Patents by Inventor Benjamin A. Shaffer
Benjamin A. Shaffer 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).
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Patent number: 12262791Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may include a knitted component having a knit element and an inlaid strand. The knit element may extend seamlessly from a first side of the upper, through a heel area of the upper, and to a second side of the upper. The inlaid strand may also extend continuously through the knit element from the first side of the upper, through the heel area of the upper, and to the second side of the upper.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Patent number: 12264422Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2022Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Adrian Meir, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Bruce Huffa
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Publication number: 20250102810Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a head-mounted housing containing rear-facing displays that display images for a user when the head-mounted housing is worn. The head-mounted housing may be coupled to the user's head using a headband. The headband may include an upper headband portion and a lower headband portion that extends from the first headband portion. The upper and lower headband portions may extend from the head-mounted housing at fixed angles and may be offset from a support post of the head-mounted housing. Stiffeners may be included in the upper and lower headband portions. The stiffeners may include graded stiffeners and/or braided cords that help the upper and/or lower headband portions conform to a user's head. The headband may also include a temple housing coupled to the upper and lower headband portions that has an opening to attach the headband to the support post and/or may include keeper loops.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Inventors: Ryan M David, Benjamin A Shaffer, Benjamin A Stevenson, Evan A Cernokus, Robert V Tang, Dustin A Hatfield, Yuhao Pan, Erin Bosch, Alexander Siegel, Megan Grant, Zachary M Hammond, Lindsey J Scenna, Alyssa B Abood, Zilan Chen, Michael Wu, Venkata Narayana Murthy Arelekatti, Nathaniel M Henderson-Cox, Chad J Miller
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Patent number: 12207699Abstract: A plurality of fluid-filled chambers may be incorporated into sole structures of articles of footwear. The chambers may be configured to be substantially diamond-shaped. The chambers may lie within cavities formed by a lower surface of the midsole and may extend into apertures in the outsole. The apertures in the outsole may be aligned with the cavities of the midsole. The chambers may be bounded by bounding regions between and at the perimeter of the chambers. The bounding regions may be formed of a polymer foam material of the midsole. The chambers may additionally be connected.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Denis Dekovic, Bradley S. Long, Brian E. Santa Maria, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Danielle L. Taylor
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Publication number: 20250024183Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that enhance user comfort and improve user control of the headphones are discussed. Various sensor configurations and electronic component positions are also discussed. User convenience features that include detachable cushions and automatically detecting the donning and doffing of headphones are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2024Publication date: January 16, 2025Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Dustin A. Hatfield, Michael B. Minerbi, Eugene Antony Whang, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Edward Siahaan, Daniel R. Bloom
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Publication number: 20240398053Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a head-mounted housing containing rear-facing displays that display images for a user when the head-mounted housing is worn by the user. The head-mounted housing may be coupled to the user's head using a headband. The headband may include a first headband portion and a second headband portion that extends from the first headband portion at a fixed angle. Stiffeners may be included in the first and second headband portions. The stiffeners may be formed from braided cords and may be embedded in the first and second headband portions to allow the headband to conform to a user's head when worn. Other stiffeners may be mounted to a surface of the headband to maintain an angle between the first and second headband portions. The ends of the headband may have curved corners, and may appear seamless to the naked eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2024Publication date: December 5, 2024Inventors: Ryan M David, Benjamin A Shaffer, Benjamin A Stevenson, Evan A Cernokus, Robert V Tang, Dustin A Hatfield, Erin M Bosch, Yuhao Pan, Venkata Narayana Murthy Arelekatti, Katherine E Christensen, Paul J Biestek, Alexander Siegel, Megan Grant, Zachary M Hammond, Lindsey J Scenna, Alyssa B Abood, Thanh T Tran, Zilan Chen, Michael Wu
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Publication number: 20240377638Abstract: A head-mountable device can include adaptable components, which move to comfortably engage the face of the user and to exclude light from an external environment. A head-mountable device can include a light seal that includes discrete portions that bend and/or pivot as needed to conform to a face of the user. Such mobility allows the portions to be oriented with respect to corresponding regions of the face, so that an engagement surface of each portion directly engages the corresponding region of the face to maximize the surface area of contact. Such a configuration can be provided while also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance by providing one or more covers that form continuous, breathable surfaces with the desired opacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2022Publication date: November 14, 2024Inventors: PAUL X. WANG, Benjamin A. SHAFFER, Adam Y. KOLLGAARD, Liam R. MARTINEZ, Rex T. EHMAN, Samuel G. SMITH, Timon A. WRIGHT, Evan A. CERNOKUS
