Patents by Inventor Blake Rhulen

Blake Rhulen 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).

  • Publication number: 20220132995
    Abstract: An eyelet for an article of footwear includes an eyelet body configured to slidably couple a first string to a second string. The eyelet body defines a first arc-shaped aperture and an opposing, second arc-shaped aperture. The first arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the first string, and the second arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the second string. The eyelet may be disposed over (but not necessarily attached to) an upper of an article of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Rhulen, Carl L. Madore
  • Patent number: 11253030
    Abstract: An eyelet for an article of footwear includes an eyelet body configured to slidably couple a first string to a second string. The eyelet body defines a first arc-shaped aperture and an opposing, second arc-shaped aperture. The first arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the first string, and the second arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the second string. The eyelet may be disposed over (but not necessarily attached to) an upper of an article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Rhulen, Carl L. Madore
  • Publication number: 20190261742
    Abstract: An eyelet for an article of footwear includes an eyelet body configured to slidably couple a first string to a second string. The eyelet body defines a first arc-shaped aperture and an opposing, second arc-shaped aperture. The first arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the first string, and the second arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the second string. The eyelet may be disposed over (but not necessarily attached to) an upper of an article of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Rhulen, Carl L. Madore
  • Patent number: 10327514
    Abstract: An eyelet for an article of footwear includes an eyelet body configured to slidably couple a first string to a second string. The eyelet body defines a first arc-shaped aperture and an opposing, second arc-shaped aperture. The first arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the first string, and the second arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the second string. The eyelet may be disposed over (but not necessarily attached to) an upper of an article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Rhulen, Carl L. Madore
  • Patent number: 10285470
    Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear defines a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slope at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Erez Morag, Blake Rhulen, Daniel T. Mackey, Ty A. Ransom, Martine I. V. Mientjes
  • Publication number: 20170112233
    Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear defines a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slope at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Erez Morag, Blake Rhulen, Daniel T. Mackey, Ty A. Ransom, Martine I.V. Mientjes
  • Patent number: 9572399
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slope at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Erez Morag, Blake Rhulen, Daniel T. Mackey, Ty A. Ransom, Martine I. V. Mientjes
  • Publication number: 20160345680
    Abstract: An eyelet for an article of footwear includes an eyelet body configured to slidably couple a first string to a second string. The eyelet body defines a first arc-shaped aperture and an opposing, second arc-shaped aperture. The first arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the first string, and the second arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the second string. The eyelet may be disposed over (but not necessarily attached to) an upper of an article of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Rhulen, Carl L. Madore
  • Patent number: 9462851
    Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Blake Rhulen
  • Publication number: 20150250267
    Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Blake Rhulen
  • Patent number: 9049902
    Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Blake Rhulen
  • Patent number: 9009992
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a ball contacting member is disclosed. The ball contacting member enhances the ability of a wearer to kick a ball with a low trajectory. The ball contacting member can be attached to the article of footwear in various different ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Thomas G. Bell, Daniel W. Peter, Blake Rhulen, Morgan Stauffer
  • Publication number: 20150068064
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slope at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Erez Morag, Blake Rhulen, Daniel T. Mackey, Ty A. Ransom, Martine I.V. Mientjes
  • Patent number: 8935861
    Abstract: An article of footwear comfortably accommodating different foot sizes is disclosed. The article comprises an upper, sole and integrally formed cleat members made of a monolithic material. In addition, the article can include an integrally formed internal cushioning system. The article further includes grooves and/or perforations that assist the footwear in stretching to accommodate different foot sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Blake Rhulen, Doug D. Wilken
  • Patent number: 8881428
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slopes at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Mackey, Martine I. V. Mientjes, Erez Morag, Ty A. Ransom, Blake Rhulen
  • Patent number: 8615901
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a shock absorbing heel system is disclosed. The heel system includes a lower heel plate, a set of support members, and an upper heel plate. Also, the heel system includes a heel cover configured to hide the upper heel plate from view. The lower heel plate is associated with a cantilever portion that supports the upper heel plate laterally. As force is applied to the heel system, the support members may compress slightly and the cantilever portion may lower, absorbing energy and or shocks applied by the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Caine, Emily B. Dennison, Fred G. Fagergren, Mihwa Hong, Scott Portzline, Blake Rhulen
  • Patent number: 8387282
    Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Blake Rhulen
  • Publication number: 20120233888
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a ball contacting member is disclosed. The ball contacting member enhances the ability of a wearer to kick a ball with a low trajectory. The ball contacting member can be attached to the article of footwear in various different ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Thomas G. Bell, Daniel W. Peter, Blake Rhulen, Morgan Stauffer
  • Publication number: 20120055041
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slopes at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Mackey, Martine I.V. Mientjes, Erez Morag, Ty A. Ransom, Blake Rhulen
  • Publication number: 20110258876
    Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Blake Rhulen