Patents by Inventor Tiffany A. Beers

Tiffany A. Beers 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).

  • MOTORIZED TENSIONING SYSTEM WITH SENSORS
    Publication number: 20200281321
    Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The tensioning system may be used with various sensors to determine how the motorized tensioning device should be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Cody Collier Henderson, James Alan Capra, Mark Stanley Soderberg, Daniel Hipwood
  • MOTORIZED TENSIONING DEVICE WITH COMPACT SPOOL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200281318
    Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear (100) and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • Article Of Footwear And A Method Of Assembly Of The Article Of Footwear
    Publication number: 20200275740
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive the components. The components can be installed in compartments after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the components can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • Automated tensioning system for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 10743620
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for improving the operation and use of various systems associated with the article. An automated tensioning system can be configured to provide and perform a variety of functions associated with the fastening of the article of footwear. The automated tensioning system may tighten and loosen the article of footwear through the operation of a motor. The automated tensioning system may also be able to store and recall a preset tension level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Holli Pheil, Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Ryan Frederick, Austin Palmer, Michael Ciuffo, Steven H. Walker
  • Footwear heel spring device
    Patent number: 10743616
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear includes a control bar having a center segment, a medial side arm extending from the center segment, and a lateral side arm spaced from the medial side arm and extending from the center segment. The device may include an extension extending toward the control bar. At least a portion of the control bar may be elastically deformable under an applied force depressing the control bar toward the extension, and the extension may limit movement of the control bar. The control bar may be adapted to return to an unloaded position upon removal of the applied force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, Gerald Sullivan, George A. Xanthos
  • AUTOMATED TENSIONING SYSTEM FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20200245723
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for improving the operation and use of various systems associated with the article. An automated tensioning system can be configured to provide and perform a variety of functions associated with the fastening of the article of footwear. The automated tensioning system may tighten and loosen the article of footwear through the operation of a motor. The automated tensioning system may also be able to store and recall a preset tension level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Holli Pheil, Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Ryan Frederick, Austin Palmer, Michael Ciuffo, Steven H. Walker
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR AND A CHARGING SYSTEM FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20200221815
    Abstract: A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear. A charging system may include a charging device dimensioned to be used with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in a motorized tensioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • AUTOMATIC LACING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200221827
    Abstract: An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Michael R. Friton, Tinker L. Hatfield
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH DYNAMIC SUPPORT
    Publication number: 20200221814
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a dynamic support system that controls arrays of tiles in the upper of the footwear to adjust the level of support provided in different regions of the upper. Sensors in the sole of the footwear, in the upper of the footwear and/or in an article worn by the wearer of the footwear measure the level of stress or other characteristics and provide input to one or more microprocessors that control motors located in the sole or in the upper of the footwear. When the motors are activated, they may compress or loosen arrays of tiles to adjust the stiffness of the upper in one or more regions of the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas A. Rushbrook, Tiffany A. Beers, Nathan T. Gilbreath
  • STANDOFF UNIT FOR A CONTROL DEVICE IN AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20200221813
    Abstract: An article of footwear or an article of apparel can include provisions for facilitating the installation of a control device. The control device can include a panel comprising a plurality of buttons that can provide manual control to a user. The control device can be installed in a compartment within the article after initial manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the control device can include a raised standoff assembly that can be configured to decrease inadvertent pressure being applied to the buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • FOOTWEAR HEEL SPRING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20200170348
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Tensioning system and reel member for footwear
    Patent number: 10660406
    Abstract: A tensioning system for an article of footwear includes a motor, a reel member in communication with the motor, and a lace, the reel member comprising a shaft including a central axis running from a first end to a second end and at least three flanges disposed along the shaft. A center flange of the at least three flanges includes an aperture extending through the center flange from a first face to a second face of the center flange, the aperture aligned with the central axis. A portion of the lace extends through the aperture in the center flange to interconnect the lace with the reel member and the lace is configured to be wound around portions of the shaft disposed on opposite sides of the center flange when the tensioning system is in a tightened condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • FOOTWEAR HEEL SPRING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20200121027
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Sensor for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 10617169
    Abstract: An article of footwear or an article of apparel can include provisions for facilitating the use of a sensor device and protecting the sensor device from external particles or fluid. The sensor device can include a conduit for moving air through the sensor device from one portion of the sensor device to another portion of the sensor device. An elastic membrane can be attached to an opening formed in the sensor device. The elastic membrane can deform in response to changes in air pressure within the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • Lockout feature for a control device
    Patent number: 10595582
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for improving the operation and use of various systems associated with the article. A control device included in the article can be configured to allow manual control of a system by a user. A lockout feature that can disable manual control may be included. During periods of competitive activity, the manual controls may be disabled to allow a user wearing the article to engage in different activities without inadvertent activation of a system. In some cases, the control device and lockout feature can be used in conjunction with a motorized tensioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • SENSOR FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20200085133
    Abstract: An article of footwear or an article of apparel can include provisions for facilitating the use of a sensor device and protecting the sensor device from external particles or fluid. The sensor device can include a conduit for moving air through the sensor device from one portion of the sensor device to another portion of the sensor device. An elastic membrane can be attached to an opening formed in the sensor device. The elastic membrane can deform in response to changes in air pressure within the sensor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • FOOTWEAR UPPER WITH LACE-ENGAGED ZIPPER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200077737
    Abstract: A footwear upper comprises a front section and a rear section. The front section is at least partially forward of the rear section and at least partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The front section has a medial edge and a lateral edge partially defining a foot entry opening. A zipper system includes a medial slider movable along the medial edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the medial edge, a medial zipper pull engaged with the medial slider, a lateral slider movable along the lateral edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the lateral edge, and a lateral zipper pull engaged with the lateral slider. A tightening system includes a lace-receiving feature on the front section forward of the zipper system, and a lace extending through the lace-receiving feature, through the medial zipper pull, and through the lateral zipper pull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Jared M. Kilmer, Ami M. Davis
  • Footwear heel spring device
    Patent number: 10568385
    Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • COMPACT MOTORIZED TENSIONING DEVICE FOR FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20200054096
    Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a spool system that can be engaged or disengaged from a driveshaft through the use of a cam device. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensile element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Ryan Frederick, Clayton Lindsay, Austin Orand, Andrew A. Owings
  • FOOTWEAR HAVING MOTORIZED ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM AND ELASTIC UPPER
    Publication number: 20200046079
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper including one or more elastic portions and one or more substantially inelastic portions. The footwear may further include a plurality of lace receiving members fixedly attached to an outer surface of the upper on the inelastic portions of the upper. Also, the footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to the upper. In addition, the footwear may include a motorized tensioning system including a motorized tightening device and a tensile member extending through the plurality of lace receiving members, the tightening device being configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear by drawing two or more of the plurality of lace receiving members closer to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas J. Rushbrook, Tiffany A. Beers