Nike, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160136856 | METHOD OF MAKING A GOLF BALL WITH LATTICE REINFORCED LAYER - Methods of making a golf ball that includes a lattice reinforced layer, which is a layer made of at least two materials with different properties, includes various injection and compression molding steps. In some embodiments, the lattice reinforced layer is manufactured using a shutoff molding technique so that the entire lattice reinforced layer is molded in the same mold. In other embodiments, a grid for the lattice layer is formed first, then filled using an injection molding technique. | 05-19-2016 |
20160136783 | Sodium Bicarbonate Puck Cleaning and Painting - An article of footwear is made by (a) providing a component having a contaminant on a receiving area of a surface; (b) blast cleaning the receiving area of the surface by propelling an abrasive alkali, alkaline earth, or ammonium compound in a pressurized gas stream against the receiving area; (c) applying a pressurized gas stream free of the abrasive compound, liquid water, and organic liquid to the receiving area to remove any residual abrasive compound from the receiving area of the surface to produce a cleaned receiving area; (d) applying a layer of material to the cleaned receiving area, wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of adhesives and coating compositions; and (e) incorporating the component into an article of footwear. | 05-19-2016 |
20160136485 | Multi-Layer Golf Ball with Bladder Core - The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for manufacturing a golf ball including a bladder core. In at least one embodiment, the bladder core includes an ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer layer combined with multiple layers of thermoplastic polyurethane or other material to prevent leakage. In addition, it is contemplated that the bladder core may include a one-way valve for adjusting the pressure of a fluid within the bladder core to produce different performance characteristics. | 05-19-2016 |
20160135743 | Athletic Band with Removable Module - A performance monitoring system includes an athletic band or other article of apparel worn by a user, with a pocket supported by the article and defining a cavity, where the pocket has a sensor opening extending through an inner wall of the pocket and an access opening providing access to the cavity. The system also includes an electronic module received in the cavity such that the module can be inserted and removed from the cavity through the access opening. The module has a projection on an underside of the electronic module and a sensor mounted on the projection, where the projection extends through the sensor opening when the electronic module is received in the cavity and is configured to place the sensor in close proximity to skin of the user, such that the sensor is configured to sense a physiological parameter of the user. | 05-19-2016 |
20160135545 | REGRIND POLYURETHANE WITH GLYCOL OR POLYOL ADDITIVE - A surface element including a recycled polyurethane and a glycol or polyol additive is provided. The surface element has an increased tearability as compared to the recycled polyurethane. An article of footwear and methods of preparing an article of footwear are also provided. | 05-19-2016 |
20160129318 | GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH POLYMERIC FACE - A golf club head includes a body and a face plate insert. The body includes an annular face support having a recessed shelf configured to receive the face plate insert, and partially defining a central cavity. The face plate insert includes a hitting surface and a rear surface that is opposite the hitting surface. The face plate insert is disposed within the annular face such that the rear surface of the face plate insert abuts the recessed shelf. The face plate insert includes a polymeric material that is disposed across the cavity and that has a tensile strength of at least about 220 MPa. | 05-12-2016 |
20160128425 | Method of Manufacturing A Contoured Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Tensile Member - A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered. | 05-12-2016 |
20160128424 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A SOLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A BLADDER ELEMENT AND A GUIDE COMPONENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - An article of footwear includes a sole assembly that has a bladder element with a first outer surface and a second outer surface opposite the first surface. A guide component is fused to one of the outer surfaces. The guide component has at least one groove extending laterally across the guide component. The at least one groove is configured to receive and guide at least one elongated member such that the elongated member is movable lengthwise when positioned in the at least one groove. A method of manufacturing a sole assembly for an article of footwear includes fusing the guide component to one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface of the bladder element. | 05-12-2016 |
20160128402 | GLOVE WITH HOOK-AND-LOOP FASTENER HAVING PLURAL HOOK AND/OR LOOP SECTIONS - A glove includes a main body that defines an interior space that is operable to receive at least a portion of the hand of the wearer. The main body includes an opening that divides the main body into a first portion and a second portion. The glove also includes a hook-and-loop fastener that includes a hook member and a loop member. The hook member and the loop member are operable to removably attach to each other. One of the hook member and the loop member is operably supported on the first portion of the main body, and the other of the hook member and the loop member is operably supported on the second portion of the main body. At least one of the hook member and the loop member is divided into a plurality of respective sections that are separated at a distance from each other. | 05-12-2016 |
20160122493 | Method and Flexible Lattice Foams - A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises forming a structure of interconnected, unfoamed, thermoplastic polymeric members spaced to define openings between the thermoplastic polymeric members. The structure may be made by printing a thermoplastic polymeric material with a three-dimensional printer. The thermoplastic polymeric members are heated to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic polymeric members and the softened thermoplastic polymeric members are infused with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The first pressure is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic polymeric members. After being infused with the inert gas, the pressure is reduced to at least partially foam the thermoplastic polymeric members. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121545 | METHOD OF MAKING FOAMS USING PARTIAL MOLDS - A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises depositing an unfoamed, thermoplastic polymer onto a support surface in a three-dimensional printing process to form an unfoamed article; heating the article to soften the article and infusing the softened article with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened article; and reducing the pressure to second pressure below the first pressure while the article is softened to at least partially foam the article, wherein a surface of a partial mold limits foam expansion in at least one direction but less than all directions. The article or a part of the article may be made by printing a thermoplastic polymeric material with a three-dimensional printer in a structure of interconnected, unfoamed, thermoplastic polymeric members spaced to define openings between the thermoplastic polymeric members. | 05-05-2016 |
20160120263 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A MIDSOLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A PERIMETER BLADDER ELEMENT, A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND A MOLD ASSEMBLY FOR SAME - An article of footwear has a midsole assembly that includes a fluid-filled bladder element having a substantially arc-shaped heel portion and having a lateral arm portion and a medial arm portion spaced from the lateral arm portion. Each of the arm portions extend from the heel portion. The bladder element is configured to be positioned with the heel portion in the heel region of midsole assembly, and the arm portions extending from the heel region to a forefoot region along a peripheral region. A method of manufacturing and a mold assembly for such an article of footwear are provided. | 05-05-2016 |
20160120262 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A MIDSOLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A PERIMETER BLADDER ELEMENT, A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND A MOLD ASSEMBLY FOR SAME - An article of footwear has a midsole assembly that includes a fluid-filled bladder element having a substantially arc-shaped heel portion and having a lateral arm portion and a medial arm portion spaced from the lateral arm portion. Each of the arm portions extend from the heel portion. The bladder element is configured to be positioned with the heel portion in the heel region of midsole assembly, and the arm portions extending from the heel region to a forefoot region along a peripheral region. A method of manufacturing and a mold assembly for such an article of footwear are provided. | 05-05-2016 |
20160114223 | CUSTOMIZABLE GOLF BALL AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A CUSTOMIZABLE GOLF BALL - The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for providing a golf ball that is customizable by a golfer to achieve a golfer's desired playing characteristics. The customizable golf ball includes multiple layers of customizable thermoplastic or thermoset materials in varying hardness levels that may be assembled by the golfer to achieve a desired feel in play. After play, the customizable golf ball may be disassembled to again vary the playing characteristics of the ball by substituting layers of varying hardness levels, or to simply replace old or worn out parts. | 04-28-2016 |
20160108198 | Article with Controlled Cushioning - Pellets, beads, particles, or other pieces of a thermoplastic elastomer having a maximum size in at least one dimension of 10 mm or less (collectively, “pellets”) are infused with a supercritical fluid in a pressurized container, then rapidly depressurized and heated either by immersion in a heated fluid or with infrared or microwave radiation to foam the pellets The pellets are prepared with at least two different densities. Pellets with different densities, thermoplastic elastomer compositions, or foam response rates are placed in different areas of a mold. The mold is filled with pellets, then the pellets are molded into a part. The part has areas of different density as a result of the placement of pellets of different density. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107040 | Thermoplastic Multi-Layer Golf Ball - A thermoplastic multi-layer golf ball has a thermoplastic core center with first flexural modulus and diameter from about 21-29 mm; a thermoplastic core layer radially outward with second flexural modulus; and a thermoplastic cover radially outward with third flexural modulus of up to about 5,000-6000. The second flexural modulus is greater than the third flexural modulus. The core layer and core center specific gravities differ by at least about 0.1 g/cm | 04-21-2016 |
20160090478 | Zinc Ionomer Rubber Activator - Curable rubber compositions and cured articles are based on the use of zinc activator compositions for the sulfur cure. Activator compositions contain zinc and a polymeric component having a plurality of COOH groups, at least some of which are neutralized with the zinc. With polymeric zinc activators, sulfur cure can be activated at levels of zinc below those used in conventional systems. | 03-31-2016 |
20160089579 | MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL - A golf ball has an ionomer resin core center, a cured rubber layer made from (a) an at least 70% cis-1,4 polybutadiene with Mooney viscosity (ML | 03-31-2016 |
20160089578 | Thermoplastic Multi-Layer Golf Ball - A thermoplastic multi-layer golf ball has a core center having a shell from about 1-6 mm thick defining an interior space about 12-24 mm in diameter, a core layer at least about 5 mm thick outward from the core center, and a cover. The shell includes a first thermoplastic material with first flexural modulus less than about 15,000 psi. The core layer includes a second thermoplastic material with second flexural modulus up to about 15,000 psi and greater than the first flexural modulus and a specific gravity of at least about 1.5 g/cm | 03-31-2016 |
20160088899 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR UPPER INCORPORATING A TEXTILE COMPONENT WITH TENSILE ELEMENTS - The present embodiments provide an upper. The upper includes a textile component. The textile component of the upper includes a textile element and a tensile element. The tensile element defines a first segment disposed on a first side of the upper. The first segment of the tensile element is configured to attach the securement device to the textile element on the first side of the upper. The tensile element further includes a second segment that is disposed proximate the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The second segment is fixed relative to the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The tensile element further includes an intermediate segment that extends continuously from the first segment, across the heel region, to the second segment. | 03-31-2016 |
20160082329 | GOLF PUTTER WITH ADJUSTABLE COUNTERBALANCE WEIGHT - A golf club includes a tubular shaft, a golf club head affixed to a first end of the tubular shaft, and a grip abutting a second end of the shaft. The golf club further includes an adjustable counterbalance that is insertable within a hollow recess of the grip. The adjustable counter balance includes an elongate member adapted to be secured to the tubular shaft, and a movable weight. The movable weight is selectively transitionable between a first, unlocked state that permits translation of the weight along the elongate member, and a second locked state that restrains the weight from free translation. | 03-24-2016 |
20160081417 | METHOD OF KNITTING A KNITTED COMPONENT WITH A VERTICALLY INLAID TENSILE ELEMENT - A knitted component for an article of footwear having a vertically inlaid tensile element is described. The vertically inlaid tensile element extends along a direction that is vertical or at an angle to the direction of the knitting process of the knitted component. A method of knitting the knitted component includes placing a quantity of a tensile element into an auxiliary element of the knitted component and vertically inlaying a tensile element by using needles of a knitting machine to hold the tensile element by loops while the remaining portion of the knitted component is formed. As the knitted component is formed along a horizontal direction on the needles of the knitting machine, the tensile element spools out from within the auxiliary element to form the vertically inlaid tensile element. | 03-24-2016 |
20160074723 | LIGHTWEIGHT MODULAR GOLF BAG HAVING EXTERNAL FRAME - A modular golf bag having an external frame is provided. A plurality of poles connect a frame top capable of receiving golf clubs to a frame bottom. A pliable bag body internal to the plurality of poles extends between the frame top and the frame bottom such that a cavity capable of receiving golf clubs through the frame top is formed. A plurality of pole sleeves are attached to the pliable bag body. Each pole sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the length of a pole such that each pole runs through at least one pole sleeve. The plurality of pole sleeves provide structure to the pliable bag body by securing the pliable bag body to the plurality of poles in an extended position. At least one additional storage compartment may be detachably connected between at least two of the plurality of poles. | 03-17-2016 |
20160073739 | Article Of Footwear With Adjustable Fitting System - An article of footwear includes a fitting system with an upper member that is supported by the upper and a strand guide that is supported by the sole structure. The strand guide is flexible and flexes in concert with the sole structure. The strand guide has a guide surface. The fitting system further includes a tensioning system with a flexible strand that is configured to bias the upper member toward the strand guide. The flexible strand has a first section coupled to the upper member and a second section extending through the sole structure. The second section abuts the guide surface. The second section is configured to slide across the guide surface as a result of flexure of the strand guide. The first section and the upper member are configured to move relative to the sole structure as a result of sliding of the second section across the guide surface. | 03-17-2016 |
20160067554 | GOLF BALL - A golf ball includes a core and a cover surrounding the core. The cover includes a first hemispherical half and a second hemispherical half that define a seam line therebetween and along an outer surface of the cover. The seam line is non-planar and includes an integral number of cycles of a repeating wave that oscillates along the outer surface of the cover. Each cycle of the repeating wave has a 2π radian phase, and an intermediate section is interleaved within the repeating wave at phase angles that are integral multiples of π. Each intermediate section has a straight surface profile along the outer spherical surface. | 03-10-2016 |
