Patents by Inventor Bruce J. Kilgore

Bruce J. Kilgore 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).

  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH ROD SUPPORT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170127752
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole with a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion. The sole has a ground-facing side and a foot-facing side opposite the ground-facing side. The article of footwear includes a support system that has one or more rods spaced from the sole and extending longitudinally from the forefoot portion to the heel portion on the foot-facing side. The rod is operatively connected to the sole at the forefoot portion and at the heel portion. A sling is suspended from the rod over the midfoot portion. The rod bends when the sole is flexed to thereby lift the sling away from the sole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Paul J. Francis
  • Article of footwear with rod support system
    Patent number: 9615624
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole with a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion. The sole has a ground-facing side and a foot-facing side opposite the ground-facing side. The article of footwear includes a support system that has one or more rods spaced from the sole and extending longitudinally from the forefoot portion to the heel portion on the foot-facing side. The rod is operatively connected to the sole at the forefoot portion and at the heel portion. A sling is suspended from the rod over the midfoot portion. The rod bends when the sole is flexed to thereby lift the sling away from the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Paul J. Francis
  • Sole structure configured to allow relative heel/forefoot motion
    Patent number: 9615627
    Abstract: Shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such structures, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe (e.g., by a strap system) in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In other structures, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component, and this heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Other suitable shoe and shoe component structures also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Nurse, Bruce J. Kilgore, Gregory R. Leedy, Jennifer L. Bishop, John Hurd
  • SOLE STRUCTURE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH EXTENDED PLATE
    Publication number: 20170071286
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with an extension portion that maintains contact with the ground during a forward stride, extending the time period for deceleration of loads applied to the sole structure. The article of footwear comprises an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a forefoot region with a foremost extent. The sole structure has a forefoot portion underlying the forefoot region, and an extension portion extending forward from the forefoot portion. The extension portion extends forward of the foremost extent of the upper from a forward edge of the forefoot portion to a distal end. A top side of the extension portion is spaced apart from the upper between the forward edge and the distal end. The extension portion establishes a propulsion surface beyond the foremost extent of the upper during a forward stride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Paul J. Francis, Kevin W. Hoffer, Shane S. Kohatsu, Aaron K. Seid, Jeffrey C. Spanks, Andrea M. Vinet, George A. Xanthos
  • Footwear With Separable Upper and Sole Structure
    Publication number: 20170071281
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: James A. Grove, Eric P. Avar, Bruce J. Kilgore, Michael R. Friton
  • Sole structure for an article of footwear with extended plate
    Patent number: 9532623
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a plate with an extension portion that enables traction and durability functions to be achieved while providing a greater surface area for forward propulsion. Specifically, a sole structure for an article of footwear has a plate with a heel portion, a midfoot portion, a forefoot portion, and an extension portion. The heel portion, the midfoot portion, and the forefoot portion correspond with a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region, respectively, of the article of footwear. The extension portion of the plate extends from the forefoot portion forward to a distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Paul J. Francis, Shane S. Kohatsu, Andrea M. Vinet
  • Footwear with separable upper and sole structure
    Patent number: 9521875
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Grove, Eric P. Avar, Bruce J. Kilgore, Michael R. Friton
  • Methods and Systems of Making an Article of Footwear
    Publication number: 20160225052
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH ROD SUPPORT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160143390
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole with a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion. The sole has a ground-facing side and a foot-facing side opposite the ground-facing side. The article of footwear includes a support system that has one or more rods spaced from the sole and extending longitudinally from the forefoot portion to the heel portion on the foot-facing side. The rod is operatively connected to the sole at the forefoot portion and at the heel portion. A sling is suspended from the rod over the midfoot portion. The rod bends when the sole is flexed to thereby lift the sling away from the sole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Paul J. Francis
  • Method of making an article of footwear
    Patent number: 9332809
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Method of making an article of footwear
    Patent number: 9282788
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • COMPONENTS FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR INCLUDING LIGHTWEIGHT, SELECTIVELY SUPPORTED TEXTILE COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20160058126
    Abstract: Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Methods are provided for making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: James C. Meschter, Bruce J. Kilgore
  • Method of Making an Article of Footwear
    Publication number: 20150320146
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • SOLE STRUCTURE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH EXTENDED PLATE
    Publication number: 20150223561
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a plate with an extension portion that enables traction and durability functions to be achieved while providing a greater surface area for forward propulsion. Specifically, a sole structure for an article of footwear has a plate with a heel portion, a midfoot portion, a forefoot portion, and an extension portion. The heel portion, the midfoot portion, and the forefoot portion correspond with a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region, respectively, of the article of footwear. The extension portion of the plate extends from the forefoot portion forward to a distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Paul J. Francis, Shane S. Kohatsu, Andrea M. Vinet
  • FOOTWEAR WITH SEPARABLE UPPER AND SOLE STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20140317960
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: James A. Grove, Eric P. Avar, Bruce J. Kilgore, Michael R. Friton
  • Method of Making an Article of Footwear
    Publication number: 20140289976
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Footwear with separable upper and sole structure
    Patent number: 8813387
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Grove, Eric P. Avar, Bruce J. Kilgore, Michael R. Friton
  • Footwear including replaceable outsole members
    Patent number: 8789253
    Abstract: Footwear including removable and replaceable outsole members may include: (a) an upper member; (b) a midsole member, having an exterior surface not designed for performance use in direct contact with the ground, fixedly engaged with the upper member; and (c) an outsole member designed for performance use in contact with the ground removably attached over at least a major portion of the midsole member. The outsole member may attach to the midsole member and/or upper member in a variety of different ways. In use, the wearer may select a specific set of outsole members to use at a given time depending, for example, on the type of play surface, temperature, and/or other conditions. Worn outsole members may be replaced without the expense involved in also replacing the remainder of the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Thomas Berend, Anthony Carl Dean, Anthony P. Daversa, Lawrence P. Eisenbach
  • System for designing a customized article of footwear
    Patent number: 8731696
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Method of making an article of footwear
    Patent number: 8612039
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter