Patents by Inventor James Molyneux

James Molyneux 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: 20250109532
    Abstract: A knitted component may include a first area, where the first area includes a plurality of knit loops comprising a first yarn. The knitted component may also include a second yarn at least partially inlaid within the first area of the knitted component such that the second yarn extends between at least a first loop and a second loop of the plurality of knit loops. The second yarn may have a foamable material comprising a blowing agent and a thermoplastic polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2024
    Publication date: April 3, 2025
    Inventors: Austin Baranek, Katharine Fraser, Stephen J. Hipp, James Molyneux, Kristen E. Orme, Margaret P. St. Clair, Yang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20250072563
    Abstract: Bladders for footwear uppers, footwear uppers including the bladders, articles of footwear including the bladders, and/or methods of making and using such bladders are described. At least one bladder chamber is provided in the instep and/or tongue area of the upper/article of footwear. In some examples, force applied to the instep based bladder chamber(s) moves fluid to one or more additional bladder chambers located in the arch and/or midfoot areas of the upper/article of footwear, and/or other areas of the wearer's foot. This movement of fluid increases fluid pressure and/or volume in the arch, midfoot, and/or other areas of the wearer's foot to provide additional support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Patrick R. Case, Yoon Jeong Choi, James Molyneux, Colin Runkle, Bryan K. Youngs
  • Patent number: 12232566
    Abstract: Footwear uppers and articles of footwear including such uppers include: (a) a first lateral lace-engaging component; (b) a first medial lace-engaging component; and (c) a bladder. The bladder includes: (i) a tongue and/or instep chamber having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, (ii) a first heel and/or ankle support chamber, and (iii) a first fluid line placing the first heel and/or ankle support chamber in fluid communication with the tongue and/or instep chamber. A lace engages the first lateral lace-engaging component and the first medial lace-engaging component such that a first portion of the lace extends across the first surface. The lace may apply a force to the tongue and/or instep chamber, and this force may move fluid from the tongue and/or instep chamber to the first heel and/or ankle support chamber to provide additional support for the heel and/or ankle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick R. Case, Yoon Jeong Choi, James Molyneux, Colin Runkle, Bryan K. Youngs
  • Publication number: 20250057287
    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: November 5, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20250057288
    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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 12224053
    Abstract: An athletic parameter measurement device worn by an athlete during an athletic activity session includes a housing which attaches to the athlete, a display, a processor associated with the display, and an athletic parameter measurement sensor. During the athletic activity, the device detects, using the sensor, a vertical jump height of the athlete, and displays, during the performance of the athletic activity session, a representation of the vertical jump height on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Meschter, James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20250040658
    Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The system and process described herein allows the bladder pressure to be iteratively increased toward and decreased toward the target pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20250040657
    Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The system and process described herein allows the bladder pressure to be iteratively increased toward and decreased toward the target pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 12180625
    Abstract: A knitted component may include a first area, where the first area includes a plurality of knit loops comprising a first yarn. The knitted component may also include a second yarn at least partially inlaid within the first area of the knitted component such that the second yarn extends between at least a first loop and a second loop of the plurality of knit loops. The second yarn may have a foamable material comprising a blowing agent and a thermoplastic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Baranek, Katharine Fraser, Stephen J. Hipp, James Molyneux, Kristen E. Orme, Margaret P. St. Clair, Yang Zhao
  • Patent number: 12178287
    Abstract: Bladders for footwear uppers, footwear uppers including the bladders, articles of footwear including the bladders, and/or methods of making and using such bladders are described. At least one bladder chamber is provided in the instep and/or tongue area of the upper/article of footwear. In some examples, force applied to the instep based bladder chamber(s) moves fluid to one or more additional bladder chambers located in the arch and/or midfoot areas of the upper/article of footwear, and/or other areas of the wearer's foot. This movement of fluid increases fluid pressure and/or volume in the arch, midfoot, and/or other areas of the wearer's foot to provide additional support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick R. Case, Yoon Jeong Choi, James Molyneux, Colin Runkle, Bryan K. Youngs
  • Patent number: 12170138
    Abstract: An athletic parameter measurement device worn by an athlete during an athletic activity session includes a housing which attaches to the athlete, a display, a processor associated with the display, and an athletic parameter measurement sensor. During the athletic activity, the device detects, using the sensor, a vertical jump height of the athlete, and displays, during the performance of the athletic activity session, a representation of the vertical jump height on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Meschter, James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20240407501
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper having an extended portion. The extended portion extends from a first side of the upper. The extended portion may pass below the upper of the article of footwear to the second side. The extended portion may be secured in multiple positions to adjust the fit of an article of footwear. The extended portion may incorporate a tensile element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Adrian Meir, James Molyneux
  • Patent number: 12161186
    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: November 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 12150517
    Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The system and process described herein allows the bladder pressure to be iteratively increased toward and decreased toward the target pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20240358119
    Abstract: Footwear uppers include a footwear upper base formed from one or more component parts and including: (i) an instep region including at least one of a tongue base region or instep base region and (ii) a heel-containing region. A bladder is engaged with the footwear upper. The bladder includes: (i) at least a first instep chamber engaged with the instep region, (ii) at least a first heel and/or ankle support chamber engaged with the heel-containing region, and (iii) a first fluid line connecting the first instep chamber and the first heel and/or ankle support chamber and placing the first instep chamber in fluid communication with the first heel and/or ankle support chamber. Fluid moving from the first instep chamber to the first heel and/or ankle support chamber (e.g., under force applied by a footwear securing strap) provides further support for the wearer's heel and/or ankle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Patrick R. Case, Yoon Jeong Choi, James Molyneux, Colin Runkle, Bryan K. Youngs
  • Patent number: 12115747
    Abstract: Processes and systems for thermoforming articles of wear are disclosed. The process can include utilizing a negative pressure generation system to seal an article in a forming material thereby compressing the forming material onto the outer surface of the article. The process can also include exposing the sealed article to an increased temperature followed by exposure to a decrease temperature, while maintaining the compressive force of the forming material on the outer surface of the article. A positive pressure can also be applied to the sealed article while undergoing the heating and/or cooling steps, which can facilitate the removal of bubbles from the article during thermoforming as well as apply additional compressive force to the outer surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Sergio Cavaliere, Meng-Chun Hu, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, I-Hsien Tseng, Mirko Bianconi, Frederico Zecchetto
  • Publication number: 20240292923
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Martine Stillman, Joseph B. Horrell, Jonathan B. Knight, Dane R. Weitmann, Jeffrey J. Hebert
  • Patent number: 12075883
    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: October 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 12075885
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper having an extended portion. The extended portion extends from a first side of the upper. The extended portion may pass below the upper of the article of footwear to the second side. The extended portion may be secured in multiple positions to adjust the fit of an article of footwear. The extended portion may incorporate a tensile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Meir, James Molyneux
  • Publication number: 20240277102
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include a knitted component that at least partially forms an upper. The knitted component may include a first knit layer and a second knit layer, the first knit layer being separable from the second knit layer such that a pocket is located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. A cable may be located at least partially within the channel. A cable guide may additionally be located at least partially within the channel, where the cable guide includes at least one curved surface for contacting the cable. The cable may extend around the at least one curved surface such that the cable changes directions within the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Adrian Meir, James Molyneux