20160059447 | MOLD WITH MIDPLATE AND METHOD OF MOLDING GOLF BALL - A mold for manufacturing hemispherical sections for a golf ball includes a first mold plate including a first cavity, a second mold plate including a second cavity, and a midplate. The midplate includes an indentation on a first side of the midplate and a projection on a second side of the midplate. The indentation of the midplate corresponds to the first cavity of the first mold plate. The projection of the midplate corresponds to the second cavity of the second mold plate. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058123 | SOLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH BOWED SPRING PLATE - A sole assembly for an article of footwear has a curved spring plate that stores and releases spring energy to aid in forward propulsion. The curved spring plate has a center portion and opposite end portions extending from the center portion. A retaining member is secured to the end portions such that the retaining member spans across and bows the center portion. Flexing of the spring plate stores spring energy in the spring plate that urges the center portion to unflex and release the spring energy. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058099 | Article of Footwear Incorporating a Knitted Component with Monofilament Areas in Body and Heel Portions - An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes areas formed using monofilament strands. The monofilament areas may be bounded by multifilament areas. The multifilament areas may be configured to form a welt that includes a tensile element. | 03-03-2016 |
20160015123 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING AN ELEVATED PLATE SOLE STRUCTURE - An article of footwear is provided having an elevated plate structure incorporated in the sole structure and optionally including a fluid-filled chamber. The elevated plate structure can include an upper plate and a plurality of legs extending downward toward the outsole. End portions of the legs can engage an upper region of the outsole. The elevated plate structure can form a cage region that can optionally include a fluid-filled chamber substantially disposed therein. The elevated plate structure can further include a lower plate disposed at an upper region of the outsole, which can form a lower portion of the cage region. Portions of the legs can be integrated with impact-attenuating members in the heel region in various configurations and can provide features for the impact-attenuating members, such as support, impact-attenuation and adjustable impact-attenuation features. | 01-21-2016 |
20160001478 | METHOD OF MAKING AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A SEGMENTED PLATE - A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method may generally include placing a first rigid member into a first region of a molding cavity and placing a second rigid member into a second region of the molding cavity. The first rigid member may be spaced from a first cleat and the second rigid member may be spaced from a second cleat. A second material may be injected into the first region and into the second region to form a sole comprising a first plate member and a second plate member. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000185 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A SEGMENTED PLATE - An article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear may generally include a sole comprising a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate is spaced from the second plate. The first plate extends from a forefoot portion of the article of footwear to a heel portion of the article of footwear. The second plate extends from the forefoot portion of the article of footwear to a midfoot portion of the article of footwear. The first plate and second plate may improve an amount of energy return while turning by increasing a rigidity of the sole. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000182 | Flex Groove Sole Assembly With Biasing Structure - An article of footwear an upper and a sole structure that defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed proximate the medial side of the footwear, and the second portion is disposed proximate the lateral side. The first portion and the second portion are configured to move relative to each other. The article of footwear also includes a flexible biasing member including a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. The middle portion extends across the first portion and the second portion. The first and second ends extend out from the outer surface of the footwear from either the medial or lateral side. The middle portion of the biasing member is configured to bias the first and second portions toward each other. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000180 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A SEGMENTED PLATE HAVING A HEEL REGION - An article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear may generally include a sole comprising a first plate and a second plate. The first plate includes a first edge, and the second plate includes a second edge, where the first edge faces the second edge. The first edge has a first contour corresponding to a second contour of the second edge. The first plate includes a heel region, where the heel region includes a first heel region and a second heel region. A notch region separates the first heel region and the second heel region, where the notch region extends from an outer edge of the heel region toward the midfoot portion of the article of footwear. The first plate and second plate may improve an amount of energy return while running by increasing a rigidity of the sole. | 01-07-2016 |
20150374067 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH INTERCONNECTED TENSILE STRANDS - An article of footwear includes an upper with a heel region that extends posteriorly about the heel, a medial side, and a lateral side. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure. Moreover, the article includes a longitudinal strand that extends along at least one of the medial side and the lateral side. Also, the article includes an underfoot strand that is coupled to the longitudinal strand and that extends across the sole structure to extend between the lateral side and the medial side of the upper. Furthermore, the article includes a closure strand that is coupled to the longitudinal strand. The closure strand is configured to couple to the closure element such that tensioning of the closure element tensions the longitudinal strand, the underfoot strand, and the closure strand to selectively secure the article of footwear to the foot. | 12-31-2015 |
20150366296 | Sole Structure With Extendable Cleat - A sole structure including a cleat assembly is disclosed. The cleat assembly includes a covering member, an actuating assembly and a cleat sub-assembly. The cleat sub-assembly includes a cleat member that can extend in length under a force applied by a foot. The actuating assembly directs force applied by a foot at the covering member to the cleat member so that the cleat can extend and penetrate further into a ground surface. The actuating assembly can include a pivot plate that pivots about an angled portion of the cleat sub-assembly. | 12-24-2015 |
20150359700 | COMPRESSIVE THERAPEUTIC DEVICE - A device for compressing an extremity of a user includes a wearable support member operable to be worn on the extremity of the user. The device also includes a plurality of chamber members that are arranged across and coupled to the support member. The chamber members each have a respective chamber therein. The chamber is at least partially defined by a base wall that is disposed adjacent the support member, a side wall that is attached to and that extends away from the base wall, and a top wall that is attached to the side wall and that is spaced away from the base wall. Furthermore, a foot pump member is operable to be disposed underneath a foot of the user. The foot pump member is operable to change a pressure inside the chambers as a result of being stepped upon by the user. | 12-17-2015 |
20150343294 | GOLF AID INCLUDING HEADS UP DISPLAY FOR GREEN READING - A golf aid for assisting a user in reading a green includes a user tracking system to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a heads up display, and a processor. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head, and to display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and maintains a representation of a topology for each of a plurality of golf greens, receives an indication of the location of the user from the user tracking system, identifies one of the plurality of golf greens that is the closest to the user, and displays a representation of the topology within the field of view of the user via the heads up display. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343292 | GOLF AID INCLUDING VIRTUAL CADDY - A golf aid for assisting a user in selecting a golf club from a plurality of golf clubs includes a user tracking system configured to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a heads up display, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and is configured to determine a plurality of target locations on the golf course, with each of the plurality of target locations representing an ideal target for a different one of the plurality of golf clubs. The processor then displays an indicator at one of the plurality of target locations via the heads up display, such that the user perceives a portion of the indicator to be coincident with the corresponding one of the plurality of target locations. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343291 | GOLF AID INCLUDING HEADS UP DISPLAY - A golf aid including a practice mode for use while hitting a plurality of golf balls with a golf club includes a golf ball tracking system, a heads up display, and a processor. The golf ball tracking system tracks a plurality of golf ball trajectories, each corresponding to a respective golf ball being hit by the golf club. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head and display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is configured to compute one or more shot statistics for each one of the plurality of trajectories, display the one or more computed shot statistics and a plurality of trajectory traces within the field of view of the user. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343282 | Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads - A ball striking device has a head with a body member having a face having a striking surface configured for striking a ball, a crown portion and a sole portion connected to the face and extending rearward from the face, where the body member has a void extending inwardly from a rear periphery of the body member, and a rear member connected to the body member and received within the void, such that the rear member forms portions of a crown and a sole of the head. A connection member connects the rear member to the body member to form a joint between the rear member and the body member. A resilient member separates the rear member from the body member, and the resilient member engages the rear member and the body member within the void and is configured to transfer momentum between the rear member and the body member. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343269 | GOLF BALL WITH GROUND DOWN MEDIAL LAYER - A golf ball includes a core, one or more inlaid portions formed into the core, and a second layer disposed radially outward of both the core and the one or more inlaid portions. The core and the one or more inlaid portions cooperate to define a continuous spherical surface, and the core and the second layer cooperate to surround each of the one or more inlaid portions. The one or more inlaid portions are formed by over-molding the core, and then removing the over-molded material back to at least the outer surface of the core. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342300 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH INNER AND OUTER MIDSOLE LAYERS - An article of footwear includes an outsole having a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region. An outer midsole layer is secured to the outsole and extends only over the heel region and at least some of the midfoot region. An inner midsole layer is supported by the outer midsole layer and the outsole without being fixed thereto, and extends over the heel region, the midfoot region, and the forefoot region. The outer midsole layer is configured to surround a periphery of the inner midsole layer at the heel region. The outsole may include lateral and medial arch portions for traction. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342298 | Outsole With Stepped Projections For Article Of Footwear - An article of footwear includes an outsole having a base with an upper surface that faces the upper and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface. The outsole also includes a first stepped projection that projects in a plurality of first steps from the lower surface. The plurality of first steps is defined by a plurality of first tread surfaces and a plurality of first riser surfaces. The outsole additionally includes a second stepped projection that projects in a plurality of second steps from the lower surface. The plurality of second steps is defined by a plurality of second tread surfaces and a plurality of second riser surfaces. The second stepped projection is spaced away from the first stepped projection relative to the lateral axis of the article of footwear. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342286 | Method Of Making An Article Of Footwear Including Knitting A Knitted Component Of Warp Knit Construction Forming A Seamless Bootie With Wrap-Around Portion - An article of footwear incorporates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component removed from a knitted textile element of unitary warp knit construction. The knitted component may include a first knitted component portion in the form of a seamless bootie and a second knitted component portion associated with the first knitted component portion. In some embodiments the second knitted component portion may be tucked-in or folded into a pocket of first knitted component portion, such as a knitted dynamic fit component portion or a knitted tongue component portion. In some embodiments the second kitted component portion may be wrapped around at least part of the first knitted component portion. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342285 | Method Of Making An Article Of Footwear Including Knitting A Knitted Component Of Warp Knit Construction Forming A Seamless Bootie With Tucked-In Portion - An article of footwear incorporates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component removed from a knitted textile element of unitary warp knit construction. The knitted component may include a first knitted component portion in the form of a seamless bootie and a second knitted component portion associated with the first knitted component portion. In some embodiments the second knitted component portion may be tucked-in or folded into a pocket of first knitted component portion, such as a knitted dynamic fit component portion or a knitted tongue component portion. In some embodiments the second kitted component portion may be wrapped around at least part of the first knitted component portion. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342284 | Method Of Making An Article Of Footwear Including Knitting A Knitted Component Of Warp Knit Construction Forming A Seamless Bootie - An article of footwear incorporates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component removed from a knitted textile element of unitary warp knit construction. The knitted component may include a first knitted component portion in the form of a seamless bootie and a second knitted component portion associated with the first knitted component portion. In some embodiments the second knitted component portion may be tucked-in or folded into a pocket of first knitted component portion, such as a knitted dynamic fit component portion or a knitted tongue component portion. In some embodiments the second knitted component portion may be wrapped around at least part of the first knitted component portion. | 12-03-2015 |
20150337133 | Dynamically Crosslinked Thermoplastic Material Process - A method for making a thermoplastic material includes: (a) partially crosslinking an elastomer composition at a first crosslinking temperature to form a thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition; (b) mixing a thermoplastic polymer composition with the thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition and heating the mixture to a second crosslinking temperature higher than the first crosslinking temperature, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition is liquid at the second crosslinking temperature; and (c) continuously mixing the mixture while further crosslinking the elastomer composition to form a thermoplastic material having a dispersed phase of crosslinked elastomer composition in the thermoplastic polymer composition. The elastomer composition may include an elastomer compounded with a curing agent and optionally additional components. A thermoplastic material resulting from this process may be molded or shaped by any method used for forming thermoplastic materials into articles, such as molding, extrusion, or thermoforming. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337102 | BEAD FOAM COMPRESSION MOLDING METHOD WITH IN SITU STEAM GENERATION FOR LOW DENSITY PRODUCT - Disclosed is a method for molding a foamed article, such as a midsole or outsole for footwear, in which first water, then a desired amount of thermoplastic polyurethane foam beads are placed in a compression mold in the shape of the article and the mold is brought to a peak temperature of from about 130° C. to about 180° C. over a period of from about 300 to about 1500 seconds, then cooled to from about 5° C. to about 80° C. over a period of from about 300 to about 1500 seconds within about 30 seconds after the peak temperature is reached. The foamed article made by the method has a density of from about 0.1 to about 0.45 g/cm | 11-26-2015 |
20150336328 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING CONTOURED OBJECTS BY RADIO FREQUENCY WELDING AND TOOLING ASSEMBLY FOR SAME - A method includes compressing a non-dielectric, elastically-deformable component, a wire mesh component, and a dielectric, contoured object between first and second forming tools. Once the components are compressed, radio frequency energy is supplied to the first forming tool, thereby causing a radio frequency electromagnetic field to be generated between the first forming tool and the wire mesh component that results in a contoured weld of the contoured object. A tooling assembly is configured to carry out the method. | 11-26-2015 |
20150327630 | Shoe Sole Portion Painting System - Automated painting of a shoe sole portion is enhanced by use of a mask cover and an air knife with a paint assembly. The mask cover is positioned in front of a paint-emitting portion of a spray nozzle and is adapted to obstruct at least a portion of the paint intended to be emitted by the spray nozzle. The air knife is coupled to the mask cover and is adapted to emit a laminar fluid flow over the mask cover. The laminar fluid flow helps to limit unwanted diffusion of the paint as it passes along its intended spray path. | 11-19-2015 |
20150327627 | FLUID-FILLED STRUCTURE - A fluid-filled chamber may include a pair of polymer layers that define a plurality of subchambers and a web area. The subchambers are protruding portions of the polymer layers that enclose a fluid, and the web area is portions of the polymer layers that are located between the subchambers and lay adjacent to each other. The subchambers may have greater thickness than the web area. A perimeter bond joining the polymer layers and extends around a periphery of the chamber. In addition, a plurality of interior bonds join the polymer layers and extend around the subchambers, which may seal the fluid within the subchambers. | 11-19-2015 |
20150321434 | System And Method For Forming Three-Dimensional Structures With Different Material Portions - A system and method for forming 3D printed structures includes printing an outer shell portion and filling an interior of the outer shell portion to form an inner portion. The outer shell portion and inner portion may have differing material properties. The outer shell portion may be anchored to the base component. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321418 | System And Method For Forming Three-Dimensional Structures - A system and method for forming 3D printed structures on a base component includes extruding material through a nozzle while moving the nozzle vertically. Extruded material flows from the nozzle and spreads outwardly upon contact with an underlying portion of material. The outward spread of material is controlled to form a desired geometry for the 3D printed structure. An optical sensing device may provide feedback for controlling the outward spread of material. Using a molding component, structures with anchored portions extending through openings in the base component can be formed. | 11-12-2015 |
20150320136 | Packaged Dyed Knitted Component - A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a yarn that is at least partially package dyed. The method also includes flat knitting a knitted component at least partially from the yarn. The knitted component has an area with a density of at least twenty-eight courses per inch (28 CPI). Moreover, the method includes forming at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear with the knitted component. | 11-12-2015 |
20150315375 | Dynamically Crosslinked Thermoplastic Material Process - A method for making a thermoplastic material includes: (a) partially crosslinking an elastomer composition at a first crosslinking temperature to form a thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition; (b) mixing a thermoplastic polymer composition with the thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition and heating the mixture to a second crosslinking temperature higher than the first crosslinking temperature, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition is liquid at the second crosslinking temperature; and (c) continuously mixing the mixture while further crosslinking the elastomer composition to form a thermoplastic material having a dispersed phase of crosslinked elastomer composition in the thermoplastic polymer composition. The elastomer composition may include an elastomer compounded with a curing agent and optionally additional components. A thermoplastic material resulting from this process may be molded or shaped by any method used for forming thermoplastic materials into articles, such as molding, extrusion, or thermoforming. | 11-05-2015 |
20150306462 | Golf Ball Including A Blend Of Highly Neutralized Acid Polymers And Method Of Manufacture - A golf ball having an inner core layer, an outer core layer enclosing the inner core layer, and a cover layer enclosing the outer core layer. The inner core layer includes a blend of a first highly neutralized acid polymer having a first Vicat softening temperature and a first specific gravity, a second highly neutralized acid polymer having a second Vicat softening temperature and a second specific gravity, and an ionomer-based masterbatch comprising an additive and an ionomer resin having a third Vicat softening temperature and a third specific gravity. The absolute values of the differences among the Vicat softening temperatures is no more than about 15° C. and the absolute value of the difference between the specific gravities is no more than about 0.015. The cover layer may include an inner cover layer enclosing the outer core layer and an outer layer enclosing the inner cover layer. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306457 | MONITORING FITNESS USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment, friends used and the like. Workout information may be shared to social messaging and networking outlets. Workout information shared may include map information including images of maps, interactive maps, links to maps, route information and the like and/or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, an application may be configured to execute within a context of a social networking system to facilitate athletic activity data transfer and generation of workout entries in the social networking site. | 10-29-2015 |
20150305447 | Interchangeable Chassis For Cleated Footwear - An article of footwear including cleat sets and/or cleat members can include provisions for maximizing traction between a chassis and multiple types of ground surfaces. In some embodiments, a chassis can include cleat sets and/or cleat members disposed in different locations to achieve maximum traction on multiple types of surfaces. In other embodiments, a chassis can include distinct types of cleat sets and/or cleat members that each maximize traction for a distinct type of surface. Each chassis includes a distinct type of cleat configuration. Different cleat configurations may be used to provide varying degrees of traction. In some embodiments, the chassis can include varying levels of flexibility, to provide user with options to customize the stiffness and support of the article of footwear. | 10-29-2015 |
20150297973 | Article of Apparel With Dynamic Padding System - An article of apparel includes a padding system that dynamically changes configuration in response to an impending impact. The padding system may change from a state that has a high flexibility and offers low protection from impact to a state that has a low flexibility and offers increase protection from impact. The system may use a filament to constrict a plurality of padding elements together in order to increase the overall stiffness of the pad. The filament may be tightened and loosened by a spool. The spool may receive a signal regarding the impending impact from a sensor that is a part of the article of apparel, or a sensor that is separate from it. | 10-22-2015 |
20150297953 | Golf Ball with Scuff-Resistant Cover - Scuff-resistant golf ball covers and methods of manufacturing golf balls are described. The cover is made of a thermoplastic polymeric portion including at least one first, high molecular weight copolymer of ethylene/5-12 percent by weight acrylic or methacrylic acid or both/5-40 percent by weight alkyl acrylate or methacrylate or both; optionally at least one second, low molecular weight copolymer of ethylene/3-25 percent by weight acrylic or methacrylic acid or both; and a high molecular weight dipolymer of ethylene/acrylic acid that has a molar fraction of the acrylic acid monomer units within ±about 10% of a molar fraction of the α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer units of the at least one first copolymer. The acid groups of all acid monomer units are neutralized 30% to about 75% on a molar basis by magnesium cations, calcium cations, zinc cations, or a combination of these cations. | 10-22-2015 |
20150296922 | Article of Footwear with Dynamic Support - An article of footwear with a dynamic support system that controls arrays of tiles in the upper of the footwear to adjust the level of support provided in different regions of the upper. Sensors in the sole of the footwear, in the upper of the footwear and/or in an article worn by the wearer of the footwear measure the level of stress or other characteristics and provide input to one or more microprocessors that control motors located in the sole or in the upper of the footwear. When the motors are activated, they may compress or loosen arrays of tiles to adjust the stiffness of the upper in one or more regions of the upper. | 10-22-2015 |
20150290892 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SOLE ASSEMBLY FORMED OF MULTIPLE PREFORMS - A method of forming a sole assembly includes positioning a plurality of preforms having different colors together to form a sole assembly preform and placing the sole assembly preform in a recess in a first portion of a mold assembly. The sole assembly preform is subjected to heat for a predetermined amount of time such that the plurality of preforms bond to one another to form a sole assembly. | 10-15-2015 |
20150290877 | Selectively Applied Adhesive Particulate on Nonmetallic Substrates - The manufacturing of articles relies on the bonding of two or more components to form some forms of the articles, such as a shoe sole bonded with a shoe upper. The bonding may be achieved with an adhesive particulate that is applied to a surface of a substrate. The adhesive particulate is selectively fused to the substrate with a controlled energy source, such as a laser. The selective application of laser energy allows for specific geometric structures of adhesive particulate to be formed on the substrate. The substrate having the fused adhesive particulate is mated with another component allowing the fused adhesive particulate to bond the first substrate and the second component. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289596 | Footwear Having Coverable Motorized Adjustment System - An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system including a tensile member and a motorized tightening device attached to an outer surface of the article of footwear, the tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a tightening device cover configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear over the tightening device. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289595 | Footwear Having Motorized Adjustment System and Elastic Upper - An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper including one or more elastic portions and one or more substantially inelastic portions. The footwear may further include a plurality of lace receiving members fixedly attached to an outer surface of the upper on the inelastic portions of the upper. Also, the footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to the upper. In addition, the footwear may include a motorized tensioning system including a motorized tightening device and a tensile member extending through the plurality of lace receiving members, the tightening device being configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear by drawing two or more of the plurality of lace receiving members closer to one another. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289594 | Footwear Having Motorized Adjustment System and Removable Midsole - An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer and a sole structure fixedly attached to the upper, the sole structure including a ground-contacting outer member and a removable midsole. The footwear may further include a motorized tensioning system including a power source, a control unit, a tensile member, and a motorized tightening device, the motorized tightening device being attached to an outer surface of the upper, and the tightening device being configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. In addition, the power source and the control unit of the tensioning system may be configured to be removably disposed in the removable midsole. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289590 | Footwear System With Removable Inserts - A footwear system includes an article of footwear and a set of removable inserts. The article of footwear includes a midsole with a cavity that receives one of the removable inserts at a time, where the inserts are interchangeable. The inserts and cavity have corresponding tapered geometries that allow the midsole to expand laterally as the inserts are compressed. This may act to pull the upper down more tightly against the top of the foot. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289586 | SOLE ASSEMBLY FORMED FROM MULTIPLE PREFORMS AND METHOD AND MOLD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly positioned beneath the upper. The sole assembly has a vertically extending channel formed in its bottom surface inward of a periphery of the sole assembly, the channel including opposed sidewalls and an end surface. The sole assembly includes a first portion having a first color; and a second portion having a second color that is different than the first color. An interface between the first portion and the second portion is positioned at a central portion of one of the sidewalls of the channel. A method of forming such an article of footwear is also disclosed. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289585 | Articles Of Footwear Having A Similar Appearance And Different Sole Assemblies - A first and second pair of articles of footwear which may have substantially similar exterior appearances, but the internal structures are different. The first pair of articles may comprise a traditional sole assembly having an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The second pair of articles of footwear comprises a fixed sole structure allowing for a customizable removable sole insert. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289579 | RESILIENT KNITTED COMPONENT WITH WAVE FEATURES - A knitted component formed of unitary knit construction includes a ridge structure and a channel structure. The ridge structure is biased to curl about a first axis in a first direction toward a compacted position. The channel structure is biased to curl about a second axis in a second direction toward a compacted position. The first direction is opposite the second direction. Courses of the ridge structure extend in the same direction as the first axis. Courses of the channel structure extend in the same direction as the second axis. | 10-15-2015 |
20150284885 | Method of Forming a Unitary Knit Article Using Flat-Knit Construction - A method for manufacturing an article of apparel from a singular knit component in disclosed. According to techniques described herein, multiple tubular knit components may be formed in succession, and as run of knit components, by a standard flat-knit machine. Thereafter, the knit components may be separate from each other, and portions of the knit components may be removed to transform each knit component into an article of apparel. | 10-08-2015 |
20150283431 | Golf Ball with Rubber Core, Layer, or Both and Method - Golf ball comprising core, cover, and optional intermediate layer(s) has the core and/or intermediate layer(s) made by crosslinking a rubber composition including at least (a) 100 parts by weight polybutadiene having 85% to 100% cis-1,4 bond content; (b) about 10 to about 50 parts by weight of (i) a zinc, magnesium, or calcium salt of a first carboxylic acid with least two ethylenically unsaturated bonds and (ii) a zinc, magnesium, or calcium salt of a second carboxylic acid with one ethylenically unsaturated bond that is α,β to a carbonyl of a carboxyl group, wherein (b)(i) is about 50% by weight to 100% by weight of the combination of (b)(i) and (b)(ii); (c) a free radical initiator; and (d) an inorganic zinc, magnesium, or calcium compound. Further disclosed is a method of making this golf ball by molding and crosslinking the rubber composition to make the core or intermediate layer(s). | 10-08-2015 |
