M. Frank Rudy

Marion Frank Rudy (24 January 1925 – 13 December 2009) was the aeronautical engineer who patented [1] a cushioning system based on an inert gas encapsulated in polyurethane plastic. It was trademarked by Nike as the "Air" sole. He was a member of Case Western Reserve University's class of 1950, and a graduate of Fairview High School, in Fairview Park, Ohio. He was also a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.[2]

The 19 varsity athletic teams at his alma mater, Case Western Reserve Spartans, wear a special patch on their uniforms commemorating him and his invention. The emblem has Rudy's initials, MFR, with a 3D design of special texture and shine to resemble inflated air sole look, and has orbiting planets pay tribute to his career as an aerospace engineer.[3]

Rudy died in his home in California on December 13, 2009. He was 84 years old.[4]

References

  1. ↑ US4183156A, Thinkpat, Nilesh Sakpal
  2. ↑ www.phikappatau.org
  3. ↑ http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2014/09/nike_and_case_western_reserve.html
  4. ↑ oregonlive.com. Accessed 2009-12-26.


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