Patents by Inventor Tiffany Beers
Tiffany 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).
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Publication number: 20240122299Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
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Publication number: 20240122303Abstract: 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 mom of the plurality of lace receiving members closer to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Thomas J. Rushbrook, Tiffany A. Beers
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Patent number: 11957210Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
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Publication number: 20240115003Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
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Publication number: 20240090626Abstract: A position sensing assembly for a tensioning system designed to provide tension to a lace, cord, or other type of strand is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a reel member configured to rotate about a central axis and the position sensing assembly. The position sensing assembly includes a shaft, an indicator tab, and an optical sensing unit. The position sensing assembly assists in controlling the degree to which the strand is tightened and loosened. The position sensing assembly prevents tightening of the strand when the strand is meant to be loosened.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
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Publication number: 20240090625Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Michael R. Friton, Tinker L. Hatfield
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Publication number: 20240081485Abstract: 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 motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
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Publication number: 20240074540Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Holli Pheil, Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Ryan Frederick, Austin Palmer, Michael Ciuffo, Steven H. Walker
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Patent number: 11896082Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 2023Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
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Publication number: 20240041154Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11889896Abstract: An article of footwear has a multi-layer upper, where the outermost layers of the upper are cut into a pattern. The cut portions of the upper are mounted on a contiguous substrate layer so that the edges of the cut portions are visible and perceptible to touch. The upper remains durable in terms of abrasion resistance, ply adhesion, tensile strength, and flex testing.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Nathan T. Gilbreath
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Publication number: 20240032652Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
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Patent number: 11882905Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Michael R. Friton, Tinker L. Hatfield
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Publication number: 20240023672Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
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Publication number: 20240000193Abstract: An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system including a tensile member and a motorized tightening device attached to an outer surface of the article of footwear, the tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a tightening device cover configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear over the tightening device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Wilson W. Smith, III
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Patent number: 11849811Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Rushbrook, Tiffany A. Beers
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Patent number: 11844402Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2021Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Ryan Frederick, Clayton Lindsay, Austin J. Orand, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11844393Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 2021Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11825912Abstract: 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 motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
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Patent number: 11825913Abstract: A position sensing assembly for a tensioning system designed to provide tension to a lace, cord, or other type of strand is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a reel member configured to rotate about a central axis and the position sensing assembly. The position sensing assembly includes a shaft, an indicator tab, and an optical sensing unit. The position sensing assembly assists in controlling the degree to which the strand is tightened and loosened. The position sensing assembly prevents tightening of the strand when the strand is meant to be loosened.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings