Patents by Inventor Levi J. Patton
Levi J. Patton 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: 11969049Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear. The method may include forming a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, including a first chamber barrier layer, a second chamber barrier layer, and a tensile member extending between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The tensile member may include a first tensile member layer, a second tensile member layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile member layer to the second tensile member layer. The method may also include extending a portion of the second chamber barrier layer toward the first tensile member layer between a first section of the second tensile member layer and a second section of the second tensile member layer, and joining the portion of the second chamber barrier layer to the first tensile member layer between the first section and the second section of the second tensile member layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: John Hurd, Levi J. Patton
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Patent number: 11969053Abstract: Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Olivier Henrichot, Timothy P. Hopkins, Elizabeth Langvin, Austin Orand, Levi J. Patton
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Patent number: 11963579Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
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Patent number: 11930885Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). The fluid flow control system includes: (a) a manifold body defining an internal chamber; (b) at least a first port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; (c) at least a first valve (including a first valve activator) controlling fluid flow through the first port; and (d) a movable cam at least partially within the internal chamber. Valve activator surface(s) on the cam interact with the valve activator(s) to selectively open and close valve(s) based on cam positioning.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Devin Bailly, Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer
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Publication number: 20240078987Abstract: An adaptive music playback system is disclosed. The system includes a composition system that receives information corresponding to user activity levels. The composition system determines target musical criteria corresponding to the user activity levels and modifies the composition of a song in response to changes in user activity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Justin Fraga, Levi J. Patton
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Publication number: 20240065377Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Devin Bailly, Narissa Y. Chang, Elizabeth Langvin, SooMan Park, Levi J. Patton, Rémy Pieron, Hector R. Quinonez, Adam Vollmer, Philip Woodman
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Patent number: 11854520Abstract: An adaptive music playback system is disclosed. The system includes a composition system that receives information corresponding to user activity levels. The composition system determines target musical criteria corresponding to the user activity levels and modifies the composition of a song in response to changes in user activity.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Justin Fraga, Levi J. Patton
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Patent number: 11832686Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Devin Bailly, Narissa Y. Chang, Elizabeth Langvin, SooMan Park, Levi J. Patton, Remy Pieron, Hector R. Quinonez, Adam Vollmer, Philip Woodman
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Publication number: 20230380544Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure including a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid is described, along with a method of making the article. The chamber may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer. The tensile member may include a first tensile member layer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layer bonded to the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile member layer to the second tensile member layer. The second tensile member layer may include a first section and a second section separate from the first section. In addition, a portion of the second chamber barrier layer may extend toward the first tensile member layer between the first section and the second section, the portion being joined to the first tensile member layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: John Hurd, Levi J. Patton
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Publication number: 20230276902Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a first barrier layer formed of a first material, and a second barrier layer formed of a second material. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer cooperate to form a fluid-filled chamber having a first fluid-filled segment extending along an arcuate path, a second fluid-filled segment extending from a first end of the first fluid-filled segment to a first distal end along a first longitudinal axis, and a third fluid-filled segment extending from a second end of the first fluid-filled segment to a second distal end along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer may be joined together define a web area connecting each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
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Patent number: 11723432Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
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Patent number: 11707110Abstract: A chamber may include a first barrier portion, a second barrier portion, a peripheral bond, an interior bond, and a fold. The first barrier portion defines a first surface of the chamber. The second barrier portion defines a second surface of the chamber, the first surface being opposite the second surface. The peripheral bond joins the first barrier portion and the second barrier portion to form an interior void within the chamber and seal a fluid within the interior void. The interior bond is spaced inward from the peripheral bond and joins the first barrier portion and the second barrier portion. Additionally, the fold is in the second barrier portion and extends away from the interior bond and through a majority of a thickness of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Levi J. Patton
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Patent number: 11684118Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a first barrier layer formed of a first material, and a second barrier layer formed of a second material. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer cooperate to form a fluid-filled chamber having a first fluid-filled segment extending along an arcuate path, a second fluid-filled segment extending from a first end of the first fluid-filled segment to a first distal end along a first longitudinal axis, and a third fluid-filled segment extending from a second end of the first fluid-filled segment to a second distal end along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer may be joined together define a web area connecting each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2022Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
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Patent number: 11678719Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
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Patent number: 11659890Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure including a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid is described, along with a method of making the article. The chamber may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer. The tensile member may include a first tensile member layer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layer bonded to the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile member layer to the second tensile member layer. The second tensile member layer may include a first section and a second section separate from the first section. In addition, a portion of the second chamber barrier layer may extend toward the first tensile member layer between the first section and the second section, the portion being joined to the first tensile member layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: John Hurd, Levi J. Patton
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Patent number: 11659891Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
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Patent number: 11607011Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
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Publication number: 20230077019Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). The fluid flow control system includes: (a) a manifold body defining an internal chamber; (b) at least a first port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; (c) at least a first valve (including a first valve activator) controlling fluid flow through the first port; and (d) a movable cam at least partially within the internal chamber. Valve activator surface(s) on the cam interact with the valve activator(s) to selectively open and close valve(s) based on cam positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Devin Bailly, Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer
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Patent number: 11583031Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
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Publication number: 20230048198Abstract: Sole structures, fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices include one or more pumps (e.g., foot activated pumps) that facilitate movement of fluid within the sole structure/article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure (e.g., foot support pressure) in one or more fluid filled bladders included in the overall system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Devin Bailly, Elizabeth Langvin, Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer