Patents by Inventor Mario A. Lafortune

Mario A. Lafortune 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: 9700100
    Abstract: An article of footwear or another product may incorporate a pressure chamber that includes (a) a bladder at least partially formed from a polymer material that is sealed to enclose a pressurized fluid and (b) a strand wound around the bladder and secured to the bladder. In manufacturing the pressure chamber, a bladder with an elongate configuration may be formed. A strand is wound around the bladder, and the strand is secured to the bladder. When incorporated to a sole structure of the article of footwear, for example, a portion of the bladder that includes the strands may be exposed at an outer surface of the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Swigart, Mario A. Lafortune, Amy E. Gishifu, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola Jane Reynolds, Britani N. Blackstone
  • Patent number: 9661894
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing coaching, training, or equipment specification information to individual golfers based on data generated during their individual golf swings. Additionally, data hubs are described that provide information and services to individuals based on data collected for a community of multiple golfers. Such community data hub systems and methods may provide one or more of the following: (a) storage of scoring data, swing data, ball flight data, and/or equipment data for multiple golfers; (b) at least some level of individual access to the stored data for the community; and/or (c) electronic interaction between golfers within the community.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Niegowski, Mario A. Lafortune
  • Publication number: 20170127756
    Abstract: A sole structure of an article of footwear includes a foam element and a non-foam element with different compressibilities. The foam element is positioned adjacent to the non-foam element. The non-foam element may define a plurality of apertures, with ends of at least a portion of the apertures being located adjacent to a lower area of the foam element. The non-foam element may also form a protrusion that may be located in a central area of the non-foam element and extends into the foam element. In addition, a portion of the non-foam element that forms a side of the sole structure may define an indentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario A. LaFortune
  • Patent number: 9623284
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing coaching, training, or equipment specification information to individual golfers based on data generated during their individual golf swings. Additionally, data hubs are described that provide information and services to individuals based on data collected for a community of multiple golfers. Such community data hub systems and methods may provide one or more of the following: (a) storage of scoring data, swing data, ball flight data, and/or equipment data for multiple golfers; (b) at least some level of individual access to the stored data for the community; and/or (c) electronic interaction between golfers within the community.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Mario A. Lafortune, James A. Niegowski
  • Patent number: 9572400
    Abstract: A sole structure of an article of footwear includes a foam element and a non-foam element with different compressibilities. The foam element is positioned adjacent to the non-foam element. The non-foam element may define a plurality of apertures, with ends of at least a portion of the apertures being located adjacent to a lower area of the foam element. The non-foam element may also form a protrusion that may be located in a central area of the non-foam element and extends into the foam element. In addition, a portion of the non-foam element that forms a side of the sole structure may define an indentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario A. Lafortune
  • Publication number: 20160332040
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a polymeric body and a metallic cup face that are coupled together through a plurality of mechanical fasteners. The cup face has a ball striking portion that defines a hitting surface and a side-wall that extends from a perimeter of the ball striking portion. The plurality of mechanical fasteners extend through the side-wall and operative to removably secure the face to the body. When assembled, the body and the face define a closed volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Mario A. Lafortune, Tyrone Lynn Todd Northcutt, Raymond J. Sander, James S. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9486669
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing coaching, training, or equipment specification information to individual golfers based on data generated during their individual golf swings. Additionally, data hubs are described that provide information and services to individuals based on data collected for a community of multiple golfers. Such community data hub systems and methods may provide one or more of the following: (a) storage of scoring data, swing data, ball flight data, and/or equipment data for multiple golfers; (b) at least some level of individual access to the stored data for the community; and/or (c) electronic interaction between golfers within the community.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Niegowski, Mario A. Lafortune
  • Publication number: 20160303443
    Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Joshua M. Boggs, Philip J. Hatton, Brian Kammerer, Mario A. Lafortune, Michael Wallans, Robert M. Boyd, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Sherry L. Jones, Gregory S. Kramer, James H. Lua, John T. Stites, Douglas A. Thornton, Daniel F. Wisniewski
  • Publication number: 20160256739
    Abstract: Analysis of sporting equipment characteristics may be analyzed using dynamic sampling rates. For example, analyzing a golf swing may include the use of one or more sensors providing data at various sampling rates. According to some aspects, the sampling rate may be dynamically modified upon determination of one or more golf equipment characteristics, environmental conditions, player characteristics and the like. In one example, a sampling rate processor may dynamically select a sampling rate at which data is sampled from one or more sensors. In some examples, by dynamically selecting the sampling rate, an analysis may be tailored to various types, and portions of a golf swing, in addition to producing power consumption by the analysis instruments in the golf club system. According to other aspects, triggering conditions for modifying a sampling rate may be determined from a population of one or more previous golf swings performed by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Manan Goel, Mario A. Lafortune
  • Patent number: 9433844
    Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
  • Patent number: 9433845
    Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
  • Patent number: 9409076
    Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
  • Patent number: 9409073
    Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
  • Patent number: 9375624
    Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
  • Patent number: 9342737
    Abstract: Analysis of sporting equipment characteristics may be analyzed using dynamic sampling rates. For example, analyzing a golf swing may include the use of one or more sensors providing data at various sampling rates. According to some aspects, the sampling rate may be dynamically modified upon determination of one or more golf equipment characteristics, environmental conditions, player characteristics and the like. In one example, a sampling rate processor may dynamically select a sampling rate at which data is sampled from one or more sensors. In some examples, by dynamically selecting the sampling rate, an analysis may be tailored to various types, and portions of a golf swing, in addition to producing power consumption by the analysis instruments in the golf club system. According to other aspects, triggering conditions for modifying a sampling rate may be determined from a population of one or more previous golf swings performed by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Manan Goel, Mario LaFortune
  • Publication number: 20160106181
    Abstract: A sole structure of an article of footwear includes a foam element and a non-foam element with different compressibilities. The foam element is positioned adjacent to the non-foam element. The non-foam element may define a plurality of apertures, with ends of at least a portion of the apertures being located adjacent to a lower area of the foam element. The non-foam element may also form a protrusion that may be located in a central area of the non-foam element and extends into the foam element. In addition, a portion of the non-foam element that forms a side of the sole structure may define an indentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventor: Mario A. Lafortune
  • Publication number: 20150374069
    Abstract: An article of footwear or another product may incorporate a pressure chamber that includes (a) a bladder at least partially formed from a polymer material that is sealed to enclose a pressurized fluid and (b) a strand wound around the bladder and secured to the bladder. In manufacturing the pressure chamber, a bladder with an elongate configuration may be formed. A strand is wound around the bladder, and the strand is secured to the bladder. When incorporated to a sole structure of the article of footwear, for example, a portion of the bladder that includes the strands may be exposed at an outer surface of the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: John F. Swigart, Mario A. Lafortune, Amy E. Gishifu, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola Jane Reynolds, Britani N. Blackstone
  • Patent number: 9192211
    Abstract: A sole structure of an article of footwear includes a foam element and a non-foam element with different compressibilities. The foam element is positioned adjacent to the non-foam element. The non-foam element may define a plurality of apertures, with ends of at least a portion of the apertures being located adjacent to a lower area of the foam element. The non-foam element may also form a protrusion that may be located in a central area of the non-foam element and extends into the foam element. In addition, a portion of the non-foam element that forms a side of the sole structure may define an indentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario A. Lafortune
  • Patent number: 9186547
    Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John Stites, Mario A. Lafortune
  • Patent number: 9186546
    Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune