Patents by Inventor Thomas C Foxen

Thomas C Foxen 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: 11051584
    Abstract: A sole structure with an integrated cleat member includes a plate member with a protruding portion that forms a first portion of the cleat member. A second portion of the cleat member is attached to the first portion and may be made of a less rigid material than the first portion. A supporting structure can be disposed inside the protruding portion. A method of forming the sole structure can include reshaping a portion of a plate member to form a protruding portion, molding a cleat tip portion onto the protruding portion and molding a supporting structure into a concave inner portion of the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Foxen
  • Publication number: 20190357631
    Abstract: A sole structure with an integrated cleat member includes a plate member with a protruding portion that forms a first portion of the cleat member. A second portion of the cleat member is attached to the first portion and may be made of a less rigid material than the first portion. A supporting structure can be disposed inside the protruding portion. A method of forming the sole structure can include reshaping a portion of a plate member to form a protruding portion, molding a cleat tip portion onto the protruding portion and molding a supporting structure into a concave inner portion of the protruding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Foxen
  • Patent number: 10420392
    Abstract: A sole structure with an integrated cleat member includes a plate member with a protruding portion that forms a first portion of the cleat member. A second portion of the cleat member is attached to the first portion and may be made of a less rigid material than the first portion. A supporting structure can be disposed inside the protruding portion. A method of forming the sole structure can include reshaping a portion of a plate member to form a protruding portion, molding a cleat tip portion onto the protruding portion and molding a supporting structure into a concave inner portion of the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Foxen
  • Patent number: 8209886
    Abstract: Engaging elements may be included in foot-receiving devices, such as footwear, bindings, clips, or the like. Such elements may include a bimodal spring member movable between two independent stable positions and an arm that moves in response to the bimodal spring member changing between its stable positions. The engaging elements additionally may include a retaining element extending from the arm and/or an arm/bimodal spring interface that induces changes in position of the arm in response to the bimodal spring member changing its stable position. The bimodal spring member, the arm, the retaining element, and/or the arm/bimodal spring interface may form an integral unit. Additionally, methods of engaging a foot-receiving device with a user's foot are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Thomas C. Foxen
  • Publication number: 20100236099
    Abstract: Engaging elements may be included in foot-receiving devices, such as footwear, bindings, clips, or the like. Such elements may include a bimodal spring member movable between two independent stable positions and an arm that moves in response to the bimodal spring member changing between its stable positions. The engaging elements additionally may include a retaining element extending from the arm and/or an arm/bimodal spring interface that induces changes in position of the arm in response to the bimodal spring member changing its stable position. The bimodal spring member, the arm, the retaining element, and/or the arm/bimodal spring interface may form an integral unit. Additionally, methods of engaging a foot-receiving device with a user's foot are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Thomas C. Foxen
  • Patent number: 7730639
    Abstract: Engaging elements may be included in foot-receiving devices, such as footwear, bindings, clips, or the like. Such elements may include a bimodal spring member movable between two independent stable positions and an arm that moves in response to the bimodal spring member changing between its stable positions. The engaging elements additionally may include a retaining element extending from the arm and/or an arm/bimodal spring interface that induces changes in position of the arm in response to the bimodal spring member changing its stable position. The bimodal spring member, the arm, the retaining element, and/or the arm/bimodal spring interface may form an integral unit. Additionally, methods of engaging a foot-receiving device with a user's foot are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Thomas C. Foxen
  • Patent number: 7178270
    Abstract: Engaging elements may be included in foot-receiving devices, such as footwear, bindings, clips, or the like. Such elements may include a bimodal spring member movable between two independent stable positions and an arm that moves in response to the bimodal spring member changing between its stable positions. The engaging elements additionally may include a retaining element extending from the arm and/or an arm/bimodal spring interface that induces changes in position of the arm in response to the bimodal spring member changing its stable position. The bimodal spring member, the arm, the retaining element, and/or the arm/bimodal spring interface may form an integral unit. Additionally, methods of engaging a foot-receiving device with a user's foot are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Thomas C Foxen
  • Patent number: D391750
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Santos, Peter J. Belfanti, Thomas C. Foxen