US Patent No: 7,596,888

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Shoe with flexible plate

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ALSO PUBLISHED AS: 20090094860
ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)
 

Importance

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Abstract

A shoe including an upper; a bottom located below the upper and facing the ground; and a flexible plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an interior portion and peripheral portions is disclosed. The flexible plate is positioned between at least a portion of the bottom and at least a portion of the upper. The peripheral portions are restrained from movement in a substantially vertical direction relative to the interior portion, so that the interior portion is capable of being deflected relative to the peripheral portions in a substantially vertical direction. The flexible plate has a width that is greater than one-half the width of the upper. At least one opening is in the bottom of the shoe. The lower surface of the flexible plate is in air communication with the outside of the shoe through the at least one opening in the bottom of the shoe.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
AKEVA L.L.C.GREENSBORO, NC35

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Le, Tuan N Portland, OR 107 1955
Meschan, David F Greensboro, NC 45 630

Cited Art

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
NIKE, INC. (59)
4,378,643 Sole with skewed cleating arrangement 84 1980
4,342,158 Biomechanically tuned shoe construction 133 1980
4,535,553 Shock absorbing sole layer 133 1983
5,297,349 Athletic shoe with rearfoot motion control device 105 1991
5,396,675 Method of manufacturing a midsole for a shoe and construction therefor 43 1991
5,253,435 Pressure-adjustable shoe bladder assembly 138 1991
D344174 Heel insert for a shoe sole 65 1991
D344398 Heel insert for a shoe sole 58 1991
D344399 Heel insert for a shoe sole 58 1991
D344400 Heel insert for a shoe sole 57 1991
D344401 Heel insert for a shoe sole 53 1991
D344622 Heel insert for a shoe sole 57 1991
D350433 Heel insert for a shoe sole 59 1991
D340349 Insert for a shoe 42 1991
D340350 Insert for a shoe 27 1991
D342601 Midsole of a shoe 33 1992
D343044 Midsole of a shoe 12 1992
5,313,718 Athletic shoe with bendable traction projections 48 1993
5,765,298 Athletic shoe with pressurized ankle collar 18 1993
5,425,184 Athletic shoe with rearfoot strike zone 119 1993
5,363,573 Rotatable cleat 18 1993
5,416,988 Customized fit shoe and bladder therefor 46 1993
5,353,523 Shoe with an improved midsole 179 1993
5,343,639 Shoe with an improved midsole 190 1993
D350018 Heel insert for a shoe sole 58 1994
D350019 Heel insert for a shoe sole 56 1994
D350020 Heel insert for a shoe sole 57 1994
D350225 Heel insert for a shoe sole 61 1994
D350226 Heel insert for a shoe sole 63 1994
D350227 Heel insert for a shoe sole 74 1994
D351057 Heel insert for a shoe sole 66 1994
D351720 Heel insert for a shoe sole 70 1994
D351936 Heel insert for a shoe sole 56 1994
D352159 Heel insert for a shoe sole 59 1994
D355755 Heel insert for a shoe sole 82 1994
D352160 Heel insert for a shoe sole 62 1994
D354617 Heel insert for a shoe sole 77 1994
5,595,004 Shoe sole including a peripherally-disposed cushioning bladder 119 1994
D364034 Bladder for a shoe sole 36 1994
D364036 Bladder for a shoe sole 28 1995
5,628,129 Shoe sole having detachable traction members 50 1995
5,625,964 Athletic shoe with rearfoot strike zone 130 1995
5,685,090 Cushioning system for shoe sole and method for making the sole 53 1995
5,885,500 Method of making an article of footwear 35 1995
6,055,746 Athletic shoe with rearfoot strike zone 78 1997
5,979,078 Cushioning device for a footwear sole and method for making the same 100 1997
6,298,582 Article of footwear with heel clip 20 1998
6,321,465 Membranes of polyurethane based materials including polyester polyols 48 1999
6,402,879 Method of making bladder with inverted edge seam 44 2000
6,487,796 Footwear with lateral stabilizing sole 70 2001
6,964,120 Footwear midsole with compressible element in lateral heel area 47 2001
6,851,204 Footwear sole with a stiffness adjustment mechanism 40 2001
6,684,532 Footwear with removable foot-supporting member 26 2001
6,898,870 Footwear sole having support elements with compressible apertures 33 2002
7,244,483 Bladder with inverted edge seam and method of making the bladder 29 2002
7,082,698 Article of footwear having a sole structure with adjustable characteristics 32 2003
7,100,309 Track shoe with heel plate and support columns 20 2004
6,880,267 Article of footwear having a sole structure with adjustable characteristics 43 2004
6,968,636 Footwear sole with a stiffness adjustment mechanism 41 2004
 
FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION (14)
D258772 Sport shoe 63 1979
4,288,929 Motion control device for athletic shoe 53 1980
4,287,675 Counter for athletic shoe 31 1980
D271251 Outsole for athletic shoe 11 1981
4,445,286 Footwear, such as athletic shoe 14 1981
4,451,996 Athletic shoe with collar 22 1982
D273244 Athletic shoe 12 1982
D278759 Outsole for athletic shoe 9 1982
D278760 Outsole for athletic shoe 10 1982
D279044 Outsole for athletic shoe 19 1983
4,551,930 Sole construction for footwear 73 1983
4,561,140 Sole construction for footwear 29 1984
4,654,983 Sole construction for footwear 55 1985
4,876,053 Process of molding a component of a sole unit for footwear 36 1988
 
ADIDAS SPORTSCHUHFABRIKEN ADI DASSLER STIFTUNG AND CO., KG. (11)
D255617 Athletic shoe 15 1977
4,430,810 Sole for sports shoes, particularly for shoes used for long-distance running on hard tracks 40 1981
4,447,971 Football boot 29 1982
4,414,763 Sole for a sports shoe or boot 66 1982
4,470,207 Sports shoe or boot 26 1982
4,573,279 Running sole for shoes, especially sports shoes, with adjustable heel cushioning 53 1984
4,698,924 Gripping studs for sports shoes 16 1986
4,712,318 Gripping element for a sports shoe 23 1987
4,742,626 Golf shoe sole 28 1987
4,949,476 Running shoe 107 1988
4,922,631 Shoe bottom for sports shoes 93 1989
 
AMERICAN SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION (10)
4,372,058 Shoe sole construction 101 1980
4,449,307 Basketball shoe sole 108 1981
4,546,556 Basketball shoe sole 83 1984
4,550,510 Basketball shoe sole 113 1984
4,785,557 Shoe sole construction 125 1986
4,741,114 Shoe sole construction 116 1987
5,014,449 Shoe sole construction 182 1989
5,255,451 Insert member for use in an athletic shoe 101 1991
5,185,943 Athletic shoe having an insert member in the outsole 104 1991
5,367,792 Shoe sole construction 88 1992
 
AKEVA L.L.C. (9)
5,615,497 Athletic shoe with improved sole 65 1993
5,560,126 Athletic shoe with improved sole 75 1994
5,806,210 Athletic shoe with improved heel structure 50 1995
5,970,628 Athletic shoe with improved heel structure 61 1998
6,662,471 Athletic shoe with improved heel structure 37 1999
7,127,835 Athletic shoe with improved heel structure 10 2003
7,082,700 Athletic shoe with inclined wall configuration 16 2005
7,089,689 Athletic shoe with inclined wall configuration and non-ground-engaging member 13 2005
7,155,843 Athletic shoe with visible arch bridge 13 2005
 
REEBOK INTERNATIONAL LTD. (9)
4,815,221 Shoe with energy control system 166 1987
5,005,300 Tubular cushioning system for shoes 164 1990
5,158,767 Athletic shoe having inflatable bladder 133 1990
5,113,599 Athletic shoe having inflatable bladder 134 1990
5,319,866 Composite arch member 176 1991
5,406,661 Preloaded fluid bladder with integral pump 60 1993
5,437,615 Inflatable support device 31 1993
5,353,526 Midsole stabilizer for the heel 34 1994
5,351,710 Inflation mechanism for inflatable article of manufacture 52 1994
 
ADIDAS AG (4)
5,131,173 Outsole for sports shoes 94 1989
5,337,492 Shoe bottom, in particular for sports shoes 138 1993
5,461,800 Midsole for shoe 106 1994
5,915,820 Shoe having an internal chassis 88 1996
 
HYDE ATHLETIC INDUSTRIES, INC. (4)
4,642,917 Athletic shoe having improved sole construction 103 1985
4,879,821 Insole construction 73 1987
5,070,629 Sweet spot sole construction 80 1989
5,402,588 Sole construction 58 1991
 
MITRE SPORTS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (4)
D305828 Sport shoe upper 19 1988
D306516 Cleated sole for a sport shoe 14 1988
D306517 Cleated sole for a sport shoe 15 1988
D309055 Sport shoe upper 29 1988
 
PUMA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT RUDOLF DASSLER SPORT (4)
4,608,768 Athletic shoe having a shock-absorbing running sole and a process for manufacturing said athletic shoe 62 1984
4,942,677 Shoe, especially sport shoe or shoe for medical purposes 29 1988
5,152,081 Shoe soles having a honeycomb insert and shoes, particularly athletic or rehabilitative shoes, utilizing same 56 1989
5,197,206 Shoe, especially a sport or rehabilitation shoe 40 1991
 
ADIDAS FABRIQUE DE CHAUSSURES DE SPORT (3)
D258774 Shoe sole 19 1978
D262751 Athletic shoe 53 1979
4,281,467 Sports shoes 49 1979
 
ADIDAS SARRAGAN FRANCE (3)
D268710 Shoe 36 1981
D283366 Design for a high-top shoe 66 1984
D283463 High-top shoe 128 1984
 
ASICS CORPORATION (3)
4,854,055 Sports shoe 16 1987
4,878,301 Sports shoe 35 1988
5,155,927 Shoe comprising liquid cushioning element 90 1991
 
BOGERT; ROBERT C. (3)
4,486,964 Spring moderator for articles of footwear 131 1982
4,506,460 Spring moderator for articles of footwear 132 1983
5,083,361 Pressurizable envelope and method 141 1991
 
FOOTWEAR ACQUISITION, INC. (3)
5,220,737 Shoe sole having improved lateral and medial stability 62 1991
5,575,088 Shoe sole with reactive energy fluid filled toroid apparatus 41 1995
5,881,478 Midsole construction having a rockable member 27 1998
 
MIZUNO CORPORATION (3)
4,561,195 Midsole assembly for an athletic shoe 116 1983
4,878,300 Athletic shoe 121 1988
5,829,172 Shoe sole for running shoes 39 1996
 
RUSSELL BRANDS, LLC (3)
5,052,130 Spring plate shoe 138 1990
5,097,607 Fluid forefoot footware 45 1990
5,191,727 Propulsion plate hydrodynamic footwear 112 1991
 
WILSON SPORTING GOODS, CO. (3)
D303316 Sport shoe sole 10 1987
D305076 Sport shoe upper 26 1987
4,881,329 Athletic shoe with energy storing spring 116 1988
 
AUTRY INDUSTRIES, INC. (2)
4,845,863 Shoe having transparent window for viewing cushion elements 137 1988
4,843,741 Custom insert with a reinforced heel portion 164 1988
 
CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (CENTRAL) (2)
4,811,500 Article of footware having an adjustable instep supporting insert 79 1987
5,381,608 Shoe heel spring and stabilizer 67 1990
 
MINER ENTERPRISES, INC. (2)
4,198,037 Method of making polyester elastomer compression spring and resulting product 92 1977
5,280,890 Radial elastomer compression spring 53 1992
 
NEW BALANCE ATHLETIC SHOE, INC. (2)
4,574,498 Sole for athletic shoe 45 1983
4,730,402 Construction of sole unit for footwear 74 1986
 
NORTHWEST PODIATRIC LABORATORY, INC. (2)
4,510,700 Variably adjustable shoe inserts 111 1982
RE33648 Variably adjustable shoe inserts 49 1987
 
PERFORMANCE MATERIALS CORPORATION (2)
4,778,717 Thermoplastic thermoformable composite material 65 1986
5,469,638 Forefoot spring apparatus 52 1994
 
REMOTE VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (2)
5,060,401 Footwear cushinoning spring 90 1990
5,279,051 Footwear cushioning spring 105 1992
 
SAUCONY IP HOLDINGS LLC (2)
5,561,920 Shoe construction having an energy return system 30 1994
5,595,002 Stabilizing grid wedge system for providing motion control and cushioning 32 1994
 
ACUSHNET COMPANY (1)
4,771,554 Heel shoe construction 59 1987
 
ADI DASSLER KG (1)
4,551,931 Sole for a cross-country ski boot and associated binding base plate 9 1984
 
ADIDAS AG, ADI-DASSLER-STRASSE 1-2, 8522 HERZOGENAURACH, FRG (1)
4,970,807 Outsole for sports shoes 74 1989
 
ADIDAS AMERICA, INC. (1)
5,371,957 Athletic shoe 89 1993
 
ADIDAS INTERNATIONAL B.V. (1)
6,119,373 Shoe having an external chassis 47 1998
 
AMERICAN FITNESS, INC. (1)
4,481,726 Shoe construction 38 1980
 
BATA LIMITED (1)
5,212,878 Sole with removable insert 45 1992
 
BATA SCHUH AG (1)
4,593,482 Modular substrate sole for footwear 52 1984
 
BROWN GROUP, INC. (1)
5,325,611 Comfort cradle system for footwear construction 49 1993
 
BT COMMERCIAL CORPORATION (1)
5,363,570 Shoe sole with a cushioning fluid filled bladder and a clip holding the bladder and providing enhanced lateral and medial stability 104 1994
 
COOPER, LEONARD, 999 GRANT AVE., PELHAM MANOR, NY 10803 (1)
4,995,173 High tech footwear 106 1989
 
DANNER, INC. (1)
4,776,109 Comfort insole for shoes 58 1987
 
DIAB INTERNATIONAL TRADE, INC. (1)
5,068,981 Self-ventilating device for a shoe insole 75 1990
 
EPIC SKI BOOT COMPANY, INC. (1)
4,979,319 Ski boot and sport shoe assembly 36 1989
 
FAMOLARE, INC. (1)
4,258,480 Running shoe 83 1978
 
FILA SPORT S.P.A., 13051 BIELLA, VERCELLI ITALY, VIALE CESARE BATTISTI 26 (1)
5,092,060 Sports shoe incorporating an elastic insert in the heel 175 1990
 
HENKEL, ALBERT DR. KONIGSALLEE 36 IN 4000 DUSSELDORF 1, ATTORNEY IN FACT (1)
4,233,759 Outsoles for sports shoes, particularly for use on artificial grass 41 1979
 
HI-TEC SPORTS LIMITED (1)
4,624,061 Running shoes 99 1985
 
HI-TEC SPORTS PLC (1)
4,887,367 Shock absorbing shoe sole and shoe incorporating the same 181 1988
 
HI-TEC SPROTS PLC, A PUBLIC LIMITED CO. OF GREAT BRITAIN (1)
D334463 Shoe sole shock absorber 9 1988
 
HOCKERSON-HALBERSTADT, INC. (1)
4,322,895 Stabilized athletic shoe 84 1979
 
HOECHST AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (1)
4,559,772 False twist texturized yarn, and a process for its preparation 11 1983
 
KOEHL, TIM (1)
4,610,100 Shoe with replaceable heel 56 1985
 
MACGREGOR GOLF COMPANY (1)
4,866,861 Supports for golf shoes to restrain rollout during a golf backswing and to resist excessive weight transfer during a golf downswing 91 1988
 
NIPPON RUBBER CO., LTD. (1)
4,890,397 Shoe for sports involving running 34 1985
 
OANSH DESIGNS, LTD. (1)
5,317,820 Multi-application ankle support footwear 35 1992
 
PAGODA TRADING COMPANY, INC. (1)
5,224,280 Support structure for footwear and footwear incorporating same 57 1991
 
PUMA-SPORTSCHUHFABRIKEN RUDOLF (1)
4,616,431 Sport shoe sole, especially for running 101 1984
 
ROCKPORT COMPANY, LLC, THE (1)
5,528,842 Insert for a shoe sole 78 1995
 
SACHS-SYSTEMTECHNIK GMBH (1)
4,391,048 Elastic sole for a shoe incorporating a spring member 107 1980
 
SAO PAULO ALPARGATAS S.A. (1)
5,086,574 Impact damping system applicable to sport shoes 83 1991
 
SCIENTIFIC GENERICS, INC. (1)
6,571,490 Bladder with multi-stage regionalized cushioning 29 2000
 
SIDNEY RICH ASSOCIATES, INC. (1)
4,712,314 Footwear sole construction 55 1986
 
SOCIETE A RESPONSABILITE LIMITEE DITE (1)
D288028 Shoe sole 41 1983
 
SOCIETE A RESPONSABILITE LIMITTE DITE: ADIDAS FABRIQUE DE CHAUSSURES DE SPORT (1)
4,577,419 High-top shoe 73 1984
 
SOCIETE TECHNISYNTHESE S.A.R.L. (1)
4,622,764 Shoes with supple soles, notably sports-shoes 51 1984
 
SPALDING SPORTS WORLDWIDE, INC. (1)
4,598,487 Athletic shoes for sports-oriented activities 97 1984
 
STUTZ MOTOR CAR COMPANY OF AMERICA, INC. (1)
4,610,099 Shock-absorbing shoe construction 141 1985
 
SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, INC. (1)
5,722,186 Orthotic insert having adjustable angular orientation 38 1996
 
SYSTEMS UNLIMITED, INC. (1)
D261668 Combined holder and transfer tray for bank checks 7 1980
 
THE KEDS CORPORATION (1)
4,380,878 Outsole 25 1980
 
THE SUMMA GROUP LIMITED (1)
4,782,603 Midsole 53 1986
 
TRETORN AB (1)
4,821,430 Heel counter for athletic shoe and footwear incorporating same 33 1987
 
OTHER [CHECK PATENT PROFILE FOR ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION] (54)
4,224,750 Foot-wear 23 1976
4,214,384 Replaceable heel construction for shoes 62 1978
4,224,749 Heels for footwear 45 1978
4,263,728 Jogging shoe with adjustable shock absorbing system for the heel impact surface thereof 100 1979
4,262,434 Running shoe with replaceable tread elements 60 1979
4,267,650 Shoe with removable outsole 72 1979
4,320,588 Insole, in particular for ladies' shoes 32 1979
4,267,648 Shoe sole with low profile integral spring system 61 1979
4,325,546 Modular athletic playing surface with tuned compliance 13 1980
4,317,293 Foot-supporting insole 53 1980
4,322,894 Surfing footwear 47 1980
4,363,177 Style convertible footwear 78 1980
4,377,042 Footwear having removable sole 96 1981
4,393,605 Sports shoe 76 1981
4,399,620 Padded sole having orthopaedic properties 100 1981
4,455,766 Spring-locked rotatable heel 36 1981
4,429,474 Adjustable mechanically cushioned lateral border of the heel for a shoe 46 1981
4,455,765 Sports shoe soles 73 1982
4,492,046 Running shoe 110 1983
4,530,173 Excessive pronation correcting device 50 1983
4,534,124 Spring-action running and jumping shoe 59 1983
4,541,185 Game shoe 42 1983
4,566,206 Shoe heel spring support 108 1984
4,592,153 Heel construction 111 1984
4,680,876 Article of footwear 87 1984
4,606,139 Prefabricated shoe construction 51 1985
4,709,489 Shock absorbing assembly for an athletic shoe 60 1985
4,638,575 Spring heel for shoe and the like 90 1986
4,756,095 Footwarmer for shoe 54 1986
4,706,392 Interchangeable shoe and slipper combination 50 1986
4,745,693 Shoe with detachable sole and heel 99 1987
4,754,559 Shoe with midsole including deflection inhibiting inserts 57 1987
4,753,021 Shoe with mid-sole including compressible bridging elements 76 1987
4,843,737 Energy return spring shoe construction 91 1987
4,864,738 Sole construction for footwear 96 1988
4,875,300 Track shoe with a detachable spike plate by the use of plastic spikes 50 1988
4,936,028 Removable soles for shoes 52 1989
4,914,836 Cushioning and impact absorptive structure 59 1989
5,042,175 User-specific shoe sole coil spring system and method 50 1990
5,005,299 Shock absorbing outsole for footwear 49 1990
5,083,385 Footwear having interchangeable uppers 82 1990
5,117,566 Shoe construction with a sole formed of pneumatic tubes 21 1991
5,159,767 Orthopedic stabilizer attachment 27 1991
5,179,791 Torsional spring insole and method 46 1991
5,218,773 Torsionally stabilized athletic shoe 8 1991
5,224,277 Footwear sole providing ventilation, shock absorption and fashion 143 1992
5,203,095 Orthopedic stabilizer attachment and shoe 33 1992
5,295,314 Shoe with sole including hollow space inflatable through removable bladder 31 1992
5,435,079 Spring athletic shoe 71 1993
5,440,826 Shock absorbing outsole for footwear 70 1994
5,513,448 Athletic shoe with compression indicators and replaceable spring cassette 29 1994
5,533,280 Footwear with interchangeable components 52 1995
5,517,769 Spring-loaded snap-type shoe 14 1995
2002/0143,320 Tracking medical products with integrated circuits 2002

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
SKECHERS U.S.A., INC. II (2)
7,886,460 Shoe 2 2010
7,941,940 Shoe 1 2010
 
WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. (1)
D668854 Footwear sole 1 2010

Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
3.5 Year Payment $1600.00 $800.00 $400.00 Apr 6, 2013
7.5 Year Payment $3600.00 $1800.00 $900.00 Apr 6, 2017
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Apr 6, 2021
Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee
Surcharge - 3.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 7.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable $700.00 $350.00 $175.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00