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).
-
Patent number: 10070680Abstract: 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: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: 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 Bing Knight, Dane R. Weitmann, Jeffrey J. Hebert
-
Publication number: 20180206590Abstract: 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: May 20, 2016Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Jonathan Rasca, Andrea Vinet
-
Publication number: 20180206599Abstract: 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; and (b) an inner perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an inner perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein an open space is defined between a lateral side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim and a medial side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: 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
-
Publication number: 20180192738Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2016Publication date: July 12, 2018Applicant: 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
-
Publication number: 20180153264Abstract: 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; (b) an inner perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an inner perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein a first open space is defined between the outer perimeter boundary rim and the inner perimeter boundary rim, and wherein a second open space is defined between a lateral side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim and a medial side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim; and (c) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim to the inner perimeter boundary rim and across the first open space.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2016Publication date: June 7, 2018Applicant: 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
-
Publication number: 20180146742Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2016Publication date: May 31, 2018Applicant: 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
-
Publication number: 20180146743Abstract: 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 (across the open space) 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2016Publication date: May 31, 2018Applicant: 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
-
Publication number: 20180084863Abstract: An article of footwear includes a navicular support structure on a medial side. The navicular support structure includes a non-stretch, tensioned material that reduces an interior volume of the upper of the article of footwear and redirects applied forces from the midfoot region of the article of footwear to other regions, such as the forefoot region.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Shane S. Kohatsu, Paul J. Francis, Andrea M. Vinet, Michael S. Amos, Thomas Foxen, Lysandre Follet, Troy C. Lindner, John Hurd
-
Patent number: 9888734Abstract: An energy absorbing receiving glove constructed with a substrate having an exterior surface and a complementary interior surface. The substrate is used in constructing a palmar portion of the glove. The glove may incorporates a gripping layer of material affixed to the exterior surface of the substrate. Further, the glove may incorporate an energy absorbing layer of material affixed to the interior surface of the substrate. Additionally, the energy absorbing layer of material may have both a first thickness in a first location and a second thickness in a second location of the substrate. In an embodiment, the energy absorbing material is a silicone gel and the gripping material is a silicone material. Additionally, the varied thicknesses of the energy absorbing material may be effective for covering a palmar side of joints located on a hand wearing the glove.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Bevier, Michael S. Amos, Mark McNamee, Sam Fisher, Christopher R. Kvamme
-
Patent number: 9763489Abstract: 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: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: 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 R. Weitmann, Ndikum Protus Atang, Andreas Heinrich Steier
-
Patent number: 9750304Abstract: An article of footwear includes a navicular support structure on a medial side. The navicular support structure includes a non-stretch, tensioned material that reduces an interior volume of the upper of the article of footwear and redirects applied forces from the midfoot region of the article of footwear to other regions, such as the forefoot region.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Shane S. Kohatsu, Paul J. Francis, Andrea M. Vinet, Michael S. Amos, Thomas Foxen, Lysandre Follet, Troy C. Lindner, John Hurd
-
Publication number: 20170215765Abstract: 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. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. The electrodes and the force sensitive resistive material may have multi-lobed shapes. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may have slits therethrough, and may have a defined peripheral shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Allan M. Schrock, Anthony C. Dean
-
Publication number: 20170202301Abstract: A chassis for an article of footwear may include a base and a frame attached to a top side of the base. The frame may include a network of interconnected walls defining a plurality of cells, each of at least a portion of the cells having a bottom at least partially closed by an underlying portion of the base. A bottom of the base may be fixed with respect to a plantar section of an upper. A sock liner may be indexed to the chassis or to another footwear support structure. The sock liner may have downwardly-extending tabs configured to rest in cells of the chassis or in other cavities of a support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Sam Amis, Michael S. Amos, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith
-
Patent number: 9700098Abstract: An article of footwear that includes an upper that secures the article of footwear to a wearer. The footwear also includes a sole assembly that is operably coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes an outsole having a plurality of cleats and a groove. The groove includes a first internal surface and a second internal surface. The first and second internal surfaces move away from each other as the sole assembly flexes in a first direction, and the first and second internal surfaces abut each other to limit movement of the sole assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Brian D. Baker, Alexandre Baudouin, Kevin P. Fallon
-
Publication number: 20170188657Abstract: An article of footwear includes a navicular support structure on a medial side. The navicular support structure includes a non-stretch, tensioned material that reduces an interior volume of the upper of the article of footwear and redirects applied forces from the midfoot region of the article of footwear to other regions, such as the forefoot region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2015Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Shane S. Kohatsu, Paul J. Francis, Andrea M. Vinet, Michael S. Amos, Thomas Foxen, Lysandre Follet, Troy C. Lindner, John Hurd
-
Patent number: 9622537Abstract: 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. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. The electrodes and the force sensitive resistive material may have multi-lobed shapes. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may have slits therethrough, and may have a defined peripheral shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Allan M. Schrock, Anthony C. Dean
-
Publication number: 20170086751Abstract: A metatarsal-phalangeal joint strength measuring device is provided and includes a base plate, a first toe plate, and a first force sensor associated with the first toe plate. The base plate receives a heel of a foot and defines a longitudinal axis extending between a first edge and a second edge. The first toe plate receives at least one toe of the foot, is movable relative to the base plate, and measures a load applied to the first toe plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Sharna M. Donovan, Thomas W. Jackson, Gregory R. Leedy
-
Publication number: 20170079368Abstract: 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. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may include an airflow system that includes one or more air chambers in communication with one or more air reservoirs through air passages extending therebetween. The insert may also have a multi-layered structure, with the airflow system provided between the layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Anthony C. Dean, Allan M. Schrock
-
Publication number: 20170020224Abstract: 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: October 7, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Michael S. Amos, James C. Meschter, Matthew A. Nurse, Andrew A. Owings, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, Allan M. Schrock
-
Patent number: 9549585Abstract: 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. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may include an airflow system that includes one or more air chambers in communication with one or more air reservoirs through air passages extending therebetween. The insert may also have a multi-layered structure, with the airflow system provided between the layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Allan M. Schrock, Anthony C. Dean