement. Placing the tapered, for example, pear-shaped air bladder at ambient or very low pressure under the area of greatest force of the wearer's foot affords greater deflection capacity than current systems, which employ high pressurization. This is due to the relatively large volume of the tapered air bladder, in combination with the lack of internal connections or structure within the interior area of the bladder, allowing for a relatively large deflection upon load. For example, when the pear shape is used, the larger, more bulbous end of the pear shaped bladder will deflect more than the narrower end. With this parameter in mind, rotation and movement of the air bladder can provide very different cushioning characteristics, which can mimic the effect of more complex and expensive foam structures within a midsole. In this way the air bladder and foam material work in concert to provide the desired response.
Here is another just granted: ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING MIDSOLE WITH SUPPORT PILLARS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME
Quote:
An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole assembly, and a support assembly positioned in the sole assembly and including a plurality of pillars. Each pillar includes an outer layer and an inner layer of cushioning material contained with the outer layer.
Nike have just bee granted this patent that was filed in 2005: Article of footwear with midsole having higher density peripheral portion
Quote:
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a central member of a first material having a first density with its medial and lateral sides having surface irregularities. A medial member extends along a medial side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member, and has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with a surface irregularity of the central member. The medial member is formed of a second material having a density greater than the first density. A lateral member extends along a lateral side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member, and has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with a surface irregularity of the central member. The lateral member is formed of a third material having a density greater than the first density.
Quote:
SUMMARY
The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide an article of footwear with a midsole having a peripheral portion formed of a material having a greater density than a remaining portion of the midsole. In accordance with a first preferred aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a central member formed of a first material having a first density and a medial member. extending along a portion of a medial side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member. A medial side of the central member has a first surface irregularity, and a lateral side of the central member has a second surface irregularity. The medial member is formed of a second material having a density greater than the first density, and has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with the first surface irregularity of the central member. A lateral member extends along a portion of a lateral side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member, has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with the second surface irregularity of the central member, and is formed of a third material having a density greater than the first density.
In accordance with another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a midsole having a central member formed of a first material having a first density. A medial side of the central member has a first surface irregularity, and a lateral side of the central member has a second surface irregularity. A medial member extends along a medial side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member and has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with the first surface irregularity of the central member. The medial member is formed of a second material having a second density, with the second density being greater than the first density. A lateral member extends along a lateral side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member and has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with the second surface irregularity of the central member. The lateral member is formed of the second material. An outsole is secured to the midsole.
In accordance with a further aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a midsole having a central member formed of ethyl vinyl acetate and having a first density. A medial side of the central member has a first surface irregularity, and a lateral side of the central member has a second surface irregularity. A medial member extends along a medial side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member and has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with the first surface irregularity of the central member. The medial member is formed of ethyl vinyl acetate and has a second density, with the second density being greater than the first density. A lateral member extends along a lateral side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member and has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with the second surface irregularity of the central member. The lateral member is formed of ethyl vinyl acetate and has the second density. A recess is formed in an upper surface of the central member. A fluid-filled bladder is received in the recess in the central member. An outsole is secured to the midsole.
Substantial advantage is achieved by providing an article of footwear with a higher density peripheral portion. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention provide areas of an article of footwear having greater density and greater support, and other areas having a lesser density, which are softer, and provide less support. This is highly advantageous since it allows the support provided in the article of footwear to be tailored to the type of activity that is often engaged in with a particular article of footwear. Thus, for example, an article of footwear designed for a basketball player can have a structure that is geared to enhance support for a user's foot in cutting maneuvers while an article of footwear designed for running can have a structure that is geared toward accommodating the heel strike to toe off impact profile encountered by a user's foot when running.
These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.
Nike have just been granted this patent: Article of footwear with a removable midsole element
Quote:
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to receive a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is separate from the upper and the outsole. The midsole is also positionable within the upper such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures. The lower surface is at a second elevation, the first elevation being less than the second elevation.
The present invention is an article of footwear having an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to extend around at least a portion of a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is separate from the upper and the outsole. The midsole is also positionable within the upper such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures. The lower surface is positioned at a second elevation, the first elevation being less than the second elevation.
The outsole form a web that extends between opposite sides of the upper, and the web defines the apertures. The outsole may also include a rim section that extends around a periphery of the footwear. In order to secure the midsole to the outsole, the midsole may include at least one flange that extends under the rim section. In some embodiments, the midsole includes a foot-supporting portion and a plurality of projections that extend downward from the foot-supporting portion. The projections have a configuration that extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures. A lower surface of the foot-supporting portion may contact an upper surface of the outsole. An upper surface of the foot-supporting portion may also be contoured to include a raised periphery, and an insole may be positioned adjacent the upper surface of the midsole.
Another aspect of the invention pertains to a method of assembling an article of footwear. The method includes a step of providing a combination of an upper and an outsole that are secured together. A separate midsole is inserted into the upper such that a portion of the midsole extends through apertures formed by the outsole and are exposed by the apertures. The midsole is then positioned such that a lower surface of the midsole is at a greater elevation than a lower surface of the outsole.
The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the invention.
