Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2011-2025
Title: The Innovative Contributions of John Droege in Footwear Design
Introduction
John Droege is a prolific inventor based in Portland, Oregon, known for his remarkable contributions to footwear technology. With a total of 33 patents, Droege has significantly advanced the design and functionality of footwear, particularly in creating soles that enhance user experience and performance.
Latest Patents
Among Droege's latest innovations is the patent for a sole structure for an article of footwear featuring an undulating sole plate. This design includes a midfoot region and at least one of a forefoot region and a heel region, characterized by an undulating profile at a transverse cross-section. The waves formed by this profile consist of crests and troughs, with ridges that extend longitudinally throughout the sole, ultimately improving comfort and support.
Another notable patent is for a footwear sole plate that includes a forefoot through hole. This innovative design has a midsole system that incorporates a forefoot region and a midfoot region. It features a through hole extending from the foot-facing to the ground-facing surface, strategically located closer to the medial edge than to the lateral edge. Additionally, this sole plate presents ridges in both regions that enhance stability and performance.
Career Highlights
John Droege has made significant strides in the footwear sector as an employee of Nike, Inc. His experience and expertise in designing cutting-edge footwear solutions have solidified his reputation as an inventor. Droege's innovative spirit continues to drive advancements within the company, reflecting his commitment to enhancing athletic performance and comfort.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Droege has collaborated with talented colleagues such as Doug D. Wilken and Clayton Chambers. Their combined efforts and shared vision for innovative footwear designs have resulted in several successful patents, contributing to the overall progress of performance-enhancing footwear technology.
Conclusion
John Droege stands out as an influential inventor in the footwear industry, with a comprehensive portfolio of patents reflecting his dedication to innovation. His work at Nike, Inc. and collaborations with fellow inventors underscore his commitment to pushing the boundaries of footwear design. Droege's contributions will likely continue to shape the future of athletic footwear, showcasing the power of innovative thinking in enhancing user experience.