20150282565 | COMPONENTS FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR INCLUDING LIGHTWEIGHT, SELECTIVELY SUPPORTED TEXTILE COMPONENTS - Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Additional aspects relate to methods of making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components. | 10-08-2015 |
20150282564 | COMPONENTS FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR INCLUDING LIGHTWEIGHT, SELECTIVELY SUPPORTED TEXTILE COMPONENTS - Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Additional aspects relate to methods of making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components. | 10-08-2015 |
20150279320 | Subtractive Color Change System and Method - A subtractive color change system for displaying a selected color to a viewer and a method of changing color. The system includes a layered assembly having transparent panels of primary and key colors, with a fixed-color background behind the layered assembly. The subtractive color change system may have a control unit to individually control the intensities and values of the primary color panels to render a color and to control the intensities and values of the panels in the layered assembly to reduce differences between the color rendered and the selected color and to display the selected color to a viewer. | 10-01-2015 |
20150274943 | Zinc Ionomer Rubber Activator - Curable rubber compositions and cured articles are based on the use of zinc activator compositions for the sulfur cure. Activator compositions contain zinc and a polymeric component having a plurality of COOH groups, at least some of which are neutralized with the zinc. With polymeric zinc activators, sulfur cure can be activated at levels of zinc below those used in conventional systems. | 10-01-2015 |
20150273282 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING A GOLF BALL CONSTRUCTION - A method and system determine a plurality of golf ball construction characteristics that constitute a golf ball construction. Each of the plurality of golf ball construction characteristics is determined on the basis of at least a measurement related to a golf shot parameter value obtained from samples of a specific golfer's golf swing. Accordingly, the golf ball construction may be custom-fit to golf swings of a specific golfer. | 10-01-2015 |
20150273281 | METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A COATING LAYER ON A GOLF BALL - A method of forming a coating layer on a golf ball includes spraying a first quantity of a coating composition onto the golf ball to form a partially-coated golf ball that has a first pole disposed in a top position, a second pole disposed in a bottom position, a diameter extending between the first and second poles, and an axis of rotation perpendicular to the diameter. After spraying the first quantity, the method includes rotating the partially-coated golf ball about the axis to translate the first and second poles such that the first pole is disposed in the bottom position and the second pole is disposed in the top position. After rotating, the method includes spraying a second quantity of the composition onto the partially-coated golf ball to form the coating layer on the golf ball. An apparatus for forming the coating layer on the golf ball is also disclosed. | 10-01-2015 |
20150268393 | Article Having a Plurality of Optical Structures - An article having optical structures disposed on a base material element. Optical structures include lenticular lens structures and discrete coloring elements. Lenticular lens structure has several lens layers. The article has a different appearance when an observer views the article at various angles. The appearance may differ in terms of coloring scheme. | 09-24-2015 |
20150265902 | Athletic Performance Sensing and/or Tracking Systems and Methods - Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content. | 09-24-2015 |
20150265000 | SOLE ASSEMBLY WITH BLADDER ELEMENT HAVING A PERIPHERAL OUTER WALL PORTION AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A sole assembly for an article of footwear includes a bladder element having a first polymeric sheet attached to a second polymeric sheet. The first polymeric sheet has an outer surface defining a recess and that has a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region in the recess. The first polymeric sheet has a peripheral outer wall portion extending around the recess. The second polymeric sheet is attached to the first polymeric sheet at the outer wall portion such that the first and second polymeric sheets define an interior cavity. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear is provided. | 09-24-2015 |
20150264999 | SOLE ASSEMBLY WITH THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE COMPONENT THEREON AND AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An article of footwear has a sole assembly that includes a midsole. The midsole has a bottom with a bottom surface, and an outer wall with a side surface. At least one of a thermoplastic polyurethane outsole and a thermoplastic polyurethane toe bumper is secured to the midsole. Specifically, a thermoplastic polyurethane outsole can be secured to the bottom surface of the midsole and a thermoplastic polyurethane toe bumper can be secured to the side surface of the midsole. Moreover, at least one of a thermoplastic polyurethane outsole and a thermoplastic polyurethane toe bumper is at least partially transparent. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes securing such a thermoplastic polyurethane outsole and/or a thermoplastic polyurethane toe bumper to the midsole. | 09-24-2015 |
20150257483 | TETHERED FLUID-FILLED CHAMBER WITH MULTIPLE TETHER CONFIGURATIONS - An article comprises a chamber that includes a barrier formed from a polymer material. The barrier has a first portion that forms a first surface of the chamber, and a second portion that forms an opposite second surface of the chamber. The barrier forms at least one interior cavity between the first portion and the second portion. The at least one interior cavity is filled with fluid retained by the barrier. | 09-17-2015 |
20150257481 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH OUTSOLE BONDED TO CUSHIONING COMPONENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - An article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a cushioning component defining an enclosed, fluid-filled chamber. The cushioning component has a top wall, a bottom wall, a medial side wall, and a lateral side wall. The cushioning component includes a unitary outsole having a bottom portion, a medial side portion, and a lateral side portion. The bottom portion is bonded to the bottom wall, the medial side portion is bonded to the medial side wall, and the lateral side portion is bonded to the lateral side wall of the cushioning component. A method of manufacturing includes disposing the first and second polymer sheets and the outsole in a mold assembly and thermally bonding the outsole to the second polymer sheet, and the first and second polymer sheets to one another to form a chamber. | 09-17-2015 |
20150257476 | Article of Footwear For Athletic And Recreational Activities with Bootie - An article of footwear with an inner bootie that fits into and is strapped into an external shell to form the article of footwear. The inner bootie may have specially-treated regions that together allow the bootie to slip readily into the external shell and to be held firmly in place. When the inner bootie is in place in the external shell, cable loops woven into the lateral side and the medial side of the inner bootie protrude from corresponding openings in the external shell. A lace may then be laced through the cable loops to fasten the throat opening of the external shell over a wearer's foot. | 09-17-2015 |
20150257475 | Article of Footwear For Athletic And Recreational Activities - An article of footwear in which certain regions of the upper may be slippery, such that it is more difficult for a person to firmly grasp the article of footwear. The eyestays in the article of footwear are biased towards the lateral side of the footwear. The article of footwear also has an outer sole with ridges at, for example, the back of the heel, the ball-of-the foot regions on the lateral and medial sides, respectively, of the article of footwear, and at the toe region. The ridges are angle downward, such that the wearer of the footwear may have increased traction by digging the ridges into the ground or into a playing surface. | 09-17-2015 |
20150253120 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TIME-BASED ATHLETIC ACTIVITY MEASUREMENT AND DISPLAY - An athletic parameter measurement device worn by an athlete during an athletic activity session includes a housing which attaches to the athlete, a display, a processor associated with the display, and an athletic parameter measurement sensor. During the athletic activity, the device detects, using the sensor, a vertical jump height of the athlete, and displays, during the performance of the athletic activity session, a representation of the vertical jump height on the display. | 09-10-2015 |
20150250256 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH UPPER INCORPORATING KNITTED COMPONENT PROVIDING VARIABLE COMPRESSION - An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is attached to the sole structure. The upper includes a knitted component with a compression member that is configured to apply compression to the wearer. The knitted component also includes a selection element that is configured for selecting and changing the amount of compression applied by the compression member. The selection element is spaced away from the sole structure. The selection element includes a first area and a second area. The first area is configured to move relative to the second area between an unsecured position and a secured position to change the amount of compression applied by the compression member. The first area is spaced away from the second area in the unsecured position, and the first area is attached to the second area in the secured position. | 09-10-2015 |
20150245687 | FLUID-FILLED CHAMBER WITH A TENSILE ELEMENT - A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier and a tensile element. The outer barrier may have a first portion, an opposite second portion, and an interior surface defining an interior void. The tensile element may be secured to the first portion of the outer barrier in a plurality of first bond areas and may be secured to the second portion of the outer barrier in a plurality of second bond areas. Each of the bond areas may be connected to portions of the tensile element spaced from the interior surface. | 09-03-2015 |
20150245684 | Foot Support Structure and Articles Incorporating Same - A foot support structure for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device may include a first foot support portion disposed in a first orientation and a second foot support portion disposed in a second orientation different than the first orientation. A twist portion may extend continuously from the first foot support portion to the second foot support portion and twist from the first orientation to the second orientation A common face of the foot support member may extend over at least part of the first foot support portion, at least part of the second foot support portion and the twist portion. | 09-03-2015 |
20150237955 | Article of Footwear Having a Sole Structure Incorporating a Plate and Chamber - A sole structure may include a midsole element, a plate, a first chamber, and a second chamber. The midsole element may be formed from a foamed polymer material. The plate may be formed from a substantially non-foamed polymer material, and the plate has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The plate is embedded within the midsole element such that the foamed polymer material exposes a first area and a second area of the lower surface. The first chamber and the second chamber each have a fluid-filled configuration. The first chamber is secured to the first area, and the second chamber is secured to the second area. | 08-27-2015 |
20150223564 | SOLE ASSEMBLY WITH TEXTILE SHELL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An article of footwear has a sole assembly with a cushioning component and a shell that has a textile layer. The cushioning component is positioned in a cavity of the shell so that the cushioning component is supported on a lower surface by the shell and the upper surface of the cushioning component is uncovered by the shell at an opening of the shell. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes forming an at least partially textile shell so that the shell has a cavity with an opening. A cushioning component is positioned in the cavity of the shell so that a lower surface of the cushioning component is supported on an inner surface of the shell and is uncovered by the shell at the opening. The lower surface of the cushioning component is secured to the inner surface of the shell by radio frequency welding or adhesive. | 08-13-2015 |
20150223561 | SOLE STRUCTURE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH EXTENDED PLATE - An article of footwear has a plate with an extension portion that enables traction and durability functions to be achieved while providing a greater surface area for forward propulsion. Specifically, a sole structure for an article of footwear has a plate with a heel portion, a midfoot portion, a forefoot portion, and an extension portion. The heel portion, the midfoot portion, and the forefoot portion correspond with a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region, respectively, of the article of footwear. The extension portion of the plate extends from the forefoot portion forward to a distal end. | 08-13-2015 |
20150216253 | Article Of Footwear Including A Monofilament Knit Element With A Fusible Strand - An article of footwear including a full monofilament upper is described. The full monofilament upper incorporates a knitted component including a monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element is formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament knit element is formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component, including peripheral portions that are knit using a natural or synthetic twisted fiber yarn. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element may be knitted with a monofilament strand according to a variety of knit structures. A fusible strand may be knit with the monofilament knit element. Upon heating, the fusible strand can combine and surround the monofilament strand within the monofilament knit element. | 08-06-2015 |
20150212243 | SPORTS EQUIPMENT HAVING REFLECTIVE COATING - The present invention relates to an article of sports equipment including a retroreflective material on an exterior surface of the sports equipment. The retroreflective material may be engaged with or integrally formed with the exterior surface and is at least partially visible on the exterior surface of the sports equipment. The retroreflective material may reflect light and provide a desired visual appearance. The present invention provides a unique aesthetic display with marketing and advertising appeal. The present invention also may aid in the identification of ownership of sports equipment. | 07-30-2015 |
20150209628 | GOLF CLUB WITH NON-METALLLIC FASTENERS - A golf club with a golf club head having non-metallic fasteners is presented. The club head may include a face member, a body member, a sole member and a crown member. The various portions of the club head may be connected using mechanical fasteners, such as screws. In some arrangements, the screws may be formed of a non-metallic material, such as a composite material, in order to reduce weight associated with the club head. In some arrangements, a portion of the mechanical fasteners may be formed of a non-metallic material and may be placed in regions of the club head where reduced weight is desired. | 07-30-2015 |
20150208765 | Paint Fixture For Shoe Portions - Aspects hereof relate to a holding fixture for holding portions of a shoe during painting. The fixture has a lower jig and an upper jig. The lower jig has an outer wall from which a contacting surface extends. The contacting surface is sized to apply a compressive force to the midsole along a desired paint line, and prevents paint from moving onto the midsole below the contacting surface. The top jig has a lower surface configured to be placed in contact with the top surface of the midsole when the midsole is held in the lower jig and is shaped to apply a downward and outward force on the midsole at an edge defined by the top surface of the midsole and the outer perimeter surface of the midsole, to thereby prevent paint from moving onto the top surface of the shoe portion. | 07-30-2015 |
20150208468 | Adjustable Conveyance Curing System - Adjustable system and methods are provided that are used in curing a foam item. Induction heating assemblies, cooling mechanisms and a dynamic conveyance mechanism may be used in combination to heat and cool a mold containing the foam item as it is conveyed. The dynamic conveyance mechanism may have removable rollers that allow for chambers, such as the induction heating assemblies, to be placed into areas where removable rollers have been removed. As such, utilizing a dynamic conveyance mechanism chambers to be placed into, taken out of, and moved around the dynamic conveyance mechanism. The flexibility of a dynamic conveyance mechanism allows for a curing process to be automated, adjusted, and customized. | 07-23-2015 |
