Abstract: A customization system for an article of equipment includes a printing system for printing a graphic onto the article. The customization system also includes a cylinder for holding the article for printing a graphic upon the article. The cylinder can include one or more recesses in the outer surface of the cylinder to accommodate the article. A partial vacuum applied to the article when disposed within the recess through ports in the bottom surface of the recess holds the article in place within the recess while the cylinder rotates during printing. A gasket can be included between the recess in the cylinder and the article to provide an airtight seal to hold the article in place.
Abstract: An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 5, 2017
Date of Patent:
April 16, 2019
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds
Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 26, 2016
Date of Patent:
April 16, 2019
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Summer Schneider, Marcus Ward, Jerry Wiant, Ingo Stark
Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to an article of footwear with multiple layers. The article of footwear may include an inner layer with a void dimensioned for receipt of at least a portion of a foot. The article of footwear may also include an outer layer, where the outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer. A midsole may be disposed between the inner and outer layers, where the midsole is secured to the inner layer and the outer layer to thereby form an indirect coupling between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer may be movable relative to the outer layer at one or more locations separate from the indirect coupling.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 12, 2017
Date of Patent:
April 9, 2019
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Bryant Russell Klug, Timothy K. Liles, II, John S. MacGilbert, William C. McFarland, II
Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf shirt with two laterally-opposed textile bands affixed thereto that are less stretchable than a textile used to construct the torso portion and the shoulder portion of the shirt. A first end of each band is adhered to a skirt of the collar portion, and a second end is adhered to a free end of the shirt. One side of the length of the pair of bands is adhered to the shirt at each point between the first and second end. When the shirt is worn by a person, and the person addresses a golf ball (e.g., extends his arms in front of his body and/or partially clasps his hands together around a golf club), the textile used to construct the bands pulls the sleeve portion away from the wearer and/or decreases a movement associated with the sleeve portion.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 6, 2017
Date of Patent:
April 9, 2019
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Kimberly A. Kenney, Marguerite Hill Nelson
Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 14, 2017
Date of Patent:
April 9, 2019
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
William E. Berner, Jr., Albert Shum, Charles W. Case, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with a resilient outer layer. The outer layer includes a continuous region and a discontinuous region. The continuous region and the discontinuous region have different hardnesses.
Abstract: Articles of footwear may include selectively engageable traction elements that engage with a surface or the ground during certain activities and do not engage with the surface or the ground during other activities. The selectively engageable traction elements are caused to engage with the ground or surface when a portion of the footwear is flexed. When the footwear is in its unflexed position, the selectively engageable traction elements may not engage with the ground or surface. Selectively engageable traction elements may be desired or may be useful during particular, targeted movements such as sharp turns, pivoting, sudden or abrupt starting and stopping motions, and the like and in changing environmental conditions, such as on various surfaces having different characteristics. Wearers of such footwear may benefit from the extra traction provided by the selectively engageable traction elements when performing the targeted movements and/or when wearing the footwear on surfaces with varying conditions.
Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes a foundation element, a tensile strand, and a securing strand. The tensile strand is located adjacent to an exterior surface of the foundation element and substantially parallel to the exterior surface for a distance of at least five centimeters. The securing strand joins or secures the tensile strand to the foundation element. Although the thicknesses may vary, a thickness of the tensile strand may be at least three times the thickness of the securing strand. In some configurations, a backing strand may also assist with joining the securing strand to the foundation element.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 15, 2016
Date of Patent:
April 9, 2019
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc.
Inventors:
Frederick J. Dojan, Chin-Chen Huang, James C. Meschter, Lia Uesato