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).

  • Patent number: 8857076
    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: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8844165
    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: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Gishifu, Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, John F. Swigart
  • Publication number: 20140259786
    Abstract: A foot support structure for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device may include a first foot support portion disposed in a first orientation and a second foot support portion disposed in a second orientation different than the first orientation. A twist portion may extend continuously from the first foot support portion to the second foot support portion and twist from the first orientation to the second orientation A common face of the foot support member may extend over at least part of the first foot support portion, at least part of the second foot support portion and the twist portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua P. Heard, Alexandre Baudouin, Robert M. Bruce, John Hurd, James Molyneux
  • Patent number: 8831407
    Abstract: Activity metrics may be recorded with granularity to allow a user to view performance information specific to particular times of an activity session. Accordingly, in one example, activity metrics may be detected and recorded for a minimum time unit that may be automatically defined or defined by a user. The metrics may then be conveyed to a user through a display or through audible content. Users may be able to select portions of the activity session to store based on the granular performance information. Content files such as audio or video or athletic performance data files may be cropped based on the selected portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Meschter, James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20140245635
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Woodman, Doug D. Wilken, Tetsuya T. Minami, James Molyneux
  • Publication number: 20140245547
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Baudouin, James Molyneux
  • Publication number: 20140245638
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Seamarks, Phil Woodman, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Erin E. Toraya, Simon J. Baines, Alexandre Baudouin, James Molyneux
  • Publication number: 20140245640
    Abstract: Foot-supporting elements for articles of footwear or other products may include: (a) a first diagonally-oriented plate that extends from a lateral heel location of an article of footwear to a medial forefoot location of the article of footwear; and (b) a second diagonally-oriented plate that extends from a medial heel location of the article of footwear to a lateral forefoot location of the article of footwear. These foot-supporting elements may be utilized in foot-receiving devices that may include: (a) a foot-covering member (such as an upper); and (b) a foot-supporting element engaged with the foot-covering member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua P. Heard, Robert M. Bruce, John Hurd, Alexandre Baudouin, Kevin W. Hoffer, James Molyneux
  • Publication number: 20140245636
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Karl Seamarks, Phil Woodman, Daniel A. Podhajny, Simon John Baines, James Molyneux
  • Patent number: 8813389
    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: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Gishifu, Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, John F. Swigart
  • Patent number: 8784268
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods estimate the distance between a player and a ball by transmitting a chirp (sweep signal) to a radio tag located on the ball. During the chirp, the frequency of the transmitted signal is changed in a predetermined fashion. The radio tag doubles the transmitted frequency and returns the processed signal to a transceiver typically located on the player. The currently transmitted frequency is then compared with the received frequency to obtain a difference frequency from which an apparatus may estimate the distance. The apparatus may simultaneously receive the processed signal from the radio tag while transmitting the sweep signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Brandon S. Burroughs, Scott R. Berggren, Clayton J. Lindsay, Jordan M. Rice, Bert B. Buxton, Edward S. Lowe
  • Publication number: 20140174967
    Abstract: A footwear customization kit includes a stand for supporting an article of footwear that has a customizable portion that can be deformed when heated, and a steaming bag. The stand may include first and second members that can be assembled to support the article of footwear in the steaming bag over a steam environment by engaging an outer periphery of a steaming vessel. The first member may include a first center projection, a first lower central surface, and engaging slots formed in the first lower central surface. The second member may include a second center projection, a second lower central surface, a pair of second shoulders, third and fourth arms disposed above the second lower central surface, and receiving slots formed in upper surfaces of the second shoulders. The first and second members may be attached by interlocking engagement of the engaging slots and the receiving slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Alexandre Baudouin, William M. Dieter, James Molyneux
  • Publication number: 20140165427
    Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a constant pressure 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 inflation and deflation of the adjustable bladder are achieved in an iterative manner by controlling the flow of fluid between the constant pressure reservoir and the adjustable bladder over several cycles of heel strikes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Publication number: 20140130374
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Tetsuya T. Minami, James Molyneux, Doug D. Wilken, Phil Woodman
  • Publication number: 20140130373
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon John Baines, Alexandre Baudouin, James Molyneux, Karl Seamarks, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Erin Toraya, Phil Woodman
  • Publication number: 20140130270
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Alexandre Baudouin, James Molyneux
  • Publication number: 20140130375
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Simon John Baines, James Molyneux, Daniel A. Podhajny, Karl Seamarks, Phil Woodman
  • Patent number: 8672810
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing and monitoring various athletic performance metrics, e.g., during the course of a game, a practice, a training session, training drills, and the like, are described. These systems and methods can provide useful metrics for players and coaches relating to athletic performances in various sports, including various team sports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Brandon S. Burroughs
  • Publication number: 20140046463
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods estimate the distance between a player and a ball by transmitting a chirp (sweep signal) to a radio tag located on the ball. During the chirp, the frequency of the transmitted signal is changed in a predetermined fashion. The radio tag doubles the transmitted frequency and returns the processed signal to a transceiver typically located on the player. The currently transmitted frequency is then compared with the received frequency to obtain a difference frequency from which an apparatus may estimate the distance. The apparatus may simultaneously receive the processed signal from the radio tag while transmitting the sweep signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Brandon S. Burroughs, Scott R. Berggren, Clayton J. Lindsay, Jordan M. Rice, Bert B. Buxton, Edward S. Lowe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8627528
    Abstract: A stand, for a footwear customization kit including an article of footwear having a customizable portion that can be deformed when heated, includes first and second members that can be assembled to hold the article of footwear in a steam environment by engaging an outer periphery of a vessel. The first member includes a first center projection, a first lower central surface, a pair of first shoulders, first and second arms disposed above the first lower central surface, and engaging slots formed in the first lower central surface. The second member includes a second center projection, a second lower central surface, a pair of second shoulders, third and fourth arms disposed above the second lower central surface, and receiving slots formed in upper surfaces of the second shoulders. The first and second members are attached by interlocking engagement of the engaging slots and the receiving slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Akexandre Baudouin, William M. Dieter, James Molyneux