Patents by Inventor Austin Orand

Austin Orand 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: 11969053
    Abstract: Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Olivier Henrichot, Timothy P. Hopkins, Elizabeth Langvin, Austin Orand, Levi J. Patton
  • Patent number: 11963581
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity with a heel region, and a heel support device extending around the rear of a heel region from a lateral side to a medial side. The heel support device may include a plurality of slats and a base, the plurality of slats providing a progressive gradient of lengths and/or widths, and/or one or more pegs extending from the device for attachment to a footwear upper, and/or an elongated tip that may be disposed in a cavity of an extension of a heel collar of the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Austin Orand, Andrew A. Owings
  • Publication number: 20240122299
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 11957210
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Publication number: 20240115007
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity with a heel region, and a heel support device extending around the rear of a heel region from a lateral side to a medial side. The heel support device may include a plurality of slats and a base, the plurality of slats providing a progressive gradient of lengths and/or widths, and/or one or more pegs extending from the device for attachment to a footwear upper, and/or an elongated tip that may be disposed in a cavity of an extension of a heel collar of the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Austin Orand, Andrew A. Owings
  • Publication number: 20240115003
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 11896082
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Publication number: 20240032652
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Publication number: 20240023672
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 11825886
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to adaptive support garments including adaptive support structures, lacing systems, and an adaptive engine are discussed. In an example, an adaptive support garment can include a textile-based support structure, an adaptive support structure and an adaptive engine is described. The textile-based support structure is configured to support a portion of anatomy of a wearer. The adaptive support structure is integrated into the textile-based support structure and configured to adjust a portion of the textile-based support structure. The adaptive engine is coupled to the adaptive support structure to activate adjustment of the portion of the textile-based support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bridget Munro, Daniela Grogro, Matt Holmes, Iustinia Koshkaroff, Austin Orand, Summer L. Schneider, Nikki Reynolds, Peter Williams
  • Publication number: 20230371678
    Abstract: A pouch or pocket may act as a container and may be used to securely hold objects (e.g., cell phone, keys, wallet, etc.) during athletic activity (e.g., running). The pouch may be a standalone item or integrally formed as part of other items. The pouch may hold the object to be stored in place within the pouch or pocket. The pouch may provide some cushioning or impact force attenuation to protect the object being held within the pouch or pocket. Additionally, the pouch may be attached to a garment, such as running clothes. The pouch includes an outer envelope sealable by a closure and a one-way valve with foam layers located inside the pouch. After the object is placed in the pouch, the closure is closed, and the air within the pouch is expelled via the one-way valve by compressing the foam layers from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Cooper, Austin Orand, Nadia M. Panian, Peter P. Williams, II
  • Publication number: 20230309655
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Publication number: 20230301400
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity with a heel region, and a heel support device extending around the rear of a heel region from a lateral side to a medial side. The heel support device may include a plurality of slats and a base, the plurality of slats providing a progressive gradient of lengths and/or widths, and/or one or more pegs extending from the device for attachment to a footwear upper, and/or an elongated tip that may be disposed in a cavity of an extension of a heel collar of the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Austin Orand, Andrew A. Owings
  • Patent number: 11751671
    Abstract: A pouch or pocket may act as a container and may be used to securely hold objects (e.g., cell phone, keys, wallet, etc.) during athletic activity (e.g., running). The pouch may be a standalone item or integrally formed as part of other items. The pouch may hold the object to be stored in place within the pouch or pocket. The pouch may provide some cushioning or impact force attenuation to protect the object being held within the pouch or pocket. Additionally, the pouch may be attached to a garment, such as running clothes. The pouch includes an outer envelope sealable by a closure and a one-way valve with foam layers located inside the pouch. After the object is placed in the pouch, the closure is closed, and the air within the pouch is expelled via the one-way valve by compressing the foam layers from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Cooper, Austin Orand, Nadia M. Panian, Peter P. Williams, II
  • Patent number: 11730229
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper defining an interior void and a first cable movable in a tightening direction to move the upper into a tightened state and movable in a loosening direction to move the upper into a loosened state. The article of footwear also includes a tightening grip operable to be moved away from the upper in a first direction to move the first cable in the tightening direction and a cable lock operable in a locked state to restrict movement of the first cable in the loosening direction and operable in an unlocked state to permit movement of the first cable in the loosening direction. A release grip is operable to be moved away from the upper in a second direction to move the cable lock from the locked state to the unlocked state, whereby the release grip is separate from the tightening grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Caleb W. Dyer, Peter Lam, Austin Orand, Andrea M. Vinet, Peter P. Williams, II, Samantha Young
  • Patent number: 11707111
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 11707112
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 11700916
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper defining a foot-receiving cavity with a heel region, and a heel support device extending around the rear of a heel region from a lateral side to a medial side. The heel support device may include a plurality of slats and a base, the plurality of slats providing a progressive gradient of lengths and/or widths, and/or one or more pegs extending from the device for attachment to a footwear upper, and/or an elongated tip that may be disposed in a cavity of an extension of a heel collar of the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Austin Orand, Andrew A. Owings
  • Publication number: 20230200488
    Abstract: Sole structures, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices include: (a) a first footwear component having a ground-facing surface, wherein a forefoot portion of the ground-facing surface includes arched medial and lateral surfaces and (b) a second footwear component having an upper-facing surface, wherein a forefoot portion of the upper-facing surface includes arched medial and lateral surfaces that face (and optionally contact) the respective arched medial and lateral surfaces of the first footwear component. The first and second footwear components are movably engaged together such that: (a) the arched medial surface of the first footwear component moves with respect to and along the arched medial surface of the second footwear component and (b) the arched lateral surface of the first footwear component moves with respect to and along the arched lateral surface of the second footwear component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventor: Austin Orand
  • Publication number: 20230189929
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos