Patents by Inventor John Hurd

John Hurd 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).

  • Ground-Engaging Structures For Articles Of Footwear
    Publication number: 20170238656
    Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim at least partially defining an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component and an open space at least at a forefoot support area, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and an opposite ground-facing surface; and (b) a forefoot edge support extending along and defining at least a portion of a first forefoot edge of the ground-engaging component. A bottom surface of the forefoot edge support (which may engage the ground) slants in an outward and downward direction from a location adjacent the open space toward the first forefoot edge. In some shoe pairs, the forefoot edge supports may be provided on a lateral forefoot side edge of one shoe, e.g., the right shoe, and on a medial forefoot side edge of the other shoe, e.g., the left shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: John Hurd, Troy C. Lindner, Lysandre Follet, Adam Thuss, Geng Luo, Thomas G. Bell
  • Footwear with Internal Chassis and/or Indexed Sock Liner
    Publication number: 20170202301
    Abstract: A chassis for an article of footwear may include a base and a frame attached to a top side of the base. The frame may include a network of interconnected walls defining a plurality of cells, each of at least a portion of the cells having a bottom at least partially closed by an underlying portion of the base. A bottom of the base may be fixed with respect to a plantar section of an upper. A sock liner may be indexed to the chassis or to another footwear support structure. The sock liner may have downwardly-extending tabs configured to rest in cells of the chassis or in other cavities of a support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Sam Amis, Michael S. Amos, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith
  • Flex groove sole assembly with biasing structure
    Patent number: 9706809
    Abstract: An article of footwear an upper and a sole structure that defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed proximate the medial side of the footwear, and the second portion is disposed proximate the lateral side. The first portion and the second portion are configured to move relative to each other. The article of footwear also includes a flexible biasing member including a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. The middle portion extends across the first portion and the second portion. The first and second ends extend out from the outer surface of the footwear from either the medial or lateral side. The middle portion of the biasing member is configured to bias the first and second portions toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Dervin A. James, John Hurd, Lee D. Peyton, Tobie D. Hatfield
  • Articles of Footwear with Asymmetrical Segmented Plates
    Publication number: 20170196305
    Abstract: A pair of sole plates for a complementary pair of articles of footwear may generally include a first article with a first sole plate and a second article with a second sole plate, where the first sole plate is asymmetrical with respect to the second sole plate. The first sole plate includes a first groove that extends along a first lateral side of the first sole plate, and the second sole plate includes a second groove that extends along a second medial side of the second sole plate. The asymmetry of first sole plate with respect to second sole plate may improve performance, flexibility, and agility during running and in particular, during athletic events along a curved track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Leslie Barnes, Thomas G. Bell, Dustin Hatfield, John Hurd, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Gordon A. Valiant, Jay T. Worobets
  • Article Of Footwear Having Talonavicular Support
    Publication number: 20170188657
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a navicular support structure on a medial side. The navicular support structure includes a non-stretch, tensioned material that reduces an interior volume of the upper of the article of footwear and redirects applied forces from the midfoot region of the article of footwear to other regions, such as the forefoot region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Shane S. Kohatsu, Paul J. Francis, Andrea M. Vinet, Michael S. Amos, Thomas Foxen, Lysandre Follet, Troy C. Lindner, John Hurd
  • Article of footwear having an upper with a matrix layer
    Patent number: 9681708
    Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper having lateral and medial side elements engaged with the sole structure, the upper made from a polymer matrix structure that extends through at least a heel region; (c) a size adjustment mechanism located at the heel region; (d) a heel tongue element located adjacent the size adjustment mechanism; (e) a shoe securing mechanism; (f) an instep tongue member; and/or (g) a bootie member located at least partially within the foot-receiving chamber. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, John R. Hoke, III, John Hurd
  • Sole Structure Configured to Allow Relative Heel/Forefoot Motion
    Publication number: 20170164686
    Abstract: Shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such structures, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe (e.g., by a strap system) in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In other structures, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component, and this heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Other suitable shoe and shoe component structures also are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew A. Nurse, Bruce J. Kilgore, Gregory R. Leedy, Jennifer L. Bishop, John Hurd
  • Strap Systems for Articles of Footwear and Other Foot-Receiving Devices
