Patents by Inventor Eric P. Avar
Eric P. Avar 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).
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Patent number: 12376653Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including an actuator assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, an actuator assembly can include an actuator frame with a plurality of integrated actuators. The actuator frame is adapted to interconnect elements of the actuator assembly, the actuator frame including a width, a length, and a thickness where the width and length form an exterior surface and an interior surface separated by the thickness. The plurality of actuators are integrated into the actuator frame, each actuator of the plurality of actuators including an actuator head extending from the exterior surface and a button interface extending from the backside of the actuator head through the interior surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2023Date of Patent: August 5, 2025Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Narissa Chang, Fanny Yung Ho
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Patent number: 12329244Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine are discussed. In this example, the lace guide is deformable to assist in facilitating automated lace tightening. The lace guide can include a middle section, a first extension and a second extension. In this example, the lace guide can be configured to define a first route for a lace cable, the first route including receiving the lace cable along the first incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable along the first outgoing lace axis. In this example, the lace guide can also deflect, in response to tension on the lace cable, resulting in defining a second route for the lace cable, the second route including receiving the lace cable along a second incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable along a second outgoing lace axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2022Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Summer L. Schneider, Narissa Chang, Daniel A. Johnson, Peter R. Savage, Travis J. Berrian, Fanny Yung Ho, Eric P. Avar, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Katelyn Ricciardi
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Publication number: 20250143407Abstract: An article of footwear can include an upper and a sole member coupled to the upper, where the sole member comprises a plurality of spaced apart apertures extending through the sole member. The article of footwear can further include a plurality of individual sensory nodes, where each sensory node has a first end coupled directly to the upper and an opposite, second end configured to engage with a ground surface. Each sensory node is configured to translate freely within a respective aperture of the sole member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2024Publication date: May 8, 2025Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Gi Woong Bak, Michael Berger, John T. Brenteson, Stephanie Cacioppo, Murphy Patrick Carroll, Kara Gapon, Kevin W. Hoffer, Sean Lu, Todd W. Miller, Benjamin Monfils, Oluwatimilehin Oshinowo, Christopher J Page, Bryan K. Youngs, Ki Jong Byun, Han Oul Kim, Yeongon Kim, DongJun Lee, Jaemoon Park, Sang Cherl Park, Jong Chul Seo
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Patent number: 12256806Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including an actuator assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, an Lacing architectures for automated footwear assemblies are discussed. In an example, a footwear assembly can include a floating tongue within an upper assembly. The lacing architecture can include a first plurality or lace guides forming a first lacing zone and a second plurality of lace guides forming a second lacing zone. The lacing architecture can also include a tongue lace guide assembly secure to a proximal portion of the floating tongue.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2023Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Fanny Yung Ho, Daniel A. Johnson, Peter R. Savage, Summer L. Schneider
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Patent number: 12225971Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with multiple components. The sole structure includes a midsole member, an outsole member and an exterior support member. The midsole member and the outsole member have corresponding grooves. The exterior support member provides reinforcement for the midsole member. The outsole member includes a plurality of bristle members.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Nadia M. Panian, Jeffrey C. Spanks
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Patent number: 12161197Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine are discussed. In this example, the footwear assembly can include a footwear upper and a lace cable running through a plurality of lace guides. The plurality of lace guides can be distributed along the medial side and the lateral side, and each lace guide of the plurality of lace guides can be adapted to receive a length of the lace cable. The lace cable can extend through each of the plurality of lace guides to form a pattern along each of the medial side and lateral side of the footwear upper. The footwear assembly can also include a medial proximal lace guide routing the lace cable into a lacing engine disposed within a mid-sole portion. Finally, the footwear assembly includes a lateral proximal lace guide to route the lace cable out of the lacing engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2022Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Summer L. Schneider, Narissa Chang, Daniel A. Johnson, Peter R. Savage, Travis J. Berrian, Fanny Yung Ho, Eric P. Avar, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Katelyn Ricciardi
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Publication number: 20240251912Abstract: A footwear assembly can comprise, an upper, a lace cable, a plurality of lace guides and a tensioner. The tensioner can comprise an elastic member extending between two lace guides of the plurality of lace guides, an elastic member extending between first and second portions of the upper, an elastic member extending between a portion of the upper and a lace guide of the plurality of lace guides, a heel channel connected to a heel portion of the upper and configured to facilitate access to an interior space, an elastic member coupled to the footwear assembly that functions to smooth out a torque versus lace displacement curve during tightening of the lace cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2024Publication date: August 1, 2024Inventors: Summer L. Schneider, Narissa Chang, Eric P. Avar, Thomas G. Bell, Christopher Andon
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Patent number: 12022915Abstract: A footwear assembly can comprise, an upper, a lace cable, a plurality of lace guides and a tensioner. The tensioner can comprise a tensioning member secured to a side of the upper proximate a toe box and the lace cable, and a floating overlay attached to a side of the upper proximate a toe box and the lace cable. The tensioning members can comprise an elastic member. The tensioning members can be configured to provide a stiff lockout zone and an elastic stretch zone.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Summer L Schneider, Narissa Chang, Eric P. Avar, Thomas G. Bell, Christopher Andon
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Patent number: 12004600Abstract: A footwear assembly can comprise, an upper, a lace cable, a plurality of lace guides and a tensioner. The tensioner can comprise an elastic member extending between two lace guides of the plurality of lace guides, an elastic member extending between first and second portions of the upper, an elastic member extending between a portion of the upper and a lace guide of the plurality of lace guides, a heel channel connected to a heel portion of the upper and configured to facilitate access to an interior space, an elastic member coupled to the footwear assembly that functions to smooth out a torque versus lace displacement curve during tightening of the lace cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Summer L Schneider, Narissa Chang, Eric P. Avar, Thomas G. Bell, Christopher Andon
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Publication number: 20240164488Abstract: An article of footwear and method of manufacturing includes a midsole, an upper, secured with respect to the midsole, forming an opening to admit a foot of a wearer, the opening being adjustable between a first segment of the upper and a second segment of the upper to secure the article of footwear to the foot of the wearer, and a slidable securing device. The slidable securing device is coupled between the first segment and the second segment of the upper, configured to slide along a length of track and secure the first and second segments together. A motorized lacing system engages with a lace to increase and decrease tension on the lace. The lace is secured to the slidable securing device, and when tension is placed on the lace, the lace causes the slidable securing device to slide along the track and secure the first and second segments together.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2024Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Summer L. Schneider
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Patent number: 11896081Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with multiple components. The sole structure includes a midsole member, an outsole member and an exterior support member. The midsole member and the outsole member have corresponding grooves. The exterior support member provides reinforcement for the midsole member. The outsole member includes a plurality of bristle members.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Nadia M. Panian, Jeffrey C. Spanks
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Publication number: 20240041163Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including an actuator assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, an actuator assembly can include an actuator frame with a plurality of integrated actuators. The actuator frame is adapted to interconnect elements of the actuator assembly, the actuator frame including a width, a length, and a thickness where the width and length form an exterior surface and an interior surface separated by the thickness. The plurality of actuators are integrated into the actuator frame, each actuator of the plurality of actuators including an actuator head extending from the exterior surface and a button interface extending from the backside of the actuator head through the interior surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Narissa Chang, Fanny Yung Ho
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Patent number: 11882904Abstract: An article of footwear and method of manufacturing includes a midsole, an upper, secured with respect to the midsole, forming an opening to admit a foot of a wearer, the opening being adjustable between a first segment of the upper and a second segment of the upper to secure the article of footwear to the foot of the wearer, and a slidable securing device. The slidable securing device is coupled between the first segment and the second segment of the upper, configured to slide along a length of track and secure the first and second segments together. A motorized lacing system engages with a lace to increase and decrease tension on the lace. The lace is secured to the slidable securing device, and when tension is placed on the lace, the lace causes the slidable securing device to slide along the track and secure the first and second segments together.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Summer L. Schneider
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Publication number: 20230413946Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with multiple components. The sole structure includes a midsole member, an outsole member and an exterior support member. The midsole member and the outsole member have corresponding grooves. The exterior support member provides reinforcement for the midsole member. The outsole member includes a plurality of bristle members.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Nadia M. Panian, Jeffrey C. Spanks
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Patent number: 11793276Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including an actuator assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, an actuator assembly can include an actuator frame with a plurality of integrated actuators. The actuator frame is adapted to interconnect elements of the actuator assembly, the actuator frame including a width, a length, and a thickness where the width and length form an exterior surface and an interior surface separated by the thickness. The plurality of actuators are integrated into the actuator frame, each actuator of the plurality of actuators including an actuator head extending from the exterior surface and a button interface extending from the backside of the actuator head through the interior surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Narissa Chang, Fanny Yung Ho
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Publication number: 20230157415Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including an actuator assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, an Lacing architectures for automated footwear assemblies are discussed. In an example, a footwear assembly can include a floating tongue within an upper assembly. The lacing architecture can include a first plurality or lace guides forming a first lacing zone and a second plurality of lace guides forming a second lacing zone. The lacing architecture can also include a tongue lace guide assembly secure to a proximal portion of the floating tongue.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2023Publication date: May 25, 2023Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Fanny Yung Ho, Daniel A. Johnson, Peter R. Savage, Summer L. Schneider
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Patent number: 11647812Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure. The article of footwear further includes a first member that extends away from the sole structure. The first member at least partially defines a medial side and a lateral side of the article of footwear. Moreover, the second member has a body, a first support arm, and a second support arm. The body is attached to the first member such that the first member and the body cooperate to define a void that is configured to receive a foot. The body is also attached to the sole structure. The first support arm is attached to the first member on the medial side, and the second support arm is attached to the first member on the lateral side.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar
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Publication number: 20230045316Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including an actuator assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, an actuator assembly can include an actuator frame with a plurality of integrated actuators. The actuator frame is adapted to interconnect elements of the actuator assembly, the actuator frame including a width, a length, and a thickness where the width and length form an exterior surface and an interior surface separated by the thickness. The plurality of actuators are integrated into the actuator frame, each actuator of the plurality of actuators including an actuator head extending from the exterior surface and a button interface extending from the backside of the actuator head through the interior surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Narissa Chang, Fanny Yung Ho
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Patent number: 11571043Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including an actuator assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, an Lacing architectures for automated footwear assemblies are discussed. In an example, a footwear assembly can include a floating tongue within an upper assembly. The lacing architecture can include a first plurality or lace guides forming a first lacing zone and a second plurality of lace guides forming a second lacing zone. The lacing architecture can also include a tongue lace guide assembly secure to a proximal portion of the floating tongue.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Fanny Yung Ho, Daniel A. Johnson, Peter R. Savage, Summer L. Schneider
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Publication number: 20230020593Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine are discussed. In this example, the lace guide is deformable to assist in facilitating automated lace tightening. The lace guide can include a middle section, a first extension and a second extension. In this example, the lace guide can be configured to define a first route for a lace cable, the first route including receiving the lace cable along the first incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable along the first outgoing lace axis. In this example, the lace guide can also deflect, in response to tension on the lace cable, resulting in defining a second route for the lace cable, the second route including receiving the lace cable along a second incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable along a second outgoing lace axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Summer L. Schneider, Narissa Chang, Daniel A. Johnson, Peter R. Savage, Travis J. Berrian, Fanny Yung Ho, Eric P. Avar, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Katelyn Ricciardi