Patents by Inventor Todd A. Waatti
Todd A. Waatti 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: 10442144Abstract: Wood-type golf clubs and/or golf club heads include: (a) a golf club head base member including a face member having a ball striking face; and (b) a polymeric body member engaged with the golf club head base member, wherein the polymeric body member is formed via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process) and/or engaged with the golf club head base member via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process). The polymeric body member forms at least a portion of a crown member of the club head in some structures.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventors: John T. Stites, Gary G. Tavares, Todd A. Waatti
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Patent number: 10391705Abstract: A system and method for forming 3D printed structures on a base component includes extruding material through a nozzle while moving the nozzle vertically. Extruded material flows from the nozzle and spreads outwardly upon contact with an underlying portion of material. The outward spread of material is controlled to form a desired geometry for the 3D printed structure. An optical sensing device may provide feedback for controlling the outward spread of material. Using a molding component, structures with anchored portions extending through openings in the base component can be formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yoav Sterman, Todd A. Waatti
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Publication number: 20190232591Abstract: A system and method for forming 3D printed structures includes printing an outer shell portion and filling an interior of the outer shell portion to form an inner portion. The outer shell portion and inner portion may have differing material properties. The outer shell portion may be anchored to the base component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yoav Sterman, Todd A. Waatti
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Patent number: 10349700Abstract: A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Sam Amis, Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Sam Lacey, William C. McFarland, II, Christian Alexander Steinbeck, Yoav Sterman, Adam Thuss, Todd A. Waatti
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Publication number: 20190118416Abstract: An image displaying device includes a background layer and a display layer. The display layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is substantially smooth, and the outer surface includes a plurality of raised areas and recessed areas. The display layer has a first zone with a first thickness measured between the inner surface and a raised area and a second zone with a second thickness measured between the inner surface and a recessed area. The display layer also includes a coloring agent having a higher concentration in the first zone as compared to the second zone. The display layer has increased light transmissivity through the recessed areas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas such that a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessed areas generates an image.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: James E. Diepenbrock, Connie A. Sarkinen, Todd A. Waatti
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Patent number: 10264851Abstract: An article of footwear having printed structures disposed on the article by a three-dimensional printer is disclosed. The printed structures include extended portions and fastener receiving portions. The extended portions are at least partially embedded in the upper. The fastener receiving portions are at least partially spaced apart from an exterior surface of the upper.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Todd A. Waatti
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Publication number: 20190059510Abstract: A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Sam Amis, Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Sam Lacey, William C. McFarland, II, Christian Alexander Steinbeck, Yoav Sterman, Adam Thuss, Todd A. Waatti
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Patent number: 10189185Abstract: An image displaying device includes a background layer and a display layer. The display layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is substantially smooth, and the outer surface includes a plurality of raised areas and recessed areas. The display layer has a first zone with a first thickness measured between the inner surface and a raised area and a second zone with a second thickness measured between the inner surface and a recessed area. The display layer also includes a coloring agent having a higher concentration in the first zone as compared to the second zone. The display layer has increased light transmissivity through the recessed areas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas such that a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessed areas generates an image.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: James E. Diepenbrock, Connie A. Sarkinen, Todd A. Waatti
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Patent number: 10092063Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear comprises associating an upper of the article of footwear with a printer. The upper has a lower peripheral portion. The method comprises printing a first end portion of a mechanical connector so that the first end portion of the mechanical connector is coupled with the lower peripheral portion, and printing a second end portion of the mechanical connector. The second end portion extends away from the lower peripheral portion. The second end portion is configured to engage a sole structure and fasten the upper to the sole structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Todd A. Waatti
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Publication number: 20180177261Abstract: A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2018Publication date: June 28, 2018Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Sam Amis, Aaron Bartel, Stefan E. Guest, Sam Lacey, William C. McFarland, II, Christian Alexander Steinbeck, Yoav Sterman, Adam Thuss, Todd A. Waatti
