Patents by Inventor Yihua Chang

Yihua Chang 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: 11603445
    Abstract: Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Lyle R. Hanson, Petr Khlyabich, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20230043845
    Abstract: Airsoles or bladders for articles of footwear comprising multi-layered films are provided herein. In one aspect, the airsoles or bladders comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein a first side of the first sheet faces a second side of the second sheet, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded together to form an internal cavity in a space between the first side of the first sheet and the second side of the second sheet, forming a bladder capable of retaining a gas in the internal cavity at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, at atmospheric pressure, or below atmospheric pressure; and wherein each of the first sheet and the second sheet comprise a multi-layered film comprising: a core region comprising at least 20 gas-barrier layers and a plurality of elastomeric layers, wherein the gas-barrier layers alternate with the elastomeric layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Diya Bandyopadhyay, Narayanan Ashwin Kumar Bharadwaj, Yihua Chang, Christopher J. Dimitriou, Nancy D. Eisenmenger, Adrian M. Lahsene, Sharon Oba, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20230042813
    Abstract: Airsoles or bladders for articles of footwear comprising multi-layered films are provided herein. In one aspect, the airsoles or bladders comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein a first side of the first sheet faces a second side of the second sheet, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded together to form an internal cavity in a space between the first side of the first sheet and the second side of the second sheet, forming a bladder capable of retaining a gas in the internal cavity at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, at atmospheric pressure, or below atmospheric pressure; and wherein each of the first sheet and the second sheet comprise a multi-layered film comprising: a core region comprising at least 20 gas-barrier layers and a plurality of elastomeric layers, wherein the gas-barrier layers alternate with the elastomeric layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Diya Bandyopadhyay, Narayanan Ashwin Kumar Bharadwaj, Yihua Chang, Christopher J. Dimitriou, Nancy D. Eisenmenger, Adrian M. Lahsene, Sharon Oba, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20230041247
    Abstract: Airsoles or bladders for articles of footwear comprising multi-layered films are provided herein. In one aspect, the airsoles or bladders comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein a first side of the first sheet faces a second side of the second sheet, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded together to form an internal cavity in a space between the first side of the first sheet and the second side of the second sheet, forming a bladder capable of retaining a gas in the internal cavity at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, at atmospheric pressure, or below atmospheric pressure; and wherein each of the first sheet and the second sheet comprise a multi-layered film comprising: a core region comprising at least 20 gas barrier layers and a plurality of elastomeric layers, wherein the gas-barrier layers alternate with the elastomeric layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Diya Bandyopadhyay, Narayanan Ashwin Kumar Bharadwaj, Yihua Chang, Christopher J. Dimitriou, Nancy D. Eisenmenger, Sharon Oba, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20230042037
    Abstract: Airsoles or bladders for articles of footwear comprising multi-layered films are provided herein. In one aspect, the airsoles or bladders comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein a first side of the first sheet faces a second side of the second sheet, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded together to form an internal cavity in a space between the first side of the first sheet and the second side of the second sheet, forming a bladder capable of retaining a gas in the internal cavity at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, at atmospheric pressure, or below atmospheric pressure; and wherein each of the first sheet and the second sheet comprise a multi-layered film comprising: a core region comprising at least 20 gas barrier layers and a plurality of elastomeric layers, wherein the gas-barrier layers alternate with the elastomeric layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Diya Bandyopadhyay, Narayanan Ashwin Kumar Bharadwaj, Yihua Chang, Christopher J. Dimitriou, Nancy D. Eisenmenger, Sharon Oba, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20230029462
