Patents by Inventor Troy C. Lindner
Troy C. Lindner 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: 11937663Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first plate having a first surface. The first plate includes a forefoot region at an anterior end, a heel region at a posterior end, and a mid-foot region. The sole structure further includes a second plate having a second surface opposing the first surface of the first plate. The second plate has a first end attached to the forefoot region of the first plate and a second end that is spaced apart from the first surface of the first plate. A cushion is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and has a first side attached to the first surface of the first plate and a second side attached to the second surface of second plate. The cushion extends continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Karen S. Dimoff, Stefan E. Guest, Charlie Keller, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Tetsuya T. Minami, Jonathan Rasca, Adam Thuss
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Patent number: 11877619Abstract: A sole structure for a footwear article includes a system of support structures. Each support structure includes a tubular body with an inwardly curving wall, which compresses under load to attenuate a force or impact and returns to a resting state when the load is removed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Cailee M. Caldwell, Petre Gheorghian, Ryan R. Larson, Troy C. Lindner, Thea Moshofsky, Jay T. Worobets, Krissy Yetman
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Patent number: 11864622Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Jonathan Rasca, Andrea Vinet
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Publication number: 20230276903Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
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Publication number: 20230232941Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
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Patent number: 11696619Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Karen S. Dimoff, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, David J. Roulo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
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Patent number: 11684117Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
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Patent number: 11638464Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
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Publication number: 20230104760Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and an opposite ground-facing surface. The outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component. A matrix structure extends from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area. The matrix structure defines one or more sets of adjacent open cells, the set(s) including at least three open cells that are substantially aligned in the forefoot support area along a line extending in a forward medial-to-rear lateral direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Thomas G. Bell, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
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Patent number: 11533968Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Thomas G. Bell, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
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Publication number: 20220395054Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Jonathan Rasca, Andrea Vinet
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Patent number: 11457692Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, Jonathan Rasca, Andrea Vinet
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Patent number: 11452335Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first plate, a fluid-filled bladder supported on the first plate, and a second plate supported on the fluid-filled bladder with the fluid-filled bladder disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate ascends rearward of the fluid-filled bladder and the second plate descends rearward of the fluid-filled bladder with a posterior portion of the first plate above a posterior portion of the second plate rearward of the fluid-filled bladder. A method of manufacturing footwear sole structures includes assembling sole structures for plural ranges of footwear sizes, each of the sole structures including a fluid-filled bladder with a predetermined inflation pressure that is different for at least two of the plural ranges.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2021Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bryan P. Conrad, Ross Klein, Troy C. Lindner, Bryan R. Picco, Jeffrey George Rasmussen, Bryan K. Youngs
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Patent number: 11412812Abstract: A pair of sole plates for a complementary pair of articles of footwear may generally include a first article with a first sole plate and a second article with a second sole plate, where the first sole plate is asymmetrical with respect to the second sole plate. The first sole plate includes a first groove that extends along a first lateral side of the first sole plate, and the second sole plate includes a second groove that extends along a second medial side of the second sole plate. The asymmetry of first sole plate with respect to second sole plate may improve performance, flexibility, and agility during running and in particular, during athletic events along a curved track.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Leslie Barnes, Thomas G. Bell, Dustin Hatfield, John Hurd, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Gordon A. Valiant, Jay T. Worobets
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Publication number: 20220134698Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole including a polymeric bladder element enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity, a first outsole component secured to a bottom surface and to a side surface of the polymeric bladder element, and a second outsole component. The first outsole component includes a first base, and a wall integral with the first base. The second outsole component includes a second base secured to the first base, and a wall integral with the second base and secured to the outer surface of the wall of the first outsole component. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear includes thermoforming the bladder element and the first outsole component, and securing the second outsole component to the first outsole component.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Frederick J. Dojan, Zachary M. Elder, Eric L. Fliss, Samuel Heinzman, Troy C. Lindner, Benjamin J. Monfils, Melanie N. Moteberg, Lee D. Peyton, Eric S. Schindler
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Patent number: 11247425Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole including a polymeric bladder element enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity, a first outsole component secured to a bottom surface and to a side surface of the polymeric bladder element, and a second outsole component. The first outsole component includes a first base, and a wall integral with the first base. The second outsole component includes a second base secured to the first base, and a wall integral with the second base and secured to the outer surface of the wall of the first outsole component. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear includes thermoforming the bladder element and the first outsole component, and securing the second outsole component to the first outsole component.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Frederick J. Dojan, Zachary M. Elder, Eric L. Fliss, Samuel Heinzman, Troy C. Lindner, Benjamin J. Monfils, Melanie N. Moteberg, Lee D. Peyton, Eric S. Schindler
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Publication number: 20210378358Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first plate having a first surface. The first plate includes a forefoot region at an anterior end, a heel region at a posterior end, and a mid-foot region. The sole structure further includes a second plate having a second surface opposing the first surface of the first plate. The second plate has a first end attached to the forefoot region of the first plate and a second end that is spaced apart from the first surface of the first plate. A cushion is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and has a first side attached to the first surface of the first plate and a second side attached to the second surface of second plate. The cushion extends continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Karen S. Dimoff, Stefan E. Guest, Charlie Keller, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Tetsuya T. Minami, Jonathan Rasca, Adam Thuss
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Publication number: 20210298420Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy L. Connell, Frederick J. Dojan, Olivier Henrichot, Troy C. Lindner, Lee D. Peyton
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Patent number: 11129439Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, and wherein a rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located within one of: an arch support area or a forward heel support area of the ground-engaging component (and/or at these areas of an overall sole structure); and (b) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim and into or at least partially across the open space.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Karen S. Dimoff, Lysandre Follet, Thomas Foxen, John Hurd, Shane S. Kohatsu, Troy C. Lindner, David J. Roulo, Adam Thuss, Andrea Vinet
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Publication number: 20210282499Abstract: A sole structure for a footwear article includes a system of support structures. Each support structure includes a tubular body with an inwardly curving wall, which compresses under load to attenuate a force or impact and returns to a resting state when the load is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Cailee M. Caldwell, Petre Gheorghian, Ryan R. Larson, Troy C. Lindner, Thea Moshofsky, Jay T. Worobets, Krissy Yetman