Patents by Inventor Elizabeth Langvin

Elizabeth Langvin 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 auxetic sole assembly for proprioception
    Patent number: 10405605
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a sole structure including an auxetic sole assembly are described. The auxetic sole assembly includes an auxetic layer and a base layer. The auxetic layer is made of an auxetic material and includes a plurality of apertures. Portions of the base layer are disposed within the apertures of the auxetic layer. Upon the application of force, portions of the base layer extend upwards through the apertures of the auxetic layer to form a plurality of protuberances. The plurality of protuberances can be used for proprioception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • Article of Footwear With An Adaptive Fluid System
    Publication number: 20190269201
    Abstract: An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds
  • Footwear having auxetic structures with controlled properties
    Patent number: 10383392
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole incorporating an auxetic structure. The article of footwear further includes a strobel that may be placed along the auxetic structure of the sole. The strobel may restrict the motion of the auxetic structure in particular locations. The strobel may be used to provide rigidity and support in the area of the strobel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Elizabeth Langvin
  • DUAL LAYER SOLE SYSTEM WITH AUXETIC STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20190150556
    Abstract: A sole structure including a first layer and a second layer is disclosed. The first layer includes a set of apertures arranged in an auxetic configuration that permits the first layer to exhibit a first auxetic behavior. The second layer includes a set of projections arranged in an auxetic configuration that permits the second layer to exhibit a second auxetic behavior. The first layer and the second layer may be joined together in a manner that allows the first auxetic behavior to occur independently of the second auxetic behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Elizabeth Langvin
  • Adjustable multi-bladder system for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 10278449
    Abstract: An adjustable multiple bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member is disposed within the outer bladder and divides the outer bladder into two distinct inflation chambers. The inflation chambers may be inflated separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, Aaron B. Weast
  • Article of footwear with an adaptive fluid system
    Patent number: 10258105
    Abstract: An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds
  • SOLE SYSTEM HAVING MOVABLE PROTRUDING MEMBERS
    Publication number: 20190090584
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a sole system includes a sole member and a protruding member assembly. The sole system provides tactile sensation. Protruding members of the protruding member assembly can translate through holes in the sole member to facilitate tactile sensation. Some embodiments can include an inner member that is configured to accommodate the movement of a protruding member. Other embodiments can include a plurality of recessed portions or nub portions formed along an outwardly facing surface of the sole member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter, Tetsuya T. Minami, Jeff Rasmussen
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH ADAPTIVE FIT
    Publication number: 20190075885
    Abstract: A sole includes an outer sole assembly including a plurality of outer sole members spaced apart from each other by a plurality of gaps. In addition, the sole includes a middle sole assembly defining a plurality of grooves, and an intermediate layer comprising an elastomer. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer sole assembly and the middle sole assembly. The intermediate layer connects the middle sole assembly to the outer sole assembly. The intermediate layer is more elastic than each of the plurality of outer sole members. The intermediate layer is more elastic than the middle sole assembly. At least one of the gaps is vertically aligned with one of the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, Tetsuya T. Minami
  • Dual layer sole system with auxetic structure
    Patent number: 10206454
    Abstract: An article with a sole structure including a first layer and a second layer are disclosed. The first layer includes a set of apertures arranged in an auxetic configuration that permit the first layer to exhibit a first auxetic behavior. The second layer includes a set of projections arranged in an auxetic configuration that permit the second layer to exhibit a second auxetic behavior. The first layer and the second layer may be joined together in a manner that allows the first auxetic behavior to occur independently of the second auxetic behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Elizabeth Langvin
  • Adjustable bladder system with external valve for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 10172419
    Abstract: An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member may be disposed externally to the outer bladder. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed within the outer bladder to control deformation of the outer bladder during compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Gishifu, Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, John F. Swigart
  • Sole system having protruding members
    Patent number: 10172417
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a sole system includes a sole member and a protruding member assembly. The sole system provides tactile sensation. Protruding members of the protruding member assembly can translate through holes in the sole member to facilitate tactile sensation. Some embodiments can include an inner member that is configured to accommodate the movement of a protruding member. Other embodiments can include a plurality of recessed portions or nub portions formed along an outwardly facing surface of the sole member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter, Tetsuya T. Minami, Jeff Rasmussen
