Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Smith
Timothy J. Smith 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: 11680344Abstract: Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Yuchung K. Chen, Jessica Green, Stephen Hipp, John Hurd, Oliver McLachlan, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, Christianna Wincek
-
Patent number: 11680343Abstract: Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Sergio Cavaliere, Jessica Green, Stephen Hipp, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, Christianna Wincek
-
Publication number: 20230064197Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole body having a proximal surface and a distal surface. Proprioceptive elements may extend in the hole in the midsole body, and translate toward the proximal surface in the holes upon a force directed along a central axis of the hole at a distal end of the proprioceptive elements. In various embodiments, the holes may angle relative to vertical from the proximal surface to the distal surface, the holes may be defined by perforations and the proprioceptive elements may be integral portions of the midsole body, or the midsole body may have a plurality of annular holes at the proximal surface, and a plurality of annular recesses in the distal surface, and a plurality of proprioceptive elements, each centered in a different annular hole of the plurality of annular holes. Methods of manufacturing articles of footwear are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yuchung K. Chen, Oliver McLachlan, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith
-
Publication number: 20230069050Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole body having a proximal surface and a distal surface. Proprioceptive elements may extend in the hole in the midsole body, and translate toward the proximal surface in the holes upon a force directed along a central axis of the hole at a distal end of the proprioceptive elements. In various embodiments, the holes may angle relative to vertical from the proximal surface to the distal surface, the holes may be defined by perforations and the proprioceptive elements may be integral portions of the midsole body, or the midsole body may have a plurality of annular holes at the proximal surface, and a plurality of annular recesses in the distal surface, and a plurality of proprioceptive elements, each centered in a different annular hole of the plurality of annular holes. Methods of manufacturing articles of footwear are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yuchung K. Chen, Oliver McLachlan, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith
-
Publication number: 20230064894Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole body having a proximal surface and a distal surface. Proprioceptive elements may extend in the hole in the midsole body, and translate toward the proximal surface in the holes upon a force directed along a central axis of the hole at a distal end of the proprioceptive elements. In various embodiments, the holes may angle relative to vertical from the proximal surface to the distal surface, the holes may be defined by perforations and the proprioceptive elements may be integral portions of the midsole body, or the midsole body may have a plurality of annular holes at the proximal surface, and a plurality of annular recesses in the distal surface, and a plurality of proprioceptive elements, each centered in a different annular hole of the plurality of annular holes. Methods of manufacturing articles of footwear are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yuchung K. Chen, Oliver McLachlan, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith
-
Patent number: 11585023Abstract: Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2022Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Sergio Cavaliere, Jessica Green, Stephen Hipp, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, Christianna Wincek
-
Patent number: 11549204Abstract: Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2022Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Sergio Cavaliere, Jessica Green, Stephen Hipp, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, Christianna Wincek
-
Patent number: 11523656Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole body having a proximal surface and a distal surface. Proprioceptive elements may extend in the hole in the midsole body, and translate toward the proximal surface in the holes upon a force directed along a central axis of the hole at a distal end of the proprioceptive elements. In various embodiments, the holes may angle relative to vertical from the proximal surface to the distal surface, the holes may be defined by perforations and the proprioceptive elements may be integral portions of the midsole body, or the midsole body may have a plurality of annular holes at the proximal surface, and a plurality of annular recesses in the distal surface, and a plurality of proprioceptive elements, each centered in a different annular hole of the plurality of annular holes. Methods of manufacturing articles of footwear are described.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yuchung K. Chen, Oliver McLachlan, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith
-
Publication number: 20220364622Abstract: A dual rate jounce bumper and a vehicle containing the dual rate jounce bumper are useful.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2020Publication date: November 17, 2022Applicant: BASF SEInventors: Tomasz ZYLINSKI, Timothy J SMITH
-
Publication number: 20220314567Abstract: Processes and systems for thermoforming articles of wear are disclosed. The process can include utilizing a negative pressure generation system to seal an article in a forming material thereby compressing the forming material onto the outer surface of the article. The process can also include exposing the sealed article to an increased temperature followed by exposure to a decrease temperature, while maintaining the compressive force of the forming material on the outer surface of the article. A positive pressure can also be applied to the sealed article while undergoing the heating and/or cooling steps, which can facilitate the removal of bubbles from the article during thermoforming as well as apply additional compressive force to the outer surface of the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Giovanni ADAMI, Sam AMIS, Sergio CAVALIERE, Meng-Chun HU, John HURD, James MOLYNEUX, Thomas J. RUSHBROOK, Timothy J. SMITH, I-Hsien TSENG, Mirko BIANCONI, Frederico ZECCHETTO
-
Patent number: 11400673Abstract: Processes and systems for thermoforming articles of wear are disclosed. The process can include utilizing a negative pressure generation system to seal an article in a forming material thereby compressing the forming material onto the outer surface of the article. The process can also include exposing the sealed article to an increased temperature followed by exposure to a decrease temperature, while maintaining the compressive force of the forming material on the outer surface of the article. A positive pressure can also be applied to the sealed article while undergoing the heating and/or cooling steps, which can facilitate the removal of bubbles from the article during thermoforming as well as apply additional compressive force to the outer surface of the article.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Sergio Cavaliere, Meng-Chun Hu, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, I-Hsien Tseng, Mirko Bianconi, Federico Zecchetto
-
Publication number: 20220132992Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear includes a carcass layer including an interior liner defining an interior void of the upper and an exterior liner joined to the interior liner to define a plurality of resilient pads protruding from an exterior surface of the upper. In some examples, the upper includes an outer shell attached to the exterior liner of the carcass layer and including a plurality of openings each configured to receive a respective one of the resilient pads therethrough. Here, each of the resilient pads includes a distal end surface defining a first portion of a ball control surface and the outer shell defines a second portion of the ball control surface. In some implementations, each of the resilient pads includes a compressible material enclosed between the interior liner and the exterior liner. Optionally, each of the resilient pads includes a tensile element disposed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2021Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: NIKE,Inc.Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Jeremy L. CONNELL, Timothy J. SMITH, Thomas MARCHESINI
-
Publication number: 20220127766Abstract: Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Sergio Cavaliere, Jessica Green, Stephen Hipp, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, Christianna Wincek
-
Publication number: 20220127767Abstract: Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Sergio Cavaliere, Jessica Green, Stephen Hipp, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, Christianna Wincek
-
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
-
Patent number: 11261549Abstract: Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Sergio Cavaliere, Jessica Green, Stephen Hipp, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, Christianna Wincek
-
Patent number: 11258235Abstract: A spark plug is provided that includes an improved jamb nut configuration, which provides improved torque transfer and prevents inadvertent separation of the jamb nut from the remaining components of the spark plug, particularly during removal from the engine head. The spark plug is configured for axial insertion into the plug hole, and may have a non-axisymmetric ground shield that fits into the plug hole, wherein the plug hole is also provided with a complementary non-axisymmetric shape. The spark plug includes a central insulator, which has an inner end surrounding a central electrode and supporting the ground shield, which is mounted on the insulator to support a ground strap adjacent the electrode for forming a spark therebetween. The insulator and ground shield are axially slidable into the plug hole, and the jamb nut is rotatable to fix the spark plug in position in a predefined orientation.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: FRAM GROUP IP LLCInventors: Matthew B Below, Timothy J Smith
-
Publication number: 20210368941Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear includes an inner boot having an ankle opening and an instep region formed between the ankle opening and an anterior end of the upper and a cushioning member disposed over the instep region of the inner boot and including a first side fixed to a medial side of the upper and a second side tethered to a lateral side of the upper.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yuchung K. Chen, Jeremy L. Connell, Tetsuya T. Minami, Arthur Parker Molinari, Stuart Reinhardt, Timothy J. Smith, Matthew Tegenkamp
-
Patent number: 11155944Abstract: Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sam Amis, Sergio Cavaliere, Jessica Green, Stephen Hipp, John Hurd, James Molyneux, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Timothy J. Smith, Christianna Wincek
-
Patent number: 11122854Abstract: An article of footwear is provided, which may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may include an exposed outer layer forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper. The upper may also include a polymer foam material selectively located on an inner side of the exposed outer layer and adjacent portions of the exposed outer layer, thereby forming padded portions of the upper. The padded portions of the upper may be located in areas of the article of footwear that correspond with predetermined bones of a foot of a wearer of the article of footwear.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Giovanni Adami, Sergio Cavaliere, Timothy J. Smith