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Publication number: 20180162043Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed. A method of printing onto a base includes providing a yarn from a material source disposed in a printing system. The yarn is an elongated continuous piece including a tagging segment and a reel segment. The reel segment is disposed proximate the material source. The tagging segment extends from a nozzle of the printing system. The method further includes attaching the tagging segment to the base and moving the nozzle away from the tagging segment after the attaching the tagging segment to the base. The nozzle is moved by an actuating system of the printing system. The moving the nozzle along the base increases a tension between the tagging segment and the material source. The tension in the yarn pulls the reel segment from the material source.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2018Publication date: June 14, 2018Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Waatti, Yoav Sterman
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Publication number: 20180072008Abstract: Wood-type golf clubs and/or golf club heads include: (a) a golf club head base member including a face member having a ball striking face; and (b) a polymeric body member engaged with the golf club head base member, wherein the polymeric body member is formed via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process) and/or engaged with the golf club head base member via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process). The polymeric body member forms at least a portion of a crown member of the club head in some structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: John T. Stites, Gary G. Tavares, Todd A. Waatti
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Publication number: 20180072007Abstract: Wood-type golf clubs and/or golf club heads include: (a) a golf club head base member including a face member having a ball striking face; and (b) a polymeric body member engaged with the golf club head base member, wherein the polymeric body member is formed via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process) and/or engaged with the golf club head base member via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process). The polymeric body member forms at least a portion of a crown member of the club head in some structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: John T. Stites, Gary G. Tavares, Todd A. Waatti
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Patent number: 9889606Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed. A method of printing onto a base includes providing a yarn from a material source disposed in a printing system. The yarn is an elongated continuous piece including a tagging segment and a reel segment. The reel segment is disposed proximate the material source. The tagging segment extends from a nozzle of the printing system. The method further includes attaching the tagging segment to the base and moving the nozzle away from the tagging segment after the attaching the tagging segment to the base. The nozzle is moved by an actuating system of the printing system. The moving the nozzle along the base increases a tension between the tagging segment and the material source. The tension in the yarn pulls the reel segment from the material source.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Waatti, Yoav Sterman
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Publication number: 20170355142Abstract: A printing system includes a printing assembly and a gas delivery system includes a gas nozzle assembly. The print assembly and gas nozzle assembly may include a first portion and a second portion that may translate with respect to each other. When the first portion is subjected to a sufficient force the first portion may translate with respect to the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yoav Sterman, Todd A. Waatti
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Patent number: 9802372Abstract: Wood-type golf clubs and/or golf club heads include: (a) a golf club head base member including a face member having a ball striking face; and (b) a polymeric body member engaged with the golf club head base member, wherein the polymeric body member is formed via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process) and/or engaged with the golf club head base member via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process). The polymeric body member forms at least a portion of a crown member of the club head in some structures.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CroporationInventors: John T. Stites, Gary G. Tavares, Todd A. Waatti
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Patent number: 9788607Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes elongated members extending from a lower peripheral portion that mechanically connect the upper to a sole structure. The sole structure includes several recesses for engaging the elongated members. The upper and/or the elongated members can be printed using a three-dimensional printer.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Todd A. Waatti
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Patent number: 9756899Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes elongated members extending from a lower peripheral portion that mechanically connect the upper to a sole structure. The sole structure includes several recesses for engaging the elongated members. The upper and/or the elongated members can be printed using a three-dimensional printer.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Todd A. Waatti
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Publication number: 20170251760Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear comprises associating an upper of the article of footwear with a printer. The upper has a lower peripheral portion. The method comprises printing a first end portion of a mechanical connector so that the first end portion of the mechanical connector is coupled with the lower peripheral portion, and printing a second end portion of the mechanical connector. The second end portion extends away from the lower peripheral portion. The second end portion is configured to engage a sole structure and fasten the upper to the sole structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2017Publication date: September 7, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Todd A. Waatti
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Publication number: 20170202309Abstract: A method of forming a traced element is disclosed. The method may include printing layers of a traced element and incorporating a textile strand in overlapping polymer layers of the traced element. In some embodiments, the traced element may be formed on a base layer. The traced element may be incorporated into an upper for an article of footwear.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Yoav Sterman, Todd A. Waatti