Patents by Inventor John Swigart
John Swigart 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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Publication number: 20140000130Abstract: Disclosed herein are temperature control elements for controllably regulating and/or altering the temperature of the footwear and thus the wearer's foot. In various embodiments, a temperature control element (TCE) may be housed in the vamp liner of the footwear, and a control unit may be housed in the footwear tongue. In some embodiments, the control unit may include or be coupled to a user interface, which also may be housed in the footwear tongue. In some embodiments, a pocket may be provided in the footwear tongue for receiving a power source configured to power the system, and in various embodiments the pocket also may be used for routing electrical conduits between the various components.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Daniel W. Crist, John Swigart
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Publication number: 20120260533Abstract: Embodiments herein provide adhering “upperless” footwear. Such footwear is provided with adhesive or another surface element to secure the footwear to a wearer's foot during use. The adhesive may be formulated to allow the footwear to be secured to the wearer's foot in a removable and repeatable fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Mark Nenow, Daniel Fulton, John Swigart, Craig Binzer, Todd Lewis, William Scott Portzline
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Publication number: 20120233877Abstract: Embodiments herein relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to components of performance footwear, such as midsoles, and in particular related to high-stability, multi-density midsoles. In some embodiments, the midsoles disclosed herein may protect a user from over-pronation and/or over-supination of the foot. Embodiments of the high stability midsoles disclosed herein may include a cushioning element and a mid-foot element. In various embodiments, the mid-foot element may be configured to mate with the cushioning element in the mid-foot portion, and may include at least one posterior tail configured to align with a medial or lateral edge of the heel portion of the cushioning element. Alternatively, the midsole may have integrated cushioning regions with different response property regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: John Swigart
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Patent number: 8037623Abstract: An article of athletic footwear having an air-filled bladder disposed in a sole structure is disclosed. The air-filled bladder is in fluid communication with ambient air through a filter that permits ambient air to enter the bladder but restricts liquids and particulates from entering the bladder. In operation, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that absorb shock when the footwear contacts a playing surface. Alternatively, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that ventilates the interior of the footwear. The filter may be formed of a material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene that is attached to a carrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Joel Passke, Fred Dojan, Peter K. Hazenberg, John Swigart
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Publication number: 20070175576Abstract: A fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure and a method of manufacturing the bladder and reinforcing structure are disclosed. In general, the reinforcing structure extends around the bladder, and the reinforcing structure is bonded to an exterior of the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure is recessed into the bladder and extends along side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2007Publication date: August 2, 2007Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Frederick Dojan, Thomas Foxen, John Swigart, Eric Schindler
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Publication number: 20070169379Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a fluid-filled chamber with one or more flexion zones. The flexion zones may be areas of the chamber where a tensile element, for example, is absent, or the flexion zones may be areas of the chamber where opposite surfaces of the chamber are bonded together. The footwear may also include a sole structure with a flexion zone, and the flexion zone of the chamber may be aligned with the flexion zone of the sole structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: K. Hazenberg, John Swigart, Tobi Hatfield
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Publication number: 20060277794Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: December 14, 2006Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric Schindler, John Swigart
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Publication number: 20060272179Abstract: An article of athletic footwear having an air-filled bladder disposed in a sole structure is disclosed. The air-filled bladder is in fluid communication with ambient air through a filter that permits ambient air to enter the bladder but restricts liquids and particulates from entering the bladder. In operation, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that absorb shock when the footwear contacts a playing surface. Alternatively, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that ventilates the interior of the footwear. The filter may be formed of a material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene that is attached to a carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: December 7, 2006Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Joel Passke, Fred Dojan, Peter Hazenberg, John Swigart
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Publication number: 20060201029Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Applicant: NIKE,Inc.Inventors: Frederick Dojan, Thomas Foxen, John Swigart, Eric Schindler
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Publication number: 20060064901Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2005Publication date: March 30, 2006Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Shaun Hensley, William Brunais, John Swigart, Eric Schindler
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Publication number: 20060021251Abstract: A sole component for footwear combining the desirable response characteristics of a fluid filled chamber and an elastomeric material is disclosed. The chamber can be formed as a single bladder chamber in contact with an elastomeric midsole or as a single chamber by a sealing a void in elastomeric material. Alternately, an insert having the shape of the bladder, and potentially formed from foam, may be positioned within the chamber. The interface between the chamber and elastomeric material is sloped and gradual so that the shape of the chamber and its placement in a midsole determine the combination of response characteristics in the sole component. The chamber has a relatively simple shape with one axis of symmetry with a rounded portion and a narrow portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2005Publication date: February 2, 2006Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: John Swigart, Bruce Kilgore
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Publication number: 20050278978Abstract: A sole component for footwear combining the desirable response characteristics of a fluid filled chamber and an elastomeric material. The chamber can be formed as a single bladder chamber in contact with an elastomeric midsole, or a single chamber formed by a sealing a void in elastomeric material. The interface between the chamber and elastomeric material is sloped and gradual so that the shape of the chamber and its placement in a midsole determine the combination of response characteristics in the sole component. The chamber has a relatively simple shape with one axis of symmetry with a rounded portion and a narrow portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2005Publication date: December 22, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: John Swigart
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Publication number: 20050132607Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: June 23, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Frederick Dojan, Thomas Foxen, John Swigart, Eric Schindler
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Publication number: 20050132610Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: June 23, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Foxen, Frederick Dojan, John Swigart, Eric Schindler
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Publication number: 20050132608Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: June 23, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Frederick Dojan, Thomas Foxen, John Swigart, Eric Schindler
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Publication number: 20050132606Abstract: An article of athletic footwear having an air-filled bladder disposed in a sole structure is disclosed. The air-filled bladder is in fluid communication with ambient air through a filter that permits ambient air to enter the bladder but restricts liquids and particulates from entering the bladder. In operation, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that absorb shock when the footwear contacts a playing surface. Alternatively, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that ventilates the interior of the footwear. The filter may be formed of a material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene that is attached to a carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2005Publication date: June 23, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Joel Passke, Fred Dojan, K. Hazenberg, John Swigart
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Publication number: 20050133968Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: June 23, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Foxen, Frederick Dojan, John Swigart, Eric Schindler
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Publication number: 20050132609Abstract: A fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure and a method of manufacturing the bladder and reinforcing structure are disclosed. In general, the reinforcing structure extends around the bladder, and the reinforcing structure is bonded to an exterior of the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure is recessed into the bladder and extends along side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: June 23, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Frederick Dojan, Thomas Foxen, John Swigart, Eric Schindler
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Publication number: 20050028403Abstract: A cushioning component for an article of footwear is disclosed that includes a fluid-filled chamber and a covering element extending over a portion of the chamber. The chamber is devoid of internal connections, and the fluid within the chamber may be at a pressure that is substantially equal to an ambient pressure. The chamber defines a plurality of lobes, and the cushioning element includes a plurality of inserts that extend between the lobes. The inserts are elongate structures that decrease the compressibility of peripheral portions of the cushioning component.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2003Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: John Swigart, Eric Schindler
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Publication number: 20050022422Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a fluid system having a pump chamber and an inflatable pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is configured to extend at least partially around the pump chamber to limit the pressure of a fluid within the pressure chamber. The relative elevation of the pump chamber and pressure chamber may be selected, for example, such that the pump chamber is within an elevation defined by the upper and lower surfaces of the pressure chamber. The fluid system may be substantially formed from a pair of polymer layers that are bonded together to form the pump chamber and the pressure chamber, and the fluid system includes valves located between the layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2003Publication date: February 3, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: John Swigart, K. Hazenberg