Impact-attenuation systems for articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsMichael A. Aveni, Patricia L. Smaldone, Fred G. Fagergren
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Impact-attenuation members, e.g., for use in footwear or other foot-receiving devices, include: (a) a first body member having a base region and three (or more) leg portions extending from the base region. A second body member, with similar leg portions, may be arranged facing the first member such that the free ends of the various leg portions lie adjacent one another. A retaining member may extend between and/or at least partially around the body members to at least partially hold them in place with respect to one another. Such impact-attenuation systems may be arranged in the heel (or other portions) of an article of footwear.
Claims19
An impact-attenuating member, comprising:
- a first body member including a first base region, a first leg portion extending from the first base region, a second leg portion extending from the first base region, and a third leg portion extending from the first base region;
- a second body member including a second base region, a fourth leg portion extending from the second base region, a fifth leg portion extending from the second base region, and a sixth leg portion extending from the second base region;
- and
- means for arranging the first and second body members such that the first base region is separated from the second base region and such that a free end of the first leg portion extends toward a free end of the fourth leg portion, a free end of the second leg portion extends toward a free end of the fifth leg portion, and a free end of the third leg portion extends toward a free end of the sixth leg portion;
- and
- wherein the first, second, and third leg portions extend radially outward from the first base region in different directions.
An article of footwear comprising:
- an upper member;
- and a sole member engaged with the upper member, wherein the sole member includes a first impact-attenuating member having:
- a first body member including a first base region, a first leg portion extending from the first base region, a second leg portion extending from the first base region, and a third leg portion extending from the first base region;
- a second body member including a second base region, a fourth leg portion extending from the second base region, a fifth leg portion extending from the second base region, and a sixth leg portion extending from the second base region;
- and
- means for arranging the first and second body members such that the first base region is separated from the second base region and such that a free end of the first leg portion extends toward a free end of the fourth leg portion, a free end of the second leg portion extends toward a free end of the fifth leg portion, and a free end of the third leg portion extends toward a free end of the sixth leg portion;
- and
- wherein the first, second, and third leg portions extend radially outward from the first base region in different directions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.