Daniel G Potter

US Patent:

6385864, May 14, 2002

Filed:

Mar 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/526861

Inventors:

Craig E. Santos - Portland OR
David B. Herridge - Mendota Heights MN
Daniel R. Potter - Forest Grove OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 1320

US Classification:

36 29, 36 35 B

Abstract:

A bladder for a sole assembly of a shoe with three dimensional controlled flex connecting/tensile members extending between the top and bottom outer layers of bladder. The connecting/tensile members are formed during molding of the bladder and comprise top and bottom portions that come together at a juncture. Since the outer perimeter and the internal connecting/tensile members are formed at the same time and of the same material, bonding problems between layers is eliminated and manufacturing is simplified. The connecting/tensile members are formed with a predetermined flex point in at least a portion of each member to reduce random fatigue stress concentrations. Broadly, there are two configurations: one in which the tensile member is constructed to collapse upon compressive loading, and one in which the tensile member is constructed to bend or fold upon compressive loading in a predetermined location. The shape, relative size, length and barrier material thickness are manipulated to assist in finely tuning the cushioning properties of the final bladder.

US Patent:

6463612, Oct 15, 2002

Filed:

Nov 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/722285

Inventors:

Daniel R. Potter - Tigard OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43D 900

US Classification:

12146B, 12146 M, 36 29, 36 43, 36153

Abstract:

A bladder usable in the sole of a shoe for supporting the plantar area includes a plurality of chambers designed to provide a resilient resistance force. In the fabrication of the bladder, each of the chambers is formed in fluid communication with each other, and fluid is supplied into the chambers at a selected location. After the chambers have been pressurized to the desired internal pressure, the fluid communication port(s) is sealed. Although certain of the chambers are pressurized to the same internal pressure, different resistance forces are provided by forming the chambers with different volumes.

US Patent:

6571490, Jun 3, 2003

Filed:

Mar 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/526860

Inventors:

John C. Tawney - Portland OR
Daniel R. Potter - Forest Grove OR
Michael A. Aveni - Lake Oswego OR
Joel L. Passke - Portland OR
David B. Herridge - Mendota Heights MN
Alaric Naiman - Lincoln MA
Alastair R. MacGregor - Cambridge, GB
Julian A. Scarfe - Cambridge, GB
Colin D. Ager - Cambridge, GB
Edward G. Colby - Cambridge, GB

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 1320

US Classification:

36 29, 36 35 B

Abstract:

A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

US Patent:

7132032, Nov 7, 2006

Filed:

Apr 24, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/423756

Inventors:

John C Tawney - Portland OR, US
Daniel R Potter - Forest Grove OR, US
Michael A Aveni - Lake Oswego OR, US
Joel L Passke - Portland OR, US
David B Herridge - Mendota Heights MN, US
Alaric Naiman - Lincoln MA, US
Alastair R MacGregor - Cambridge, GB
Julian A Scarfe - Cambridge, GB
Colin D Ager - Cambridge, GB
Edward G Colby - Cambridge, GB

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

B32B 37/00

US Classification:

156290, 156145, 156289, 156292, 12142 P

Abstract:

A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

US Patent:

54675375, Nov 21, 1995

Filed:

Mar 18, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/214742

Inventors:

Michael A. Aveni - Lake Oswego OR
Daniel R. Potter - Forest Grove OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 1100
A43B 312
A44B 900

US Classification:

36 501

Abstract:

A shoe having a closure system is disclosed. The shoe has an upper and a sole attached to the upper. A first strap member is attached to the medial side of the shoe at two longitudinal locations. A second strap member is attached to the lateral side of the shoe at two longitudinal locations. A first adjusting member is slidably coupled to both the first and second strap members. The first adjusting member is slidable along the first and second strap members towards the front of the foot to tighten the upper about the forefoot of the foot. A second strap member is slidably coupled to both the first and second strap members. The second adjusting member is slidable along the first and second strap members toward the rear of the foot to tighten the upper about the ankle and heel of the foot.

US Patent:

52534359, Oct 19, 1993

Filed:

Aug 19, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/747414

Inventors:

Perry W. Auger - Tigard OR
Daniel R. Potter - Tigard OR
Michael A. Aveni - Lake Oswego OR
Bruce J. Kilgore - Lake Oswego OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 706
A43B 714

US Classification:

36 88

Abstract:

A bladder assembly for an athletic shoe and having at least first and second chambers. The chambers are independently and separately pressure adjustable by the user to conform to different concavity areas of his foot, such as the arch, ankle and metatarsal areas, to thereby enhance fit, comfort and athletic performance. Both chambers are inflatable by the same articulated on-board pump and deflatable by the same on-board depressible plunger. A dial on the lateral side of the upper allows the user to select which of the chambers is to be pressure adjusted, that is, which of the chambers is in pressure communication with the pump and the plunger. When the dial is in a neutral position, accidental inflation or deflation of either chamber is prevented.

US Patent:

58326308, Nov 10, 1998

Filed:

Jul 23, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/095476

Inventors:

Daniel R. Potter - Tigard OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 1320

US Classification:

36 29

Abstract:

A bladder usable in the sole of a shoe for supporting the plantar area includes a plurality of chambers designed to provide a resilient resistance force. In the fabrication of the bladder, each of the chambers is formed in fluid communication with each other, and fluid is supplied into the chambers at a selected location. After the chambers have been pressurized to the desired internal pressure, the fluid communication port(s) is sealed. Although certain of the chambers are pressurized to the same internal pressure, different resistance forces are provided by forming the chambers with different volumes.

US Patent:

52574709, Nov 2, 1993

Filed:

Feb 19, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/656728

Inventors:

Perry W. Auger - Tigard OR
Daniel R. Potter - Tigard OR
Bruce J. Kilgore - Lake Oswego OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 706
A43B 714

US Classification:

36 88

Abstract:

For athletic shoes, a custom fit bladder system including first and second separately pressure adjustable chambers for different foot portions. First and second bladder stems communicate with the first and second chambers, respectively. A tension wire bail secures the stems to a tee manifold between them. A bulb pump held on the shoe includes an articulated connector at one end and a flush mounted inlet valve retained at the other end. External barbs on the manifold lock into holes in the connector providing a secure air-tight attachment of the bulb pump to the manifold. A button dial allows the user to select which of the chambers he can inflate by pumping the pump and deflate by pushing a deflation valve disposed in the manifold.