Patents by Inventor John T. Dimoff

John T. Dimoff 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: 20220031010
    Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure, and an upper including a front section and a rear section. The front section is fixed to a forefoot region of the sole structure and partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The rear section is operatively secured to the sole structure at least partially rearward of the front section, and includes medial and lateral wings. A medial set of magnets includes at least one front medial magnet secured to a medial side of the front section and at least one rear medial magnet secured to the medial wing. A lateral set of magnets includes at least one front lateral magnet secured to a lateral side of the front section and at least one rear lateral magnet secured to the lateral wing. The rear section is movable relative to the front section between an access position and a use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Jared M. Kilmer, Kevin J. Rucier
  • Patent number: 11213098
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 11213097
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 11172727
    Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure, and an upper including a front section and a rear section. The front section is fixed to a forefoot region of the sole structure and partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The rear section is operatively secured to the sole structure at least partially rearward of the front section, and includes medial and lateral wings. A medial set of magnets includes at least one front medial magnet secured to a medial side of the front section and at least one rear medial magnet secured to the medial wing. A lateral set of magnets includes at least one front lateral magnet secured to a lateral side of the front section and at least one rear lateral magnet secured to the lateral wing. The rear section is movable relative to the front section between an access position and a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Jared M. Kilmer, Kevin J. Rucier
  • Publication number: 20210330031
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 11154113
    Abstract: A footwear upper comprises a front section and a rear section. The front section is at least partially forward of the rear section and at least partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The front section has a medial edge and a lateral edge partially defining a foot entry opening. A zipper system includes a medial slider movable along the medial edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the medial edge, a medial zipper pull engaged with the medial slider, a lateral slider movable along the lateral edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the lateral edge, and a lateral zipper pull engaged with the lateral slider. A tightening system includes a lace-receiving feature on the front section forward of the zipper system, and a lace extending through the lace-receiving feature, through the medial zipper pull, and through the lateral zipper pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Jared M. Kilmer, Ami M. Davis
  • Publication number: 20210137217
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Publication number: 20200345105
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear includes a control bar having a center segment, a medial side arm extending from the center segment, and a lateral side arm spaced from the medial side arm and extending from the center segment. The device may include an extension extending toward the control bar. At least a portion of the control bar may be elastically deformable under an applied force depressing the control bar toward the extension, and the extension may limit movement of the control bar. The control bar may be adapted to return to an unloaded position upon removal of the applied force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, Gerald Sullivan, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 10743616
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear includes a control bar having a center segment, a medial side arm extending from the center segment, and a lateral side arm spaced from the medial side arm and extending from the center segment. The device may include an extension extending toward the control bar. At least a portion of the control bar may be elastically deformable under an applied force depressing the control bar toward the extension, and the extension may limit movement of the control bar. The control bar may be adapted to return to an unloaded position upon removal of the applied force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, Gerald Sullivan, George A. Xanthos
  • Publication number: 20200170348
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Publication number: 20200146391
    Abstract: An upper component for an article of footwear allows easy entry of the foot into the article of footwear. The upper component includes a heel body, which includes a first portion partially defining an ankle opening. The heel body further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion is foldable and partially defines the ankle opening. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The upper component includes at least one tension member coupled to the second portion. The tension member is movable relative to the first portion to move the second portion from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration. The ankle opening is larger when the second portion is in the unfolded configuration than when the second portion is in the folded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Ami Davis, John T. Dimoff, Nadia M. Panian, Thomas J. Rushbrook
  • Publication number: 20200121027
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Publication number: 20200077737
    Abstract: A footwear upper comprises a front section and a rear section. The front section is at least partially forward of the rear section and at least partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The front section has a medial edge and a lateral edge partially defining a foot entry opening. A zipper system includes a medial slider movable along the medial edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the medial edge, a medial zipper pull engaged with the medial slider, a lateral slider movable along the lateral edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the lateral edge, and a lateral zipper pull engaged with the lateral slider. A tightening system includes a lace-receiving feature on the front section forward of the zipper system, and a lace extending through the lace-receiving feature, through the medial zipper pull, and through the lateral zipper pull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Jared M. Kilmer, Ami M. Davis
  • Patent number: 10568385
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 10568382
    Abstract: An upper component for an article of footwear allows easy entry of the foot into the article of footwear. The upper component includes a heel body, which includes a first portion partially defining an ankle opening. The heel body further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion is foldable and partially defines the ankle opening. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The upper component includes at least one tension member coupled to the second portion. The tension member is movable relative to the first portion to move the second portion from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration. The ankle opening is larger when the second portion is in the unfolded configuration than when the second portion is in the folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Ami Davis, John T. Dimoff, Nadia M. Panian, Thomas J. Rushbrook
  • Patent number: 10512298
    Abstract: A footwear upper comprises a front section and a rear section. The front section is at least partially forward of the rear section and at least partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The front section has a medial edge and a lateral edge partially defining a foot entry opening. A zipper system includes a medial slider movable along the medial edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the medial edge, a medial zipper pull engaged with the medial slider, a lateral slider movable along the lateral edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the lateral edge, and a lateral zipper pull engaged with the lateral slider. A tightening system includes a lace-receiving feature on the front section forward of the zipper system, and a lace extending through the lace-receiving feature, through the medial zipper pull, and through the lateral zipper pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Jared M. Kilmer, Ami M. Davis
  • Patent number: 10194713
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a mesh structure. The mesh structure can be formed from a plurality of cords that are arranged in a mesh pattern or can be formed using a knitting process. The mesh structure can be disposed over the upper and the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Dimoff, Thomas J. Rushbrook
  • Publication number: 20180338566
    Abstract: A footwear upper comprises a front section and a rear section. The front section is at least partially forward of the rear section and at least partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The front section has a medial edge and a lateral edge partially defining a foot entry opening. A zipper system includes a medial slider movable along the medial edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the medial edge, a medial zipper pull engaged with the medial slider, a lateral slider movable along the lateral edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the lateral edge, and a lateral zipper pull engaged with the lateral slider. A tightening system includes a lace-receiving feature on the front section forward of the zipper system, and a lace extending through the lace-receiving feature, through the medial zipper pull, and through the lateral zipper pull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Jared M. Kilmer, Ami M. Davis
  • Publication number: 20180338562
    Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure, and an upper including a front section and a rear section. The front section is fixed to a forefoot region of the sole structure and partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The rear section is operatively secured to the sole structure at least partially rearward of the front section, and includes medial and lateral wings. A medial set of magnets includes at least one front medial magnet secured to a medial side of the front section and at least one rear medial magnet secured to the medial wing. A lateral set of magnets includes at least one front lateral magnet secured to a lateral side of the front section and at least one rear lateral magnet secured to the lateral wing. The rear section is movable relative to the front section between an access position and a use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Jared M. Kilmer, Kevin J. Rucier
  • Publication number: 20180289109
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear includes a control bar having a center segment, a medial side arm extending from the center segment, and a lateral side arm spaced from the medial side arm and extending from the center segment. The device may include an extension extending toward the control bar. At least a portion of the control bar may be elastically deformable under an applied force depressing the control bar toward the extension, and the extension may limit movement of the control bar. The control bar may be adapted to return to an unloaded position upon removal of the applied force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, Gerald Sullivan, George A. Xanthos