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Publication number: 20240348960Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Edward Siahaan, Daniel R. Bloom, Lee M. Panecki, Phillip Qian, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene A. Whang, David H. Narajowski, Scott Y. Oshita, Dustin A. Hatfield, Zachary G. Segraves, Sean J. Docherty
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Patent number: 12096175Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that enhance user comfort and improve user control of the headphones are discussed. Various sensor configurations and electronic component positions are also discussed. User convenience features that include detachable cushions and automatically detecting the donning and doffing of headphones are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2023Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Dustin A. Hatfield, Michael B. Minerbi, Eugene Antony Whang, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Edward Siahaan, Daniel R. Bloom
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Publication number: 20240302669Abstract: Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device with a head securement element that allows a user to adjust both the magnitude, location, and direction of forces applied to the face of the user. Examples of adjustment mechanisms described herein allow a user to control the tilt of the head-mountable device relative to a head securement element, as well as the tightness of the head securement element. Accordingly, the user can select a fit that distributes forces widely, maximizes comfort, allows the user to enjoy the head-mountable device for longer durations of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2024Publication date: September 12, 2024Inventors: Dustin A. HATFIELD, Geng LUO, Benjamin A. SHAFFER, Julian JAEDE, Nicolas LYLYK, Paul X. WANG, Trevor J. NESS
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Publication number: 20240210711Abstract: An electronic device includes a head mountable display having a sensor and a light seal removably connectable to the HMD. The light seal can include an identification feature detected by the sensor. In one example, the HMD includes a display screen configured to display a confirmatory image and the light seal can include a unique visual component corresponding to the confirmatory image. In another example, the HMD can include an optical lens connection feature and the sensor can detect a depth of the light seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2024Publication date: June 27, 2024Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Jeremy C. Franklin
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Patent number: 12019248Abstract: Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device with a head securement element that allows a user to adjust both the magnitude, location, and direction of forces applied to the face of the user. Examples of adjustment mechanisms described herein allow a user to control the tilt of the head-mountable device relative to a head securement element, as well as the tightness of the head securement element. Accordingly, the user can select a fit that distributes forces widely, maximizes comfort, allows the user to enjoy the head-mountable device for longer durations of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dustin A. Hatfield, Geng Luo, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Julian Jaede, Nicolas Lylyk, Paul X. Wang, Trevor J. Ness
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Publication number: 20240192511Abstract: A wearable device includes a support and a cushion that is coupled to the support, the cushion including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first stiffness, the second portion having a second stiffness, and the first stiffness is at least four times greater than the second stiffness.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2024Publication date: June 13, 2024Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dustin A. Hatfield, Liam R. Martinez, Kristine S. Atom, Adam Y. Kollgaard, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Joshua A. Hoover, Jenna L. Withrow, Robert V. Tang, Kendall L. Helbert, Geng Luo
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Publication number: 20240184121Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a head-mounted support structure that is configured to be worn on a head of a user. The head-mounted support structure may include a flexible rear portion that at least partially defines a central opening through which the displays in the head-mounted device are viewable. The flexible rear portion may conform to a face of the user when the head-mounted device is worn by the user. A removable cushion may be selectively attached to the flexible rear portion of the head-mounted support structure. The removable cushion may conform to and directly contact the face of the user when the head-mounted device is worn by the user. The removability of the cushion may allow for the cushion to be easily cleaned, easily replaced when worn, and customized to a user's aesthetic and comfort preferences.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2024Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: Erin M Bosch, Paul X Wang, Benjamin A Shaffer
