Patents by Inventor Jeffrey C. Spanks

Jeffrey C. Spanks 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).

  • Publication number: 20170360152
    Abstract: A method of making a sole for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes steps of attaching a double sided acrylic adhesive film to a composite plate. The composite plate is then attached to an outer member of the article of footwear using the acrylic adhesive film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Spanks, Thomas Foxen
  • Publication number: 20170332722
    Abstract: In one aspect, an article of footwear may include a knitted component having monofilament strands knitted substantially throughout and a body portion extending continuously from a heel region, along a lateral side of a midfoot region, over a forefoot region, to a medial side of the midfoot region. The body portion may include a plurality of multifilament courses forming an interior surface and an exterior surface. The body portion may include a first monofilament zone in the midfoot region extending diagonally toward the forefoot region, including a plurality of first monofilament areas forming at least a portion of the interior surface of the body portion and substantially having a medial-to-lateral orientation. The body portion may include a second monofilament zone including at a plurality of second monofilament areas forming at least part of the interior surface. The multifilament courses may define a shape of the first monofilament areas and a shape of the second monofilament areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart W. Dealey, Nadia M. Pania, David J. Roulo, Jeffrey C. Spanks, Roberto Zavala
  • Patent number: 9750305
    Abstract: A method of making a sole for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes steps of attaching a double sided acrylic adhesive film to a composite plate. The composite plate is then attached to an outer member of the article of footwear using the acrylic adhesive film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Spanks, Thomas Foxen
  • Publication number: 20170202310
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a tensioning system is disclosed. The tensioning system is adjustable and includes a first layer and a second layer that is moveable and extends over the first layer. The article can include elements that are capable of distributing tension over the article. The article may include a tensile element, guide elements, and one or more strap guides attached to an underside of the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Spanks, Nadia M. Panian, Eric P. Avar
  • Publication number: 20170202313
    Abstract: A fastening mechanism for use with a lacing element is disclosed. The fastening mechanism is adjustable and includes an elongated member and a rigid element. There are two channels extending through the fastening mechanism that are configured to receive and secure portions of the lacing element. In some embodiments, a plurality of ridges can be formed along a sloped sidewall in each of the channels. The fastening mechanism may be utilized with articles of footwear or apparel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Spanks
  • Publication number: 20170071286
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with an extension portion that maintains contact with the ground during a forward stride, extending the time period for deceleration of loads applied to the sole structure. The article of footwear comprises an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a forefoot region with a foremost extent. The sole structure has a forefoot portion underlying the forefoot region, and an extension portion extending forward from the forefoot portion. The extension portion extends forward of the foremost extent of the upper from a forward edge of the forefoot portion to a distal end. A top side of the extension portion is spaced apart from the upper between the forward edge and the distal end. The extension portion establishes a propulsion surface beyond the foremost extent of the upper during a forward stride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Paul J. Francis, Kevin W. Hoffer, Shane S. Kohatsu, Aaron K. Seid, Jeffrey C. Spanks, Andrea M. Vinet, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 9565896
    Abstract: A stability and comfort system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The stability and comfort system includes a bootie and a sock liner. The sock liner may include a heel counter that is contoured to fit a heel. The sole of the article may include an outrigger portion. The outrigger portion can be separated from a central portion of the sole to allow the outrigger portion to move substantially independently of the central portion of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Luedecke, Jeffrey C. Spanks, Matthew A. Nurse, Eric P. Avar
  • Publication number: 20160360833
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an insert configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The insert may consist essentially of a casing configured to at least partially enclose a foot of a wearer and including a casing material and a high heat capacity material. The article of footwear may also include an outer assembly configured to receive the foot of the wearer when the foot is received within the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Mankowski, Jeffrey C. Spanks
  • Publication number: 20160338442
    Abstract: An insert system for an article of footwear includes an outer assembly, a first insert assembly and a second insert assembly. The outer assembly is configured to interchangeably receive the first insert assembly and the second insert assembly. The first insert assembly includes a first sleeve member and a first midsole configured to provide enhanced cushioning and support. The first sleeve member includes a tongue and a fastening member that wraps around the tongue. The second insert assembly includes a second sleeve member and a second midsole configured to enhance speed. The second sleeve member is open at a forefoot portion and at a heel portion. The outer assembly includes an aperture on a sidewall of an outer sole portion, where the midsole inserted within the outer assembly is visible through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Olivier Henrichot, Jeffrey C. Spanks
  • Patent number: 9445642
    Abstract: An insert system for an article of footwear includes an outer assembly, a first insert assembly and a second insert assembly. The outer assembly is configured to interchangeably receive the first insert assembly and the second insert assembly. The first insert assembly includes a first sleeve member and a first midsole configured to provide enhanced cushioning and support. The first sleeve member includes a tongue and a fastening member that wraps around the tongue. The second insert assembly includes a second sleeve member and a second midsole configured to enhance speed. The second sleeve member is open at a forefoot portion and at a heel portion. The outer assembly includes an aperture on a sidewall of an outer sole portion, where the midsole inserted within the outer assembly is visible through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Olivier Henrichot, Jeffrey C. Spanks
  • Publication number: 20160249686
    Abstract: A footwear system may include a first article of footwear including a first sole structure and a first upper secured to the first sole structure, the first upper defining a first opening configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The first upper may include a first indicia portion disposed adjacent to the first opening. In addition, the system may include a sock including a second indicia portion, wherein, when the sock is worn by the wearer on a foot received within the upper, one or more features of the second indicia portion are substantially aligned with one or more features of the first indicia portion on the upper to form a first indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Spanks, Nadia M. Panian, Eric P. Avar
  • Publication number: 20160242491
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Spanks, Tiffany A. Beers
  • Publication number: 20160242502
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure can be manufactured using a customized cushioning sole system. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole structure. The sole structure can also include a lattice structure made by a three-dimensional printer. The sole structure includes compartments to receive air bladder components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Spanks
  • Patent number: 9408436
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an insert configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The insert may consist essentially of a casing configured to at least partially enclose a foot of a wearer and including a casing material and a high heat capacity material. The article of footwear may also include an outer assembly configured to receive the foot of the wearer when the foot is received within the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mankowski, Jeffrey C. Spanks
  • Patent number: 9364045
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Spanks, Tiffany A. Beers
  • Patent number: 9351538
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Spanks, Tiffany A. Beers
  • Patent number: 9301567
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes areas formed using monofilament strands. The monofilament areas may be bounded by multifilament areas. The multifilament areas may be configured to form a welt that includes a tensile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart W. Dealey, David J. Roulo, Nadia M. Panian, Jeffrey C. Spanks, Roberto Zavala
  • Publication number: 20160058100
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes areas formed using monofilament strands. The monofilament areas may be bounded by multifilament areas. The multifilament areas may be configured to form a welt that includes a tensile element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Stuart W. Dealey, David J. Roulo, Nadia M. Panian, Jeffrey C. Spanks, Roberto Zavala
  • Publication number: 20160058099
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes areas formed using monofilament strands. The monofilament areas may be bounded by multifilament areas. The multifilament areas may be configured to form a welt that includes a tensile element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadia M. Panian, Jeffrey C. Spanks, Roberto Zavala, Stuart W. Dealey, David J. Roulo
  • Publication number: 20160051012
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with multiple components. The sole structure includes a midsole member, an outsole member and an exterior support member. The midsole member and the outsole member have corresponding grooves. The exterior support member provides reinforcement for the midsole member. The outsole member includes a plurality of bristle members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Nadia M. Panian, Jeffrey C. Spanks