Patents by Inventor Bryan N. Farris

Bryan N. Farris has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Article of footwear with decoupled upper
    Patent number: 10327508
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Olivier Henrichot, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta
  • Article of footwear with decoupled upper
    Patent number: 10321737
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Olivier Henrichot, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta
  • Upper for an article of footwear with at least one strand for lasting
    Patent number: 10321739
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a knitted component, the knitted component with a knit element that forms at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear and defines an interior void for receiving a foot. A lower perimeter edge of the knit element may extend between a lateral side and a medial side of the upper. At least one strand of the knitted component may extend through the lower perimeter edge on opposite sides of the knitted component so as to extend between the lateral side and the medial side of the upper. The knitted component may be formed on a knitting machine, and the at least one strand may be configured to be tensioned to tighten the upper around a last.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan N. Farris
  • Method of foaming a milled precursor
    Patent number: 10308779
    Abstract: A method of making a foamed article comprises (a) milling a block or sheet of thermoplastic polymer to form a precursor; (b) crosslinking the thermoplastic polymer; (c) heating the precursor to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic polymer; (d) infusing the thermoplastic polymer with at least one inert gas at a first pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic polymer; and (e) while the thermoplastic polymer is softened, reducing the pressure to a second pressure below the first pressure to at least partially foam the precursor into a foamed article, wherein the foamed article is substantially the same shape as the precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, David Turner
  • Method and Flexible Lattice Foams
    Publication number: 20190161591
    Abstract: A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises forming a structure of interconnected, unfoamed, thermoplastic polymeric members spaced to define openings between the thermoplastic polymeric members. The structure may be made by printing a thermoplastic polymeric material with a three-dimensional printer. The thermoplastic polymeric members are heated to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic polymeric members and the softened thermoplastic polymeric members are infused with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The first pressure is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic polymeric members. After being infused with the inert gas, the pressure is reduced to at least partially foam the thermoplastic polymeric members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, David Turner
  • Article of footwear with decoupled upper
    Patent number: 10278452
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Olivier Henrichot, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta
  • SOLE STRUCTURE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING A NONLINEAR BENDING STIFFNESS WITH COMPRESSION GROOVES AND DESCENDING RIBS
    Publication number: 20190082782
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate that has a foot-facing surface with a forefoot portion, and a ground-facing surface opposite from the foot-facing surface. The sole plate has a plurality of grooves extending at least partially transversely relative to the sole plate in the forefoot portion of the foot-facing surface, and a plurality of ribs protruding at the ground-facing surface, extending at least partially transversely relative to the sole plate, and underlying the plurality of grooves. At least some grooves of the plurality of grooves are configured to be open when the sole structure is dorsiflexed in a first portion of a flexion range, and closed when the sole structure is dorsiflexed in a second portion of the flexion range that includes flex angles greater than in the first portion of the flexion range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Bunnell, Bryan N. Farris, Alison Sheets-Singer, Austin Orand
  • Article of footwear having an upper with knitted elements
    Patent number: 10231503
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a collar element for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method comprises knitting the collar element comprising a tubular structure defining an interior cavity and a plurality of floating yarns within the cavity. The method further comprises securing the collar element to an upper of the article of footwear. A method of manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear having a collar element is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, Michael A. Aveni, Christopher James Lyke, Bryan N. Farris
  • Footwear sole structure with nonlinear bending stiffness
    Patent number: 10226097
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a first plate and a second plate. The first plate overlies at least a portion of a forefoot region of the second plate. The first plate and the second plate are fixed to one another rearward of the forefoot region. The first plate is configured to slide longitudinally relative to the forefoot region of the second plate in a first portion of a flexion range during dorsiflexion of the sole structure, and to interfere with the second plate during a second portion of the flexion range that includes flex angles greater than in the first portion of the flexion range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Austin Orand, Alison Sheets-Singer, Aaron B. Weast
  • Sole structure for an article of footwear having a nonlinear bending stiffness with compression grooves and descending ribs
    Patent number: 10182612
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate that has a foot-facing surface with a forefoot portion, and a ground-facing surface opposite from the foot-facing surface. The sole plate has a plurality of grooves extending at least partially transversely relative to the sole plate in the forefoot portion of the foot-facing surface, and a plurality of ribs protruding at the ground-facing surface, extending at least partially transversely relative to the sole plate, and underlying the plurality of grooves. At least some grooves of the plurality of grooves are configured to be open when the sole structure is dorsiflexed in a first portion of a flexion range, and closed when the sole structure is dorsiflexed in a second portion of the flexion range that includes flex angles greater than in the first portion of the flexion range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Bunnell, Bryan N. Farris, Alison Sheets-Singer, Austin Orand
