Actuator for an automated footwear platform
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorNarissa Chang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including a button assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, the button assembly can include a bushing and an actuator. The bushing can include an actuator housing surrounded by an outer flange. The actuator housing can include an exterior side and an interior side relative to the footwear platform. The actuator can include a plurality of actuator bodies disposed within the actuator housing. Each actuator body of the plurality of actuator bodies can include a switch interface adapted to interact with a switch on a lacing engine.
Claims21
A button assembly for providing a physical interface to switches disposed on a lacing engine within an automated footwear platform, the button assembly comprising:
- a bushing including an actuator housing surrounded by an outer flange, the actuator housing including an exterior side and an interior side relative to the footwear platform;
- and
- an actuator including a plurality of actuator bodies disposed within the actuator housing, each actuator body of the plurality of actuator bodies including a switch interface adapted to interact with a switch on a lacing engine, wherein each actuator body of the plurality of actuator bodies are movable linearly within a portion of the actuator housing of the bushing.
A footwear assembly comprising:
- an upper portion configured to receive a foot of a user within the footwear assembly;
- a lacing engine including a plurality of physical switches to control functions of the lacing engine;
- a button assembly adapted to transmit a physical movement to activate the plurality of physical switches on the lacing engine;
- a mid-sole portion coupled to the upper portion and adapted to receive the lacing engine, the mid-sole portion including a cutout to receive the button assembly to enable control functions of the lacing engine for an external surface of the footwear assembly;
- and
- an out-sole portion coupled to at least an inferior portion of the mid-sole portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.