Patents by Inventor Adam Thuss

Adam Thuss 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: 11147340
    Abstract: A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a midfoot region of the plate than at a forefoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Sam Lacey, Adam Thuss, Christian Alexander Steinbeck
  • Patent number: 11129439
    Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, and wherein a rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located within one of: an arch support area or a forward heel support area of the ground-engaging component (and/or at these areas of an overall sole structure); and (b) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim and into or at least partially across the open space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Karen S. Dimoff, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, David J. Roulo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
  • Patent number: 11096443
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first plate having a first surface. The first plate includes a forefoot region at an anterior end, a heel region at a posterior end, and a mid-foot region. The sole structure further includes a second plate having a second surface opposing the first surface of the first plate. The second plate has a first end attached to the forefoot region of the first plate and a second end that is spaced apart from the first surface of the first plate. A cushion is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and has a first side attached to the first surface of the first plate and a second side attached to the second surface of second plate. The cushion extends continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Karen S. Dimoff, Stefan E. Guest, Charlie Keller, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Tetsuya T. Minami, Jonathan Rasca, Adam Thuss
  • Publication number: 20210068501
    Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Karen S. Dimoff, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, David J. Roulo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
  • Publication number: 20210007439
    Abstract: A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a forefoot region of the plate than at a midfoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Derek Haight, Adam Kiss, Sam Lacey, Geng Luo, Rachel M. Savage, Christian Alexander Steinbeck, Adam Thuss
  • Patent number: 10856615
    Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim (across the open space) is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Karen S. Dimoff, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, David J. Roulo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
  • Publication number: 20200375311
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article includes a first layer including a first bundle of fibers affixed to a first substrate, a second layer including a second bundle of fibers affixed to a second substrate, a traction element having a first portion disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and a second portion extending from one of the first layer and the second layer. The sole structure further includes a resin that consolidates the first bundle of fibers and the second bundle of fibers, and secures the traction element between the first bundle of fibers and the second bundle of fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Sam Lacey, Adam Thuss
  • Publication number: 20200367602
    Abstract: A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Amis, Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Sam Lacey, William C. McFarland, II, Christian Alexander Steinbeck, Yoav Sterman, Adam Thuss, Todd A. Waatti
  • Publication number: 20200367603
    Abstract: A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Risha Dupre, Emily Farina, Lysandre Follet, Stefan E. Guest, Helene Hutchinson, Sam Lacey, Geng Luo, Rachel M. Savage, Christian Alexander Steinbeck, Adam Thuss, Krissy Yetman
  • Publication number: 20200323311
    Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Thomas G. Bell, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
  • Patent number: 10798992
    Abstract: A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a forefoot region of the plate than at a midfoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Derek Haight, Adam Kiss, Sam Lacey, Geng Luo, Rachel M. Savage, Christian Alexander Steinbeck, Adam Thuss
  • Patent number: 10758005
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article includes a first layer including a first bundle of fibers affixed to a first substrate, a second layer including a second bundle of fibers affixed to a second substrate, a traction element having a first portion disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and a second portion extending from one of the first layer and the second layer. The sole structure further includes a resin that consolidates the first bundle of fibers and the second bundle of fibers, and secures the traction element between the first bundle of fibers and the second bundle of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Sam Lacey, Adam Thuss
  • Patent number: 10743606
    Abstract: A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Risha Dupre, Emily Farina, Lysandre Follet, Stefan E. Guest, Helene Hutchinson, Sam Lacey, Geng Luo, Rachel M. Savage, Christian Alexander Steinbeck, Adam Thuss, Krissy Yetman
  • Patent number: 10743607
    Abstract: A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Amis, Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Sam Lacey, William C. McFarland, II, Christian Alexander Steinbeck, Yoav Sterman, Adam Thuss, Todd A. Waatti
  • Patent number: 10709196
    Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component; (b) an inner perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an inner perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein a first open space is defined between the outer perimeter boundary rim and the inner perimeter boundary rim, and wherein a second open space is defined between a lateral side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim and a medial side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim; and (c) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim to the inner perimeter boundary rim and across the first open space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Karen S. Dimoff, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, David J. Roulo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
  • Patent number: 10702021
    Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Thomas G. Bell, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
  • Publication number: 20200121021
    Abstract: A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a midfoot region of the plate than at a forefoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Sam Lacey, Adam Thuss, Christian Alexander Steinbeck
  • Patent number: 10548368
    Abstract: A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a midfoot region of the plate than at a forefoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Sam Lacey, Adam Thuss, Christian Alexander Steinbeck
  • Publication number: 20190313733
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a component including a first bundle of fibers affixed to a substrate, a ground-engaging assembly including a first traction element, a second traction element, and a connecting member extending between and connecting the first traction element and the second traction element, and a resin consolidating the first bundle of fibers and entrapping the connecting member to fix a position of the first traction element, the second traction element, and the connecting member relative to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Sam Lacey, Adam Thuss
  • Publication number: 20190313734
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article includes a first layer including a first bundle of fibers affixed to a first substrate, a second layer including a second bundle of fibers affixed to a second substrate, a traction element having a first portion disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and a second portion extending from one of the first layer and the second layer. The sole structure further includes a resin that consolidates the first bundle of fibers and the second bundle of fibers, and secures the traction element between the first bundle of fibers and the second bundle of fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bartel, Sam Lacey, Adam Thuss