Article of footwear with midsole having multiple layers
Quote:
An upper for an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes an upper layer formed of a first material and a lower layer positioned beneath the upper layer and formed of a second material. At least one finger extends downwardly from at least a portion of a periphery of the upper layer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Quote:
A conventional article of athletic footwear includes two primary elements, an upper and a sole assembly or sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces (i.e., imparting cushioning), the sole structure may provide traction and control foot motions, such as pronation. Accordingly, the upper and the sole structure operate cooperatively to provide a comfortable structure that is suited for a variety of ambulatory activities, such as walking and running.
The sole structure of athletic footwear generally exhibits a layered configuration that includes a comfort-enhancing insole, a resilient midsole formed from a polymer foam material, and a ground-contacting outsole that provides both abrasion-resistance and traction. The midsole is the primary sole structure element that imparts cushioning and controls foot motions. It is desirable to provide superior cushioning with the midsole, as well as providing a long-lasting, wear-resisant and water resistant midsole.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of footwear that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.
SUMMARY
Quote:
The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide an article of footwear having lighter weight and improved durability. In accordance with a first aspect, an upper for an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes an upper layer formed of a first material and a lower layer positioned beneath the upper layer and formed of a second material. At least one finger extends downwardly from at least a portion of a periphery of the upper layer.
In accordance with another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole secured to the upper. The midsole includes an upper layer formed of a first material and a plurality of fingers extending downwardly about a periphery of a forefoot portion of the upper layer. A lower layer is positioned beneath the upper layer and is formed of a second material. The lower layer has at least one recess, with at least one finger being received in the at least one recess. An outsole is secured to the midsole.
In accordance with a further aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a midsole including a first portion formed of a first material having a first property and having a plurality of fingers extending downwardly about a least a portion of a periphery of a bottom surface thereof. A second portion is positioned beneath the first portion, and is formed of a second material having a second property different than the first property of the first portion. The second portion has a raised central portion, with the fingers extending downwardly about the raised central portion.
Substantial advantage is achieved by providing an article of footwear with a midsole having multiple layers. In particular, certain preferred embodiments of the present invention can provide footwear with improved wear-resistance while at the same time reducing the weight of the footwear.
These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.
Another two new Nike patents: Method of making an article of footwear
Quote:
A method of making an article of footwear includes obtaining a girth measurement of the article of footwear. The girth measurement device includes an expandable and retractable ribbon. The girth measurement device may be used to measure samples from a production run to ensure consistency of the run with a standard. The girth measurement device may also be used to measure an article of footwear post-production to determine an accurate size.
Another just awarded to Nike: Footwear with a Foot Stabilizer
Quote:
An article of footwear which includes a midsole and foot stabilizer. The foot stabilizer includes a longitudinally extending spine portion and a plurality of ribs extending laterally therefrom from opposing lateral and medial sides. The plurality of ribs being positioned to at least partially underlie a foot of a user. The spine portion is disposed above and affixed to the midsole and the ribs are contoured to partially enclose the foot of the user.
Quote:
[0006]This invention pertains to an article of footwear and, in particular, to an article of footwear with a foot stabilizer.
[0007]One aspect of this invention is directed to an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes a midsole and foot stabilizer. The foot stabilizer includes a longitudinally extending spine portion and a plurality of ribs extending laterally therefrom from opposing lateral and medial sides. The ribs are positioned to at least partially underlie a foot of a user. The spine portion is disposed above and affixed to the midsole and the ribs are contoured to partially enclose the foot of the user.
[0008]Another aspect of this invention is directed to a foot stabilizer. The foot stabilizer includes a spine and a plurality of ribs including a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs. The first set is disposed on and extending from a lateral side of the spine and the second set disposed on and extending from a medial side of the spine. The plurality ribs is contoured to substantially enclose and provide lateral support to a foot. The foot stabilizer also includes a plurality of slots which extend into the spine and wherein the slots are positioned between the ribs so as to separate the individual ribs from each other.
[0009]Another aspect of this invention is directed to an article of footwear with a midsole and a foot stabilizer including a plurality of ribs extending laterally from each opposing lateral and medial side of the foot stabilizer. The ribs are positioned to partially underlie a foot of a user and contoured to partially enclose the foot of the user. The foot stabilizer also includes a plurality of slots in the foot stabilizer wherein the slots are positioned between the ribs so as to separate the individual ribs from each other. Also, the footwear has a plurality of grooves disposed in said midsole wherein the grooves are positioned between or adjacent each rib so that the grooves and ribs alternate along a longitudinal direction of the footwear.
[0010]These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a connecting portion positioned adjacent the upper and extending along a longitudinal length of the upper. A plurality of discrete sole elements extend downward from the connecting portion. The sole elements define a lower surface, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward from the lower surface and into the sole structure. An outsole may be located within the sipes or grooves and extend between the sole elements, with a lower portion of the outsole extending beyond the lower surface of the sole elements.
Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices include: (a) a housing, optionally an asymmetrical housing, for receiving an electronic module; (b) release mechanisms for removably mounting the module in the housing; and/or (c) activation/authentication systems for selectively activating the module. Additionally, methods of making articles of footwear or other structures that include such housings, electronic modules, release systems, activation systems, authentication systems, etc. are described. Performance sensing systems and methods of using the above devices for sensing performance characteristics also are described.
New Nike patents granted
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Linear Mode
