ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCLUDING A SOLE STRUCTURE

Organization Name

Nike, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Merrily J. Antony of Portland OR (US)

Travis J. Berrian of Portland OR (US)

Wesley K. Chan of Portland OR (US)

Bryan P. Conrad of Lake Oswego OR (US)

Zachary M. Elder of Portland OR (US)

Wade Flanagan of Portland OR (US)

Paul Hooper of Vancouver WA (US)

Samuel S. Kass of Portland OR (US)

Benjamin J. Monfils of Portland OR (US)

Nikita A. Troufanov of Portland OR (US)

Jeremy W. Webber of Portland OR (US)

ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCLUDING A SOLE STRUCTURE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18605050 titled 'ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCLUDING A SOLE STRUCTURE

The patent application describes an article of footwear with a unique design for enhanced comfort and support.

The footwear includes an upper with a ground-facing surface supported by a sole that has extensions received by supports within the upper.
A cushioning element extends from the posterior end towards the anterior end, engaging with the supports and extensions for added comfort.
The design aims to provide improved cushioning and support for the wearer, enhancing overall comfort and stability.

Potential Applications: - Athletic footwear for runners and athletes - Everyday footwear for individuals seeking comfort and support - Medical footwear for individuals with foot conditions requiring extra cushioning

Problems Solved: - Lack of sufficient cushioning in traditional footwear designs - Inadequate support for the foot during physical activities - Discomfort and fatigue from prolonged standing or walking

Benefits: - Enhanced comfort and support for the wearer - Improved stability and cushioning during physical activities - Potential relief for individuals with foot conditions or pain

Commercial Applications: Title: Innovative Footwear Design for Enhanced Comfort and Support This technology could be marketed to athletic shoe companies, medical footwear manufacturers, and everyday shoe brands looking to offer enhanced comfort and support to their customers.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does this footwear design differ from traditional shoe designs in terms of comfort and support? 2. What materials are used in the construction of the cushioning element and sole to provide optimal comfort and support?

Original Abstract Submitted

An article of footwear having an anterior end and a posterior end opposite the anterior end, and an upper including an interior void partially defined by a ground-facing surface. The ground-facing surface has a plurality of supports; a sole including a first surface facing the interior void and a second, ground-facing surface, the sole disposed within the interior void of the upper, wherein the sole includes one or more extensions extending from the second surface, wherein each of the one or more extensions is received by a respective one of the plurality of supports; and a cushioning element extending from the posterior end toward the anterior end, the cushioning element including a first surface facing the upper and a second, ground-facing surface, wherein the one or more supports and one or more extensions engage the first surface of the cushioning element.