Patents by Inventor Neil Crumbleholme
Neil Crumbleholme 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: 11903444Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear is disclosed. The upper can include a plurality of layers, such as an inner layer, a middle knit layer, and an outer layer. Each of the plurality of layers can provide different functionalities to the upper. The combination of the inner layer, middle knit layer, and the outer layer can be effective at transferring a load from the underfoot region to a position above the biteline.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Neil Crumbleholme
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Publication number: 20230404211Abstract: Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a foot support component and/or heel counter structure that includes openings, voids, and/or grooves around the heel area. These openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel counter structure more conformable, lightweight, and/or flexible. The openings, voids, or grooves may allow the heel or heel counter structure to conform better to the heel/foot of a user, providing and an “adaptive” response, adapting differently to different heels. The openings, voids, or grooves may be customized within the heel counter component based on the shape of the foot and/or heel of the user. Additionally or alternatively, these openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel construction better to conform to the wearer's heel and better to contain and move with the wearer's heel, e.g., during use and to improve flexion, comfort, and fit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Sergio Cavaliere, John Cross, Neil Crumbleholme, Roberto De Marchi, Ryan R. Larson, Tetsuya T. Minami, Courtney M. Wright
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Publication number: 20230404215Abstract: Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a simple construction that includes three main parts, with each made from a single material and fit together in a releasable manner. The invention enhances the recyclability and sustainable nature of the article of footwear and shoe. At least some more specific aspects of this technology relate to footwear structure that may include three main parts: (a) an outer cage, which may include a single piece having features of: (i) a footwear upper and (ii) a sole structure having one or more cleat outer shells; (b) an inner upper component; and (c) a chassis and heel counter component with a bottom surface thereof that includes one or more cleat inserts and supports that fit inside the one or more cleat outer shells.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Sergio Cavaliere, John Cross, Neil Crumbleholme, Roberto De Marchi, Ryan R. Larson, Tetsuya T. Minami, Courtney M. Wright
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Publication number: 20230320461Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure including a forefoot region and a heel region. The sole structure further includes a chassis plate, an outsole plate extending from the forefoot region to the heel region, the outsole plate including a recess disposed in a top surface, wherein the outsole plate is disposed below the chassis plate, and a cushioning element disposed within the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Travis J. BERRIAN, Matthew CHUA, Neil CRUMBLEHOLME, Nick S. FRANK, Daniel A. JOHNSON, Peter LAM, Stuart D. REINHARDT, Timothy J. SMITH
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Publication number: 20230276904Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure including a forefoot region and a heel region. The sole structure further includes a chassis plate, an outsole plate extending from the forefoot region to the heel region, the outsole plate including a recess disposed in a top surface, wherein the outsole plate is disposed below the chassis plate, and a cushioning element disposed within the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Travis J. BERRIAN, Matthew CHUA, Neil CRUMBLEHOLME, Nick S. FRANK, Daniel A. JOHNSON, Peter LAM, Stuart D. REINHARDT, Timothy J. SMITH
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Publication number: 20230255304Abstract: Uppers for articles of footwear include an integrated pocket, e.g., accessible from the outside of the upper and/or article of footwear. In at least some examples, the pocket may be formed solely from structural components of the footwear upper, i.e., structural components provided in the upper for purposes other than to form the pocket. As some more specific examples, the footwear upper components forming the pocket may extend beyond the interior chamber of the pocket by at least 25 mm (and in some examples, at least 40 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, or even at least 100 mm) in any direction (e.g., forward, rearward, upward, and/or downward from the pocket's interior chamber). The pocket may house an electronic module, such as one or more sensors for measuring features of an athlete's performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Yuchung K. Chen, Neil Crumbleholme, Roberto De Marchi, Tetsuya T. Minami, Timothy J. Smith
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Publication number: 20220287412Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear is disclosed. The upper can include a plurality of layers, such as an inner layer, a middle knit layer, and an outer layer. Each of the plurality of layers can provide different functionalities to the upper. The combination of the inner layer, middle knit layer, and the outer layer can be effective at transferring a load from the underfoot region to a position above the biteline.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventor: Neil Crumbleholme
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Patent number: 11357288Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear is disclosed. The upper can include a plurality of layers, such as an inner layer, a middle knit layer, and an outer layer. Each of the plurality of layers can provide different functionalities to the upper. The combination of the inner layer, middle knit layer, and the outer layer can be effective at transferring a load from the underfoot region to a position above the biteline.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Neil Crumbleholme
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Publication number: 20220110401Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure. The sole structure includes a plate having a first surface defining a ground-contacting surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate than the first surface. The plate includes a recess formed into the second surface, which is defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall. The plate includes a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel each extending from and in fluid communication with the recess. The first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel cooperate with the recess to form a substantially H-shaped structure in the second surface. The article of footwear also includes a cable lock disposed within the recess. The cable lock includes a housing disposed in the recess and a plurality of cable elements received within the channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Neil Crumbleholme, Joël Ryp Greenspan, Peter Lam, Timothy J. Smith, Matthew Tegenkamp
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Publication number: 20190029368Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear is disclosed. The upper can include a plurality of layers, such as an inner layer, a middle knit layer, and an outer layer. Each of the plurality of layers can provide different functionalities to the upper. The combination of the inner layer, middle knit layer, and the outer layer can be effective at transferring a load from the underfoot region to a position above the biteline.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventor: Neil Crumbleholme
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Patent number: 9668543Abstract: A lasting board for an article of footwear. The lasting board has a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion and includes a first material and a second material that is different from the first material. The forefoot portion is monolithic and is constructed of the first material that is a non-woven fabric. The midfoot portion and the heel portion have an upper layer, a lower layer, and an intermediate layer between the upper layer and the lower layer. The intermediate layer is constructed of the second material, and the upper layer and the lower layer are constructed of the first material. A cushioning member made of a third material different from the first material and the second material is disposed within the heel portion of the lasting board.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Neil Crumbleholme, Deliang Gu
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Patent number: 9565897Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot. The method can include removing material from a preformed member and applying layers of different materials to form a component with different properties in different regions.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Neil Crumbleholme, Deilang Gu
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Patent number: 9402435Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Neil Crumbleholme, Vernon J. Hentz, III, Doug D. Wilken
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Publication number: 20150282562Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot. The method can include removing material from a preformed member and applying layers of different materials to form a component with different properties in different regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2015Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Neil Crumbleholme, Deliang Gu
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Patent number: 9060569Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Neil Crumbleholme, Deliang Gu
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Publication number: 20150143715Abstract: A lasting board for an article of footwear. The lasting board has a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion and includes a first material and a second material that is different from the first material. The forefoot portion is monolithic and is constructed of the first material that is a non-woven fabric. The midfoot portion and the heel portion have an upper layer, a lower layer, and an intermediate layer between the upper layer and the lower layer. The intermediate layer is constructed of the second material, and the upper layer and the lower layer are constructed of the first material. A cushioning member made of a third material different from the first material and the second material is disposed within the heel portion of the lasting board.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Neil Crumbleholme, Deliang Gu
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Publication number: 20150128451Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Neil Crumbleholme, Vernon J. Hentz, Doug D. Wilken
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Patent number: 8893406Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot. The footwear component can also include a cushioning member that provides support and cushioning for the heel.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Neil Crumbleholme, Deliang Gu
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Patent number: 8850722Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Neil Crumbleholme, Vernon J. Hentz, III, Doug D. Wilken
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Publication number: 20130333241Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Neil Crumbleholme, Deliang Gu