  • Article of footwear with decoupled upper
    Patent number: 10165828
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Olivier Henrichot, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta
  • METHOD OF MAKING FOAMS USING PARTIAL MOLDS
    Publication number: 20180370115
    Abstract: A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises depositing an unfoamed, thermoplastic polymer onto a support surface in a three-dimensional printing process to form an unfoamed article; heating the article to soften the article and infusing the softened article with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened article; and reducing the pressure to second pressure below the first pressure while the article is softened to at least partially foam the article, wherein a surface of a partial mold limits foam expansion in at least one direction but less than all directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, David Turner
  • Article of footwear with decoupled upper
    Patent number: 10159308
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Olivier Henrichot, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta
  • Method and flexible lattice foams
    Patent number: 10155855
    Abstract: A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises forming a structure of interconnected, unfoamed, thermoplastic polymeric members spaced to define openings between the thermoplastic polymeric members. The structure may be made by printing a thermoplastic polymeric material with a three-dimensional printer. The thermoplastic polymeric members are heated to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic polymeric members and the softened thermoplastic polymeric members are infused with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The first pressure is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic polymeric members. After being infused with the inert gas, the pressure is reduced to at least partially foam the thermoplastic polymeric members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, David Turner
  • PRE-TENSIONED ARTICLE AND METHOD OF MAKING
    Publication number: 20180352893
    Abstract: A pre-tensioned article and method of making an article of footwear involving pre-tensioning a sole structure during manufacturing. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a plurality of apertures that provide an auxetic effect. In further embodiments, the upper may also be pre-tensioned in a similar manner as the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • FOOTWEAR WITH SOLES HAVING AUXETIC STRUCTURES
    Publication number: 20180338572
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear can include provisions for providing auxetic behavior in the sole structure. The sole structure can comprise multiple layers that may each have different types of auxetic material. The outsole can include at least one auxetic portion joined to one non-auxetic portion. Similarly, the midsole can include at least one auxetic portion joined to one non-auxetic portion. Apertures formed in the auxetic portions of the outsole can extend through at least part of the midsole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH AUXETIC SOLE STRUCTURE THAT INCLUDES AGGREGATE
    Publication number: 20180338573
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure with an auxetic structure. The auxetic structure includes an aperture. The sole structure also includes an aggregate that is received in the aperture. The auxetic structure is resiliently deformable between a neutral position and a deformed position. The auxetic structure can move auxetically between the neutral position and the deformed position. The aperture deforms as the auxetic structure moves between the neutral position and the deformed position. The aggregate includes a plurality of particles that support the foot as the auxetic structure deforms between the neutral position and the deformed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH AUXETIC SOLE ASSEMBLY FOR PROPRIOCEPTION
    Publication number: 20180338574
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a sole structure including an auxetic sole assembly are described. The auxetic sole assembly includes an auxetic layer and a base layer. The auxetic layer is made of an auxetic material and includes a plurality of apertures. Portions of the base layer are disposed within the apertures of the auxetic layer. Upon the application of force, portions of the base layer extend upwards through the apertures of the auxetic layer to form a plurality of protuberances. The plurality of protuberances can be used for proprioception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH AUXETIC SOLE STRUCTURE HAVING A FILLED AUXETIC APERTURE
    Publication number: 20180338571
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure with an auxetic structure and a filler. The auxetic structure includes an aperture. The filler is received in the aperture. The auxetic structure is configured to deform auxetically. The sole structure is configured to deform between a neutral position and a deformed position. The aperture is configured to deform as the sole structure deforms between the neutral and deformed positions. The auxetic structure includes a first material and the filler includes a second material. The second material is softer than the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • KNITTED COMPONENT WITH ADJUSTABLE KNITTED PORTION
    Publication number: 20180332914
    Abstract: An article may include a base structure with a strand and an adjustment member. The adjustment member may include a course with a plurality of loops, and the strand of the base structure may be inlaid within the course of the adjustment member adjacent to a first loop and a second loop of the plurality of loops. The adjustment member may be configured to slide along the base structure from a first state to a second state such that the first loop and the second loop define a first loop distance in the first state, and the first loop and the second loop define a second loop distance in the second state. The first loop distance may be greater than the second loop distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Bruce Huffa