Patents by Inventor Adrian Meir

Adrian Meir 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: 10273604
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article. The article may include a first tubular rib structure and a second tubular rib structure. A webbed area may be located between the first tubular rib structure and the second tubular rib structure. The webbed area may have a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width, where the first width may be larger than the second width. The webbed area may be at least partially formed from a first yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Meir
  • Patent number: 10130142
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is attached to the sole structure. The upper includes a forefoot region that is configured to receive a plurality of toes of a foot. The upper includes a first zone having a first elasticity, a second zone having a second elasticity, and a third zone having a third elasticity. The third zone is disposed between the first zone and the second zone. The third elasticity is greater than the first elasticity and the second elasticity. The third zone is configured to bias the first zone and the second zone toward each other. The third zone is biased generally toward the sole structure and configured to be received in a space located between two of the plurality of toes of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Meir
  • Publication number: 20180282914
    Abstract: A feeder for a knitting machine may include: a carrier configured to secure the feeder to a knitting machine such that the feeder is movable along an axis with respect to a rail of the knitting machine; a feeder arm extending from the carrier, the feeder arm including a dispensing area configured for supplying a yarn to a needle bed of the knitting machine; and a cutting device coupled to the feeder arm, where the cutting device includes a cutting edge for cutting the yarn to disengage an upper portion of the yarn from the needle bed of the knitting machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart W. Dealey, Adrian Meir, Gagandeep Singh
  • Publication number: 20180282915
    Abstract: A knitting machine may include a needle bed and a carriage that is movable along the needle bed. The carriage may be configured to engage at least one feeder to move a dispensing area of the feeder along the needle bed while dispensing a yarn, where the carriage includes an interface for providing power to an auxiliary component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart W. Dealey, Adrian Meir, Gagandeep Singh
  • Publication number: 20180282916
    Abstract: A feeder for a knitting machine may include a carrier configured to secure the feeder to a knitting machine such that the feeder is movable along a rail of the knitting machine and a feeder arm extending from the carrier. The feeder arm may include a dispensing area configured for supplying a yarn to a needle bed of the knitting machine, and the carrier may include a first actuation surface, a second actuation surface, and a third actuation surface, where the feeder performs a first knitting function when a plunger actuates the feeder by applying a force on the first actuation surface, where the feeder performs a second knitting function when the plunger actuates the feeder by contacting the second actuation surface, and where the feeder performs a third knitting function when the plunger actuates the feeder by contacting the third actuation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart W. Dealey, Adrian Meir, Gagandeep Singh
  • Publication number: 20180271214
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method. The method may include placing an upper on a last, where the upper includes a lower perimeter edge secured to a lasting element, and where the last includes an opening for receiving the lasting element. The method may further include feeding the lasting element at least partially through an opening of the last and tensioning the lasting element to tighten the upper around the last by pulling the tensioning element at least partially through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Adrian Meir, Noah Murphy-Reinhertz
  • Patent number: 10070679
    Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted component having color-shifting properties is provided. Color-shift properties can be generated by one or more lenticular knit structures disposed across the upper of the article of footwear. The lenticular knit structures are formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component. The lenticular knit structures have portions formed with different yarns. The different yarns on the portions of the lenticular knit structures generate a visual effect that changes the color of the article of footwear depending on the viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Meir, Daniel A. Podhajny
  • Patent number: 9982373
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes portions having courses aligned along different knitting directions, including a first knitting direction and a second knitting direction. The knitting direction of the courses transitions gradually from the first direction to the second direction. The knitting direction of the courses of the knitted component is configured to be aligned so as to distribute forces acting on the knitted component when the article of footwear is worn during a sport or athletic activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Meir
  • Publication number: 20180132558
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article, which may be an upper for an article of footwear in some embodiments. The article may include a knitted component with a first zone and a second zone adjacent to the first zone. The knitted component may include a tab element extending from the first zone, where the tab element and the first zone include a common yarn. The first zone may include a first elasticity and the second zone may include a second elasticity, where the first elasticity is less than the second elasticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Berrian, Bryan N. Farris, Adrian Meir, Noah Murphy-Reinhertz
  • Patent number: 9949525
    Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted component having color-shifting properties is provided. Color-shift properties can be generated by one or more lenticular knit structures disposed across the upper of the article of footwear. The lenticular knit structures are formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component. The lenticular knit structures have portions formed with different yarns. The different yarns on the portions of the lenticular knit structures generate a visual effect that changes the color of the article of footwear depending on the viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Meir, Daniel A. Podhajny
  • Publication number: 20180064211
