Patents by Inventor Bhupesh Dua

Bhupesh Dua 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).

  • Method of knitting a knitted component for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 9538803
    Abstract: An article of footwear incorporates a textile upper. The upper comprises a knitted component. The knitted component may be warp knitted. The knitted component has an outer side and an inner side that can have different knit configurations. The knitted component can also incorporate portions of a single layer construction and portions of a double layer construction. The double layer construction forms pockets on portions of the knitted component. Inserts can be placed into the pockets to provide support, stability, or other desired properties to the portions of the knitted component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Bhupesh Dua, Julie Huffman, Amy Lyttle
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCORPORATING A KNITTED COMPONENT WITH A TONGUE
    Publication number: 20170000216
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may include 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 may define a void. A tongue and the knit element may have a common yarn, and the tongue may extend through a throat area of the upper. The tongue may comprise a lateral edge, a medial edge, and a forward portion. At least one of the lateral edge, the medial edge, and the forward portion may be unsecured to the knit element. The tongue may be secured to the knit element at least at one of the lateral edge, the medial edge, and the forward portion of the throat area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Daren P. Tatler, Bruce Huffa
  • Intermittent weaving splicer
    Patent number: 9533855
    Abstract: Woven products using combined materials are provided. An intermittent weaving splicer terminates and combines materials having different functional and/or aesthetic properties to create woven products that reflect the different properties of the combined material. Further, a dynamic tensioner variably adjusts tension on the combined materials based on the different properties of the combined material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Tory M. Cross
  • Method of knitting a knitted component for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 9526293
    Abstract: An article of footwear incorporates a textile upper. The upper comprises a knitted component. The knitted component may be warp knitted. The knitted component has an outer side and an inner side that can have different knit configurations. The knitted component can also incorporate portions of a single layer construction and portions of a double layer construction. The double layer construction forms pockets on portions of the knitted component. Inserts can be placed into the pockets to provide support, stability, or other desired properties to the portions of the knitted component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Bhupesh Dua, Julie A. Huffman, Amy Lyttle
  • Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with an integral knit tongue
    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
  • Article of footwear having an upper incorporating a knitted component
    Patent number: 9486031
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Methods of Joining Textiles and Other Elements Incorporating a Thermoplastic Polymer Material
    Publication number: 20160318243
    Abstract: A yarn or thread may include a plurality of substantially aligned filaments, with at least ninety-five percent of a material of the filaments being a thermoplastic polymer material. Various woven textiles and knitted textiles may be formed from the yarn or thread. The woven textiles or knitted textiles may be thermal bonded to other elements to form seams. A strand that is at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material may extend through the seam, and the strand may be thermal bonded at the seam. The woven textiles or knitted textiles may be shaped or molded, incorporated into products, and recycled to form other products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Carrie L. Davis
  • Article of footwear having an upper incorporating a knitted component
    Patent number: 9468250
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with a tongue
    Patent number: 9445640
    Abstract: Articles of footwear may have an upper that includes a knit element and a tongue. The knit element defines a portion of an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of the upper, with the interior surface defining a void for receiving a foot. The tongue is formed of unitary knit construction with the knit element and extends through a throat area of the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Daren P. Tatler, Bruce Huffa
  • Three-dimensional weaving system
    Patent number: 9416467
    Abstract: Different weaving materials, apparatuses, and methods are provided for producing woven textiles having different functional and aesthetic characteristics as compared to woven textiles produced using conventional methods. The different weaving materials comprise reactive materials or combined materials produced by an intermittent splicer. The different apparatuses include finishing devices for introducing organically-shaped lateral edges and interior apertures, and three-dimensional effectors for introducing three-dimensional aspects into a product as it is being woven. Weaving methods include simultaneously weaving fine denier panels and coarse denier panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bhupesh Dua
  • Thermoplastic Non-Woven Textile Elements
    Publication number: 20160145783
    Abstract: A non-woven textile may be formed from a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments. The non-woven textile may have a first region and a second region, with the filaments of the first region being fused to a greater degree than the filaments of the second region. A variety of products, including apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear), may incorporate the non-woven textile. In some of these products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another textile element to form a seam. More particularly, an edge area of the non-woven textile may be heatbonded with an edge area of the other textile element at the seam. In other products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another component, whether a textile or a non-textile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Karen Hawkinson
