ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 18 -- United States Patent no. 12,471,678, issued on Nov. 18, was assigned to NIKE Inc. (Beaverton, Ore.).
"Autolacing footwear having a sliding securing device" was invented by Eric P. Avar (Lake Oswego, Ore.) and Summer L. Schneider (Portland, Ore.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "An article of footwear and method of manufacturing includes a midsole, an upper, secured with respect to the midsole, forming an opening to admit a foot of a wearer, the opening being adjustable between a first segment of the upper and a second segment of the upper to secure the article of footwear to the foot of the wearer, and a slidable securing device. The slidable securing device is couple...