Nike, Inc.

Mike A Chamblin

Andrew A Owings

James C Meschter

Todd W Miller

Eli R Troyke

An article of footwear including an adaptive support system includes a plurality of support members. Each support member includes an outer chamber and an inner chamber, the inner chamber being filled with a magnetorheological fluid. An electromagnet is disposed adjacent to the inner chamber and can be used to vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid.

Support members with variable viscosity fluid for footwear

An article of footwear has an upper that is direct attached with the sole. The direct attach sole has an insert, such as an airbag, that forms a portion of a sidewall. The insert is externally visible and forms at least a portion of an external sidewall of the sole. The insert is formed into the direct attach sole by having the insert or a mask temporarily joined with the insert contact a sidewall molding surface of a mold used in the direct attach operation such that the insert results in forming a visible element of the direct attached sole.

Direct bottomed article of footwear with an insert

A holding assembly for articles can be used with a flexible manufacturing system to hold an article in place. The holding assembly can be used with a printing system to print onto the article. The holding assembly can expand to fit the article. The holding assembly can include a moldable surface that can be provided with a temporarily fixed geometry through the use of a vacuum. The holding assembly can help provide a flattened outer surface for the article to facilitate printing.

Holding assembly for articles

A holding assembly for holding articles in place for printing includes features for locking an article in place. The holding assembly can include an adjustable heel assembly. The holding assembly can include a lace locking member. The adjustable heel assembly and the lace locking member can be used to keep the article in a temporarily fixed position on the holding assembly.

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Portland, OR, United States of America

Mike A Chamblin