    Publication number: 20170143079
    Abstract: Strap systems for securing feet into articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices include one or more strap members formed or engaged together in a continuous path along an upper for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. One or more structures for applying a force to the strap member(s) is provided so as to shorten a length of the continuous path and thereby apply tension to the strap member(s). Such strap systems can be arranged so that the strap tightens during plantar flexion or dorsiflexion. Additional aspects of this invention relate to bootie members for supporting such strap systems, upper members or bootie members including such strap systems, and articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices including such strap systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jennifer Bishop, John Hurd, Matthew A. Nurse
  • Strap Systems for Articles of Footwear and Other Foot-Receiving Devices
    Publication number: 20170143078
    Abstract: Strap systems for securing feet into articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices include one or more strap members formed or engaged together in a continuous path along an upper for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. One or more structures for applying a force to the strap member(s) is provided so as to shorten a length of the continuous path and thereby apply tension to the strap member(s). Such strap systems can be arranged so that the strap tightens during plantar flexion or dorsiflexion. Additional aspects of this invention relate to bootie members for supporting such strap systems, upper members or bootie members including such strap systems, and articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices including such strap systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jennifer Bishop, John Hurd, Matthew A. Nurse
  • ARTICLES OF WEAR AND PROCESSES FOR MAKING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20170129200
    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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    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, Federico Zecchetto
  • Sole Structure with Alternating Spring and Damping Layers
    Publication number: 20170105480
    Abstract: A sole structure may include multiple macrolayers. Each of those macrolayers may include a spring plate and a layer of damping material. Macrolayers may be bonded or otherwise fixed relative to one another and provide constrained layer damping in response to impact forces occurring as a result of activity of a wearer of an article of footwear incorporating the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu
  • Sole structure configured to allow relative heel/forefoot motion
    Patent number: 9615627
    Abstract: Shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such structures, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe (e.g., by a strap system) in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In other structures, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component, and this heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Other suitable shoe and shoe component structures also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Nurse, Bruce J. Kilgore, Gregory R. Leedy, Jennifer L. Bishop, John Hurd
  • Ankle and foot support system
    Patent number: 9615623
    Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Clifford B. Gerber
  • Strap systems for articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices
    Patent number: 9596904
    Abstract: Strap systems for securing feet into articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices include one or more strap members formed or engaged together in a continuous path along an upper for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. One or more structures for applying a force to the strap member(s) is provided so as to shorten a length of the continuous path and thereby apply tension to the strap member(s). Such strap systems can be arranged so that the strap tightens during plantar flexion or dorsiflexion. Additional aspects of this invention relate to bootie members for supporting such strap systems, upper members or bootie members including such strap systems, and articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices including such strap systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Bishop, John Hurd, Matthew A. Nurse
  • Foot support structure and articles incorporating same
    Patent number: 9591889
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua P. Heard, Alexandre Baudouin, Robert M. Bruce, John Hurd, James Molyneux
  • Foot-support structures for articles of footwear
    Patent number: 9572394
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua P. Heard, Robert M. Bruce, John Hurd, Alexandre Baudouin, Kevin W. Hoffer, James Molyneux
  • Sole structure with alternating spring and damping layers
    Patent number: 9572398
    Abstract: A sole structure may include multiple macrolayers. Each of those macrolayers may include a spring plate and a layer of damping material. Macrolayers may be bonded or otherwise fixed relative to one another and provide constrained layer damping in response to impact forces occurring as a result of activity of a wearer of an article of footwear incorporating the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu
  • Ankle and foot support system
    Patent number: 9565893
    Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Clifford B. Gerber
  • Ankle and foot support system
    Patent number: 9565894
    Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Clifford B. Gerber
  • Cable tightening system for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 9462851
    Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Blake Rhulen