Daniel B 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:

7698835, Apr 20, 2010

Filed:

Dec 22, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/341174

Inventors:

Daniel R. Potter - Beaverton OR, US
Lorrie G. Vogel - Lake Oswego OR, US

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 7/14
A43B 13/20

US Classification:

36 88, 36 93, 36 501, 36 29

Abstract:

A stability device that increases foot security on the footbed of a shoe, provides lateral or medial stability, shock dampening, and optimizes flexibility. The stability device includes a resilient bladder insert having a horizontal sole portion underneath a wearer's foot, and a foot portion positioned along a lateral or medial side edge of a wearer's foot. The sole portion and the foot portion are in fluid communication. The stability device can be generally L-shaped to cradle a portion of the foot. The stability device can also include a plurality of finger-shaped elements that encircle the top of the foot and expand down onto the foot due to an increase in fluid pressure therein.

US Patent:

48173045, Apr 4, 1989

Filed:

Aug 31, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/090926

Inventors:

Mark G. Parker - Beaverton OR
David M. Forland - Vancouver WA
Lester Q. Lee - Gaston OR
Thomas McGuirk - Lake Oswego OR
Daniel R. Potter - Beaverton OR
Stephen F. Potter - Beaverton OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. and Nike International Ltd. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 1312
A43B 1318
A43B 1320

US Classification:

36114

Abstract:

Footwear having an improved cushioning sole structure is disclosed. The footwear includes an upper and a sole member attached to the upper. The sole member includes a sealed inner member of a flexible material which is inflated with a gaseous medium to form a compliant and resilient insert. An elastomeric yieldable outer member encapsulates the insert about preselected portions of the insert. The inner and outer members function together to form a viscoelastic unit for attenuating the shock and returning the energy of foot impact. A mechanism adjusts the impact response of the unit so that the effect of the insert dominates the impact response function in a predetermined area adjacent at least one side of the insert. The adjusting mechanism includes a gap in the outer member along the side of the insert adjacent the predetermined area so that the flexible material of the sealed inner member can flex in the gap during foot impact.

US Patent:

59068728, May 25, 1999

Filed:

May 15, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/441631

Inventors:

Robert M. Lyden - Beaverton OR
Ross A. McLaughlin - Lake Oswego OR
Henry T. Chriss - Beaverton OR
Calvin M. Buck - Beaverton OR
Daniel R. Potter - Tigard OR
Steven M. Vincent - Beaverton OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. and Nike International, Ltd. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

B32B 708
A43B 1302
A43B 1338

US Classification:

428 52

Abstract:

An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials. The invention also is directed to chemically bonding relatively elastic to relatively inelastic materials for contemplated use in protective athletic equipment such as helmets and protective padding, and for use in prosthetic devices.

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.