20150202861 | DUAL FUNCTION SHOE UPPER PRINTING JIG - A printing jig system that includes a maintaining jig able to maintain an article for a first processing step and that is also used to maintain and align the article for a subsequent printing process step. In order to effectively be used for a first processing step and a second printing process step, a support portion supports the article in locations otherwise left unsupported by a processing aperture of the maintaining jig. The processing aperture is configured to facilitate the first processing step, such as steaming of the article. The print support portion is configured to extend through the processing aperture of the maintaining jig The maintaining jig and the print support portion are aligned and maintained relative to each other and a printing machine by a base plate adapted to removeably secure and align the maintaining jig and the print support portion. | 07-23-2015 |
20150202830 | Adjustable Conveyance Curing Method - Adjustable system and methods are provided that are used in curing a foam item. Induction heating assemblies, cooling mechanisms and a dynamic conveyance mechanism may be used in combination to heat and cool a mold containing the foam item as it is conveyed. The dynamic conveyance mechanism may have removable rollers that allow for chambers, such as the induction heating assemblies, to be placed into areas where removable rollers have been removed. As such, utilizing a dynamic conveyance mechanism chambers to be placed into, taken out of, and moved around the dynamic conveyance mechanism. The flexibility of a dynamic conveyance mechanism allows for a curing process to be automated, adjusted, and customized. | 07-23-2015 |
20150202498 | GOLF BALL AND METHOD OF COATING A COVER OF THE GOLF BALL - A golf ball comprises a core, a cover formed from an ionomer resin and disposed on the core, and a cured coating layer disposed on and in direct contact with the cover. The cured coating layer is formed from a topcoat coating composition comprising a polymeric component and a halogenated component. The halogenated component is present in an amount of from about 0.5 parts by weight to about 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymeric component. A method of coating a cover of a golf ball includes applying the topcoat coating composition directly onto the cover. The method also includes, after applying, curing the topcoat coating composition to form a cured coating layer disposed on and in direct contact with the cover to thereby coat the cover. | 07-23-2015 |
20150201711 | AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY AND STITCHING OF SHOE PARTS - Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated manner. For example, shoe parts may be retrieved and temporarily assembled according to preset relative positions to form part stacks. The part stacks may be retrieved with the relative positioning of the shoe parts being maintained and placed at a stitching machine for more permanent attachment via stitching of the parts to form a shoe assembly. Movement during stitching of a conveyance mechanism that transfers the part stack from the stacking surface to the stitching machine and movement of a needle associated with the stitching machine may be controlled by a shared control mechanism such that the movements are synchronized with respect to one another. Vision systems may be leveraged to achieve movement and position information between and at machines and locations. | 07-23-2015 |
20150201710 | ADJUSTABLE SURFACE FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING SHOE PARTS - Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated manner. For example, shoe parts may be retrieved and temporarily assembled according to preset relative positions to form part stacks. The part stacks may be retrieved with the relative positioning of the shoe parts being maintained and placed at a stitching machine for more permanent attachment via stitching of the parts to form a shoe assembly. Movement during stitching of a conveyance mechanism that transfers the part stack from the stacking surface to the stitching machine and movement of a needle associated with the stitching machine may be controlled by a shared control mechanism such that the movements are synchronized with respect to one another. Vision systems may be leveraged to achieve movement and position information between and at machines and locations. | 07-23-2015 |
20150201709 | DIVERGENCE DETECTION OF A SHOE BITE LINE - Systems and methods are provided for collecting three-dimensional surface data of a lasted shoe upper that is mated with a sole that is configured for the lasted upper. The mated three-dimensional data is used with three-dimensional data of the lasted shoe upper in an unmated configuration with the sole to determine a location of an edge defined by the intersection of the lasted upper and the sole when mated. The bite line identifies an edge where the upper and a sole assembly will intersect on a finished shoe, which may represent a bounding line for application of adhesive to the lasted upper for boding the sole thereto. | 07-23-2015 |
20150201705 | Article With Coloring Layer And Control Surface Layer - An article, such as an article of footwear or an article of apparel, includes an upper having a gradient-like coloring pattern. The article further includes protruding elements configured in a pattern that corresponds to the coloring pattern. The article may have a layered structure including a base layer, a coloring ink layer and a layer of protruding elements. | 07-23-2015 |
20150199170 | FITTING GOLF BALLS USING ACOUSTIC RESPONSE - An electronic method for matching a user with a golf ball includes playing a first digital audio file to a user via a computer and playing a second digital audio file to the user via the computer. Each of the first digital audio file and the second digital audio file correspond to an acoustic response of a respective golf ball to a standardized impact force. The method then includes receiving an input from the user via the computer, where the input corresponds to a preferred acoustic response selected from the acoustic response of the first golf ball and the acoustic response of the second golf ball. Once the preferred response is determined, the method includes displaying a golf ball model that corresponds to the preferred acoustic response. | 07-16-2015 |
20150196096 | Removable Outsole Elements For Articles Of Footwear - An outsole element for an article of footwear having a base and a lug that extends from the base. The outsole element includes a body and a cavity defined in the body. The cavity receives the lug to removably couple the body to the lug. Also, the cavity includes an internal undercut. | 07-16-2015 |
20150196087 | Sole System Having Movable Protruding Members - An article of footwear with a sole system includes a sole member and a protruding member assembly. The sole system provides tactile sensation. Protruding members of the protruding member assembly can translate through holes in the sole member to facilitate tactile sensation. | 07-16-2015 |
20150196082 | Footwear Having Sensory Feedback Outsole - An article of footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper defining an internal cavity configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The sole structure may include an exposed outer member configured to contact the ground, the exposed outer member including a first aperture, and a sensory feedback member disposed at least partially within the first aperture in the outer member, the sensory feedback member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the sensory feedback member may include a projection extending through the first aperture and configured to contact the ground. In addition, the second end of the sensory feedback member may include a plurality of flexible bristles extending through a portion of the sole structure and exposed to the internal cavity. | 07-16-2015 |
20150190830 | SYSTEM FOR SHOE SOLE PORTION PAINTING - An automated system for painting a shoe sole portion of a shoe is provided. The automated painting system is adapted to use a variety of stations and components to automatically paint a side surface of the shoe sole portion while it is secured in a jig, transition the jig to an open position, and remove the painted shoe sole portion from the jig. | 07-09-2015 |
20150189951 | JIG FOR A SHOE SOLE PORTION - Automated painting of a shoe sole portion of a shoe is enhanced by use of a jig. The shoe sole portion may be secured between top and bottom plates of the jig such that a side surface of the shoe sole portion is left exposed. Additionally, the jig is adapted to create configurable masking lines along the side surface of the shoe sole portion using multi-layer deforming layers. | 07-09-2015 |
20150183167 | 3D PRINTER WITH NATIVE SPHERICAL CONTROL - A three dimensional printer includes a work surface, an arcuate track disposed within in a track plane that is orthogonal to the work surface, a carriage slidably disposed on the track and translatable relative thereto, and a print head supported by the carriage. The track has a constant radius of curvature extending from a point on the work surface. The print head is translatable in a radial direction relative to the track, and includes a nozzle defining a print orifice, a mixing cavity disposed within the nozzle and in fluid communication with the orifice, and both a first and second filament feeder, each configured to controllably advance a respective filament into the mixing cavity at a respective feed rate. The print head further includes a heating element in thermal communication with the mixing cavity and configured to melt each of the first filament and the second filament. | 07-02-2015 |
20150183161 | 3D PRINT HEAD - A print head for a three dimensional printer includes a nozzle defining a print orifice, a mixing cavity disposed within the nozzle, and a first and second filament feeder. The first filament feeder is configured to controllably advance a first filament into the mixing cavity at a first feed rate, and the second filament feeder configured to controllably advance a second filament into the mixing cavity at a second feed rate. The print head further includes a heating element in thermal communication with the mixing cavity that is configured to melt each of the first filament and the second filament. | 07-02-2015 |
20150182816 | Iron-Type Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads - In general, aspects of this invention relate to blade-type iron golf clubs or golf club heads. The blade-type golf club head may comprise a body forged of a metal material. The body may include a hosel, a top surface, a sole, a heel, a toe, a ball striking surface, and a rear surface opposite the ball striking surface. The rear surface may have an upper blade portion and a lower muscle portion with the upper blade portion separated from the lower muscle portion by a blade interface. An average height of the lower muscle portion from the ball striking centerline to the toe-side boundary line may be approximately twice an average height of the lower muscle portion from the heel-side boundary line to the ball striking centerline. The mass distribution of the lower muscle portion moves the center of gravity of the club head closer to the face center location. | 07-02-2015 |
20150182811 | 3D PRINTED GOLF BALL CORE - A method of forming a golf ball includes forming a core using a 3D printer, and molding a cover in a surrounding position over the core through at least one of compression molding and injection molding. The core may be formed by printing a first core portion, printing a second core portion, and fusing the first core portion with the second core portion to form the core. Each of the first and second core portions may respectively include a plurality of concentric shells that are sequentially constructed. | 07-02-2015 |
20150181977 | Footwear Ground Engaging Members Having Concave Portions - An article of footwear may include a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from a baseplate, the first ground engaging member may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape in a substantially horizontal plane, the first ground engaging member having a first sidewall edge, a second sidewall edge, and a third sidewall edge forming vertices of the substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. In addition, a first sidewall may have a concave portion that is concave in the substantially horizontal plane. Further, the first ground engaging member may be disposed proximate a peripheral edge of the outer member with the first sidewall edge disposed opposite the concave portion of the sidewall, and the first sidewall edge oriented facing toward the peripheral edge. Also, the concave portion of the first sidewall may be oriented in a substantially lateral direction, facing away from the peripheral edge of the outer member. | 07-02-2015 |
20150181976 | SOLE STRUCTURE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH ABRASION RESISTANT OUTSOLE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an outsole that has a body with a lateral side and a medial side, and has a plurality of tread elements extending from the body to establish a ground contact surface. At least some of the tread elements extend between the lateral side and the medial side and each include a front face, a rear face, and a bottom face that connects the front face and the rear face. At least some of the bottom faces each have a respective width between the front face and the rear face that varies between the lateral side and the medial side at least partially in correspondence with a predetermined wear pattern. A method of manufacturing a sole structure for an article of footwear includes forming an outsole with such nonlinear tread elements. | 07-02-2015 |
20150176981 | Pick-Up Tool With Integrated Light Source - Acquisition or pick-up tools that themselves aid in improving the ease with which images of an acquired substrate may be captured are provided. The pick-up tools may include a pick-up surface adapted to interface with a foreign substrate and a light source integrated with the pick-up tool such that light emitted from the light source passes through the pick-up surface to the foreign substrate when the foreign substrate is temporarily coupled with the pick-up surface to create a silhouette of the foreign substrate. A vision system may be adapted for capturing the silhouette of the foreign substrate when the foreign substrate is temporarily coupled with the pick-up surface. The substrate pick-up surface may be formed of one of a transparent, a semi-transparent, or a translucent material such that light may at least partially pass there through. | 06-25-2015 |
20150174457 | Multi-Core Golf Ball Having Increased Initial Velocity - A golf ball having certain relationships and values of its initial velocities at various club head speeds is provided. The golf ball may achieve an initial velocity of at least about 173 mph at a club head speed of about 125 mph, therefore achieving an increased total shot distance. The golf ball has multiple layers making up its core, and the golf ball may be a four piece golf ball. | 06-25-2015 |
20150174456 | Golf Balls Including Highly Neutralized Polymer Having a Hardness Modifier - A golf ball includes a core made from a highly neutralized polymer that has been mixed with a hardness modifier. The modifier may be a process oil or a plasticizer. In particular, the modifier may be a naphthenic process oil, a paraffinic process oil, a phthalate plasticizer, a trimellitate plasticizer, an adipate plasticizer, a sebacate-based plasticizer, a maleate-based plasticizer, and blends thereof. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a golf ball that includes changing the hardness of a highly neutralized polymer core. | 06-25-2015 |
20150157899 | Golf Ball with a Large and Soft Polymer Core - A golf ball includes a relatively large polymer core and has a soft ball compression. The polymer is, in the illustrated embodiments, a highly neutralized acid polymer. The golf ball may, optionally, include an outer core made of a different material, such as a thermoset polybutadiene rubber. The golf ball may, optionally, include a mantle layer made of an ionomer material. The inner core having a diameter of between 24 mm and 40 mm, and in some designs, between 28 mm and 32 mm, yields increased iron initial velocity and lower iron spin while maintaining driver performance. | 06-11-2015 |
20150152578 | Knitted Band With Integrated Ventilation - Aspects of the present invention are directed toward a knitted band that may be incorporated into a garment that encircles or partially encircles one or more body regions of a wearer in an as-worn position. The knitted band has a plurality of functional zones that integrally knit together. One of the functional zones facilitates ventilation that helps cool the wearer. | 06-04-2015 |
20150151168 | GOLF BALL WITH MATERIAL-FILLED GROOVES - A golf ball may include an inner core layer and an outer cover layer disposed radially outward of the inner core layer. The outer cover layer may be formed of an outer cover layer material having one or more grooves extending radially inward from an outer surface of the outer cover layer. In addition, the golf ball may include a groove material disposed within the one or more grooves. The groove material may have a compressibility that is different from a compressibility of the outer cover layer material. Also, the outer surface of the groove material may be recessed below the outer surface of the outer cover layer. | 06-04-2015 |
