Patents by Inventor Benjamin Shaffer
Benjamin 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: 10056205Abstract: An electronic device such as a cover for a portable device or other electronic equipment may have circuitry mounted in a housing. The housing may be formed from layers of material such as fabric and polymer layers. The fabric may be formed from woven polymer yarn. The fabric may be treated with chemicals to improve stain resistance and wear resistance, may be provided with a polymer backing layer, and may receive molded plastic structures. Patterned areas may be woven into the fabric, may be formed by placing coatings on selected portions of the fabric, or may be formed by embroidering or otherwise locally processing the fabric. The patterned areas may form labels for keyboard keys, logos, key trim patterns, and other features for an electronic device. Patterned areas may have locally enhanced light transmission characteristics and may be backlit.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Siddhartha Hegde, Benjamin A. Cousins, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Samuel G. Smith, Melody Kuna
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Patent number: 10021945Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable device including first and second band straps attached to a device body. A buckle mechanism is configured to attach the first band strap to the second band strap and includes a spring bar attached to an end of the first band strap and a buckle loop engaged to the spring bar. A tang is configured to engage a hole formed in the second band strap to secure the first band strap to the second band strap. The tang defines an aperture that receives the spring bar and is configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the bar. As the tang is rotated, a restoring force biases the tang toward the buckle loop.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Matthew D. Rohrbach, Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Dhaval N. Shah, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Edward Siahaan, Ying-Liang Su, Teodor Dabov, Michael J. Webb, Michael T. Brickner
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Patent number: 10010136Abstract: 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: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin A. Shaffer, Denis Dekovic, Bradley S. Long, Brian E. Santa Maria, Danielle L. Taylor
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Publication number: 20180168276Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. An inlaid strand extends through the knitted component. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2018Publication date: June 21, 2018Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Bruce Huffa
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Patent number: 9938646Abstract: A wearable band includes a woven material having two or more stretch regions. The different stretch regions can be formed by varying the tension on subsets of the warp threads, the weft threads, or both the warp and weft threads. A system for producing the woven material can include two or more tension control devices operably connected to a processing device. Each tension control device is configured to adjust the amount of tension in a respective subset of threads (e.g., warp threads) in the woven material during a weaving operation. The processing device is configured to select thread tension patterns for the subsets of threads used during the weaving operation. Each thread tension pattern includes tension settings for the subsets of threads, where at least one tension setting in one thread tension pattern differs from the tension settings in the other tension patterns.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Yoji Hamada, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel A. Podhajny, Ying-Liang Su, Douglas J. Weber, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Motohide Hatanaka
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Patent number: 9924761Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. An inlaid strand extends through the knitted component. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Huffa, Bhupesh Dua, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20180070677Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper with a knitted component. Alone or in combination, the knitted component may include regions with different degrees of stretch-resistance; the knitted component forms a collar with a half-gauge knit; the upper includes a strand with sections that are inlaid within the knitted component, and the sections are positioned immediately adjacent to each other; the strand forms a plurality of loops, pairs of the loops are positioned immediately adjacent to each other and configured to receive a lace; and the knitted component includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and the strand is unbonded to the thermoplastic polymer material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Erin E. Toraya, Robert C. Williams, JR.
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Publication number: 20180027924Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole attached to the upper, and an impact absorber attached to the upper at least along a midfoot region of the upper and capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole. The impact absorber is be integrally formed with the sole and has a width that varies along a length of the impact absorber. The width of the impact absorber decreases in a forefoot region and a heel region. The upper rolls to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact. The sole and the upper may be attached asymmetrically.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Inventors: James C. Meschter, Matthew A. Nurse, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Patent number: 9861160Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper with a knitted component. Alone or in combination, the knitted component may include regions with different degrees of stretch-resistance; the knitted component forms a collar with a half-gauge knit; the upper includes a strand with sections that are inlaid within the knitted component, and the sections are positioned immediately adjacent to each other; the strand forms a plurality of loops, pairs of the loops are positioned immediately adjacent to each other and configured to receive a lace; and the knitted component includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and the strand is unbonded to the thermoplastic polymer material.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Erin E. Toraya, Robert C. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 9848690Abstract: A high strength retention loops for a wearable band of an electronic device and method of forming the retention loop. The retention loop of the wearable band may include a bottom layer, a tensile member encircling the bottom layer, and a top layer positioned adjacent to and substantially encircling the bottom layer and the tensile member. A distinct retention loop may include a single piece of folded leather material having an exterior portion, and two interior portions positioned adjacent the outer portion. The distinct retention loop may also include a tensile member positioned between the exterior portion and the two interior portions.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Matthew D. Rohrbach, James J. Griffin, II, Edward Siahaan, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Adam K. Eschner
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Patent number: 9781972Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole attached to the upper, and an impact absorber attached to the upper at least along a midfoot region of the upper and capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole. The impact absorber is be integrally formed with the sole and has a width that varies along a length of the impact absorber. The width of the impact absorber decreases in a forefoot region and a heel region. The upper rolls to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact. The sole and the upper may be attached asymmetrically.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: James C. Meschter, Matthew A. Nurse, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Patent number: 9745677Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear with an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper is described. The upper includes a knitted component and a polymer layer. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction and extends along a lateral side of the upper, along a medial side of the upper, over a forefoot region of the upper, and around a heel region of the upper. The polymer layer is bonded to the knitted component and may form a majority of an exterior surface of the upper. The polymer layer may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer material.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20170231314Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20170224044Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20170224046Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20170224045Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20170178840Abstract: An electronic device such as a cover for a portable device or other electronic equipment may have circuitry mounted in a housing. The housing may be formed from layers of material such as fabric and polymer layers. The fabric may be formed from woven polymer yarn. The fabric may be treated with chemicals to improve stain resistance and wear resistance, may be provided with a polymer backing layer, and may receive molded plastic structures. Patterned areas ma be woven into the fabric, may be formed by placing coatings on selected portions of the fabric, or may be formed by embroidering or otherwise locally processing the fabric. The patterned, areas may tot labels for keyboard keys, logos, key trim patterns, and other features for an electronic device. Patterned areas may have locally enhanced light transmission characteristics and may be backlit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Siddhartha Hegde, Benjamin A. Cousins, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Samuel G. Smith, Melody Kuna
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Patent number: 9681704Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper with a knitted component. Alone or in combination, the knitted component may include regions with different degrees of stretch-resistance; the knitted component forms a collar with a half-gauge knit; the upper includes a strand with sections that are inlaid within the knitted component, and the sections are positioned immediately adjacent to each other; the strand forms a plurality of loops, pairs of the loops are positioned immediately adjacent to each other and configured to receive a lace; and the knitted component includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and the strand is unbonded to the thermoplastic polymer material.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Erin E. Toraya, Robert C. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 9668533Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20170079367Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Adrian Meir, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Bruce Huffa