Patents by Inventor Tom Luedecke

Tom Luedecke 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).

  • SOLE STRUCTURE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING ENHANCED ROLL ACCELERATION
    Publication number: 20240130464
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a transition region between two sole structure layers. The transition region includes a curved portion having a geometry defined by a portion of an ellipse. A plate which includes the curved portion can be provided between the two sole structure layers. The sole structure enhances the roll acceleration of the article of footwear during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Monibert Narito Gaba, Tom Luedecke, James Webster
  • Article with ribbon structure having nodes and links
    Patent number: 11910872
    Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections running in at least two different directions. Ribbon sections are connected at nodes. Between nodes portions of ribbon act like links joining the nodes. The links can be arranged in various geometries, including a rectangular grid and a triaxial grid. The ribbon structure may extend the entire length of the article of footwear, and may extend through a forefoot, midfoot and heel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • Method of tape embroidery
    Patent number: 11913154
    Abstract: An article comprised of tape segments embroidered in place is disclosed. One embodiment includes tape segments embroidered to a self-supporting embroidered structure. Another embodiment includes tape segments embroidered together to form an embroidered lattice structure. In one embodiment, some of the tape segments may expand when exposed to heat and may be used to form cushioning regions for the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Luedecke, Carmen Zhu
  • Article with directional tensioning
    Patent number: 11871813
    Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections running in at least two different directions. Ribbon sections are connected at nodes that may move substantially independently of other nodes. The ribbon structure can provide strength along one of the directions and may simultaneously remain slack in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • METHOD OF MAKING ARTICLE WITH RIBBON STRUCTURE AND EMBROIDERED EDGES
    Publication number: 20230416962
    Abstract: An article of footwear is formed with an upper including a ribbon structure. Ribbon elements can be laid down in straight and winding sections, and the ribbon elements can be stitched or attached to a backing layer. A periphery of the ribbon structure can be embroidered to tack down any raised portions of the ribbon at the periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Tom Luedecke, Carmen Zhu
  • COMPONENTS FOR ARTICLES AND METHODS OF MAKING COMPONENTS FROM EMBROIDERED BEADS
    Publication number: 20230371645
    Abstract: Beads may be stitched to a substrate layer and then fused to form structures including foam midsoles, foam pads, and other foam structures. Beads may be embroidered to multiple substrate layers and then folded or stacked together to form a preform used in a mold to form a midsole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • FOOTWEAR UPPER INCLUDING VARIABLE STITCH DENSITY
    Publication number: 20230292884
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole and an upper at least partially formed of a textile element. The textile element includes a yarn matrix having a plurality of interlocked strands oriented in predetermined directions. A structural element may be captured within the matrix at selected locations. In operation, the matrix is stitched onto a temporary substrate. The substrate is removed and the article coupled to a sole structure to form the article of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Berns, Julian Ellis, Tom Luedecke, Thomas White
  • Method of making article with ribbon structure and embroidered edges
    Patent number: 11753757
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The method includes laying down ribbon elements in straight and winding sections. The method includes stitching or otherwise attaching the ribbon elements to a backing layer. The method also includes embroidering a periphery of the ribbon structure to tack down any raised portions of the ribbon at the periphery. The method also includes inserting a lace through loops in the ribbon structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Luedecke, Carmen Zhu
  • Method of making article with ribbon structure and embroidered edges
    Patent number: 11732391
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The method includes laying down ribbon elements in straight and winding sections. The method includes stitching or otherwise attaching the ribbon elements to a backing layer. The method also includes embroidering a periphery of the ribbon structure to tack down any raised portions of the ribbon at the periphery. The method also includes inserting a lace through loops in the ribbon structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Luedecke, Carmen Zhu
  • Footwear including textile element
    Patent number: 11717054
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole and an upper at least partially formed of a textile element. The textile element includes a yarn matrix having a plurality of interlocked strands oriented in predetermined directions. A structural element may be captured within the matrix at selected locations. In operation, the matrix is stitched onto a temporary substrate. The substrate is removed and the article coupled to a sole structure to form the article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Berns, Julian Ellis, Tom Luedecke, Thomas White
  • Footwear upper including variable stitch density
    Patent number: 11596203
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole and an upper at least partially formed of a textile element. The textile element includes a yarn matrix having a plurality of interlocked strands oriented in predetermined directions. A structural element may be captured within the matrix at selected locations. In operation, the matrix is stitched onto a temporary substrate. The substrate is removed and the article coupled to a sole structure to form the article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Berns, Julian Ellis, Tom Luedecke, Thomas White
  • ARTICLES WITH STRUCTURES FORMED FROM SEQUINS
    Publication number: 20230033899
    Abstract: Hot melt sequins and methods of applying these sequins are disclosed. The sequins may be stitched to a layer of an article in a pattern to form a relatively rigid structure. The sequins may be made of a hotmelt material and melted to form a continuous structure. The sequins may be located along a lacing region and used as eyelets to secure laces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • Article with Directional Tensioning
    Publication number: 20220248808
    Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections running in at least two different directions. Ribbon sections are connected at nodes that may move substantially independently of other nodes. The ribbon structure can provide strength along one of the directions and may simultaneously remain slack in the other direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • Articles with structures formed from sequins
    Patent number: 11359333
    Abstract: Hot melt sequins and methods of applying these sequins are disclosed. The sequins may be stitched to a layer of an article in a pattern to form a relatively rigid structure. The sequins may be made of a hotmelt material and melted to form a continuous structure. The sequins may be located along a lacing region and used as eyelets to secure laces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • Components for articles and methods of making components from embroidered beads
    Patent number: 11350695
    Abstract: Beads may be stitched to a substrate layer and then fused to form structures including foam midsoles, foam pads, and other foam structures. Beads may be embroidered to multiple substrate layers and then folded or stacked together to form a preform used in a mold to form a midsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • Article with directional tensioning
    Patent number: 11330866
    Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections running in at least two different directions. Ribbon sections are connected at nodes that may move substantially independently of other nodes. The ribbon structure can provide strength along one of the directions and may simultaneously remain slack in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • Articles with embroidered sequins and methods of making
    Patent number: 11332882
    Abstract: Hot melt sequins and methods of applying these sequins are disclosed. A method of attaching two components includes stitching a hot melt sequin to one of the components and heating the hot melt sequin to bond the two components together. Sequins can also be applied to articles to create structural elements such as heel counters, toe covers, and lace cages. Sequins can be applied in 1D, 2D, and 3D patterns as well as in dispersive patterns. Sequins can be applied to vary the abrasion properties of a portion of an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • ARTICLE WITH RIBBON STRUCTURE HAVING NODES AND LINKS
    Publication number: 20220142299
    Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections running in at least two different directions. Ribbon sections are connected at nodes. Between nodes portions of ribbon act like links joining the nodes. The links can be arranged in various geometries, including a rectangular grid and a triaxial grid. The ribbon structure may extend the entire length of the article of footwear, and may extend through a forefoot, midfoot and heel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventor: Tom Luedecke
  • Sole structure
    Patent number: D959808
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Luedecke, David McManus
  • Sole structure
    Patent number: D991648
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Luedecke, David McManus