  • Article of footwear with adaptive fit
    Patent number: 10165825
    Abstract: A sole includes an outer sole assembly including a plurality of outer sole members spaced apart from each other by a plurality of gaps. In addition, the sole includes a middle sole assembly defining a plurality of grooves, and an intermediate layer comprising an elastomer. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer sole assembly and the middle sole assembly. The intermediate layer connects the middle sole assembly to the outer sole assembly. The intermediate layer is more elastic than each of the plurality of outer sole members. The intermediate layer is more elastic than the middle sole assembly. At least one of the gaps is vertically aligned with one of the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, Tetsuya T. Minami
  • AUXETIC SOLE WITH UPPER CABLING
    Publication number: 20180360163
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes a base layer and one or more tensile strands. The sole structure includes an auxetic element operable to expand in two orthogonal horizontal directions in response to a tension applied in one of the directions. Each tensile strand has at least one end secured in fixed position relative to a peripheral region of the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, Tory M. Cross, Bryant Russell Klug, Timothy K. Liles, Robert Mervar, Olivier Henrichot
  • PRE-TENSIONED ARTICLE AND METHOD OF MAKING
    Publication number: 20180352893
    Abstract: A pre-tensioned article and method of making an article of footwear involving pre-tensioning a sole structure during manufacturing. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a plurality of apertures that provide an auxetic effect. In further embodiments, the upper may also be pre-tensioned in a similar manner as the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH AUXETIC SOLE STRUCTURE THAT INCLUDES AGGREGATE
    Publication number: 20180338573
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure with an auxetic structure. The auxetic structure includes an aperture. The sole structure also includes an aggregate that is received in the aperture. The auxetic structure is resiliently deformable between a neutral position and a deformed position. The auxetic structure can move auxetically between the neutral position and the deformed position. The aperture deforms as the auxetic structure moves between the neutral position and the deformed position. The aggregate includes a plurality of particles that support the foot as the auxetic structure deforms between the neutral position and the deformed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • AUXETIC STRUCTURES AND FOOTWEAR WITH SOLES HAVING AUXETIC STRUCTURES
    Publication number: 20180338569
    Abstract: A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the direction orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of apertures to provide the auxetic structure. The apertures are surrounded by sole portions that can rotate or pivot to change the size of the apertures. An outer covering can be mated with an outsole structure formed by the auxetic structure. The outer covering includes features that mate with the apertures in the outsole structure. The outer covering is elastic and can stretch to accommodate expansion of the auxetic structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Kevin W. Hoffer, David P. Jones, Patrick B. Kirschner, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH AUXETIC SOLE STRUCTURE HAVING A FILLED AUXETIC APERTURE
    Publication number: 20180338571
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure with an auxetic structure and a filler. The auxetic structure includes an aperture. The filler is received in the aperture. The auxetic structure is configured to deform auxetically. The sole structure is configured to deform between a neutral position and a deformed position. The aperture is configured to deform as the sole structure deforms between the neutral and deformed positions. The auxetic structure includes a first material and the filler includes a second material. The second material is softer than the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH AUXETIC SOLE ASSEMBLY FOR PROPRIOCEPTION
    Publication number: 20180338574
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a sole structure including an auxetic sole assembly are described. The auxetic sole assembly includes an auxetic layer and a base layer. The auxetic layer is made of an auxetic material and includes a plurality of apertures. Portions of the base layer are disposed within the apertures of the auxetic layer. Upon the application of force, portions of the base layer extend upwards through the apertures of the auxetic layer to form a plurality of protuberances. The plurality of protuberances can be used for proprioception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • FOOTWEAR WITH SOLES HAVING AUXETIC STRUCTURES
    Publication number: 20180338572
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear can include provisions for providing auxetic behavior in the sole structure. The sole structure can comprise multiple layers that may each have different types of auxetic material. The outsole can include at least one auxetic portion joined to one non-auxetic portion. Similarly, the midsole can include at least one auxetic portion joined to one non-auxetic portion. Apertures formed in the auxetic portions of the outsole can extend through at least part of the midsole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • Adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 10123587
    Abstract: An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed internally to the outer bladder to provide enhanced support. A valve member may also be disposed internally to the outer bladder. The valve member can include a contoured edge to provide a contoured shape for the outer bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Gishifu, Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, John F. Swigart