Patents by Inventor Frederick J. Dojan
Frederick J. Dojan 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: 11974628Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a cushioning component defining an enclosed, fluid-filled chamber. The cushioning component has a top wall, a bottom wall, a medial side wall at a medial side of the article of footwear, and a lateral side wall at a lateral side of the article of footwear. The cushioning component includes a unitary outsole having a bottom portion, a medial side portion, and a lateral side portion. The bottom portion is bonded to the bottom wall, the medial side portion is bonded to the medial side wall, and the lateral side portion is bonded to the lateral side wall. A method of manufacturing includes disposing the first and second polymer sheets and the outsole in a mold assembly and thermally bonding the outsole to the second polymer sheet, and the first and second polymer sheets to one another to form a chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Brandon H. Workman
-
Publication number: 20230276903Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
-
Publication number: 20230232941Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
-
Patent number: 11684117Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
-
Patent number: 11638464Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
-
Patent number: 11571040Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a footwear upper formed from a plurality of tensile strands interwoven with a webbing material. The upper may have a bootie configuration. At least a portion of the strands may extend between a lateral-side portion of the upper and a medial-side portion of the upper and extend over an instep region and/or a sole region of the upper. The tensile strands may be bundled such that a plurality of strands forms a single weft or warp. Bundles having differing quantities of tensile strands may form a pattern on the upper that is effective for aiding conformance of the upper to a wearer's foot while enhancing ventilation and reducing water saturation. The tensile strands, whether singular or bundled, may be effective for transferring a load of a fastening mechanism through the woven upper while allowing the upper to have a desired degree of elasticity, support and/or comfort.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Shane S. Kohatsu, Frederick J. Dojan, Brandon Workman
-
Publication number: 20220346491Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a cushioning component defining an enclosed, fluid-filled chamber. The cushioning component has a top wall, a bottom wall, a medial side wall at a medial side of the article of footwear, and a lateral side wall at a lateral side of the article of footwear. The cushioning component includes a unitary outsole having a bottom portion, a medial side portion, and a lateral side portion. The bottom portion is bonded to the bottom wall, the medial side portion is bonded to the medial side wall, and the lateral side portion is bonded to the lateral side wall. A method of manufacturing includes disposing the first and second polymer sheets and the outsole in a mold assembly and thermally bonding the outsole to the second polymer sheet, and the first and second polymer sheets to one another to form a chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Brandon H. Workman
-
Patent number: 11425962Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a cushioning component defining an enclosed, fluid-filled chamber. The cushioning component has a top wall, a bottom wall, a medial side wall at a medial side of the article of footwear, and a lateral side wall at a lateral side of the article of footwear. The cushioning component includes a unitary outsole having a bottom portion, a medial side portion, and a lateral side portion. The bottom portion is bonded to the bottom wall, the medial side portion is bonded to the medial side wall, and the lateral side portion is bonded to the lateral side wall. A method of manufacturing includes disposing the first and second polymer sheets and the outsole in a mold assembly and thermally bonding the outsole to the second polymer sheet, and the first and second polymer sheets to one another to form a chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Brandon H. Workman
-
Publication number: 20220134698Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: 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: 11311080Abstract: A bonded mesh composite panel can be used to form a three-dimensional upper shell that includes extensions used for double-lasting and/or to otherwise provide a shelf to support foam padding. The foam padding may be, e.g., a foam midsole. The extensions of the upper shell may be located in a lower portion of the shell and may be bonded to the foam midsole in a heel, midfoot and/or forefoot regions.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Daniel A. Johnson, Shane S. Kohatsu, Chin-Chen Huang
-
Patent number: 11259594Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier, a first tensile structure, and a second tensile structure. Any of the first and second tensile structures may include one or more textile tensile members. The first and second tensile structures may be located within an interior void defined by the outer barrier and may be bonded to the outer barrier. The first and second tensile structures may be bonded to the outer barrier in different areas of the outer barrier that are in fluid communication with each other. The first tensile structure may have a height greater than a height of the second tensile structure. In turn, the relative locations and differences of height between the tensile structures may impart a contour to the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Danielle L. Taylor, Kirvan L. Chao, Klaas P. Hazenberg
-
Patent number: 11247425Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: 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
-
Publication number: 20220002495Abstract: In one embodiment, a composition comprising the reaction product of an olefin block copolymer, a silicone polymer, a blowing agent, and a crosslinking agent. Also, a unisole for an article of footwear comprising the foamed composition and having ground-engaging protrusions. The composition provides an optimized balance between coefficient of traction and durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2020Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Monibert Narito Gaba, Frederick J. Dojan, Jet Lei
-
Publication number: 20210298420Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
-
Publication number: 20210267308Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
-
Patent number: 11033074Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
-
Patent number: 11019881Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
-
Patent number: 10959489Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier and a tensile member. The outer barrier may have an upper portion, an opposite lower portion, and a peripheral edge. The upper portion and lower portion may be bonded together in a bonded region spaced inward from the peripheral edge. The bonded region may have a convex shape. The tensile member may be located within the outer barrier, and may be formed to have at least one gap. The bonded region may extend at least partially into the gap.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Klaas P. Hazenberg, Kirvan L. Chao, Frederick J. Dojan
-
Patent number: 10932520Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by at least one more rigid and/or dense cage (protective) component(s) and/or other protective component(s).Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Matthew J. Holmes, Troy C. Lindner, Benjamin Nethongkome, Dolores S. Thompson
-
Patent number: 10912349Abstract: Articles of footwear may include an upper with a forward lace-receiving element and a plurality of strands that extend forward from the lace-receiving element. In some configurations, the strands are located between a pair of material layers and lay substantially parallel to the material layers.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Frederick J. Dojan