Patents by Inventor Aaron B. Weast

Aaron B. Weast 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: 12262785
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow regulator and/or valve that: (a) can operate as a stop valve to stop transfer of fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, (b) can open in a controlled manner to allow transfer of fluid from the second fluid container to the first fluid container, (c) can open to equalize pressure in the first and second fluid containers, and (d) can act as a check valve to enable flow of fluid from the first fluid container to the second fluid container when/if gas pressure in the first container exceeds that in the second container by a predetermined amount. Additional features relate to fluid flow control systems and methods, systems and methods for changing and controlling the crack pressure of a valve (e.g., a check valve), and/or systems and methods for matching foot support pressure features in two different sole structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Timothy P. Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20250082064
    Abstract: Articles of footwear can include an adaptive-height sole structure that includes a variable height bladder system. The sole structure can include one or more bladder systems positioned between a midsole and a banking plate. The banking plate can change its relative orientation to the midsole based on an inflation level of the bladder systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Peter P. Williams, II, Alexander S. Siegel
  • Publication number: 20250057288
    Abstract: An adjustable multiple bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member is disposed within the outer bladder and divides the outer bladder into two distinct inflation chambers. The inflation chambers may be inflated separately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 12224053
    Abstract: An athletic parameter measurement device worn by an athlete during an athletic activity session includes a housing which attaches to the athlete, a display, a processor associated with the display, and an athletic parameter measurement sensor. During the athletic activity, the device detects, using the sensor, a vertical jump height of the athlete, and displays, during the performance of the athletic activity session, a representation of the vertical jump height on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Meschter, James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20250040658
    Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The system and process described herein allows the bladder pressure to be iteratively increased toward and decreased toward the target pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20250040657
    Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The system and process described herein allows the bladder pressure to be iteratively increased toward and decreased toward the target pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20250024914
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow regulator and/or valve that: (a) can operate as a stop valve to stop transfer of fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, (b) can open in a controlled manner to allow transfer of fluid from the second fluid container to the first fluid container, (c) can open to equalize pressure in the first and second fluid containers, and (d) can act as a check valve to enable flow of fluid from the first fluid container to the second fluid container when/if gas pressure in the first container exceeds that in the second container by a predetermined amount. Additional features relate to fluid flow control systems and methods, systems and methods for changing and controlling the crack pressure of a valve (e.g., a check valve), and/or systems and methods for matching foot support pressure features in two different sole structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Timothy P. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 12171301
    Abstract: Articles of footwear can include an adaptive-height sole structure that includes a variable height bladder system. The sole structure can include one or more bladder systems positioned between a midsole and a banking plate. The banking plate can change its relative orientation to the midsole based on an inflation level of the bladder systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Peter P. Williams, II, Alexander S. Siegel
  • Patent number: 12171296
    Abstract: A footwear article includes a collar elevator that returns an ankle collar from a lowered state that is conducive to donning up to a raised state that secures the wearer's foot during wear. The collar elevator includes a lever arm. The lever arm may be deformable and biased towards the raised state. The lever arm may be articulated with a biasing force urging the lever arm to the raised state. The lever arm may have a variety of cross sections as well. The lever arm extends from a base, which may a sole portion of the footwear article. The lever arm and the base may be monolithic, permanently joined, removably joined, or otherwise connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Austin J. Orand, Wade Flanagan, Aaron B. Weast, Peter P. Williams, II
  • Patent number: 12170138
    Abstract: An athletic parameter measurement device worn by an athlete during an athletic activity session includes a housing which attaches to the athlete, a display, a processor associated with the display, and an athletic parameter measurement sensor. During the athletic activity, the device detects, using the sensor, a vertical jump height of the athlete, and displays, during the performance of the athletic activity session, a representation of the vertical jump height on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Meschter, James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 12150517
    Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The system and process described herein allows the bladder pressure to be iteratively increased toward and decreased toward the target pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20240363216
    Abstract: An activity monitoring device may provide data indicating one or more activities performed by a user. The wearable device may send the data to another computing device. An interface may be used to display the data. One or more display characteristics associated with the interface may be determined based on a location of the activity monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Jamian R. Cobbett
  • Publication number: 20240358278
    Abstract: Systems and methods for prompting a user to perform an exercise and monitoring the exercise are provided. Multiple independent sensors or sensor systems may be used to calculate energy expenditure. Various criteria may be used to manually or automatically select the independent sensor or sensor system or combination that will be used with the energy expenditure calculations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Adriana Guerrero, Steven H. Walker, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 12125575
    Abstract: Various types of technology have been incorporated into fitness and other athletic activities. Systems and methods described herein relate to determining activity milestones based on collected user activity data. The user activity data may be collected during an activity time period. User activity information may be displayed via an interactive interface and associated with the activity time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Jamian R. Cobbett
  • Publication number: 20240339193
    Abstract: Example embodiments may relate systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media configured to correlate image data of a user performing physical activity with data collected during the user's performance. Data may include sensor data measuring, force, acceleration, speed, and/or processed sensor data from one or more sensors. Certain embodiments may determine whether the user is within a performance zone based on user attributes. Correlation of the image data with physical activity data may be based, at least in part, whether the user is within a performance zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2024
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Inventors: Brandon S. Burroughs, Richard J. Engelberg, Jordan M. Rice, Bob Sweet, Aaron B. Weast, Wade Convay, Joshua Rooke-Ley
  • Publication number: 20240292923
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Martine Stillman, Joseph B. Horrell, Jonathan B. Knight, Dane R. Weitmann, Jeffrey J. Hebert
  • Patent number: 12075883
    Abstract: An adjustable multiple bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member is disposed within the outer bladder and divides the outer bladder into two distinct inflation chambers. The inflation chambers may be inflated separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 12064232
    Abstract: Systems and methods for prompting a user to perform an exercise and monitoring the exercise are provided. Multiple independent sensors or sensor systems may be used to calculate energy expenditure. Various criteria may be used to manually or automatically select the independent sensor or sensor system or combination that will be used with the energy expenditure calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adriana Guerrero, Steven H. Walker, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 12062424
    Abstract: An activity monitoring device may provide data indicating one or more activities performed by a user. The wearable device may send the data to another computing device. An interface may be used to display the data. One or more display characteristics associated with the interface may be determined based on a location of the activity monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Jamian R. Cobbett
  • Patent number: 12046347
    Abstract: Example embodiments may relate systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media configured to correlate image data of a user performing physical activity with data collected during the user's performance. Data may include sensor data measuring, force, acceleration, speed, and/or processed sensor data from one or more sensors. Certain embodiments may determine whether the user is within a performance zone based on user attributes. Correlation of the image data with physical activity data may be based, at least in part, whether the user is within a performance zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon S. Burroughs, Richard J. Engelberg, Jordan M. Rice, Bob Sweet, Aaron B. Weast, Wade Convay, Joshua Rooke-Ley