    Abstract: Airsoles or bladders for articles of footwear comprising multi-layered films are provided herein. In one aspect, the airsoles or bladders comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein a first side of the first sheet faces a second side of the second sheet, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded together to form an internal cavity in a space between the first side of the first sheet and the second side of the second sheet, forming a bladder capable of retaining a gas in the internal cavity at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, at atmospheric pressure, or below atmospheric pressure; and wherein each of the first sheet and the second sheet comprise a multi-layered film comprising: a core region comprising at least 20 gas-barrier layers and a plurality of elastomeric layers, wherein the gas-barrier layers alternate with the elastomeric layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Diya Bandyopadhyay, Narayanan Ashwin Kumar Bharadwaj, Yihua Chang, Christopher J. Dimitriou, Nancy D. Eisenmenger, Adrian M. Lahsene, Sharon Oba, Richard L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 11528958
    Abstract: Multi-layered structures and methods for producing them are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Diya Bandyopadhyay, Yihua Chang, Christopher J. Dimitriou, Richard L. Watkins, John R. Wright, Fred Lamar
  • Publication number: 20220330653
    Abstract: Multi-layered structures and methods for producing them are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Diya Bandyopadhyay, Yihua Chang, Christopher J. Dimitriou, Fred Lamar, Richard L. Watkins, John R. Wright
  • Publication number: 20220274297
    Abstract: Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Lyle R. Hanson, Petr Khlyabich, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20220267554
    Abstract: Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Lyle R. Hanson, Petr Khlyabich, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20220267556
    Abstract: Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Lyle R. Hanson, Petr Khlyabich, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20220267555
    Abstract: Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Lyle R. Hanson, Petr Khlyabich, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20220212377
    Abstract: Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Lyle R. Hanson, Petr Khlyabich, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20220061464
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to articles that have a surface comprising a polymeric material having a printed layer disposed thereon that is durable and flexible. Prior to formation of the printed layer, the surface of the article can comprise a first layer of a first composition disposed on a portion of the polymeric material. The first composition can include a dispersion of uncrosslinked polymers (e.g., a water-borne dispersion of uncrosslinked polymers). The printed layer can be included on an article of footwear, a component of footwear, apparel, a component of apparel, sporting equipment, or a component of sporting equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Christopher J. Dimitriou, Jeremy Gantz, Adam Kohn, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20210085023
    Abstract: Multi-layered structures and methods for producing them are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: DIYA BANDYOPADHYAY, YIHUA CHANG, CHRISTOPHER J. DIMITRIOU, RICHARD L. WATKINS, JOHN R. WRIGHT, FRED LAMAR
  • Patent number: 10899901
    Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer foam is made by incorporating a gaseous or supercritical blowing agent under pressure into a molten thermoplastic elastomer comprising polymeric crystalline domains, then releasing the pressure to foam the thermoplastic elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Richard L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 10842225
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article includes applying a colored medium on a first polymeric sheet to establish an image on the first polymeric sheet. The method further comprises forming a fluid-filled bladder element at least partially from the first polymeric sheet, and assembling the fluid-filled bladder element in the article so that a first portion of the fluid-filled bladder element having the image is exposed to view, and a second portion of the fluid-filled bladder element is blocked from view by the article. An article comprises a fluid-filled bladder element at least partially formed from a first polymeric sheet, and a colored medium establishing an image on the first polymeric sheet. A first portion of the fluid-filled bladder element having the image is exposed to view, and a second portion of the fluid-filled bladder element is blocked from view by the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Taryn Hensley, Dervin A. James, Danielle L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10836082
    Abstract: A foamed article is made by infusing the article of thermoplastic elastomer with a supercritical fluid, then removing the article from the supercritical fluid and either (i) immersing the article in a heated fluid or (ii) irradiating the article with infrared or microwave radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hossein A. Baghdadi, Yihua Chang, Charles R. Edwards, Richard L. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20200299513
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to color compositions and methods of making a printed layer using the color composition as well as an article that can include the printed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Yihua Chang, Christopher J. Dimitriou, Jeremy Gantz, Adam Kohn, Richard L. Watkins, Mary Austin
  • Publication number: 20200087512
    Abstract: Multi-layered structures and methods for producing them are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: YIHUA CHANG, RICHARD L. WATKINS