Patents by Inventor Zachary C. Wright

Zachary C. Wright 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).

  • Publication number: 20240306772
    Abstract: Resin compositions composed of a polyolefin copolymer, a polymeric resin modifier, and a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) are provided herein. A variety of sole structures for footwear, including plates, are provided including the polyolefin-based resin compositions described herein. Articles of footwear formed therefrom are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin-based resin compositions, plates, sole structures, and articles of footwear and sporting equipment are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Carmen Davis, Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20240285035
    Abstract: A variety of sole structures for footwear, including plates with traction elements, are provided. Articles of footwear which include the sole structures are also provided. Methods of making the sole structures, and articles of footwear which include the sole structures, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaclyn Acquaviva, Neil Crumbleholme, Isaac Farr, Sean T. O'Brien, Jason Riddell, Michele Tosello, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 12022909
    Abstract: Resin compositions composed of a polyolefin copolymer, a polymeric resin modifier, and a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) are provided herein. A variety of sole structures for footwear, including plates, are provided including the polyolefin-based resin compositions described herein. Articles of footwear formed therefrom are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin-based resin compositions, plates, sole structures, and articles of footwear and sporting equipment are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Carmen Davis, Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20240156209
    Abstract: A variety of plates for footwear are provided including a polyolefin resin. Sole structures and articles of footwear formed therefrom are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin resin compositions, plates, sole structures, and articles of footwear are also provided. In some aspects, the polyolefin resin composition includes an effective amount of a polymeric resin modifier. The effective amount can be an amount effective to allow the resin composition to pass a flex test, and in particular to pass a flex test without significant change in abrasion loss. In some aspects, the resin composition also includes a clarifying agent to improve optical clarity of the plate. In some aspects, the plates include a textile disposed on one or both of a first side and the second side of the plate. The textile can provide for improved bonding of the plate to other components such as a chassis or an upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11975517
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in general, provides for elastomeric materials which, when they contact water, take up water reversibly, and undergo a dry to wet “character change” in which the appearance of the elastomeric material, its physical properties, or both, is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Constantinou, Caleb W. Dyer, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11944152
    Abstract: Sole structures including a plate including a first polyolefin resin, and an edge portion comprising a second resin are disclosed herein. The edge portion is more flexible or less rigid than the plate. Articles of footwear formed from the sole structures are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin resin compositions, plates, edge portions, sole structures, and articles of footwear are also provided. In some aspects, the first polyolefin resin composition includes an effective amount of a polymeric resin modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11930881
    Abstract: A variety of plates for footwear are provided including a polyolefin resin. Sole structures and articles of footwear formed therefrom are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin resin compositions, plates, sole structures, and articles of footwear are also provided. In some aspects, the polyolefin resin composition includes an effective amount of a polymeric resin modifier. The effective amount can be an amount effective to allow the resin composition to pass a flex test, and in particular to pass a flex test without significant change in abrasion loss. In some aspects, the resin composition also includes a clarifying agent to improve optical clarity of the plate. In some aspects, the plates include a textile disposed on one or both of a first side and the second side of the plate. The textile can provide for improved bonding of the plate to other components such as a chassis or an upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20240065373
    Abstract: Sole structures including a plate including a first polyolefin resin, and an edge portion comprising a second resin are disclosed herein. The edge portion is more flexible or less rigid than the plate. Articles of footwear formed from the sole structures are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin resin compositions, plates, edge portions, sole structures, and articles of footwear are also provided. In some aspects, the first polyolefin resin composition includes an effective amount of a polymeric resin modifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20240059038
    Abstract: An outsole component for use in an article of footwear is manufactured using a molding process that incorporates a second polymeric material with a film component including a first layer formed of a polymeric hydrogel material. The first layer forms the external or ground-facing layer of the outsole. Methods of manufacturing the outsole component, as well as articles of footwear including outsole component and methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Caleb W. Dyer, Jay Constantinou, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20240018323
    Abstract: Components for articles of footwear and athletic equipment are provided including a foam. A variety of foams and foam components are provided. The articles include a composition having a foam structure, wherein the composition includes an ionomeric polymer and a plurality of cations, wherein the ionomeric copolymer is crosslinked by the cations. The crosslinks are ionic, so in some aspects the composition is free or essentially free of any covalent crosslinks between the ionomers. In particular, midsoles including the foams are provided for use in an article of footwear. Methods of making the compositions and foams are provided, as well as methods of making an article of footwear including one of the foam components. In some aspects, the foams and foam components can be made by injection molding or injection molding followed by compression molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Hossein A. Baghdadi, Jay Constantinou, Kato Killops, Brian Prevo, Zachary C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20230413944
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in general, provides for a layered material that can be incorporated in to textiles (e.g., footwear, apparel, sporting equipment, or components of each). In an aspect, the layered material includes an externally facing layer and a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive layer and optionally one or more inner layers between the externally facing layer and the thermoplastic hot melt adhesive layer. The present disclosure provides for articles including the layered material such as footwear, apparel, sporting equipment, a component of an article of sporting equipment, apparel or footwear, including a outsole structure for footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Jay Constantinou, Caleb W. Dyer, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11840036