  • Knit Component Bonding
    Publication number: 20160058101
    Abstract: A composite structure may include a knit component and a bonded component. The knit component has a first surface and an opposite second surface, and the knit component includes a fusible yarn and a non-fusible yarn that form a knitted structure. The fusible yarn is at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, and the fusible yarn is located on at least the first surface. The bonded component is positioned adjacent to the first surface, and the bonded component is thermal bonded to the first surface with the thermoplastic polymer material of the fusible yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Karen A. Hawkinson, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Thermoplastic non-woven textile elements
    Patent number: 9227363
    Abstract: A non-woven textile may be formed from a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments. The non-woven textile may have a first region and a second region, with the filaments of the first region being fused to a greater degree than the filaments of the second region. A variety of products, including apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear), may incorporate the non-woven textile. In some of these products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another textile element to form a seam. More particularly, an edge area of the non-woven textile may be heatbonded with an edge area of the other textile element at the seam. In other products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another component, whether a textile or a non-textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Karen A. Hawkinson
  • Packaged Dyed Knitted Component
    Publication number: 20150320136
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a yarn that is at least partially package dyed. The method also includes flat knitting a knitted component at least partially from the yarn. The knitted component has an area with a density of at least twenty-eight courses per inch (28 CPI). Moreover, the method includes forming at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear with the knitted component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Karen Hawkinson
  • Knit component bonding
    Patent number: 9150986
    Abstract: A composite structure may include a knit component and a bonded component. The knit component has a first surface and an opposite second surface, and the knit component includes a fusible yarn and a non-fusible yarn that form a knitted structure. The fusible yarn is at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, and the fusible yarn is located on at least the first surface. The bonded component is positioned adjacent to the first surface, and the bonded component is thermal bonded to the first surface with the thermoplastic polymer material of the fusible yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Karen A. Hawkinson, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Method of Knitting a Knitted Component for an Article of Footwear
    Publication number: 20150272261
    Abstract: An article of footwear incorporates a textile upper. The upper comprises a knitted component. The knitted component may be warp knitted. The knitted component has an outer side and an inner side that can have different knit configurations. The knitted component can also incorporate portions of a single layer construction and portions of a double layer construction. The double layer construction forms pockets on portions of the knitted component. Inserts can be placed into the pockets to provide support, stability, or other desired properties to the portions of the knitted component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Bhupesh Dua, Julie A. Huffman, Amy Lyttle
  • Article of Footwear Incorporating a Woven or Non-Woven Textile With Durable Water Repellant Properties
    Publication number: 20150237960
    Abstract: A woven or non-woven textile for an upper of an article of footwear, methods for making the woven and non-woven textiles, and a method of making the article of footwear is described. The textile includes a first portion formed by a first yarn or fiber having durable water repellent properties and a second portion formed by a second yarn or fiber different from the first yarn or fiber. The second yarn or fiber is disposed along an edge portion of the textile configured to be attached to a sole structure to form an article of footwear. The woven textile is formed of unitary woven construction, and the non-woven textile is formed of unitary non-woven construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Sabrina P. Mallen, Bhupesh Dua, Erin Toraya
  • Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component With Durable Water Repellant Properties
    Publication number: 20150237948
    Abstract: A knitted component for an upper of an article of footwear, a method for making the knitted component, and a method of making the article of footwear is described. The knitted component includes a first portion formed by a first yarn having durable water repellent properties and a second portion formed by a second yarn different from the first yarn. The second yarn is disposed along an edge portion of the knitted component configured to be attached to a sole structure to form an article of footwear. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Sabrina P. Mallen, Bhupesh Dua, Erin Toraya
  • Article of Footwear Having An Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component
    Publication number: 20150208753
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Method of knitting a knitted component for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 9084449
    Abstract: An article of footwear incorporates a textile upper. The upper comprises a knitted component. The knitted component may be warp knitted. The knitted component has an outer side and an inner side that can have different knit configurations. The knitted component can also incorporate portions of a single layer construction and portions of a double layer construction. The double layer construction forms pockets on portions of the knitted component. Inserts can be placed into the pockets to provide support, stability, or other desired properties to the portions of the knitted component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Bhupesh Dua, Julie A. Huffman, Amy Lyttle