Patents by Inventor Paul J. Fidrych

Paul J. Fidrych 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).

  • Strap incorporating a fluid-filled bladder
    Patent number: 9668566
    Abstract: A strap may include a sheath and a fluid-filled bladder at least partially located within the sheath. The bladder has an elongate configuration that defines a first end, an opposite second end, and a central portion located between the first end and the second end. At least the central portion and the second end are unsecured to the sheath. In addition, the strap may include a pair of securing elements configured to join the strap to an article, and at least one of the securing elements may be joined to the second end of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Christopher M. Helmsworth, Tory Michael Cross
  • Strap Incorporating a Fluid-Filled Bladder
    Publication number: 20160051036
    Abstract: A strap may include a sheath and a fluid-filled bladder at least partially located within the sheath. The bladder has an elongate configuration that defines a first end, an opposite second end, and a central portion located between the first end and the second end. At least the central portion and the second end are unsecured to the sheath. In addition, the strap may include a pair of securing elements configured to join the strap to an article, and at least one of the securing elements may be joined to the second end of the bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Christopher M. Helmsworth, Tory Michael Cross
  • Strap incorporating a fluid-filled bladder
    Patent number: 9204708
    Abstract: A strap may include a sheath and a fluid-filled bladder at least partially located within the sheath. The bladder has an elongate configuration that defines a first end, an opposite second end, and a central portion located between the first end and the second end. At least the central portion and the second end being unsecured to the sheath. In addition, the strap may include a pair of securing elements configured to join the strap to an article, and at least one of the securing elements may be joined to the second end of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Chris Helmsworth, Tory Michael Cross
  • Self stabilizing backpack
    Patent number: 8505791
    Abstract: A backpack with a self stabilizing shoulder strap system is disclosed. The backpack includes two shoulder straps, an intermediate member, and a bag. The bag is configured to pivot about a first connector associated with the intermediate member. The shoulder straps are configured to pivot about connectors associated with the intermediate member. The configuration of the shoulder strap system allows for the bag to remain substantially vertical during motions as the shoulders are raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross, Christopher M. Helmsworth
  • Support element for a carry strap
    Patent number: 8499987
    Abstract: A strap has an extension element and a support element. The extension element joins with an article, such as a bag, backpack, or purse. The support element is secured to the extension element and has a plurality of sipes that enhance the flexibility of the strap. In another configuration, the support element has a central area formed from a foam that is more compressible than a foam forming end areas. In yet another configuration, the support element has a wedge-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Chris Helmsworth
  • Support Element For A Carry Strap
    Publication number: 20110272443
    Abstract: A strap has an extension element and a support element. The extension element joins with an article, such as a bag, backpack, or purse. The support element is secured to the extension element and has a plurality of sipes that enhance the flexibility of the strap. In another configuration, the support element has a central area formed from a foam that is more compressible than a foam forming end areas. In yet another configuration, the support element has a wedge-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Chris Helmsworth
  • Self Stabilizing Backpack
    Publication number: 20110259935
    Abstract: A backpack with a self stabilizing shoulder strap system is disclosed. The backpack includes two shoulder straps, an intermediate member, and a bag. The bag is configured to pivot about a first connector associated with the intermediate member. The shoulder straps are configured to pivot about connectors associated with the intermediate member. The configuration of the shoulder strap system allows for the bag to remain substantially vertical during motions as the shoulders are raised and lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross, Christopher M. Helmsworth
  • Self stabilizing backpack
    Patent number: 7997466
    Abstract: A backpack with a self stabilizing shoulder strap system is disclosed. The backpack includes two shoulder straps, an intermediate member, and a bag. The bag is configured to pivot about a first connector associated with the intermediate member. The shoulder straps are configured to pivot about connectors associated with the intermediate member. The configuration of the shoulder strap system allows for the bag to remain substantially vertical during motions as the shoulders are raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross, Christopher M. Helmsworth
  • Support element for a carry strap
    Patent number: 7992749
    Abstract: A strap has an extension element and a support element. The extension element joins with an article, such as a bag, backpack, or purse. The support element is secured to the extension element and has a plurality of sipes that enhance the flexibility of the strap. In another configuration, the support element has a central area formed from a foam that is more compressible than a foam forming end areas. In yet another configuration, the support element has a wedge-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Chris Helmsworth
  • Hydration system for use with a pack
    Patent number: 7975880
    Abstract: A pack with a hydration system is disclosed. The hydration system includes a reservoir and a hose. The reservoir comprises a front side and a rear side that maintain a fixed cross section as liquid is filled and/or drained from the reservoir. Also, as the reservoir empties, the rear side contracts towards the front side, which displaces the center of mass of the reservoir closer to a wearer's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross
  • Hydration System For Use With A Pack
    Publication number: 20100264175
    Abstract: A pack with a hydration system is disclosed. The hydration system includes a reservoir and a hose. The reservoir comprises a front side and a rear side that maintain a fixed cross section as liquid is filled and/or drained from the reservoir. Also, as the reservoir empties, the rear side contracts towards the front side, which displaces the center of mass of the reservoir closer to a wearer's back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross
  • Hydration system for use with a pack
    Patent number: 7762432
    Abstract: A pack with a hydration system is disclosed. The hydration system includes a reservoir and a hose. The reservoir comprises a front side and a rear side that maintain a fixed cross section as liquid is filled and/or drained from the reservoir. Also, as the reservoir empties, the rear side contracts towards the front side, which displaces the center of mass of the reservoir closer to a wearer's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross
  • Self Stabilizing Backpack
    Publication number: 20090127301
    Abstract: A backpack with a self stabilizing shoulder strap system is disclosed. The backpack includes two shoulder straps, an intermediate member, and a bag. The bag is configured to pivot about a first connector associated with the intermediate member. The shoulder straps are configured to pivot about connectors associated with the intermediate member. The configuration of the shoulder strap system allows for the bag to remain substantially vertical during motions as the shoulders are raised and lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross, Christopher M. Helmsworth
  • Support element for a carry strap
    Publication number: 20070245526
    Abstract: A strap has an extension element and a support element. The extension element joins with an article, such as a bag, backpack, or purse. The support element is secured to the extension element and has a plurality of sipes that enhance the flexibility of the strap. In another configuration, the support element has a central area formed from a foam that is more compressible than a foam forming end areas. In yet another configuration, the support element has a wedge-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Chris Helmsworth
  • Core for a gliding board
    Patent number: 6520530
    Abstract: A core for incorporation into a gliding board, such as a snowboard. The core includes anisotropic structures that are oriented so that a principal axis is non-parallel to the orthogonal axes of the board. The core may be tuned to provide anisotropic structures with the load carrying ability specific to a localized region of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Dodge, R. Paul Smith, Paul J. Fidrych
  • Core for a gliding board
    Patent number: 6105991
    Abstract: A core for incorporation into a gliding board, such as a snowboard. The core includes anisotropic structures that are oriented so that a principal axis is non-parallel to the orthogonal axes of the board. The core may be tuned to provide anisotropic structures with the load carrying ability specific to a localized region of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Dodge, R. Paul Smith, Paul J. Fidrych