20150151167 | GOLF BALL WITH MATERIAL-FILLED GROOVES - A golf ball may include an inner core layer and an outer cover layer disposed radially outward of the inner core layer. The outer cover layer may be formed of an outer cover layer material having one or more grooves extending radially inward from an outer surface of the outer cover layer. In addition, the golf ball may include a groove material disposed within the one or more grooves. The groove material may have a compressibility that is different from a compressibility of the outer cover layer material. Also, the outer surface of the groove material may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the outer cover layer. | 06-04-2015 |
20150144258 | Golf Ball With Aggregated Layer Core And Method Of Making - A golf ball is provided capable of having various characteristics based on having an aggregated layer core. The golf ball includes an inner core, an outer shell enclosing the inner core, and an intermediate core enclosing the inner core. The intermediate core includes sublayers thermoplastically fused together to form an aggregated intermediate core layer having overall characteristics formed as a combination of the sublayer characteristics. A method of forming a golf ball core having an aggregated layer core can include forming a first and second stack of nested cups, thermoplastically bonding each of the stacks to each other to form first and second aggregated cups, arranging the aggregated cups around a golf ball inner core, and bonding the aggregated cups to each other. In some configurations, the sublayers can include ultrathin sublayers less than 20 microns thick, and in some configurations, the sublayers can include injection molded sublayers. | 05-28-2015 |
20150143720 | Sole Structure With Side Stiffener For Article Of Footwear - An article of footwear includes an upper having a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component also includes an external surface. Moreover, the footwear includes a sole structure that is coupled to the upper. The sole structure includes an intermediate member with a first surface. The first surface is attached to the external surface of the knitted component. The sole structure also includes at least one stiffener that is attached to the intermediate member. The intermediate member is disposed between the stiffener and the external surface of the knitted component. | 05-28-2015 |
20150143716 | Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component With Body And Heel Portions - An article of footwear may include a knitted component formed of multiple knitted component portions. The knitted component includes a body portion and a heel portion. The body portion is formed of unitary knit construction and extends through a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and at least partially into a heel region of the article of footwear. The heel portion is formed of unitary knit construction and extends through the heel region and includes a cuff that defines a throat opening of the upper for receiving a foot. The body portion and the heel portion are joined along adjacent edges to form the knitted component. Knitting directions of the knitted component portions vary along the adjacent edges. An overlay element may also be provided to cover a seam attaching the adjacent edges of the knitted component portions. | 05-28-2015 |
20150141170 | MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL - A multi-layer golf ball includes a core formed from an ionomer, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover surrounding the intermediate layer. The core has a material hardness measured on the JIS-C scale of from about 34 to about 70, and has an outer surface that includes a plurality of land portions aligned on a common sphere, and a plurality of grooves separating the respective land portions and extending radially inward from the sphere. The common sphere has a diameter of from about 22 mm to about 32 mm. The intermediate layer is formed from a rubber material and has a radial thickness measured from the common sphere of from about 4.0 mm to about 9.0 mm. Additionally, the core has a 10-130 kg compression deformation of from about 3.5 to about 5.5 mm. | 05-21-2015 |
20150141169 | MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL - A multi-layer golf ball includes a core formed from an ionomer, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover surrounding the intermediate layer. The core has a material hardness measured on the JIS-C scale of from about 34 to about 70, and has an outer surface that includes a plurality of land portions aligned on a common sphere, and a plurality of grooves separating the respective land portions and extending radially inward from the sphere. The common sphere has a diameter of from about 22 mm to about 32 mm. The intermediate layer is formed from a rubber material and has a radial thickness measured from the common sphere of from about 4.0 mm to about 9.0 mm. Additionally, the core has a 10-130 kg compression deformation of from about 3.5 to about 5.5 mm. | 05-21-2015 |
20150141165 | MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL - A multi-layer golf ball includes a core formed from an ionomer, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover surrounding the intermediate layer. The core has a material hardness measured on the JIS-C scale of from about 34 to about 70, and has an outer surface that includes a plurality of land portions aligned on a common sphere, and a plurality of grooves separating the respective land portions and extending radially inward from the sphere. The plurality of grooves includes both a first set of grooves, and a second set of grooves that are perpendicular to each other. The intermediate layer is formed from a rubber material and has a radial thickness measured from the common sphere of from about 4.0 mm to about 9.0 mm. Additionally, the core has a 10-130 kg compression deformation of from about 3.5 to about 5.5 mm. | 05-21-2015 |
20150140157 | MOLD PLATE AND METHOD OF MOLDING GOLF BALL CORE - A mold for manufacturing hemispherical sections for a golf ball includes a mold plate and a movable insert. The mold plate includes a first surface. The movable insert includes a second surface. The moveable insert is connected to the mold plate. The first surface of the mold plate and the second surface of the movable insert may move relative to one another during molding of the hemispherical section for a golf ball. | 05-21-2015 |
20150135447 | Conditionally Visible Bite Lines For Footwear - A conditionally visible bite line may be demarcated on a shoe upper using one of a fluorescent material and an Infrared (IR) material. Such a conditionally visible bite line may be observable only under particular conditions, such as when illuminated by an ultraviolet light source or an IR light source, as appropriate. A light may be projected to intersect the conditionally visible bite line under conditions rendering the conditionally visible bite line detectable. The intersection(s) of the projected light and the conditionally visible bite line may be used to create a virtual bite line for use in generating a tool path to process the surface of a shoe upper bounded by the conditionally visible bite line. | 05-21-2015 |
20150133580 | NATURAL RUBBER OUTSOLES AND FOOTWEAR - An elastomer composition includes guayule rubber and a butadiene rubber, with at least about 5 phr guayule rubber based on 100 phr elastomer. The cured rubber has a higher coefficient of friction as compared to a cured rubber of the same formulation except using Hevea rubber rather than guayule rubber. | 05-14-2015 |
20150133236 | MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL - A multi-layer golf ball includes a core having an outer surface, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover layer surrounding the intermediate layer, which defines an outermost portion of the ball. The outer surface of the core includes a plurality of polygonal protrusions aligned on a common sphere and a plurality of grooves that extend radially inward from the sphere and respectively separate and define each of the polygonal protrusions. The intermediate layer has a radially inward facing surface that is bonded to the outer surface of the core across the entire outer surface. | 05-14-2015 |
20150133235 | Golf Balls Including Dense High Acid Ionomers - Golf balls having one or more structural components that include a highly neutralized acid polymer with a high acid content and a uniformly increased density. The core of the golf ball may be made up of the highly neutralized acid polymer. The highly neutralized acid polymer may have desired hardness and flexural modulus values. The highly neutralized acid polymer enables the golf ball to provide consistent play characteristics. | 05-14-2015 |
20150128452 | ARTICULATED SOLE STRUCTURE WITH SIPES FORMING HEXAGONAL SOLE ELEMENTS - A footwear sole structure may include a plurality of discrete hexagonally-shaped sole elements defined by a plurality of sipes. The sipes may include a plurality of sipes that extend in a transverse direction across the sole structure and a plurality of sipes that extend in an oblique direction relative to the transverse sipes. A plurality of sipes may also subdivide the hexagonally-shaped sole elements into one or more diamond-shaped sole element portions. The sole structure may include additional features such as non-hexagonal sole elements and lugs distributed across a bottom surface of the sole structure. | 05-14-2015 |
20150119517 | Anti-Tack Powder For Uncured Rubber Pellets - Rubber in its uncured state is very tacky and rubber forms such as pellets, sheets, etc., tend to be hard to process due to the agglomeration and sticking of these rubber forms. Aspects of the invention use cured rubber powder as an anti-tack agent in a molding rubber mixture. In one aspect, the cured rubber powder has a particle size between 50 and 250 μm in the uncured rubber forms, a diameter of between 1 and 10 mm, and a length of between 1 and 15 mm. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119165 | POLYMERIC GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH METALLIC FACE - A golf club head includes a club face and a body. The club face is formed from a metallic material and includes a first, hitting surface, a second, rear surface that is opposite the first surface, and a flange that is separated from the second surface by a transverse distance. The body is formed from a polymeric material and includes a crown, a sole, a hosel, and a face support. The club face and the body cooperate to define a closed volume, and the face support extends to opposing sides of the flange and is operative to couple the club face to the body. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119160 | Adjustable Putter Head Alignment Aid - A golf club head with a body and an adjustable alignment aid housed on a top surface of the body is provided. The adjustable alignment aid is pivotable relative to the top surface, either two-dimensionally or about an axis of rotation transverse to the top surface. The adjustable alignment aid may be coupled to the remainder of the golf club head through a resistive connection and may be shifted to assist a golfer in squaring the face of the golf club face to a perceived eye line and resulting in the golfer being able to better square the golf club head with the eye line at a point of contact. The golf club head may be a putter head. | 04-30-2015 |
20150115496 | Automated Rubber Molding And De-Molding - Molded rubber objects may be molded and de-molded by defining both a desired final form for the molded rubber object and a tab extending from the final form of the molded rubber object using a cavity in a mold. Rubber pellets may be dispensed in predetermined amounts at desired location(s) within the cavity to provide the rubber needed to form the molded rubber object. Heat and pressure may be applied to the mold to cause the rubber pellets to fill the cavity defining both the desired final form of the molded rubber object and the tab. After the heat and pressure has been applied, a gripping device may grasp the tab and move the tab in a direction and with sufficient force to peel the rubber object from the mold cavity. If desired, the tab may be removed from the molded rubber object. | 04-30-2015 |
20150113829 | Fluid-Filled Chamber With Stitched Tensile Member - A chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer and including a plurality of tethers extending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensile member layer. The chamber may include stitching through the tensile member in a stitched region. When the chamber is pressurized with the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of the first tensile member layer is separated from the second tensile member layer by a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers. In addition, the first tensile member layer is held in contact with the second tensile member layer by the stitching in the stitched region, thereby forming an area of the chamber having a reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of the chamber. | 04-30-2015 |
20150109364 | Printer Head With Airflow Management System - A printing system includes a printer head with an airflow management system. The airflow management system includes an air splitter on the leading edge of the printer head and side members that extend the length of the printer head. The air splitter and members are positioned so that a gap is formed between the printer head and the air splitter and members. A vacuum fan positioned within a duct on top of the printer head can draw air through the gap at the leading edge of the printer head and return the air on the trailing side of the printer head. The airflow management system can permit increased printing distances. | 04-23-2015 |
20150107033 | Automated Trimming Of Pliable Items - The present invention relates to the automated cutting of pliable items. More particularly, the present invention relates to the automatic cutting and/or trimming of pliable items, such as a shoe upper that lacks uniformity. An image of the pliable item is captured having image features and a pattern is retrieved having pattern features, such as a proposed cut path. An image feature is compared to distance tolerances associated with pattern features to adjust the proposed cut path such that it satisfies the distance tolerances while providing a consistently sized and shaped trimmed item. | 04-23-2015 |
20150107032 | Buffing Expanded Foam Items - Foam items may be buffed using particles such as particulate sodium bicarbonate in accordance with the present invention. Foam items may be, for example, expanded EVA foam items pre-formed into an intermediate size and shape. A skin layer may be formed during the expansion of the foam item to form an expanded foam item which may be entirely or partially removed by buffing the item using particles projected with selected buffing parameters. The buffing parameters may be varied based upon the thickness of at least a portion of the skin layer and/or the desired degree of moldability for the foam item after buffing. Particulate sodium bicarbonate or other types of particles used for buffing may be recycled and reused for further buffing of foam items. | 04-23-2015 |
20150107030 | Buffing Expanded Foam Items - Foam items may be buffed using particles such as particulate sodium bicarbonate in accordance with the present invention. Foam items may be, for example, expanded EVA foam items pre-formed into an intermediate size and shape. A skin layer may be formed during the expansion of the foam item to form an expanded foam item which may be entirely or partially removed by buffing the item using particles projected with selected buffing parameters. The buffing parameters may be varied based upon the thickness of at least a portion of the skin layer and/or the desired degree of moldability for the foam item after buffing. Particulate sodium bicarbonate or other types of particles used for buffing may be recycled and reused for further buffing of foam items. | 04-23-2015 |
20150106052 | Calculating Pace and Energy Expenditure from Athletic Movement Attributes - Systems and methods configured to process motion data associated with a user. The systems and methods are configured to receive motion data from a sensor, calculate motion attributes from the data, and classify the motion data using one or more mathematical models. Further, the systems and methods are configured to identify and quantify, using the one or more mathematical models, the motion data as linear travel motion associated with the user running or walking. | 04-16-2015 |
20150101425 | METHODS FOR PROVIDING A SELECTION OF A RECOMMENDED GOLF BALL - Methods for evaluating and providing selections of recommended golf balls, golf ball constructions, and configurations of golf ball construction components are provided. Such methods may involve obtaining or measuring spin measurements for a plurality of golf clubs for each of a plurality of golf balls. A linear relationship may be used to determine a spin slope for each golf ball on the basis of the set of spin measurements associated with that golf ball. In turn, a selection of a recommended golf ball, golf ball construction, or configuration of a ball construction component may be made based upon which golf ball has the larger spin slope. | 04-16-2015 |
20150098787 | Pick Up And Placement Tools For Items - An item with fibers may be picked up and placed using a tool head with hooks that engage the fibers. The tool head may comprise at least one hook portion and at least one contact surface adjacent to the hook portion. The hooks that engage the fibers may extend from the hook portion. The tool head may be actuatable between at least a first configuration that permits the hooks to engage the fibers and a second configuration that does not permit the hooks to engage the fibers. An item may be picked up at a starting location with a tool head in the first configuration and placed at a placement location by moving the tool head and then actuating the tool head to the second configuration. | 04-09-2015 |
