Patents by Inventor Eric S. Schindler

Eric S. Schindler 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).

  • Patent number: 11963579
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Publication number: 20230276902
    Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a first barrier layer formed of a first material, and a second barrier layer formed of a second material. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer cooperate to form a fluid-filled chamber having a first fluid-filled segment extending along an arcuate path, a second fluid-filled segment extending from a first end of the first fluid-filled segment to a first distal end along a first longitudinal axis, and a third fluid-filled segment extending from a second end of the first fluid-filled segment to a second distal end along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer may be joined together define a web area connecting each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 11723432
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 11684118
    Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a first barrier layer formed of a first material, and a second barrier layer formed of a second material. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer cooperate to form a fluid-filled chamber having a first fluid-filled segment extending along an arcuate path, a second fluid-filled segment extending from a first end of the first fluid-filled segment to a first distal end along a first longitudinal axis, and a third fluid-filled segment extending from a second end of the first fluid-filled segment to a second distal end along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer may be joined together define a web area connecting each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 11678719
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 11659891
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 11633012
    Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear includes a midsole that is formed from at least a bladder and foam midsole component. The midsole has a ground facing surface and a sidewall, and the bladder meets the foam midsole at a component boundary on the sidewall. An etching extends into both the foam midsole and the bladder. The etched channel has a depth into the sidewall of between about 2 ?m and about 1000 ?m and continuously extends across the component boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Dervin A. James, Eric S. Schindler
  • Patent number: 11607011
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 11583031
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 11490688
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a fluid-filled chamber component having a central portion, a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central portion, and a plurality of channels formed between the plurality of lobes. The structure also includes a midsole component inter-fitted with the plurality of lobes of the fluid-filled chamber component and having a plurality of projections extending through the plurality of channels of the fluid-filled chamber component. The midsole component forms a portion of the peripheral side surface of the sole structure. At least a first lobe of the plurality of lobes has an exposed distal end wall and includes a projecting portion that extends further outward from the central portion of the fluid-filled chamber component than the portion of the peripheral side surface of the sole structure formed by the midsole component. The exposed distal end wall also includes a faceted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Risha Dupre, Steve M. Mathras, Mark C. Miner, Eric S. Schindler
  • Publication number: 20220304417
    Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a first barrier layer formed of a first material, and a second barrier layer formed of a second material. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer cooperate to form a fluid-filled chamber having a first fluid-filled segment extending along an arcuate path, a second fluid-filled segment extending from a first end of the first fluid-filled segment to a first distal end along a first longitudinal axis, and a third fluid-filled segment extending from a second end of the first fluid-filled segment to a second distal end along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer may be joined together define a web area connecting each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 11452334
    Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a first barrier layer formed of a first material, and a second barrier layer formed of a second material. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer cooperate to form a fluid-filled chamber having a first fluid-filled segment extending along an arcuate path, a second fluid-filled segment extending from a first end of the first fluid-filled segment to a first distal end along a first longitudinal axis, and a third fluid-filled segment extending from a second end of the first fluid-filled segment to a second distal end along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer may be joined together define a web area connecting each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Publication number: 20220218068
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The chamber includes subchambers laterally extending in a medial to lateral direction of the bladder. A bottom surface of the chamber may include at least one bond that laterally extends across the bottom surface of the chamber from one side edge to another side edge of the chamber in the medial to lateral direction. The bond may cooperate with an indentation in the bottom surface that separates one subchamber from an adjacent subchamber. A diameter of the subchambers may decrease in a direction from a heel region of the bladder to a forefoot region of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Dolan, Travis K. Ernst, Scott C. Holt, Lisa M. Hovey, Eric S. Schindler, Tamimu A. Shyllon
  • Publication number: 20220160076
    Abstract: A bladder includes a first polymeric film, a second polymeric film attached to the first polymeric film to form a chamber, and one or more grooves formed in an exterior surface of the chamber. In one configuration, the grooves are formed in the exterior surface of the chamber by subjecting the chamber to a laser-etching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Edwards, Jeremy Gantz, Dervin A. James, Honam Ho, Adam Kohn, Harry Lam Pham, Eric S. Schindler, Yuanmin Wang
  • Publication number: 20220134698
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole including a polymeric bladder element enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity, a first outsole component secured to a bottom surface and to a side surface of the polymeric bladder element, and a second outsole component. The first outsole component includes a first base, and a wall integral with the first base. The second outsole component includes a second base secured to the first base, and a wall integral with the second base and secured to the outer surface of the wall of the first outsole component. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear includes thermoforming the bladder element and the first outsole component, and securing the second outsole component to the first outsole component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Frederick J. Dojan, Zachary M. Elder, Eric L. Fliss, Samuel Heinzman, Troy C. Lindner, Benjamin J. Monfils, Melanie N. Moteberg, Lee D. Peyton, Eric S. Schindler
  • Patent number: 11297898
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The chamber includes subchambers laterally extending in a medial to lateral direction of the bladder. A bottom surface of the chamber may include at least one bond that laterally extends across the bottom surface of the chamber from one side edge to another side edge of the chamber in the medial to lateral direction. The bond may cooperate with an indentation in the bottom surface that separates one subchamber from an adjacent subchamber. A diameter of the subchambers may decrease in a direction from a heel region of the bladder to a forefoot region of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Dolan, Travis K. Ernst, Scott C. Holt, Lisa M. Hovey, Eric S. Schindler, Tamimu A. Shyllon
  • Publication number: 20220071346
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Publication number: 20220071348
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Publication number: 20220071350
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Publication number: 20220071347
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small