Nike, Inc.

Nike International Ltd.

Other

Adidas International Marketing B.v.

Robert J Lucas

Michael T Donaghu

Robert Michael Lyden

David M Forland

Joel L Passke

James C Sell, Jr

Gordon A Valiant

Lester Q Lee

Thomas McGuirk

Eric P Avar

Sergio G Lozano

David Patrick Jones

Stephen Michael Vincent

Scott Tomlinson

Craig E Santos

Thomas P Allen

Christian J Tresser

Vincent Philippe Rouiller

Christian Ebon Plein

Rebecca Lynn Edington

John Whiteman

Joel I Passke

Allen W Van Noy

Shoe upper

An audio attenuator has a differential signal path with photoconductive cells connected to vary signal levels in the circuit. Electroluminescent light sources adjacent to the photoconductive cells direct light onto the photocells. The electroluminescent light sources receive the input audio signal, an output audio signal, or some other signal. The light sources are connected to a differential control with receives an input of the attenuator circuit. The differential control provides a control input to a differential audio amplifier which receives the input audio signal. The varying signal at the control input effects a variation in the gain of the amplifier. A compression or limiting of the input signal results, depending on which signal is connected to the light sources.

Differential gain adjusting amplifier system with selectable electroluminescent differential photocell attenuation

An athletic shoe has a sole with a rearfoot strike zone segmented from the remaining heel area by a line of flexion which permits articulation of the strike zone during initial heel strike of a runner. The line of flexion is located to delimit a rearfoot strike zone reflecting the heel to toe running style of the majority of the running population. In addition to allowing articulation of the rearfoot strike zone about the line of flexion, the sole incorporates cushioning elements, including a resilient gas filled bladder, to provide differential cushioning characteristics in different parts of the heel, to attenuate force applications and shock associated with heel strike, without degrading footwear stability during subsequent phases of the running cycle. The line of flexion may be formed by various means including a deep groove, a line of relatively flexible midsole material, and a relatively flexible portion of a segmented fluid bladder.

Athletic shoe with rearfoot strike zone

Portion of a bladder for a shoe sole

Portion of a shoe upper

Portion of a shoe outsole

Side element of a shoe upper

Bottom profile of a shoe outsole

Shoe outsole

Element of a shoe

An athletic shoe has a sole with a rearfoot strike zone segmented from the remaining heel area by a line of flexion which permits articulation of the strike zone during initial heel strike of a runner. The line of flexion is located to delimit a rearfoot strike zone reflecting the heel to toe running style of the majority of the running population. In addition to allowing articulation of the rearfoot strike zone about the line of flexion, the sole incorporates cushioning elements, including a resilient gas filled bladder, to provide differential cushioning characteristics in different parts of the heel, to attenuate force applications and shock associated with heel strike, without degrading footwear stability during subsequent phases of the running cycle. The line of flexion may be formed by various ways including a deep groove, a line of relatively flexible midsole material, and a relatively flexible portion of a segmented fluid bladder.

Element of a shoe midsole

Side element of a show upper

Growing community of inventors

Portland, OR, United States of America

Robert J Lucas