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).

  • Publication number: 20130018498
    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: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Publication number: 20130006407
    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: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 8295962
    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 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 8176657
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly is secured to the upper and includes a support assembly. The support assembly has a plurality of primary tubular members spaced from one another and extending laterally across at least a portion of the sole assembly. A plurality of secondary tubular members extends laterally across at least a portion of the sole assembly, with each secondary tubular member positioned between and interconnecting a pair of adjacent primary tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Schinlder, Elizabeth P. Barnes, Randall S. Wolfe, Bruce J. Kilgore
  • Patent number: 7996278
    Abstract: A method of post customization for articles of footwear is disclosed. The method includes a step of receiving an order for a plurality of pairs of footwear, a step of manufacturing the articles, a step of receiving a set of post customization designs and a step of applying post customization designs to the articles of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 7992243
    Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, Bruce J. Kilgore, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 7980007
    Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, Bruce J. Kilgore, James C. Meschter
  • Publication number: 20110172797
    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 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 7945343
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 7937854
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly including a midsole. A cavity is formed in the midsole and has a cavity wall, with a groove formed in the cavity wall. A membrane is received in the groove and extends across the cavity. An upper member is secured to an upper surface of the midsole, with a portion of the upper member extending across the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce J. Kilgore
  • Publication number: 20110004531
    Abstract: A method of post customization for articles of footwear is disclosed. The method includes a step of receiving an order for a plurality of pairs of footwear, a step of manufacturing the articles, a step of receiving a set of post customization designs and a step of applying post customization designs to the articles of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Publication number: 20110000104
    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: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Grove, Eric P. Avar, Bruce J. Kilgore, Michael R. Friton
  • Patent number: 7849609
    Abstract: Interior members for foot-receiving devices, such as bootie elements for articles of footwear, include a material element at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber. This material element may include, in some examples, a heel-surrounding portion, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, and a seamless plantar portion in a continuous, one-piece arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the material element may include a heel-surrounding portion, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, a plantar surface, and a double layer of the material element at least along an Achilles area portion. Additional aspects relate to material blanks for forming such interior members as well as to foot-receiving devices, such as athletic footwear, including such interior members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: Nike, Inc., Converse, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Edington, John Baier, Eric Swartz, Bruce J. Kilgore, Tina Casillas, Alexandre Baudouin, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta
  • Publication number: 20100275461
    Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, Bruce J. Kilgore, James C. Meschter
  • Publication number: 20100275392
    Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, Bruce J. Kilgore, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 7818217
    Abstract: A method of post customization for articles of footwear is disclosed. The method includes a step of receiving an order for a plurality of pairs of footwear, a step of manufacturing the articles, a step of receiving a set of post customization designs and a step of applying post customization designs to the articles of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Bruce J. Kilgore, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 7814682
    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: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Grove, Eric P. Avar, Bruce J. Kilgore, Michael R. Friton
  • Patent number: 7757325
    Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, Bruce J. Kilgore, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 7665229
    Abstract: Support structures for foot-receiving devices (such as midsole and/or outsole structures for articles of footwear) include one or more of the following: (a) a base member (e.g., including an impact-attenuating material); (b) a generally U-shaped moderator element engaged with the base member; (c) an edge element extending from a surface of the base member for engaging a lateral side of a foot in use; (d) an outsole member including a herringbone or zig-zag tread structure on both surfaces; and/or (e) an outsole member including a perimeter element for engaging a lateral side of a foot and/or the edge element of the base member. Such support structures may be incorporated into various foot-receiving device products, such as athletic footwear for basketball, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Converse Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Eric Avar, James Meschter, John Baier, Christopher Edington, Eric Swartz
  • Patent number: 7634861
    Abstract: An article of footwear is constructed to dynamically provide width adjustment by cooperative expansion and contraction of a longitudinal split midsole with an expansion element integrated with an outsole that allows the midsole to expand from a narrow width to a wider width. The upper of the shoe has a corresponding section that can expand to a similar degree as the midsole and outsole to enable the volume of the upper to increase proportionally to the width of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce J. Kilgore