Patents by Inventor Tiffany A. Beers

Tiffany A. Beers 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).

  • Footwear having removable motorized adjustment system
    Patent number: 11166525
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system. The tensioning system may include a tensile member and a motorized tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The tensioning system may further include a power source configured to supply power to the motorized tightening device. The tensile member, the motorized tightening device, and the power source may be configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Tiffany A. Beers
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR COMPRISING MOTORIZED TENSIONING DEVICE WITH SPLIT SPOOL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20210337934
    Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • Automated tensioning system for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 11160328
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for improving the operation and use of various systems associated with the article. An automated tensioning system can be configured to provide and perform a variety of functions associated with the fastening of the article of footwear. The automated tensioning system may tighten and loosen the article of footwear through the operation of a motor. The automated tensioning system may also be able to store and recall a preset tension level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Holli Pheil, Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Ryan Frederick, Austin Palmer, Michael Ciuffo, Steven H. Walker
  • FOOTWEAR HEEL SPRING DEVICE
    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
  • Footwear upper with lace-engaged zipper system
    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
  • Compact motorized tensioning device for footwear
    Patent number: 11154119
    Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a spool system that can be engaged or disengaged from a driveshaft through the use of a cam device. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Ryan Frederick, Clayton Lindsay, Austin Orand, Andrew A. Owings
  • FOOTWEAR HAVING REMOVABLE MOTORIZED ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20210321721
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system. The tensioning system may include a tensile member and a motorized tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The tensioning system may further include a power source configured to supply power to the motorized tightening device. The tensile member, the motorized tightening device, and the power source may be configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventor: Tiffany A. Beers
  • LIGHTING ASSEMBLY FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20210307450
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components such as a lighting apparatus. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include a chamber designed to receive the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus can be installed in the chamber after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the lighting apparatus can include provisions for facilitating the installation of the lighting apparatus in the chamber, including a removable handle portion that can help guide the lighting apparatus within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • Position sensing assembly for a tensioning system
    Patent number: 11129446
    Abstract: A position sensing assembly for a tensioning system designed to provide tension to a lace, cord, or other type of strand is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a reel member configured to rotate about a central axis and the position sensing assembly. The position sensing assembly includes a shaft, an indicator tab, and an optical sensing unit. The position sensing assembly assists in controlling the degree to which the strand is tightened and loosened. The position sensing assembly prevents tightening of the strand when the strand is meant to be loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • LACING SYSTEM WITH GUIDE ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20210265423
    Abstract: An article of footwear with various types of guide elements is disclosed. The article of footwear provides a set of tensile elements that can be moved through the guide elements to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The tensile elements may be routed through a guide element associated with the upper that can provide compressive strength and support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventor: Tiffany A. Beers
  • Sensor for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 11076655
    Abstract: An article of footwear or an article of apparel can include provisions for facilitating the use of a sensor device and protecting the sensor device from external particles or fluid. The sensor device can include a conduit for moving air through the sensor device from one portion of the sensor device to another portion of the sensor device. An elastic membrane can be attached to an opening formed in the sensor device. The elastic membrane can deform in response to changes in air pressure within the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR AND A CHARGING SYSTEM FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20210219650
    Abstract: A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear. A charging system may include a charging device dimensioned to be used with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in a motorized tensioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH DYNAMIC SUPPORT
    Publication number: 20210219651
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a dynamic support system that controls arrays of tiles in the upper of the footwear to adjust the level of support provided in different regions of the upper. Sensors in the sole of the footwear, in the upper of the footwear and/or in an article worn by the wearer of the footwear measure the level of stress or other characteristics and provide input to one or more microprocessors that control motors located in the sole or in the upper of the footwear. When the motors are activated, they may compress or loosen arrays of tiles to adjust the stiffness of the upper in one or more regions of the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas J. Rushbrook, Tiffany A. Beers, Nathan T. Gilbreath
  • Article of footwear comprising motorized tensioning device with split spool system
    Patent number: 11058183
    Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • Footwear having removable motorized adjustment system
    Patent number: 11044968
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system. The tensioning system may include a tensile member and a motorized tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The tensioning system may further include a power source configured to supply power to the motorized tightening device. The tensile member, the motorized tightening device, and the power source may be configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Tiffany A. Beers
  • FOOTWEAR HEEL SPRING DEVICE
    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
  • Motorized tensioning system with sensors
    Patent number: 11000099
    Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The tensioning system may be used with various sensors to determine how the motorized tensioning device should be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Cody Collier Henderson, James Alan Capra, Mark Stanley Soderberg, Daniel Hipwood
  • Lighting assembly for articles of footwear
    Patent number: 11000090
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components such as a lighting apparatus. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include a chamber designed to receive the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus can be installed in the chamber after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the lighting apparatus can include provisions for facilitating the installation of the lighting apparatus in the chamber, including a removable handle portion that can help guide the lighting apparatus within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • Article of footwear with dynamic support
    Patent number: 10986888
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a dynamic support system that controls arrays of tiles in the upper of the footwear to adjust the level of support provided in different regions of the upper. Sensors in the sole of the footwear, in the upper of the footwear and/or in an article worn by the wearer of the footwear measure the level of stress or other characteristics and provide input to one or more microprocessors that control motors located in the sole or in the upper of the footwear. When the motors are activated, they may compress or loosen arrays of tiles to adjust the stiffness of the upper in one or more regions of the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Rushbrook, Tiffany A. Beers, Nathan T Gilbreath
  • Article of footwear and a charging system for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 10966481
    Abstract: A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear. A charging system may include a charging device dimensioned to be used with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in a motorized tensioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings