Patents by Inventor Michael S. Amos
Michael S. Amos 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: 20240074529Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Steven H. Walker, Jeffrey J. Hebert, Martine W. Stillman, Mark A. Tempel, Dane Weitmann, Andreas Heinrich Steier, Ndikum Protus Atang
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Patent number: 11864622Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Jonathan Rasca, Andrea Vinet
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Publication number: 20230337780Abstract: A shoe has a sensor system operably connected to a communication port. Performance data is collected by the system and can be transferred for further use via the communication port. The shoe may contain an electronic module configured to gather data from the sensors. The module may also transmit the data to an external device for further processing. Users can use the collected data for a variety of different uses or applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Matthew A. Nurse, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, Allan M. Schrock, James C. Meschter, Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11793264Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Steven H. Walker, Jeffrey J. Hebert, Martine W. Stillman, Mark A. Tempel, Dane Weitmann, Andreas Heinrich Steier, Ndikum Protus Atang
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Patent number: 11771176Abstract: A shoe may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may include a shell and first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints. Each of the sets may have one or more tensile restraints extending over and/or through a corresponding portion of the shell. The shell may be engaged with the sole structure and define an interior void configured to receive insertion of a user's foot. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints may be configured so that, upon securing of one or more structures to tighten the upper and connect the sets of tensile restraints, two linear axes of tension with anchors located in the forefoot and heel region extend diagonally across the article from one side to the other.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Sam Amis, Michael S. Amos, John Hurd, James Molyneux
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Patent number: 11707107Abstract: A shoe has a sensor system operably connected to a communication port. Performance data is collected by the system and can be transferred for further use via the communication port. The shoe may contain an electronic module configured to gather data from the sensors. The module may also transmit the data to an external device for further processing. Users can use the collected data for a variety of different uses or applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Matthew A. Nurse, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, Allan M. Schrock, James C. Meschter, Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11696619Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Karen S. Dimoff, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, David J. Roulo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
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Publication number: 20230104760Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and an opposite ground-facing surface. The outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component. A matrix structure extends from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area. The matrix structure defines one or more sets of adjacent open cells, the set(s) including at least three open cells that are substantially aligned in the forefoot support area along a line extending in a forward medial-to-rear lateral direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Thomas G. Bell, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
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Patent number: 11533968Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Thomas G. Bell, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
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Publication number: 20220395054Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Jonathan Rasca, Andrea Vinet
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Publication number: 20220354219Abstract: A shoe may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may include a shell and first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints. Each of the sets may have one or more tensile restraints extending over and/or through a corresponding portion of the shell. The shell may be engaged with the sole structure and define an interior void configured to receive insertion of a user's foot. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints may be configured so that, upon securing of one or more structures to tighten the upper and connect the sets of tensile restraints, two linear axes of tension with anchors located in the forefoot and heel region extend diagonally across the article from one side to the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Sam Amis, Michael S. Amos, John Hurd, James Molyneux
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Patent number: 11457692Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Jonathan Rasca, Andrea Vinet
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Patent number: 11425964Abstract: A shoe may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may include a shell and first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints. Each of the sets may have one or more tensile restraints extending over and/or through a corresponding portion of the shell. The shell may be engaged with the sole structure and define an interior void configured to receive insertion of a user's foot. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints may be configured so that, upon securing of one or more structures to tighten the upper and connect the sets of tensile restraints, two linear axes of tension with anchors located in the forefoot and heel region extend diagonally across the article from one side to the other.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Sam Amis, Michael S. Amos, John Hurd, James Molyneux
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Publication number: 20220015495Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Steven H. Walker, Jeffrey J. Hebert, Martine W. Stillman, Mark A. Tempel, Dane Weitmann, Andreas Heinrich Steier, Ndikum Protus Atang
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Publication number: 20210378349Abstract: A sensor system includes an airbag engaged with the sole structure of an article of footwear, the airbag configured to compress and expand during use of the article of footwear, a force sensor engaged with the airbag and configured to detect force on the airbag based on changes in capacitance as the airbag compresses and expands, a port connected to the article of footwear and configured for communication with an electronic module, and one or more conductive leads extending from the force sensor to the port to place the force sensor in communication with the port. The system may be used with an article of footwear including an upper member at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber and a sole structure engaged with the upper member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Matthew A. Nurse, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, Allan M. Schrock, James Meschter, Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11129439Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, and wherein a rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located within one of: an arch support area or a forward heel support area of the ground-engaging component (and/or at these areas of an overall sole structure); and (b) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim and into or at least partially across the open space.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Karen S. Dimoff, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, David J. Roulo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
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Publication number: 20210289878Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Martine Stillman, Joseph B. Horrell, Jonathan B. Knight, Dane R. Weitmann, Jeffrey J. Hebert
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Patent number: 11071345Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Steven H. Walker, Jeffrey J. Hebert, Martine W. Stillman, Mark A. Tempel, Dane Weitmann, Andreas Heinrich Steier, Ndikum Protus Atang
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Patent number: 11026469Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Martine Stillman, Joseph B. Horrell, Jonathan B. Knight, Dane R. Weitmann, Jeffrey J. Hebert
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Publication number: 20210127790Abstract: A shoe may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may include a shell and first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints. Each of the sets may have one or more tensile restraints extending over and/or through a corresponding portion of the shell. The shell may be engaged with the sole structure and define an interior void configured to receive insertion of a user's foot. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of tensile restraints may be configured so that, upon securing of one or more structures to tighten the upper and connect the sets of tensile restraints, two linear axes of tension with anchors located in the forefoot and heel region extend diagonally across the article from one side to the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Sam Amis, Michael S. Amos, John Hurd, James Molyneux