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 manufacturing a knitted component
    Patent number: 9060570
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a variety of other products may incorporate 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Huffa, Bhupesh Dua
  • Article of footwear having an upper incorporating a knitted component
    Patent number: 9027260
    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 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Textured Elements Incorporating Non-Woven Textile Materials And Methods For Manufacturing The Textured Elements
    Publication number: 20150123305
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a textured element may include (a) collecting a plurality of filaments upon a textured surface to form a non-woven textile and (b) separating the non-woven textile from the textured surface. Another method of manufacturing a textured element may include depositing a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments upon a first surface of a polymer layer to (a) form a non-woven textile and (b) bond the filaments to the polymer layer. A textured surface may then be separated from a second surface of the polymer layer, the second surface being opposite the first surface, and the second surface having a texture from the textured surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Carrie L. Davis, Bhupesh Dua, James A. Niegowski
  • Article of footwear having a flat knit upper construction or other upper construction
    Patent number: 8959800
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Bhupesh Dua, Edward N. Thomas
  • Method of Manufacturing An Article of Footwear Having a Textile Upper
    Publication number: 20150013080
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear is disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with flat-knit edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Edward N. Thomas, Bhupesh Dua
  • Textured elements incorporating non-woven textile materials and methods for manufacturing the textured elements
    Patent number: 8906275
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a textured element may include (a) collecting a plurality of filaments upon a textured surface to form a non-woven textile and (b) separating the non-woven textile from the textured surface. Another method of manufacturing a textured element may include depositing a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments upon a first surface of a polymer layer to (a) form a non-woven textile and (b) bond the filaments to the polymer layer. A textured surface may then be separated from a second surface of the polymer layer, the second surface being opposite the first surface, and the second surface having a texture from the textured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrie L. Davis, Bhupesh Dua, James A. Niegowski
  • Method of Manufacturing An Article of Footwear Having A Knit Upper With A Polymer Layer
    Publication number: 20140352082
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Method of Knitting a Knitted Component for an Article of Footwear
    Publication number: 20140352179
    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: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Bhupesh Dua, Julie A. Huffman, Amy Lyttle
  • METHOD OF KNITTING A KNITTED COMPONENT FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20140352173
    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: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Bhupesh Dua, Julie Huffman, Amy Lyttle
  • Article of Footwear Having a Flat Knit Upper Construction or Other Upper Construction
    Publication number: 20140310987
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Bhupesh Dua, Edward N. Thomas
  • Layered thermoplastic non-woven textile elements
    Patent number: 8850719
    Abstract: A layered non-woven textile may be incorporated into various products, including apparel. The layered non-woven textile may be formed from a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is formed from a plurality of first filaments that include a first thermoplastic polymer material with a first melting temperature. The second layer is located adjacent to the first layer and secured to the first layer. The second layer is formed from plurality of second filaments that include a second thermoplastic polymer material with a second melting temperature. The first melting temperature is lower than the second melting temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen A. Hawkinson, Bhupesh Dua
  • Multiple layer weaving
    Patent number: 8839824
    Abstract: A weaving apparatus is provided herein for simultaneously weaving fine denier panels and coarse denier panels. The weaving apparatus includes a first warp beam that holds in tension a first number of small denier warp threads and a second warp beam that holds in tension a second number of large denier warp threads. The first number of small denier warp threads is greater than the second number of large denier warp threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bhupesh Dua
  • Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component
    Patent number: 8839532
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Huffa, Bhupesh Dua, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Article of Footwear Having An Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component
    Publication number: 20140245639
    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: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Method Of Manufacturing A Knitted Component
    Publication number: 20140245544
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a variety of other products may incorporate 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Huffa, Bhupesh Dua
  • Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component
    Publication number: 20140245643
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Huffa, Bhupesh Dua, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Article of Footwear Having An Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component
    Publication number: 20140230277
    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 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Article of footwear having a knit upper with a polymer layer
    Patent number: 8800172
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Weaving finishing device
    Patent number: 8800606
    Abstract: A dynamic finishing device that is able to finish one side of a product independently of a second side of the product while the product is being woven is provided. The sides may be finished in a non-linear fashion by the dynamic finishing device. Additionally, one or more finishing devices can be dynamically positioned in an interior portion of the woven product as it is being woven. Once positioned, the finishing devices may create apertures, pockets, and/or tunnels in the woven product and finish the edges of these creations. Finishing in the interior portions of the woven product occurs in the direction of the warp and in the direction of the weft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bhupesh Dua
  • Methods Of Joining Textiles And Other Elements Incorporating A Thermoplastic Polymer Material
    Publication number: 20140209233
    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: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Carrie L. Davis