20150096199 | Article Of Footwear Having A Sole Structure - An article of footwear may include a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure and configured to receive a foot. The sole structure may comprise a lasting board and sole plate construction. One of the lasting board and sole plate may have an opening along the center such that there is little to no overlap, or lamination, between the lasting board and the sole plate along the center of the article of footwear. Such a construction may eliminate weight while maintaining the support provided by the layers of the sole. Additionally, such a construction may enhance flexibility. In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include an insole. In some embodiments, the sole structure of the article of footwear may consist of an insole, a lasting board, and a sole plate. | 04-09-2015 |
20150096198 | Article Of Footwear Having A Sole Structure - An article of footwear may include a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure and configured to receive a foot. The sole structure may comprise a lasting board and sole plate construction. One of the lasting board and sole plate may have an opening along the center such that there is little to no overlap, or lamination, between the lasting board and the sole plate along the center of the article of footwear. Such a construction may eliminate weight while maintaining the support provided by the layers of the sole. Additionally, such a construction may enhance flexibility. In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include an insole. In some embodiments, the sole structure of the article of footwear may consist of an insole, a lasting board, and a sole plate. | 04-09-2015 |
20150092360 | BATTERY OVERMOLDING - A portable electronic device commonly includes one or more batteries. Further, a portable electronic device may be manufactured using one or more overmolding techniques to achieve certain aesthetic and/or mechanical characteristics. Batteries within the portable electronic device may be overmolded by using a covering, wherein the covering includes a protective layer such that the batteries are not exposed to the high temperatures and high pressures associated with an overmolding process which may be in excess of temperature and pressure thresholds associated with the batteries. | 04-02-2015 |
20150089841 | UPPERS AND SOLE STRUCTURES FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR - Sole structures and uppers for articles of footwear are described that includes features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities. | 04-02-2015 |
20150089839 | Article Of Footwear With Adjustable Fitting System - An article of footwear includes a fitting system with an upper member that is supported by the upper and a strand guide that is supported by the sole structure. The strand guide is flexible and flexes in concert with the sole structure. The strand guide has a guide surface. The fitting system further includes a tensioning system with a flexible strand that is configured to bias the upper member toward the strand guide. The flexible strand has a first section coupled to the upper member and a second section extending through the sole structure. The second section abuts the guide surface. The second section is configured to slide across the guide surface as a result of flexure of the strand guide. The first section and the upper member are configured to move relative to the sole structure as a result of sliding of the second section across the guide surface. | 04-02-2015 |
20150089836 | UPPERS AND SOLE STRUCTURES FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR - Sole structures and uppers for articles of footwear are described that includes features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities. | 04-02-2015 |
20150087442 | GOLF BALL WITH CORE MATERIAL CONTAINING RUBBER AND POLYURETHANE - A golf ball has a core, core center, or core layer containing a thermoset elastomer and a polyurethane prepared by combining a thermosetting elastomer and an isocyanate-functional polyurethane, which may be an elastomeric polyurethane, then curing the thermosetting elastomer. | 03-26-2015 |
20150082662 | Knitted Component With Adjustable Knitted Portion - An article includes a knitted component of unitary knit construction. The knitted component has a first edge and a second edge. The knitted component has a length that is measured between the first edge and the second edge. The length is substantially fixed. The knitted component also includes a base structure and an adjustment member that is integrally knit to the base structure. The adjustment member includes a bunched region that is configured to slide along the base structure between a first position on the knitted component and a second position on the knitted component. | 03-26-2015 |
20150080520 | DYNAMICALLY CROSSLINKED THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL PROCESS - A method for making a thermoplastic material includes: (a) introducing into an extruder an elastomer composition including an ethylenically unsaturated elastomer polymer, a first free radical initiator, and a second free radical initiator; (b) in a first zone of the extruder, heating and partially crosslinking the elastomer composition at a first crosslinking temperature to form a thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition; (c) introducing into the extruder in a second zone downstream of the first zone a thermoplastic polymer composition; (d) mixing and heating the thermoplastic polymer composition and the thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition to a second crosslinking temperature higher than the first crosslinking temperature, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition is liquid at the second crosslinking temperature; and (e) mixing and further crosslinking the elastomer composition to form a thermoplastic material having a dispersed phase of the crosslinked elastomer composition in the thermoplastic polymer composition. | 03-19-2015 |
20150080517 | DYNAMICALLY CROSSLINKED THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL PROCESS - A method for making a thermoplastic material includes: (a) partially crosslinking an elastomer composition at a first crosslinking temperature to form a thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition; (b) mixing a thermoplastic polymer composition with the thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition and heating the mixture to a second crosslinking temperature higher than the first crosslinking temperature, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition is liquid at the second crosslinking temperature; and (c) continuously mixing the mixture while further crosslinking the elastomer composition to form a thermoplastic material having a dispersed phase of crosslinked elastomer composition in the thermoplastic polymer composition. The elastomer composition may include an elastomer compounded with a curing agent and optionally additional components. A thermoplastic material resulting from this process may be molded or shaped by any method used for forming thermoplastic materials into articles, such as molding, extrusion, or thermoforming. | 03-19-2015 |
20150080151 | DYNAMICALLY CROSSLINKED THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL PROCESS - A golf ball comprises a dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic material prepared by a method including: (a) partially crosslinking a rubber composition of a rubber polymer and two free radical initiators at a first crosslinking temperature to form a thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition; (b) mixing a thermoplastic polymer composition with the thermoplastic, partially crosslinked rubber composition and heating the mixture to a second crosslinking temperature higher than the first crosslinking temperature and at which the thermoplastic polymer composition is liquid; and (c) continuously mixing the mixture while further crosslinking the rubber composition to form a thermoplastic material having a dispersed phase of crosslinked rubber composition in the thermoplastic polymer composition. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075036 | Ventilation System For An Article Of Footwear - A ventilation system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ventilation system may be configured to direct air from outside the article of footwear to the inside of the article of footwear. The ventilation system may include a sole layer and a sockliner configured to lie on top of the sole layer. One or more paths may be formed within the sole layer to provide a pumping mechanism during the normal course of providing cushioning for the user. The paths may be activated by forefoot or heel based pressure to force air from the exterior of the article of footwear to a sockliner directly above the sole layer. An air inlet extending through a sidewall of the sole layer may allow air to enter the path from outside the article of footwear. An opening in the sockliner may allow air inside the path to enter inside the article of footwear. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075033 | Auxetic Structures and Footwear with Soles Having Auxetic Structures - A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the directional orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of geometrical patterns with polygonal apertures. The geometrical patterns have hinged polygons that rotate with respect to each other when the sole is under lateral or longitudinal tension, thus increasing the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the sole. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075031 | Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component With Monofilament Areas - An article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted component having one or more monofilament areas is described. Monofilament areas are formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament areas are formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament areas. | 03-19-2015 |
20150072798 | GOLF CLUB HEAD OR OTHER BALL STRIKING DEVICE HAVING ONE OR MORE FACE CHANNELS - A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having a ball-striking surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and at least one channel in the ball-striking surface of the face. The region of highest COR response of the face is directionally enlarged toward the channel. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the channel, the face can be altered to provide greater COR response and increased energy transfer for impacts at specific locations on the face. | 03-12-2015 |
20150068063 | Outsole With Stepped Projections For Article Of Footwear - An article of footwear includes an outsole having a base with an upper surface that faces the upper and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface. The outsole also includes a first stepped projection that projects in a plurality of first steps from the lower surface. The plurality of first steps is defined by a plurality of first tread surfaces and a plurality of first riser surfaces. The outsole additionally includes a second stepped projection that projects in a plurality of second steps from the lower surface. The plurality of second steps is defined by a plurality of second tread surfaces and a plurality of second riser surfaces. The second stepped projection is spaced away from the first stepped projection relative to the lateral axis of the article of footwear. | 03-12-2015 |
20150068061 | Article Of Footwear With Upper Having Member With Support Arm - An article of footwear includes a sole structure. The article of footwear further includes a first member that extends away from the sole structure. The first member at least partially defines a medial side and a lateral side of the article of footwear. Moreover, the second member has a body, a first support arm, and a second support arm. The body is attached to the first member such that the first member and the body cooperate to define a void that is configured to receive a foot. The body is also attached to the sole structure. The first support arm is attached to the first member on the medial side, and the second support arm is attached to the first member on the lateral side. | 03-12-2015 |
20150065843 | APPAREL FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL TELEMETRY DURING ATHLETICS - A user interface component and system for physiological parameters telemetry is provided. A user interface component may be reversibly or irreversibly attached to a garment that allows connection to a user's skin, such as via one or more holes in the garment. Signals transmitted through a conductive transfer layer in the user interface component are provided to a signal receiving unit which can collect and transmit physiological data. | 03-05-2015 |
20150059211 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCORPORATING A TRIMMED KNITTED UPPER - An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is connected to the sole structure. The upper includes a flat knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The flat knitted component includes a trim region that defines a trimmed outer edge of the flat knitted component. The trimmed outer edge is disposed proximate to the sole structure. The trimmed outer edge defines a first dimension of the flat knitted component that corresponds to a first foot size. The trim region further defines a trim line that is spaced from the trimmed outer edge in an inboard direction on the flat knitted component. The trim line defines a second dimension of the flat knitted component that corresponds to a second foot size. | 03-05-2015 |
20150059210 | Method of Forming An Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Upper With Tensile Strand - A method of forming an article of footwear includes knitting a knitted component having a knit element and a tensile strand that are formed of unitary knit construction as a one-piece element. The knitted component is configured to at least partially form an upper for the article of footwear. The knit element defines a body and a trim region, and the trim region defines an outer edge of the knit element. The tensile strand includes at least one inlaid portion that is inlaid within the knit element. The tensile strand also includes an exposed portion that is exposed from the knit element and that is disposed adjacent the outer edge. The exposed portion is spaced from the outer edge in an inboard direction on the knit element. The method further includes manipulating the exposed portion to move and adjust the at least one inlaid portion relative to the knit element. | 03-05-2015 |
20150059209 | Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component With An Integral Knit Ankle Cuff - An article of footwear with a knitted component including an upper and an integral knit ankle cuff is provided. The upper and the ankle cuff are formed as a one-piece knit element. The knit element forms a portion of an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper, with the interior surface forming a void for receiving a foot. The ankle cuff is formed of unitary knit construction with the upper as a one-piece knit element and extends above a throat area of the upper. The ankle cuff includes malleolus zones on medial and lateral sides to correspond with the ankle bones of a wearer. The knit component further incorporates features to assist with providing entry for a foot of a wear, providing comfort to a wearer, and to assist with orientation of the upper of the article of footwear when being worn. | 03-05-2015 |
20150057944 | SESSIONS AND GROUPS - Athletic activity may be tracked while providing encouragement to perform athletic activity. For example, energy expenditure values and energy expenditure intensity values may be calculated and associated with a duration and type of activity performed by an individual. These values and other movement data may be displayed on an interface in a manner to motivate the individual and maintain the individual's interest. The interface may track one or more discrete “sessions”. The sessions may be associated with energy expenditure values during a duration that is within a second duration, such as a day, that is also tracked with respect to variables, such as energy expenditure. Other individuals (e.g., friends) may also be displayed on an interface through which a user's progress is tracked. This may allow the user to also view the other individuals' progress toward completing an activity goal and/or challenge. | 02-26-2015 |
20150057107 | GOLF AID INCLUDING HEADS UP DISPLAY - A golf aid for assisting a user in determining distances on a golf course includes a user tracking system configured to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a heads up display, and a processor. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head, and to display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and is configured to determine a distance between the location of the user an object or a landmark on the golf course, and display a numeric representation of the determined distance via the heads up display. | 02-26-2015 |
20150057101 | GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH POLYMERIC FACE - A golf club head includes a body and a face plate insert. The body includes an annular face support having a recessed shelf configured to receive the face plate insert, and partially defining a central cavity. The face plate insert includes a hitting surface and a rear surface that is opposite the hitting surface. The face plate insert is disposed within the annular face such that the rear surface of the face plate insert abuts the recessed shelf. The face plate insert includes a polymeric material that is disposed across the cavity and that has a tensile strength of at least about 220 MPa. | 02-26-2015 |