    Abstract: An outsole component for use in an article of footwear is manufactured using a molding process that incorporates a second polymeric material with a film component including a first layer formed of a polymeric hydrogel material. The first layer forms the external or ground-facing layer of the outsole. Methods of manufacturing the outsole component, as well as articles of footwear including outsole component and methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Caleb W. Dyer, Jay Constantinou, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11802189
    Abstract: Components for articles of footwear and athletic equipment are provided including a foam. A variety of foams and foam components are provided. The articles include a composition having a foam structure, wherein the composition includes an ionomeric polymer and a plurality of cations, wherein the ionomeric copolymer is crosslinked by the cations. The crosslinks are ionic, so in some aspects the composition is free or essentially free of any covalent crosslinks between the ionomers. In particular, midsoles including the foams are provided for use in an article of footwear. Methods of making the compositions and foams are provided, as well as methods of making an article of footwear including one of the foam components. In some aspects, the foams and foam components can be made by injection molding or injection molding followed by compression molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Hossein A. Baghdadi, Jay Constantinou, Kato Killops, Brian Prevo, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11786007
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in general, provides for a layered material that can be incorporated in to textiles (e.g., footwear, apparel, sporting equipment, or components of each). In an aspect, the layered material includes an externally facing layer and a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive layer and optionally one or more inner layers between the externally facing layer and the thermoplastic hot melt adhesive layer. The present disclosure provides for articles including the layered material such as footwear, apparel, sporting equipment, a component of an article of sporting equipment, apparel or footwear, including a outsole structure for footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Constantinou, Caleb W. Dyer, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20230309656
    Abstract: A variety of plates for footwear are provided including a polyolefin resin. Sole structures and articles of footwear formed therefrom are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin resin compositions, plates, sole structures, and articles of footwear are also provided. In some aspects, the polyolefin resin composition includes an effective amount of a polymeric resin modifier. The effective amount can be an amount effective to allow the resin composition to pass a flex test, and in particular to pass a flex test without significant change in abrasion loss. In some aspects, the resin composition also includes a clarifying agent to improve optical clarity of the plate. In some aspects, the plates include a textile disposed on one or both of a first side and the second side of the plate. The textile can provide for improved bonding of the plate to other components such as a chassis or an upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11696620
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles of footwear including an upper, a plate including a first polyolefin resin, and a rand are disclosed herein. The rand is coupled with the surface of the upper, the surface of the plate, or both. The rand is more flexible or less rigid than the plate. Methods of making articles of footwear are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11678721
    Abstract: A variety of plates for footwear are provided including a polyolefin resin. Sole structures and articles of footwear formed therefrom are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin resin compositions, plates, sole structures, and articles of footwear are also provided. In some aspects, the polyolefin resin composition includes an effective amount of a polymeric resin modifier. The effective amount can be an amount effective to allow the resin composition to pass a flex test, and in particular to pass a flex test without significant change in abrasion loss. In some aspects, the resin composition also includes a clarifying agent to improve optical clarity of the plate. In some aspects, the plates include a textile disposed on one or both of a first side and the second side of the plate. The textile can provide for improved bonding of the plate to other components such as a chassis or an upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11678718
    Abstract: A variety of plates for footwear are provided including a polyolefin resin. Sole structures and articles of footwear formed therefrom are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin resin compositions, plates, sole structures, and articles of footwear are also provided. In some aspects, the polyolefin resin composition includes an effective amount of a polymeric resin modifier. The effective amount can be an amount effective to allow the resin composition to pass a flex test, and in particular to pass a flex test without significant change in abrasion loss. In some aspects, the resin composition also includes a clarifying agent to improve optical clarity of the plate. In some aspects, the plates include a textile disposed on one or both of a first side and the second side of the plate. The textile can provide for improved bonding of the plate to other components such as a chassis or an upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20230134525
    Abstract: A variety of plates for footwear are provided including a polyolefin resin. Sole structures and articles of footwear formed therefrom are also provided. Methods of making the polyolefin resin compositions, plates, sole structures, and articles of footwear are also provided. In some aspects, the polyolefin resin composition includes an effective amount of a polymeric resin modifier. The effective amount can be an amount effective to allow the resin composition to pass a flex test, and in particular to pass a flex test without significant change in abrasion loss. In some aspects, the resin composition also includes a clarifying agent to improve optical clarity of the plate. In some aspects, the plates include a textile disposed on one or both of a first side and the second side of the plate. The textile can provide for improved bonding of the plate to other components such as a chassis or an upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11617414
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles of footwear including an upper, a plate including a first polyolefin resin, and a rand are disclosed herein. The rand is coupled with the surface of the upper, the surface of the plate, or both. The rand is more flexible or less rigid than the plate. Methods of making articles of footwear are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Isaac Farr, Devon Frazier, Jeremy D. Walker, Zachary C. Wright