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Patent number: 12003916Abstract: A pair of headphones may include first and second ear cups that each contain one or more speakers. The speakers may emit audio through a sound-permeable warp knit spacer fabric that is coupled to each ear cup. The warp knit spacer fabric may include inner and outer fabric layers joined by a spacer layer. The outer fabric layer may have first and second regions with different fabric densities. The first region with the greater fabric density may be used to form a label such as an R-shape or L-shape to indicate which ear cup should cover the user's right ear and which ear cup should cover the user's left ear. The denser first region may have diamond-shaped openings of a first size and the less dense second region may have diamond-shaped openings of a second size that is greater than the first size.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Benjamin A. Shaffer, Yohji Hamada, Vincenzo Vuono, Eugene A. Whang, Christopher I. Wilson
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Publication number: 20240164481Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may include one or more of the following: a knitted component forming a collar of the upper, the collar at least partially forming an opening for providing access to an interior of the article of footwear; and a first knit edge and a second knit edge that extend along the collar of the upper, wherein a knitted central portion of the collar extends between the first knit edge and the second knit edge. The collar may consist of a single seam to join together the first knit edge and the second knit edge. The single seam may be offset from a centerline at the rear-most portion of a heel area such that the knitted central portion of the collar extends through the centerline of the heel area.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2024Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Erin Toraya, Robert C. Williams, JR.
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Patent number: 11985462Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2022Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Edward Siahaan, Daniel R. Bloom, Lee M. Panecki, Phillip Qian, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene A. Whang, David H. Narajowski, Scott Y. Oshita, Dustin A. Hatfield, Zachary G. Segraves, Sean J. Docherty
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Publication number: 20240081489Abstract: A band includes a latch body that is movable by pulling a tab. The latch body extends through an opening of the band and secures with a pin located on a head-mountable device. The band can detach from the head-mountable device by pulling the tab, which actuates the latch body and removes the latch body from the pin. A spring (or springs) can bias the latch body toward the opening, causing the latch body to enter the pin. An applied force to the tab can overcome the biasing force provided by the spring(s), and move the latch body away from, and out of, the pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Yiwei TAO, Aiden D. MOSSOP, Benjamin A. SHAFFER, Lauren D. GERARDI, Nicolas LYLYK, Paul J. THOMPSON, Richard P. HOWARTH, Robert V. TANG, Toria F. YAN, Wei-Ling CHANG, Zebinah P. MASSE
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Patent number: 11910870Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may include one or more of the following: a knitted component forming a collar of the upper, the collar at least partially forming an opening for providing access to an interior of the article of footwear; and a first knit edge and a second knit edge that extend along the collar of the upper, wherein a knitted central portion of the collar extends between the first knit edge and the second knit edge. The collar may consist of a single seam to join together the first knit edge and the second knit edge. The single seam may be offset from a centerline at the rear-most portion of a heel area such that the knitted central portion of the collar extends through the centerline of the heel area.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Erin E. Toraya, Robert C. Williams, Jr.
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Publication number: 20240028072Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a head-mounted housing containing rear-facing displays that display images for a user when the head-mounted housing is worn by the user. The head-mounted device housing may have housing structures such as elongated housing members with protruding posts. A headband may be removably coupled to the head-mounted device housing. The headband may have a strap with openings configured to receive the posts. Releasable latches may be provided to allow selective engagement and disengagement between the headband and the housing. The latches may contain movable latch members that are biased using magnetic biasing mechanisms, spring-based biasing mechanisms, or other biasing mechanisms. To release each latch, a tab, button, toggle lever, slider, or other release mechanisms may be actuated by a user. This moves the movable latch member from a closed latch position to an open latch position that releases the headband from the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2022Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: Toria F. Yan, Ryan M. David, Ryan Fernandez, Tingqing Liao, Yunhe Huang, Bingda Liu, Hao Zhu, Lauren D. Gerardi, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Robert V. Tang, Richard P. Howarth, Nicolas Lylyk, Thomas Richard Routh, Alex Warburton, Uwe Michael Homm, James Russell Griffin, Michael Scott Pritchett, Kathryn Lorraine Pritchett, Sion Gwynn