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).

  • Publication number: 20250194738
    Abstract: Bladder components and footwear uppers and/or articles of footwear that include such bladder components attenuate impact forces incident on an upper and/or a wearer's foot. Such bladder components, uppers, and footwear may dampen impact forces applied by a game ball to the footwear upper (and thus to the wearer's foot) and/or reduce the energy returned to the game ball from the footwear upper. These features may better enable ball control (e.g., by limiting the ball's rebound force/distance off the foot) and/or improve wearer's comfort. Further, delayed re-expansion of the bladder chamber and/or foam material may keep the bladder chamber and/or foam in a compressed configuration as the wearer kicks the ball in further play. In this manner, the force applied to the ball during the kick will not be substantially reduced due to the presence of the bladder chamber and/or foam material in the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2024
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Inventors: Isaac Farr, Oliver McLachlan, Levi J. Patton, Christian Alexander Steinbeck
  • Publication number: 20250176667
    Abstract: Sole structures and articles of footwear include: (a) a foot support bladder chamber; (b) a fluid reservoir chamber; (c) a fluid line extending between the foot support bladder chamber and the fluid reservoir chamber and placing the foot support bladder chamber in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir chamber, wherein the fluid line extends outward from a heel area or a midfoot area of the foot support bladder chamber and/or the fluid reservoir chamber; and (d) a closure element for changing the fluid line between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The closure element may comprise a switch that is pivotally engaged with the footwear upper or sole structure. The fluid line may extend through a flap that projects outward from the heel or midfoot area of the foot support bladder chamber and/or the fluid reservoir chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2024
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Levi J. Patton, Stuart D. Reinhardt
  • Publication number: 20250176668
    Abstract: Bladder systems include a fluid line formed between layers of thermoplastic elastomer. The fluid line may include: (i) a first fluid line region extending in a direction away from a main interior bladder chamber, (ii) a second fluid line region extending from the first fluid line region and in the direction away from the main interior bladder chamber, and (iii) a third fluid line region extending from the second fluid line region. The first and third fluid line regions have a larger transverse cross sectional area than that of the second fluid line region. The fluid line may connect a foot support bladder portion and a fluid reservoir portion in a sole structure/article of footwear. Also, the fluid line may be formed within a flap that extends outward from the main interior bladder chamber (e.g., one of the foot support bladder portion or the fluid reservoir portion).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2024
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Levi J. Patton, Eric A. Schmalzer
  • Publication number: 20250149012
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Justin Fraga, Levi J. Patton
  • Publication number: 20250107595
    Abstract: Fluid systems, foot support systems (including sole structures), and/or articles of footwear include: (a) a foot support bladder; (b) a fluid reservoir; (c) a pump (e.g., a foot-activated pump) including an inlet and an outlet, the outlet supplying fluid to one of the fluid reservoir or the foot support bladder; (d) a fluid line placing the foot support bladder or the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump; and (e) another fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. Such fluid systems, foot support systems, and/or articles of footwear further may include an electronic control system (e.g., an electronically controlled switch or valve), e.g., for changing at least one of the fluid lines between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The electronic control system may receive user input for adjusting foot support pressure (e.g., from a mobile electronic device).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2024
    Publication date: April 3, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher Andon, Devin Bailly, Haoyi Chen, Melanie N. Moteberg, Austin Orand, Oluwatimilehin Oshinowo, Andrew A. Owings, Levi J. Patton, Hector R. Quinonez, Stuart D. Reinhardt, William F. Rauchholz
  • Publication number: 20250098814
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventors: Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer, Douglas Harriman, Kristin Pollock
  • Patent number: 12230236
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Fraga, Levi J. Patton
  • Patent number: 12193540
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer, Douglas Harriman, Kristin Pollock
  • Publication number: 20240423321
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Elizabeth Langvin, Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20240358115
    Abstract: Fluid systems, foot support systems (including sole structures), and/or articles of footwear include: (a) a foot support bladder; (b) a fluid reservoir; (c) a pump (e.g., a foot-activated pump) including an inlet and an outlet, the outlet supplying fluid to one of the fluid reservoir or the foot support bladder; (d) a first fluid line placing the foot support bladder or the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump; and (e) a second fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. Such fluid systems, foot support systems, and/or articles of footwear further may include one or more of: (i) a fluid line support member (e.g., for supporting one or both of the fluid lines); and/or (ii) a switch (e.g., for changing at least one of the fluid lines between an open configuration and a closed configuration).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Melanie N. Moteberg, Oluwatimilehin Oshinowo, Levi J. Patton, Hector R. Quinonez, Stuart D. Reinhardt
  • Publication number: 20240358113
    Abstract: Fluid systems switch between a high pressure configuration and a low pressure configuration. Such fluid systems may be incorporated into sole structures and/or footwear in which the fluid systems may be used to vary foot support pressure between a high pressure foot support configuration (e.g., a firmer and more responsive configuration for more active uses) and a low pressure foot support configuration (e.g., a softer and more comfortable configuration for standing or less active uses). Some examples of this technology may use a manually activated interface to switch between the high pressure foot support configuration and the low pressure foot support configuration. In other examples, the fluid system may be configured to automatically change between the high pressure foot support configuration (e.g., when the wearer moves) and the low pressure foot support configuration (e.g., when the wearer remains stationary).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Levi J. Patton, Esther M. Plumbo, Hector R. Quinonez
  • Patent number: 12121102
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Elizabeth Langvin, Levi J. Patton, Adam Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20240306770
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Levi J. Patton
  • Publication number: 20240306771
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Publication number: 20240292928
    Abstract: Foot support systems for articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices include a compressor or other gas source used to control gas pressure provided in one or more pressure adjustable fluid-filled bladders used to support a wearer's foot. Additional features relate to fluid flow control systems and methods that include a plurality of valves to control an inflation configuration for supplying gas to the one or more adjustable fluid filled bladders or a deflation configuration for releasing gas from the one or more adjustable fluid filled bladders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventor: Levi J. Patton
  • Publication number: 20240285029
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: Margarita L. Cortez, Isaac Farr, Levi J Patton, Rèmy Pieron, Adam Vollmer, Samantha Young
  • Publication number: 20240260713
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: Olivier Henrichot, Timothy P. Hopkins, Elizabeth Langvin, Austin Orand, Levi J. Patton
  • Patent number: 12016425
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Eldem, Wade Flanagan, Ryan Nyberg, Levi J. Patton, Eric S. Schindler, Jessica Small
  • Patent number: 12016426
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Levi J. Patton
  • Patent number: 12011060
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Margarita L. Cortez, Isaac Farr, Levi J. Patton, Remy Pieron, Adam Vollmer, Samantha Young