Patents by Inventor Travis K. Ernst
Travis K. Ernst 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).
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Publication number: 20240130478Abstract: A method of forming a cushioning element. The method including placing a first sheet adjacent to an outer surface of a first mold portion, the first mold portion including a first mold cavity. The method including pressing a portion of the first sheet into the first mold portion and into the first mold cavity with a forming tool, wherein at least a portion of the forming tool is extended into the first mold cavity. The method including applying negative pressure to the first mold cavity to draw the portion of the first sheet into the first mold cavity, and joining a second sheet to the first sheet to form the cushioning element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Nancy D. Eisenmenger, Travis K. Ernst, Ken Fricke, Javier Garcia, Matthew McClellan, Armando Petitjean, Vincent F. White
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Publication number: 20220218068Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The chamber includes subchambers laterally extending in a medial to lateral direction of the bladder. A bottom surface of the chamber may include at least one bond that laterally extends across the bottom surface of the chamber from one side edge to another side edge of the chamber in the medial to lateral direction. The bond may cooperate with an indentation in the bottom surface that separates one subchamber from an adjacent subchamber. A diameter of the subchambers may decrease in a direction from a heel region of the bladder to a forefoot region of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Dolan, Travis K. Ernst, Scott C. Holt, Lisa M. Hovey, Eric S. Schindler, Tamimu A. Shyllon
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Patent number: 11297898Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The chamber includes subchambers laterally extending in a medial to lateral direction of the bladder. A bottom surface of the chamber may include at least one bond that laterally extends across the bottom surface of the chamber from one side edge to another side edge of the chamber in the medial to lateral direction. The bond may cooperate with an indentation in the bottom surface that separates one subchamber from an adjacent subchamber. A diameter of the subchambers may decrease in a direction from a heel region of the bladder to a forefoot region of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Dolan, Travis K. Ernst, Scott C. Holt, Lisa M. Hovey, Eric S. Schindler, Tamimu A. Shyllon
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Patent number: 10299536Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sole structure includes providing a plate within a cavity of a mold. The plate includes a base and a rib, and the base includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the upper, the second surface faces away from the first surface, and the rib projects from the second surface of the base. Moreover, the method includes providing a preform bladder member within the cavity of the mold, wherein the preform bladder member including a first member and a second member. The method additionally includes forming a bladder from the first and second members using the mold. Also, the method includes attaching the first member to the plate using the mold. Attaching the first member to the plate includes shaping the first member according to surfaces of the rib.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Eric S. Schindler
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Patent number: 10160231Abstract: A printing system for an article of apparel includes an article receptacle device for receiving an article to be printed. The printing system includes a receptacle receiving system for receiving an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include an article positioning system for positioning an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include a linear actuating assembly for positioning an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include a printhead for printing an indicia portion on an article that corresponds to a design element on the article.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Christopher Andon
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Patent number: 10160230Abstract: A printing system for an article of apparel includes an article receptacle device for receiving an article to be printed. The printing system includes a receptacle receiving system for receiving an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include an article positioning system for positioning an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include a printhead for printing an indicia portion on an article that corresponds to a design element on the article.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Christopher L. Andon, Joseph J. Bevier
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Patent number: 10035169Abstract: A method and system for retaining and transferring an article uses a frame and a receptacle. The frame is inserted to interact with the receptacle. The article is placed over the frame and receptacle. The article and the frame may be simultaneously removed from the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Bevier, Travis K. Ernst
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Patent number: 9718281Abstract: A method and system for printing to apparel includes a receptacle configured to receive articles of apparel, such as socks. The receptacle includes perforations and an inner ink absorbing layer. The receptacle is rotated beneath a print head assembly. The ink can be cured using heating devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Bevier, Travis K. Ernst, Todd W. Miller
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Publication number: 20170172250Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The chamber includes subchambers laterally extending in a medial to lateral direction of the bladder. A bottom surface of the chamber may include at least one bond that laterally extends across the bottom surface of the chamber from one side edge to another side edge of the chamber in the medial to lateral direction. The bond may cooperate with an indentation in the bottom surface that separates one subchamber from an adjacent subchamber. A diameter of the subchambers may decrease in a direction from a heel region of the bladder to a forefoot region of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Dolan, Travis K. Ernst, Scott C. Holt, Lisa M. Hovey, Eric S. Schindler, Tamimu A. Shyllon
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Patent number: 9609912Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The chamber includes subchambers laterally extending in a medial to lateral direction of the bladder. A bottom surface of the chamber may include at least one bond that laterally extends across the bottom surface of the chamber from one side edge to another side edge of the chamber in the medial to lateral direction. The bond may cooperate with an indentation in the bottom surface that separates one subchamber from an adjacent subchamber. A diameter of the subchambers may decrease in a direction from a heel region of the bladder to a forefoot region of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Scott C. Holt, Eric S. Schindler, Travis K. Ernst, Robert W. Dolan, Lisa M. Hovey, Tamimu A. Shyllon