20150057095 | GOLF AID INCLUDING HEADS UP DISPLAY - A golf aid for displaying one or more golf-related statistics to a user includes a golf ball tracking system for tracking a flight of a golf ball, a heads up display, and a processor in communication with the golf ball tracking system and the heads up display. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head and display an image within the user's field of view. The processor is configured to compute one or more shot statistics from the tracked flight of the golf ball and display the one or more computed shot statistics within the field of view of the user via the heads up display. The one or more shot statistics include at least one of an initial ball speed, a spin rate, a carry, and a remaining distance to the pin. | 02-26-2015 |
20150052781 | CLEATED FOOTWEAR WITH FLEXIBLE CLEATS - Flexible cleats for flexible footwear (e.g., with natural motion sole structures) include a cleat structure that generally has the appearance of a cleat that has been separated into individual component parts by one or more flex grooves formed into the sole structure. Such structures provide additional flexibility at the areas of the cleats so as to avoid a “stiff” feeling in certain areas and/or during certain activities. The flexible cleats may be arranged around one or more intersections of flex grooves provided in a sole member, optionally in the form of an array of sole pods provided at least in a forefoot area of the sole member. | 02-26-2015 |
20150047222 | Article Of Footwear With Adjustable Sole - An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure includes a gap extending longitudinally through the sole structure. A tensioning member extends through the sole structure and across the gap such that tensioning the tensioning member contracts the gap and pulls opposing sides of the sole structure together. As the sole structure contracts, the upper is pulled down on the foot, thereby tightening the upper around the foot. | 02-19-2015 |
20150046847 | INTERACTIVE AVATAR FOR SOCIAL NETWORK SERVICES - An embodiment is an avatar or avatar environment to visualize data within an athletic performance system or service and/or a social network system or service, for example as part of the Internet. The avatar may further evolve or alter its appearance, animation, or other visual or audio characteristics in response to the data or other input. In particular, the avatar of an embodiment may respond to and provide visualization of athletic or sport performance data. According to one or more aspects, an avatar may be placed on other network sites and updated based on athletic performance data. The avatar may be awarded for goals achieved by a user. The awards or gifts may further include non-avatar related items such as apparel, gift cards and the like. | 02-12-2015 |
20150045919 | INTERACTIVE ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT SYSTEM - Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others. | 02-12-2015 |
20150044648 | ACTIVITY RECOGNITION WITH ACTIVITY REMINDERS - An athletic performance monitoring system, for motivating a user to reach a goal level of athletic activity. The system may motivate the user by calculation a deficit between a current total level of activity and the goal level of athletic activity, and suggesting activity types that the user may carry out an order to reach the goal level, wherein the suggested activity types may be based on activities that are geographically close to the user, or sporting equipment worn by, or in possession of, the user. | 02-12-2015 |
20150042475 | ACTIVITY RECOGNITION WITH ACTIVITY REMINDERS - An athletic performance monitoring system, for motivating a user to reach a goal level of athletic activity. The system may motivate the user by calculation a deficit between a current total level of activity and the goal level of athletic activity, and suggesting activity types that the user may carry out an order to reach the goal level, wherein the suggested activity types may be based on activities that are geographically close to the user, or sporting equipment worn by, or in possession of, the user. | 02-12-2015 |
20150042468 | ACTIVITY RECOGNITION WITH ACTIVITY REMINDERS - An athletic performance monitoring system, for motivating a user to reach a goal level of athletic activity. The system may motivate the user by calculation a deficit between a current total level of activity and the goal level of athletic activity, and suggesting activity types that the user may carry out an order to reach the goal level, wherein the suggested activity types may be based on activities that are geographically close to the user, or sporting equipment worn by, or in possession of, the user. | 02-12-2015 |
20150040435 | SOLE STRUCTURE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an upper element, a lower element positioned below the upper element and a flexure element. The flexure element may be joined to one of the upper element and the lower element. The flexure element may be configured for slidingly contacting the other of the upper element and the lower element when a vertical compressive load is applied to the upper element. A second flexure element may be provided that extends from the upper element toward the lower element (or vice versa). An article of footwear having the sole structure attached to an upper is also provided. | 02-12-2015 |
20150040432 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A MIDSOLE STRUCTURE - An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a midsole. A first midsole impact force attenuation structure or system is arranged at least within the toe region of the midsole. A second midsole impact force attenuation structure or system is arranged at least within the heel region of the midsole, such that the second midsole impact force attenuation structure or system includes a molded heel region member extending from a lateral side of the article of footwear to a medial side; the heel region member having a hollow central region defined by a first radius of curvature in a direction toward the toe region and a second radius of curvature in a direction toward the heel region. The first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature. The heel region member may be in an asymmetrical stiffness construction. | 02-12-2015 |
20150038607 | METHOD AND THERMOPLASTIC FOAMED ARTICLE - A method for making a low density foamed article includes placing a desired amount of thermoplastic polyurethane foam beads in a cavity of an injection mold and closing the mold; combining in an extruder connected to the mold a molten polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers and thermoplastic ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers with both a physical or chemical blowing agent other than a supercritical fluid present in an amount up to about 15 wt % based on molten polymer weight and a supercritical fluid that is at least one of about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of supercritical CO | 02-05-2015 |
20150038606 | LOW DENSITY FOAMED ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR MAKING - Foamed thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer articles are made with from about 0.1 to about 4 weight percent of supercritical fluid nitrogen based on polymer weight and from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of a supercritical fluid carbon dioxide based on polymer weight, with the supercritical fluid nitrogen and the supercritical fluid carbon dioxide being separately added to the molten polymer. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038605 | LOW DENSITY FOAM, MIDSOLE, FOOTWEAR, AND METHODS FOR MAKING LOW DENSITY FOAM - Foamed thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer articles are made with a combination of a supercritical fluid and a non-supercritical fluid blowing agent. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038259 | LOST-CORE MOLDED POLYMERIC GOLF CLUB HEAD - A method of forming a golf club head includes forming a core of the golf club head from a material having a first melting temperature and affixing a club face to the core. The club face includes a first, hitting surface, a second surface that is opposite the first surface, and a locking feature. A body is then molded about the core and such that it surrounds at least a portion of the locking feature, the body formed from a polymeric material having a second melting temperature that is greater than the first melting temperature. Finally, the core is removed from within the body. | 02-05-2015 |
20150033581 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH SUPPORT ASSEMBLY HAVING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEMBERS - An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, and a support assembly positioned beneath the midsole. The support assembly includes a plurality of primary support members having a substantially Z-shaped cross-section extending transversely across the support assembly. The support assembly may include a plurality of secondary support members having an inverted V-shaped cross-section, extending longitudinally along the support assembly, and intersecting with the primary support members. An outsole is positioned beneath the support assembly. | 02-05-2015 |
20150033579 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH SUPPORT ASSEMBLY HAVING TUBULAR MEMBERS - An article of footwear includes an upper and a support assembly positioned beneath the upper, and having a top plate, a bottom plate, and a plurality of connecting members. The connecting members are spaced from one another and extend partway inwardly from a periphery of the support assembly such that connecting members on a medial side of the support assembly are spaced from connecting members on a lateral side of the support assembly, with each connecting member including a primary aperture extending therethrough. Each of a plurality of tubular members has a central aperture passing therethrough and is received in the primary aperture of one of the connecting members. | 02-05-2015 |
20150027000 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH SUPPORT ASSEMBLY HAVING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEMBERS - An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, a support assembly beneath the midsole, and an outsole. The support assembly includes a primary member and a secondary member engaged with the primary member. A portion of the secondary member extends through an aperture in the primary member. An opening in the primary member exposes the aperture to an exterior of the primary member. | 01-29-2015 |
20150013190 | Contoured Fluid-Filled Chamber - A sole structure for an article of footwear may include a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, the chamber having a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer about peripheral portions of the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer to define an interior void between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The sole structure may also include a tensile member bonded to, and extending between, the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The sole structure may include a bond inhibiting material located between the tensile member and the first chamber barrier layer, the tensile member and the first chamber barrier layer being unbonded in an unbonded area in which the bond inhibiting material is disposed. The chamber may include an outwardly extending bulge in the unbonded area. | 01-15-2015 |
20150011914 | Athletic or Other Performance Sensing Systems/US/US/US/US - Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear. | 01-08-2015 |
20150011711 | METHOD OF FORMING A CURED ELASTOMER AND ARTICLES OF THE CURED ELASTOMER - A cured elastomer is formed by partially crosslinking an elastomer compound containing first and second free radical initiators at a first crosslinking temperature T | 01-08-2015 |
20150011336 | METHOD OF FORMING A CURED ELASTOMER AND ARTICLES OF THE CURED ELASTOMER - A cured elastomer golf ball component is made by heating an elastomer compound containing an ethylenically unsaturated elastomer, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and first and second free radical initiators to a first crosslinking temperature T | 01-08-2015 |
20150011335 | METHOD OF FORMING A CURED ELASTOMER AND GOLF BALLS - A method of forming a golf ball includes forming a pair of thermoplastic hemispherical shells from an elastomer compound including an elastomer and first, second, and third free radical initiators, with the elastomer being pre-crosslinked to a first crosslinking density, then positioning a spherical component between the hemispherical shells and compression molding and curing the hemispherical shells to a second crosslinking density around the spherical component. The method uses three different crosslinking temperatures. | 01-08-2015 |
20150011334 | MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL - A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, and intermediate layer, and a cover. The core has an outer surface that includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a spherical land portion. Each protrusion has a maximum height relative to the spherical land portion of between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm. The intermediate layer surrounds the core and has a radially outward surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core. The cover layer surrounds the intermediate layer and defines an outermost portion of ball. | 01-08-2015 |
20150011332 | MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL - A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, and intermediate layer, and a cover. The core has an outer surface that includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a spherical land portion. Each protrusion has a maximum height relative to the spherical land portion of between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm. The intermediate layer surrounds the core and has a radially outward surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core. The cover layer surrounds the intermediate layer and defines an outermost portion of ball. | 01-08-2015 |
20140375817 | Systems and Methods for Time-Based Athletic Activity Measurement and Display - Apparatuses, methods, and systems in which video segments of an athletic activity session of a user may be captured by a plurality of video sources and a processing system may determine that each of the video segments correspond to the athletic activity session of the user. The processing system may accordingly generate a video replay of the athletic activity session of the user by piecing together the video segments captured by the video sources. The first portion of the video replay includes a first video segment captured by a first video source and a second portion of the video replay includes a second video segment captured by a second video source different than the first video source. | 12-25-2014 |
20140373389 | Braided Upper With Overlays For Article Of Footwear - An article of footwear includes a braided upper with overlay portions. The overlay portions may be applied to edges of the braided upper. The overlay portions can include eyelets to receive a lace. The overlay portions can extend around portions of the upper to reduce stretching and increase support. The overlay portions may facilitate attachment between the braided upper and a sole system. | 12-25-2014 |
20140372064 | MONITORING ACTIVITY OF A USER IN LOCOMOTION ON FOOT - One disclosed method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically measure amounts of time taken by the user to complete respective distance intervals. During the outing, data representing the automatically measured amounts of time may be automatically stored in memory of the least one device. Another disclosed method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically identify occasions on which a user completes respective distance intervals. During the outing, the at least one device may display at least one of an average pace of the user since a most recently completed distance interval, an average speed of the user since the most recently completed distance interval, and a projected time to complete a current distance interval based on monitored performance since the most recently completed distance interval. Yet another disclosed method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to monitor a distance traveled by the user. An input to the at least one device may be received that specifies a goal distance for the outing, and the at least one device may determine a remaining distance to be traveled to complete one of the specified goal distance for the outing and a calculated fraction of the specified goal distance for the outing. | 12-18-2014 |
20140360049 | Article With Adjustable Rearward Covering Portion - An article of footwear includes an upper with a forward covering portion and a rearward covering portion. The rearward covering portion can be adjusted between an open configuration for receiving a foot and a closed configuration for covering the foot. In the open configuration the rearward covering portion is approximately flat, while in the closed configuration the rearward covering portion has a three-dimensional shape. The rearward covering portion may be folded vertically between the open configuration and the closed configuration. A tensioning member can be used to control the configuration of the rearward covering portion. | 12-11-2014 |