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a textile component. The textile component of the upper includes a textile element and a tensile element. The tensile element defines a first segment disposed on a first side of the upper. The first segment of the tensile element is configured to attach the securement device to the textile element on the first side of the upper. The tensile element further includes a second segment that is disposed proximate the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The second segment is fixed relative to the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The tensile element further includes an intermediate segment that extends continuously from the first segment, across the heel region, to the second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Olivier Henrichot, Bryant R. Klug, Elizabeth Langvin, Timothy K. Liles, Adrian Meir, Nathan G. Schultze
  • Publication number: 20180055137
    Abstract: Articles for footwear, uppers for articles of footwear, and methods for fabricating articles of footwear are provided. In one example, an upper for an article of footwear includes a knitted component. The knitted component includes a plurality of knitted cushioning structures that define a cushioning region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Katharine Fraser, Adrian Meir
  • Publication number: 20180049510
    Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted component having color-shifting properties is provided. Color-shift properties can be generated by one or more lenticular knit structures disposed across the upper of the article of footwear. The lenticular knit structures are formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component. The lenticular knit structures have portions formed with different yarns. The different yarns on the portions of the lenticular knit structures generate a visual effect that changes the color of the article of footwear depending on the viewing angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Meir, Daniel A. Podhajny
  • Patent number: 9826798
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide an upper. The upper includes a textile component. The textile component of the upper includes a textile element and a tensile element. The tensile element defines a first segment disposed on a first side of the upper. The first segment of the tensile element is configured to attach the securement device to the textile element on the first side of the upper. The tensile element further includes a second segment that is disposed proximate the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The second segment is fixed relative to the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The tensile element further includes an intermediate segment that extends continuously from the first segment, across the heel region, to the second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy K. Liles, Olivier Henrichot, Bryant Russell Klug, Nathan G. Schultze, Adrian Meir, Elizabeth Langvin
  • Publication number: 20170321358
    Abstract: A knitting machine may include a sinker configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The knitting machine may have a sinker actuator system having a first configuration and a second configuration. The sinker actuator system, in the first configuration, may be configured to actuate the sinker from the open position toward the closed position. The sinker may be configured to change the sinker actuator system from the first configuration to the second configuration when the sinker receives an input force above a predetermined threshold in the movement from the open position toward the closed position. The sinker actuator system, in the second configuration, may allow the sinker to move away from the closed position toward the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Meir
  • Publication number: 20170238644
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide a knitted component including a knitted base portion located between a first non-planar structure and a second non-planar structure. The knitted base portion may include a first area located adjacent to the first non-planar structure, and the first area may include at least one course of a first base yarn. The knitted base portion may include a second area located adjacent to the second non-planar structure, and the second area may include at least one course of a second base yarn. The first base yarn may have a first visual property and the second base yarn may have a second visual property different from the first visual property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Meir, Daniel A. Podhajny
  • Publication number: 20170215515
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes portions having courses aligned along different knitting directions, including a first knitting direction and a second knitting direction. The knitting direction of the courses transitions gradually from the first direction to the second direction. The knitting direction of the courses of the knitted component is configured to be aligned so as to distribute forces acting on the knitted component when the article of footwear is worn during a sport or athletic activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian MEIR
  • Patent number: 9661892
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes portions having courses aligned along different knitting directions, including a first knitting direction and a second knitting direction. The knitting direction of the courses transitions gradually from the first direction to the second direction. The knitting direction of the courses of the knitted component is configured to be aligned so as to distribute forces acting on the knitted component when the article of footwear is worn during a sport or athletic activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Meir
  • Publication number: 20170079367
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may include a knitted component with a knit element defining a portion of at least one of an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper, the interior surface defining a void. The knitted component may further include a tongue, where the tongue extends through a throat area of the upper, and where the tongue comprises a lateral edge and a medial edge. The knitted component may further include at least one raised element extending a height above the exterior surface of the knit element and extending a length along at least one of the lateral edge and the medial edge of the tongue, where the tongue and the at least one raised element have a common yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Adrian Meir, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Bruce Huffa
  • Patent number: 9510636
    Abstract: Articles of footwear are described that incorporate a knitted component that has an upper and an integral knit tongue. The integral knit tongue is formed of unitary knit construction with the upper and extends through a throat area of the knitted component. The integral knit tongue includes raised elements formed of unitary knit construction with the tongue. Methods of manufacturing a knitted component for an article of footwear may include knitting the upper and the integral knit tongue during a knitting process on a knitting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Adrian Meir, Benjamin A. Shaffer