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Publication number: 20170049184Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sole structure includes providing a plate within a cavity of a mold. The plate includes a base and a rib, and the base includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the upper, the second surface faces away from the first surface, and the rib projects from the second surface of the base. Moreover, the method includes providing a preform bladder member within the cavity of the mold, wherein the preform bladder member including a first member and a second member. The method additionally includes forming a bladder from the first and second members using the mold. Also, the method includes attaching the first member to the plate using the mold. Attaching the first member to the plate includes shaping the first member according to surfaces of the rib.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Eric S. Schindler
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Patent number: 9566778Abstract: An endcap for a cylinder for use in a customization system for tubular articles. The endcap has a minimized geometry to maximize the surface area of the tubular article available for printing. The endcap may be limited in size so that the endcap is limited to an endface of the cylinder. The endcap may also have a shape that limits the amount of material in the endcap, such as an X-shape. The endcap may include a fast connection system such as a plurality of magnets for rapid loading and unloading of the articles on the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Joseph J. Bevier
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Patent number: 9516919Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sole structure includes providing a plate within a cavity of a mold. The plate includes a base and a rib, and the base includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the upper, the second surface faces away from the first surface, and the rib projects from the second surface of the base. Moreover, the method includes providing a preform bladder member within the cavity of the mold, wherein the preform bladder member including a first member and a second member. The method additionally includes forming a bladder from the first and second members using the mold. Also, the method includes attaching the first member to the plate using the mold. Attaching the first member to the plate includes shaping the first member according to surfaces of the rib.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Eric S. Schindler
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Publication number: 20160347086Abstract: A printing system for an article of apparel includes an article receptacle device for receiving an article to be printed. The printing system includes a receptacle receiving system for receiving an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include an article positioning system for positioning an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include a printhead for printing an indicia portion on an article that corresponds to a design element on the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2015Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Christopher L. Andon, Joseph J. Bevier
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Publication number: 20160347099Abstract: A printing system for an article of apparel includes an article receptacle device for receiving an article to be printed. The printing system includes a receptacle receiving system for receiving an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include an article positioning system for positioning an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include a linear actuating assembly for positioning an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include a printhead for printing an indicia portion on an article that corresponds to a design element on the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Christopher Andon
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Publication number: 20160339472Abstract: A method and system for retaining and transferring an article uses a frame and a receptacle. The frame is inserted to interact with the receptacle. The article is placed over the frame and receptacle. The article and the frame may be simultaneously removed from the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2015Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Joseph J. Bevier, Travis K. Ernst
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Publication number: 20160073732Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sole structure includes providing a plate within a cavity of a mold. The plate includes a base and a rib, and the base includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the upper, the second surface faces away from the first surface, and the rib projects from the second surface of the base. Moreover, the method includes providing a preform bladder member within the cavity of the mold, wherein the preform bladder member including a first member and a second member. The method additionally includes forming a bladder from the first and second members using the mold. Also, the method includes attaching the first member to the plate using the mold. Attaching the first member to the plate includes shaping the first member according to surfaces of the rib.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2014Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Travis K. Ernst, Eric S. Schindler
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Publication number: 20160023475Abstract: A method and system for printing to apparel includes a receptacle configured to receive articles of apparel, such as socks. The receptacle includes perforations and an inner ink absorbing layer. The receptacle is rotated beneath a print head assembly. The ink can be cured using heating devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Joseph J. Bevier, Travis K. Ernst, Todd W. Miller
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Patent number: 9102167Abstract: A method and system for printing to apparel includes a receptacle configured to receive articles of apparel, such as socks. The receptacle includes perforations and an inner ink absorbing layer. The receptacle is rotated beneath a print head assembly. The ink can be cured using heating devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Bevier, Travis K. Ernst, Todd W. Miller
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Publication number: 20150151552Abstract: A method and system for printing to apparel includes a receptacle configured to receive articles of apparel, such as socks. The receptacle includes perforations and an inner ink absorbing layer. The receptacle is rotated beneath a print head assembly. The ink can be cured using heating devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventors: Joseph J. Bevier, Travis K. Ernst, Todd W. Miller